The Secret Chamber: April 2023

An opportunity to enter in a Fast with us...

Join the Secret Chamber in the PASSION WEEK FAST beginning Palm Sunday at 6:00 PM until Resurrection Sunday at 6 AM. It is an All Liquid Fast – fruit and vegetable juices and water.

Please consult your doctor regarding how this will affect you individually. We, or any of our agents, endorse your participation without medical consultation.

The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional April 2023 Edition

The Secret Chamber, the Department of Church Growth and Development’s daily devotional guide, is herein recognized as an aid to worship; it is also made an official periodical of the Church and listed in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the annual report of the pastor on periodicals.

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Commission Chair The Reverend Dr. Marcellus A. Norris, Executive Director African Methodist Episcopal Church Department of Church Growth and Development The Reverend Dr. Susan Hillary Buckson, Copy Editor The Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Graphic Editor Scripture taken from Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, NRSVUE Devotionals from The Lenten Experience: Unfinished Business.

Full text is available at http://bit.ly/37T2l7i

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Saturday | April 1, 2023

Matthew 16:24-26 24

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

When Did The Cross Get Too Heavy?

The Bible shows us a path of devotion and service that transforms not just our personal lives but our communities, our nation, and the entire world. If we are believers, we must release our egos, forget about fame and riches, and live as a collective focused on service to others. Our text today is our charge as believers.

As a human family, we must resolve to eradicate warfare, racism, violence, and exploitation. We must confront the nationwide trend of horrific murders of unarmed Black people by the police. We must organize and agitate to reverse disparities in health care, education, and employment and oppose unjust decisions by the Supreme Court and other government entities that take away hardwon civil and human rights. We must form local collective sources to supply food, medicine, and education. It is our cross to bear as believers, yet, when did we decide that this cross was too heavy for us to carry?

Was it when we realized how high a price Martin, Malcolm, Marcus Garvey, Paul Wellstone, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, Drs. Marsha and Segun Adebayo and others have paid? Or perhaps it was simply those times when we failed to overcome our fears and told ourselves, “Well, those are other people’s problems; it’s not my concern.” Yet, the cross remains.

No matter how heavy the cross is, we each have the charge to carry it as we march into a new movement to protect the advances in civil and human rights throughout the world.

Prayer: God, let me never forget that I am responsible for carrying the cross of justice, mercy, and love.

Rev. Dr. Julianne Marie Robertson, Esq. Allen Chapel AME Church Washington, District of Columbia. drjulisoulhealer1@gmail.com

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Sunday | April 2, 2023 | Palm Sunday

Proverbs 26:23-25 23

Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are smooth lips with an evil heart. 24 An enemy dissembles in speaking while harboring deceit within; 25 when an enemy speaks graciously, do not believe it, for there are seven abominations concealed within;

Today in the life of Jesus must have been a pretty phenomenal experience. Perhaps it was the same for a particular donkey and a multitude of men and women and boys and girls who lined the streets to get a glimpse of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords as he came riding into Jerusalem. They shouted and cheered and told personal stories and made up ones (you know how we do) about how they knew Jesus and watched him perform miracles–an exciting day. The only reality is that Jesus knew that these same people who were celebrating him would be the same throng of fickle fans that would cry out “Crucify Him” in just a few short days.

Reflect on the people who are around you cheering. Who are the ones who are genuinely there because they are attracted to the Jesus in you and not because you do for them or because they just want to see what all the hype is about? Who are the tried and true, and who are the ones who will turn on a dime when times are troubling? Take stock today of those whom the Lord has pruned from your life. Remember, ironically, pruning has to take place for growth to happen. Notice how you have grown because that person/those people are no longer there. Celebrate that God has given you the discernment to recognize that everyone shouting for you is not really for you. But you indeed have a friend in Jesus; He is always in your Amen corner.

Prayer: God, help me to hear with discerning ears and see with visionary eyes.

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Monday | April 3, 2023

John 6:38 38

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.

We are moving closer and closer to the cross. That is a horrific experience, as along this road with Jesus, we will experience betrayal and humiliation. Today, we begin a walk with Jesus that is riddled with injustice, yet, more importantly, it is predicated upon purpose. Remember that in all things, God has a plan and a purpose. God's plan is for Jesus to be the perfect and final living sacrifice for God's people. Jesus knew that this week would come; it was no surprise. That is the marvelous wonder of our Savior—his purpose prevailed over the pain of persecution.

Understanding and accepting your purpose is not as easy as it seems. We do not see where God is taking us always. Think about it, what if you only see the outcome, the benefits, and blessings and not the burdens of the journey? Jesus understood all of these. He knew that he came to benefit the entire world, and as such, he had to go to the cross. He knew that his dying and the impending presence of the Holy Spirit were going to be of benefit to all. He also knew that his passion for us as the perfect sacrifice was his burden to carry.

We do not often see the benefit in the burden of our calling. However, as we journey together during this Holy Week, open your heart to feeling and embracing the journey of Jesus so that you might connect intimately with God’s plan for your life.

Prayer: God, make my heart obedient for the benefit of sacrifice.

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Tuesday | April 4, 2023

2 Corinthians 5:17 17

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!

Transformation May this Holy Week experience in your secret chamber take you to heights and depths in the Spirit that are immeasurable, unspeakable, and unexplainable. May you touch realms of God’s glory that will have you never the same. May it transform you.

Think about the metamorphic life of a butterfly. Think about the cocoon and what went on in that cocoon for a caterpillar to become a butterfly. Is it not amazing? Well, what are you waiting for?

What cocoon experience do you need to transform your life? Ask God to reveal it.

Have you ever needed something so badly from God that it hurt asking God to give it to you because you knew that it would come at the high cost of becoming a new creature? Despite what we may think of becoming new, the butterfly shows us that what remains of our old selves also helps to create our beauty. The old is the essence of its beauty. Yet, it will take a deeper sacrifice. It takes struggle. It takes transformation.

Prayer: Lord, take me to a deeper place of transformation.

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Wednesday | April 5, 2023

John 11:25-26 25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Prepared to Live Are you prepared to die? An interesting question this morning, as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, but is a very relevant and practical question just two days before Jesus is crucified. Or, perhaps the question is, are you ready to be with God in paradise?

Jesus died for the remission of sins—mine, yours, and the sins of the whole world. Just as Jesus is fully aware that Friday is coming, so are the two thieves crucified with Jesus on Golgotha Hill.

They knew very well that they were guilty of crimes and that the punishment was crucifixion.

One arrogantly taunted Jesus, but the other humbled himself and recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. Perhaps his family and friends had told him about Jesus on their visits to see him in lock -up. Perhaps he heard the soldiers’ mocking Jesus as they lifted the cross. The camera was on Jesus, the hatred was on Jesus, but the thieves, both the arrogant and the humble—were right there, also seeing an innocent Jesus crucified and knowing their fate.

We, too, have a choice. Perhaps the question at the start of this devotional should have been, “Are you prepared to live forever?” If your answer is yes, then hopefully, you have received Jesus Christ humbly, knowing that you are a sinner but grateful that Jesus came prepared to die for you so that you will experience eternal life.

Salvation is easy. It is a one-time event. (Are you praying that everyone reading this has received salvation?) Just admit that you are a sinner, believe that Jesus Christ is savior, and confess both with your mouth. Then, do not ask any more questions, but make this statement: “Jesus, I want you to live eternally in my heart.” Try it. The result will lead you to the answer to every question you have and will ever have in your life.

Prayer: Lord, help me to witness boldly to my friends and family about your desire for their salvation.

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Thursday | April 6, 2023 | Maundy Thursday

John 13:1-11 1

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already decided that Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, would betray Jesus. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from supper, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

Towards the end of my time of training to be an ordained minister, I went away for a Holy Week residential with my cohorts of ordinands. On the evening of Maundy Thursday, when we gathered for worship, we found out that the leader of our ordination course would wash the feet of each of the ordinands.

Our course leader was a man called John. As my training progressed, I developed a deep respect for John. He had been the one to correct me and encourage me, helping me to see what God had been doing in my life and might be planning for my future.

When I saw John kneeling at the feet of the first ordinand with a towel and a basin of warm water, all I could think about was how it would feel when it came to my turn. I felt very uncomfortable. I owed so much to John. It seemed to be completely wrong that he would wash my feet. Surely, I should wash his feet. I was sitting towards the end of the line of ordinands, so I was able to watch as John moved down the line getting closer and closer to me. And as I watched him, I looked at the faces of my fellow ordinands. Looking at their faces as they had their feet washed, I saw how John valued and loved each of them.

Then John got to me. He knelt at my feet, and he looked at me.

Suddenly, at that moment, the conflicting emotions I was feeling were resolved. I accepted the love of Christ in this gesture that John was re-enacting. The Jesus who teaches us and forms us also loves us and serves us. In that moment, Peter’s words, “Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well,” perfectly expressed what I was feeling. I was accepting God’s grace.

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Thursday | April 6, 2023 | Maundy Thursday

Now I am a minister and church leader myself. On Maundy Thursday, I will wash the feet of members of my congregation. And then somebody will wash my feet. I will be praying that those members of my congregation who like to serve others will come forward to have their feet washed.

Why? Because churches sometimes become communities where certain people prove how holy they are by insisting on serving others and never allowing others to serve them. When we do this, we build a hierarchy in our heads based on the good works we have done.

On Maundy Thursday, as we approach the cross, we correct that error. We remind ourselves that a church is a community of believers who serve each other; each member serving and being served as a reflection of the grace of God we see in Jesus Christ.

But this is not something we can fully understand through words. We need to feel it in our bodies.

Do you dare to ask somebody you know if you can wash their feet? And do you dare to ask them to wash your feet in turn? Are you willing to experience, through your body, the grace of God who accepts and loves you for who you are and gave his Son for you?

Rev. Robin Pye, Vicar St Philip and St. James Church Alderley Edge, Cheshire, United Kingdom revrobinpye@gmail.com https://www.stphilipandstjames.co.uk

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Friday | April 7, 2023 | Good Friday

John 13:1-17 1

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already decided that Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, would betray Jesus. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from supper, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

You would think that today’s reading and reflection would be about Jesus on the cross and his 6th utterance, “It is finished.” However, John 13 has revealed something amazing. John used the rhetorical device of repetition (mesarchia, to be exact, which is the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning and middle of successive sentences) highlights that Jesus foreknew that he had finished his earthly work. But Jesus knows all, anyway, right? As we look at the triumvirate of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, Jesus represents the flesh in us. As Emanuel (God with us), Jesus saw living from a human perspective yet processed it all as the Divine. So, when John consistently points out what Jesus knew in this passage of scripture, we see what we, too, attain as we become more in tune with our spiritual selves—Godly discernment.

John points out that Jesus knew (1) that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father, (2) Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God, and (3) Jesus knew who would betray him.

We will know when we have concluded our unfinished business. We will know it before we declare it. We will know it before it manifests. We will know it because God gives us revelation.

God gives us the authority of that which is not so that we might speak it as it is (Ro 4:17). God shows us the obstacles and the enemies and the pitfalls and the betrayers. Our responsibility is to get closer to God, and we, too, will know.

Prayer: God, bend my heart toward divine discernment and revelation.

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Saturday | April 8, 2023 | Holy Saturday

1 Kings 19:7b-9

"Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you." He got up and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. At that place he came to a cave and spent the night there

My Journey Is Not Over Sometimes the journey of life is challenging, and for me lately, it has been a series of small bumps in the road that have had me weary and tired. After experiencing a wonderful, thought-provoking, and inspiring event, I came to a place of contemplating the meaning and purpose of the ministry where God placed me. I do not question that God called me to the ministry, but honestly, there are times when I wonder if the ministry is what God intended it to be, and if I am being what God intended me to be. In such times, I go to God and wait patiently for the answer. The answer was an instruction to put some things in my life in order, to keep doing the daily tasks that get things done, and to keep a Sabbath day before the Sunday rotations of sermons and services.

I love this story in the Old Testament because it speaks volumes about how God uses his people to accomplish God’s will and how we fail to see the big and grand scheme of things in God's eyes.

Elijah was probably exhausted after the showdown with the prophets of Baal and discouraged that the showdown did nothing to turn the heart of Ahab and Jezebel. Instead, he was running for his life, and instead of being executed by Jezebel, Elijah made the request to just die where he was, for God to take him out of his misery. Yet God's voice came in a whisper, laying out the rest of Elijah's ministry journey.

This text reminds me to get up from the moment of self-pity and to follow God’s instructions. I do not know what lies around the corner, but I do know that God will provide all I need to go the next mile. God will do the same for you.

Prayer: God, allow me to hear your voice along the journey.

Rev Sandra E Ladson Mt. Zion AME, Bloomingvale Andrews, South Carolina seladson@gmail.com https://oridnarythoughts.com

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Sunday | April 9, 2023 | Resurrection Sunday

Revelation 21:5 5

And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

We made it through the Lenten Season together!

There is one thing that I always love about the end it gives way to a beginning. As you reflect on this Lenten season, be reminded that even as Jesus declared from the cross, “It is finished,” he was transitioning to a new life with God. For each of us, as we complete (and still may wrestle with completing) our unfinished business, we can be assured that a new life awaits us.

As Disciples of Christ, we, like Jesus, are always looking for the moments in our experience with life that will shift us to new levels of glory. These shifts help us to embrace new relationships and new perspectives. Prayerfully this Lenten Season, you have seen relationships strengthen (that does mean that some may have had to go away) and gained new perspectives on what is happening in your life right now.

May the work you have done in prayer, meditation, and reflection confirm that your unfinished business will always be to seek to grow through all that life presents, knowing that God has already given us victory through Christ’s resurrection.

Prayer: God, may I embrace new beginnings and new perspectives with gratitude.

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Monday | April 10, 2023

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body.

Good Stewards Fact: The only thing we control in life is ourselves.

Addressing your spiritual, social, and familial unfinished business is essential. However, it is even more important that you remain healthy to enjoy the benefits of this hard work.

We often forego preventative self-care only to have to do reactive maintenance when a health issue arises. It is time out for that. Our text reminds us that our bodies are on loan to us from God and that the Holy Spirit resides in these shells. God calls us to be good stewards of all creation. From the beginning, God gave the command to us to take care of and have dominion over all created beings. We may assert that this refers to environmental matters, but we are also part of God’s creation.

We must be mindful of what we put into our bodies. We must be conscious of how we join our bodies with others with whom we are not in marital covenant. We must remove toxins and structure time for rest. We must exercise and eat an abundance of foods that grow from the earth. We must have regular and informed healthcare.

We control how we look and feel. We control if our bodies are well-rested. We control the care that is given to health concerns. We control how we maintenance our hereditary conditions. We have authority over our bodies.

Prayer: Lord, make me a good steward over my physical body.

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Tuesday | April 11, 2023

John 12:20-33 20

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew, then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. 27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.

28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “

A Death Worth Living Several years ago, I purchased a book at the recommendation of a Lifeway Christian Bookstore employee. I was looking for a really "deep" daily journal. She recommended A Call to Die by David Nasser. I did not know just how powerful the text would be for me. My natural self had not recognized that God was calling me to the preaching ministry, but my spiritual-self did. My spiritual-self understood that I had to focus more strategically so that I could shed off some stuff that was clouding my communication with God. I could not hear God because I was too caught up in my business and not focused enough on God’s business for my life.

Our text reminds me of A Call to Die. It is amazing how much we learn from agrarian societies, which those of biblical times were. We just go to the store and take what we want from the shelves.) What Jesus reminds us of today is that for a kernel of wheat to produce, it must die. It cannot remain a living kernel; it must die so that it will produce a harvest. This process of life and death is for the kernel, its call to die.

And so, it is for us. God calls us to die to the flesh so that our spirit might live and produce—bear fruit—so that others might do the same. Each time a part of our flesh dies, a kernel of our spirit grows and sprouts. Each time our spirit sprouts, we move closer to Christ. Each time we move closer to Christ, we bring honor and glory to God! Now that is producing (even if we are not farmers)!

Prayer: Lord, help me to die to my will so that your will might arise in me.

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Wednesday | April 12, 2023

Job 5:18

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For he wounds, but he binds up; he strikes, but his hands heal.

Handling Pain Through Praise Recently, my family lost a young member, a wife to my 30-year-old son; she was 29 years old.

They were married for only 14 months after spending eight years together. The pain we are enduring as a family feels unbearable, considering how young she was. During this time of bereavement, I was inspired when I came across this text in Job 5. It allowed me to reflect on how it would be best for me to handle this pain of loss by praising God for the gift of life. This scripture enlightened me to find a way to console my son, family, and friends while going through the pain myself.

Suppose we believe that God is in control and in charge of all aspects of our lives. In that case, even the pain and suffering we endure are surmountable because the word says, "he wounds but binds up, he strikes, but his hands heal" Whatever pain your heart, mind, and soul find unbearable, turn your focus to praising God for the good that has been in your life, before the pain. Affirming the goodness of the Lord in your life will change the depth of pain and make your journey through it much lighter.

God’s word remains true: "the lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety."

Allow your praise to strengthen you while going through tough times, knowing that when you praise God, your wounds, God binds, and where you are stricken, God’s hands heal.

Prayer: God, help me to praise God even in my pain.

Rev Sekoboto Joseph Tau Bethel Memorial AME Church Athlone, Hazendal - Cape Town tau.family@mweb.co.za

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Thursday | April 13, 2023

2 Corinthians 5:7

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for we walk by faith, not by sight.

The Walk of Faith The faith walk requires us to walk by faith and not by sight. The walk we take is a blind walk because, many times, we cannot see what God is doing with us and for us. We walk in faith because we trust God. I remember when I first learned to swim. I was asked to jump blindly in 12 feet of water. I closed my eyes and jumped, and completed my skills. As I closed my eyes as a young child, today, as a mature faith walker, I keep my eyes closed only to pray. We all must take our faith walk with God. In sickness, health, sorrow, or joy, we walk with God. Dr. Herman Osby Kelly, Jr. Bethel AME Church Baton Rouge, Louisiana hkelly1@lsu.edu

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Friday | April 14, 2023

Matthew 6:28-29,33 28

And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Do Not Worry It is that time of year again when life slowly begins to bloom again. One of the first blooms in my yard is the Japanese Magnolia, which has the unique quality of blooming before it buds the first leaf. In the dreariness of late February, when it seems like winter will never end, this plant dresses up my yard. The grass is still brown, most days, the skies are still gray, and even when it is unseasonably warm, the atmosphere still looks like Winter. When I see it blooming, I think of today’s text.

There was a time in my life when I worried a lot. I worried about bills, relationships, and the unknown possibilities that life could throw our way. I was good at worrying. I could tie my stomach up in anxiety knots, lose sleep, and I would generally let my imagination run wild. When I discovered this jewel of biblical text about worrying, it truly set me free. It did not happen overnight. No, I had to intentionally rehearse the verses in my head whenever something would lead me down the worry trail. I had to learn what it meant to seek God first and his righteousness and apply it to my life. Over time I worried less and trusted God more.

Generally speaking, I am not a worrier anymore. I do get concerned about things that are out of my control or the changes happening in my life that I am unsure of what the outcome will be, but I do not classify myself as worried. The past few months have had its share of situations that disrupted some things in my life. I have had far more doctor’s visits and tests and other things happening than I am used to experiencing. There has been an uptick of violence in my community and within the church community that has to some degree, touched me personally. Then there is always the uncertainty of what tomorrow holds. All of these things have concerned me, so when I drove into my yard one day not too long ago and saw the beauty of the Japanese Magnolia budding out, I received a gentle nudge and reminder that the same God who causes this plant to bloom every year is the same God who is holding me and the whole world in God’shands.

Prayer: God, strengthen my resolve to turn to you when worry seeks to enter my mind.

Rev Sandra E. Ladson Mt. Zion AME Church-Bloomingvale Andrews, South Carolina seladson@gmail.com https://oridnarythoughts.com

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Saturday | April 15, 2023

Luke 8:16-18 16

“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar or puts it under a bed; rather, one puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. 18 So pay attention to how you listen, for to those who have, more will be given, and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”

Nothing Is Hidden From God Can you recall that one friend or family member who has always been with you when you participated in foolishness? The two of you may still be ride-or-die even today. What fascinates me about those relationships is that no matter what the two of you have done, do do, or will do, neither of you will truly ever know all that the other did, thought, felt, or said. (That was a lot, reread it.) There are some things that we just do not share. But we cannot hide from God. We cannot hide who we are. We cannot hide what we do. We cannot hide our thoughts. We cannot hide our insecurities. We cannot hide our faults. We cannot hide. God is always with us.

We tend to believe that we do an excellent job of hiding our unfinished business. But we do not.

Our unfinished business manifests itself in our health, physical appearance, attitudes, unintended actions, and spirits. The truth is, for some time, we may hide it from others. It may even lurk in the recesses of our unconsciousness. But we cannot hide from God. Whenever God showed God’s self in scripture, God was always a light on which no person could look. Here is the thing to remember today, the only reason we have unfinished business still in the dark is that we are not allowing God into that space. But God is there. How long do you think that space will remain dark?

Prayer: God, shine your light so that I might see my way clearly to complete the tasks ahead of me today.

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Sunday | April 16, 2023

Proverbs 3:5-6 5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be Willing To Do it Afraid One day, a video of the motivational speaker Lisa Nichols appeared on my Facebook page. She made a statement that captured my attention, “Be willing to do it, afraid!” This caused me to think about how often fear stops me from trusting God enough to pursue the “its” in my life. Despite being a Christian, sometimes it is hard for me to trust God when things do not make sense. It could be something simple like God’s call to get more involved in a ministry or yielding to God’s prompting to pray for someone unexpectedly. Equally, it could be something more difficult, like obeying God’s call to leave a job or move to a new area with no family or friends nearby. Regardless of how big or small the challenge God places before me, a paralyzing fear far too often grips my soul in these moments.

It’s easy to become fearful when we feel God’s spirit nudging us in a direction that is unknown and a bit scary. It’s easy to stop in our tracks when God’s requests feel overwhelming. It’s so easy to allow fear to take over our minds, but God’s command for us is to walk by faith and not by sight. When God called Abram to go to a place that He would show him, Abram had to be willing to go with God by faith and faith alone. He wants us to do the same, even when we’re afraid.

Prayer: God, when our hearts are overwhelmed by fear, give us the courage to take a faith step.

Rev. Dawn M. Wayman Mt. Calvary AME Church Towson, MD dmwayman@gmail.com dawnwayman.com

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Monday | April 17, 2023

Proverbs 3:5-6 5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Decisions Each day, we face situations, and quite frankly, some of them seem to stick to us much like that gum that we unsuspectingly step on. We can be going about our day, minding our own business, taking care of planned or routine responsibilities when all of a sudden, we find ourselves stuck in a situation much like gum on the bottom of our shoe! We can berate ourselves and say if I had just gone another way or if I had just stayed where I was, I would not even be a part of this quandary!

What happens next, though, is your ability to think and reason and focus your attention on God. That is how you become “unstuck.”

Before you speak or move, ask for guidance from God, and the Holy Spirit will reveal the best move. If we rely upon our natures or emotions, we will make the situation worse or more complicated. Why not go to your best consultant–God? God will guide you to the most appropriate and effective answer!

When life’s problems find you like the gum on the sidewalk, pray silently or even whisper,” God, what should I do?” Learn to ask, then listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit. Have a great day, and consult God as you walk today!

Prayer: God, help me to consult you as I go throughout my day.

Ms. Alicia Volante Hill Payne Chapel AME Birmingham, Ala. aliciapiedpiper@gmail.com

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Tuesday | April 18, 2023

Luke 10:17-20 17

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 Indeed, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Something to shout about!

Having sent forth the twelve, Jesus now sends 72 disciples on a mission of healing and gospel proclamation. Christ sent them as he was going up to Jerusalem to the feast of tabernacles. He sends them out two by two to fulfill the Old Testament requirement of having two witnesses as confirmation in any matter. He sends them forth as lambs in the midst of wolves, specifying to them that they were not to do anything by force but by simply preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and inviting hearers to respond willingly.

When Jesus called his twelve disciples, he gave them power and authority over all devils and the ability to cure all diseases. Jesus did not originally commission the seventy-two to cast out demons as he had done with the twelve disciples. He sent the seventy-two to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

What was the account that they gave him of the success of their mission? They returned with joy, not complaining of the fatigue or opposition and discouragement that they met along the way. But they returned rejoicing in their success. These seventy-two disciples learned that when we boldly do what Jesus tells us to do, we can anticipate that He will bless us in ways that are far beyond our expectation.

Prayer: God, allow me to be bold and joy-filled in doing the work God has given me to do today.

Rev. Clyde Henryhand, Sr., M.Div. St. Phillip AMEC Salters, SC servant29556@yahoo.com

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Wednesday | April 19, 2023

2 Corinthians 12:9-11 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it. Indeed you should have been the ones commending me, for I am not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing

God’s Amazing Grace What has always been so inspiring for me about Paul is that he was not at all what people expected. According to the world’s standards, he would not have been the leading man in a hit action series or a romance drama. He would not have been on the cover of GQ, but he changed the world. Like most people who are game changers, Paul took all that he had—good, bad, and ugly—and just worked.

Too often, we think we do not have what it takes to get things done. However, Paul reminds us that we only need God’s grace. Hallelujah!

No matter what you are striving for right now, know that you may never get what you need to feel like you know what you are doing. We may not ever come to a resolution, in the natural, for some issues that we face physically, emotionally, socially, familial, or otherwise. However, we can be encouraged to continue growing spiritually as we learn that resolutions do not always look like we want them to, but as long as we are covered in God’s grace, we will make it.

Prayer: God, thank you for your grace.

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Thursday | April 20, 2023

Isaiah 54:2-3 2

Enlarge the site of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will possess nations and will settle desolate towns.

Lean-In To The Unfamiliar I loved my room as a child. I painted it purple, decorated the closet door, and made it match this antique-style dressing table that my mom bought for me. My room was my sanctuary.

Whenever I come home to Baltimore, I sleep in my sister’s old room, because—get this—my dad turned my room (the smaller of the two) into a closet ripe with shelving. It truly is a dream space for those who could use the space. Quite often, I ask in jest if they fixed my room back so that I can sleep in it, and my dad and stepmom chuckle and say, “Nope.”

Though I loved my bedroom growing up as a child and would like to have the feeling of returning to my former sanctuary, I realize that though I am always welcomed in my former home, I will never be that same little girl who ran to her room to find what I needed. Our past comforts were what we needed for then, but as God guides you on new paths, God gives you new friends, new eyes to see, new perspectives, and new rooms in new territories.

This reality made me reflect on how as Christians, we tend to relish and to steep in the familiar when God keeps pressing us to venture out into new paths and secures us in new sanctuaries that are more fully equipped—and dare I say fortified—to deal with the level of growth that we have achieved.

Prayer: Lord, help me to embrace my new. Help me let go.

Rev. Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia connect@allentempleatlanta.org www.allentempleatlanta.org

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Friday | April 21, 2023

Hebrews 12:1 1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

The Strength To Finish 100-yard sprints are always exciting to watch especially when the sprinters are neck and neck toward the finish line. Sometimes there is one person who just blows by the entire field of sprinters, but most often there are one or two runners right on the heels of the winner. When the judges must do a photo finish analysis, that is really exciting. They examine the photo to see if one part of a runner’s body crossed before the other. That is a sprint. Yet, with marathons, there are very few instances where photos have to be analyzed to determine the winner because most often only one person is leading the pack? Sprinting and long-distance running require entirely different skill sets and endurance.

Too often we become discouraged because our situations appear to be bleak with no end in sight.

When we really think about it, we are applying sprinting skills to a situation that requires marathon endurance. We want it over quickly, but in reality, as poet Robert Frost, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.” We have business to tend to…relationships to heal…projects to finish…life-lessons to learn…light to shine…promises to keep.

We must be willing to take a moment to embrace the level of commitment, focus, and endurance it will take to finish. Then we must adjust our attitude, financial and emotional resources, and our calendars as necessary accordingly.

Prayer: Lord, build my endurance for this journey.

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Saturday | April 22, 2023

Proverbs 17:22 22

A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

A Life That Honors God One of my all-time favorite gospel songs is James Cleveland’s God is. The chorus alone enlivens my spirit and reminds me that God is the source of all that we need to live an abundant life.

God is the joy and the strength of my life, He moves all pain, misery, and strife. (Perhaps you know the rest) Not only does the chorus remind us of who and what God is, but it reminds us of our responsibility in our daily living.

In the midst of our hectic lives, the foundation of our being comes in the joy we find in who God is. Joy is not conditional. Joy is not found in circumstance. Many of us have a tendency to respond relative to our circumstance. When life is good, we are joy-filled, energetic, and giving, but let the world through a wrench in our day (our month, our year), then we become irritated, sullen, woeful, and withdrawn. We forget that no matter what our circumstance God still is.

God is our source of joy. God is our strength. God is our healer. God is our comforter. God is our promise keeper. God is our guide. God is not a man that God should lie.

Our responsibility is to live a life that honors who God is.

Prayer: God, allow me to see the joy in every circumstance.

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Sunday | April 23, 2023

Acts 5:1-11 1

But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2 with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!” 5 Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. 6 The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things.

Integrity Matters Have you ever found yourself not being true to who you are to save face? Anyone who has ever worked within the polity of any organization can understand this. There is a sense of pressure to hold to a certain standard. What is significant for us to remember today is that when we find ourselves experiencing this feeling that we do not compromise our integrity.

In our text, Anninias and Saphira lie about something they do not have to lie about to look good in front of the establishment. Why? The fact that they had brought an offering was good enough.

Somewhere in their minds, however, they thought it was better to look good in front of people instead of honoring God with integrity.

Proverbs 16: 8 teaches, “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” Let’s stop spending time impressing folks who themselves are not really impressive. (wink) Prayer: God, stop me if I try to please humanity and not you.

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Monday | April 24, 2023

Mark 4:35-40 35

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!”

Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”

The Joy Of Rest There is always going to be stuff to attend to because we live earthly lives. There will always be storms to handle. But through our text this morning, Jesus teaches us a valuable lesson. Rest.

I know that Jesus understood that there were lives in danger. From our perspective, he should have been up handling business, but he was resting—soundly.

Do you realize that most of what we do in a day— mainly the storms we find ourselves in come as a result of our responding to other people’s expectations and not God’s?

We spend our time on things we think we “have” to do. We spend time doing stuff we need to get done to ensure our livelihood persists, but the question should be are we doing the stuff that we are purposed to do? When we focus on stuff that is really not our business, we find ourselves in the midst of storms.

We get anxious because we are looking with our natural eye and we neglect to realize that God has it all in control. We do not have to worry. We do not have to fear. We do not have to get antsy or discouraged. Just keep calm.

Prayer: God, help me to put it all in your hands so that I might rest in mind, body, and spirit.

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Tuesday | April 25, 2023

Romans 14:1-12 1

Welcome those who are weak in faith but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat, for God has welcomed them. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on slaves of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 12 So then, each one of us will be held accountable.

13 Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother or sister.

It Is Beyond Me Verse 12 must be at the forefront of each of our minds every day. You must give a personal account before God. You will stand before God's judgment one day. Wow! What it if is today?

What if it is right now? What in the world would God's verdict be for you?

Pray that Jesus will be saying that you accepted him! Pray that God would have heard your prayers of forgiveness and seen your love for your God and your neighbor. Pray that God would have seen you purposefully releasing your will to that of God. Pray that you have grown each day in your spiritual walk that you are not criticizing others for what you believe is their Christian walk, but rather you are encouraging others by your walk.

You are simply walking our path and seeking God's face in all that we do so that God guides you every day to be the best ambassador for Christ that you can be. Pray that you fix your thoughts on Jesus and that you are honoring God in all things--eating, living, witnessing, loving, believing, trusting--that the Lord has given to you to do.

If you believe that you will have to give a personal account of who you are, whose you are, and what you do, then there is also a personal walk that God has for each of us. Only God knows if you are living in the way that pleases God. You cannot rationalize your mediocrity with a God who expects your greatness.

Prayer: Lord, push me beyond me.

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Wednesday | April 26, 2023

Psalm 46 1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice; the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Clean the Gunk There is something about cleaning that is cathartic. I mean, when you are really getting down to baseboard-cleaning-with-a-toothbrush cleaning. Making-patterns-in-the-carpet-with-the-vacuum cleaning. I mean that losing-a-pound-or-two cleaning. It is marvelous.

It is just refreshing to look back and know that you have purged and sanitized, and refreshed your space. Honestly, the space may not have even looked that dirty, but if you have ever been in those baseboard corners, you know that days (and months) of gunk pile up. And sometimes, we just get used to it, so we do not even see it anymore until one day we are still, and we look down, and we see it, and we notice how unsightly it is. It may even be a corner where no one else would ever look except you, but you see it.

In order to really see the “gunk” in our own corners, we have to get still. I know; how with your schedule right? However, are you really going to continue to let your unfinished business gunk up your joy and your peace?

As you read Psalm 46, notice just how much stuff is going on around the writers. It happens, but we must take a moment to reverence that which is godly. Be still. Be still. Be still. The stuff around you is not going anywhere. Be still. Be still. Be still.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be still so that I might see the true impact of my decisions and make the time to finish it.

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Thursday | April 27, 2023

Matthew 24:12-13 12

And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold.

13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Do not give up! Do not give in! Keep pressing!

It appears that the world is winning. Every time we try to do what is right, some thing seems to slip in and knock down what has been built. Paul said it best in Romans 7: 21, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” For me, it feels like the beach bully who comes along and walks right through the sandcastle that you have been building all day. Been there?

Well, our scripture today finds Jesus teaching us that the bullies, the sin, and the devastations of the world will continue until the end of time. False prophets will come, and sin will be rampant, but our responsibility is to keep pressing so that when God returns, we will have taken care of our unfinished business.

Prayer: Lord, help my actions to align with your glory.

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Friday | April 28, 2023

Hebrews 12:1-3 1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls or lose heart.

Galatians 6:9 9

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.

Do Not Grow Weary Whenever you begin to work harder, focus longer, or reach deeper for the things of God, know that you will feel that the load of all you have to do day in and day out will appear to grow heavier. It is not easy to remain on a God-directed path because, along the way, there are so many distractions that, quite honestly, may not have even affected you before this journey. Why? You were constantly scanning your path instead of remaining fixed in one direction.

I love people-watching. I can sit in a mall or a park bench and become engrossed in observing others and even making up stories about where they are going. The latter is a game my parents played with us when we took long car trips. It was a way of distracting our attention so that we would not keep asking, “Are we there yet?” I would dare say that along our journey with Jesus, there are many opportunities to get distracted by watching others. We get distracted by what others do and do not do for us and to us, and we must reclaim our attention to remain steadfast on the path God has for us.

Do not grow weary. There are a few more miles to go. You are not there yet.

Do not grow weary. Someone is observing your path, and they need to follow your path.

Do not grow weary. The destination is yet for an appointed time.

Do not grow weary. Every step is strengthening you.

Do not grow weary. Jesus knows all about your struggles. He will guide ‘til the day is done.

Do not grow weary. God created you for this journey and its glorious end.

Do not grow weary. Christ has already declared you victorious.

Prayer: God, help me to press on.

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Saturday | April 29, 2023

Exodus 20:8a

8

“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

Mark 2:27-28 27

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for the Sabbath, 28 so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

The Rhythm of Sabbath I have added to my exercise routine a rowing machine. For the body’s optimal benefit, one must learn a rhythm of pulling and returning in a fluid motion that neither strains the back nor the legs. It is part of a larger workout. When I am doing my workout, I have been playing a playlist of pop, gospel, R&B, and jazz music to keep me motivated. As I am working out, I am listening for that bass beat, that underlying rhythm upon which all the melodies, instrumentals, and vocals are built. It is when I am on the rowing machine and listening I can close my eyes and feel that rhythm of music and the pull/return of the machine and I find myself contemplating the rhythms of life God has given us.

As a pastor, I am juggling many hats, personally and professionally and sometimes, I just lose my rhythm. Even if you are not a pastor, I am sure you can understand. But there is always a tugging that calls us to examine our weekly routines to determine where and when we can get back in sync with God. I have realized that just like I had to learn how to pull/return in rhythm with that rowing machine, I had to learn how to be intentional in panning for Sabbath–to rest from my labor, to rest in God’s grace.

The rhythm of Sabbath is what allows us to close our eyes and let God lead the way.

Prayer: God, help me to be intentional with seeking rest in you.

Rev. Sandra E. Ladson Mt. Zion AME, Bloomingvale Andrews, South Carolina seladson@gmail.com https://oridnarythoughts.com

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Sunday | April 30, 2023

Revelation 12:11 11

But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.

The Blood Oh, the blood! Hallelujah! Oh, the blood! Yes, Lord! Thank you, Lord, for the blood! “When I see the blood, I will pass over you…”

Can the plague of death see the blood of Christ on you? Can temptation see the blood of Christ on you? Can your most vindictive coworkers see the blood of Christ on you? Can your hurtful family members see the blood of Christ on you? There is only one shield that a Christian needs, and that shield is the blood of Jesus, and there is only one way to get it–accept Jesus as your Lord and savior.

We are good at the habits of church and excellent at convincing ourselves that if we are just good people, we have Jesus—not true. In order to have the kind of protection that Moses writes of in this scripture, we have to have accepted the son of God, Jesus, who was the final and perfect sacrifice who died a criminal’s death so that we might be reconciled to God. You can do that right now. It does not take an organ, a preacher, or a specific “prayer of salvation;” it simply takes your repentant heart and sincere acceptance of Jesus.

For those who have accepted Jesus, believe that our text today speaks to our daily walk with Jesus. It speaks to the protection and security that says, “no weapon formed against you shall prosper.” It announces that the Lord is your light and your salvation…so whom shall you fear.”

It confirms that we are more than conquerors because the blood of Jesus covers us. It covers our homes. It covers our cars. It covers our finances. It covers our workplace. It covers our marriages. It covers our children. It covers our ministry. It covers our physical bodies. It covers our present. It covers our future. So be assured that today is a day to speak peace to crazy. God has already called it into order.

Prayer: God, thank you for the blood of Jesus that protects my coming and going.

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