The Secret Chamber: January 2024 Edition

The onset of growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) research, this edition provides a “ChatGPT Experience” to demonstrate how you might use AI as a resource to share encouragement with others. While AI programming provides a great shell, we recognize that nothing replaces our own voice in writing. Each Open AI ChatGPT experience included was enhanced by an actual person to fit the context of this edition.

Visit https://openai.com to explore the possibilities.

Text generated by ChatGPT, December 28, 2023, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com.

Edited for style and content.

The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional January 2024 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

4

Monday | January 1, 2024

Philippians 2:14-15 14

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world,

Use Your Light People do not like to spend time around those who complain or argue. If you have a reputation for being negative or critical, people will walk the other way when they see you coming. If you are known for being argumentative, others will not want to work with you. We are called to live a life that is pleasing to God. We are to “do everything without complaining and arguing.”

We are called to live the life that Jesus exampled for us. If we live clean, innocent lives as children of God, our lights will shine brightly in a world full of “crooked and perverse people.” It just may encourage them to straighten up and be good. It may cause them to lay down their life and follow Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Pray: God, as I enter this new year, I surrender to the Holy Spirit that I may be a shining light everywhere I go.

Reverend Joy Wilkerson Yancy St. John AME Church Memphis, Tennessee joylynn0895@gmail.com www.stjohnamememphis.org

5

Tuesday | January 2, 2024

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

A New Way of Thinking There are things that compete for our attention daily. Things that try to occupy and control our thoughts distract us from the Promises of God: health concerns, financial concerns, world concerns, justice concerns, and community concerns. Our text encourages us not to be distracted by these things but to remain focused on the truths and promises of God. We must hold fast to our spiritual thoughts and reflect on the Goodness of the Lord. In other words, we must be intentional about our thoughts and make daily efforts to refresh them. This requires a daily reboot. Thinking about these things is such a powerful statement, for when we change our way of thinking, we create the ability to see clearly the endless possibilities of God. Don’t be pulled into negative thinking by the storms of life; pull the storms of life into the Peace and Hope found in Jesus Christ. Be deliberate to create a new way of thinking each day.

Think about what is true, pure, pleasant, and those things that are praiseworthy, adding daily prayer and scripture reading as this will ultimately give us a new way of thinking.

Pray: God, thank you for focusing my mind on new ways of thinking today.

Reverend Lernette P. Patterson, M. Div. Reedy Chapel AME Church Galveston, Texas reedychapelamepastor@gmail.com www.reedychapel.com

6

Wednesday | January 3, 2024

James 1:4

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The Gift of Peace Life is a winding road. It takes us places we do not plan or choose to go. While challenges may test our endurance and belief systems, they teach us things we do not know and guide us to new levels of awareness.

Our lives undergo constant change. Growth spurts often accompany new experiences. Like troubles, they appear quickly and unannounced.

This year, remember that when tough times hit, do not open the door to self-pity, rather seek peace.

Critical to success is a winning attitude undergirded by faith. Take your focus off the problem and know that you will win.

Do a rollback and reflect on past blessings. Write each one. Recall your feelings and how God got you through it. During the day and the last thing at night, recall your victories.

Plan to open your eyes each day in the manner you ended the night before, with positive thoughts that remind you of the best from your past.

Initially, starting each day with positive feelings may be difficult. If this is a struggle, read them immediately as you rise in morning. Plan to flood your mind with hopeful messages and replace selfdefeating thoughts. This begins the path of recovery.

Despite challenges, the finish line is in view. When the journey ends, you will be strengthened with newness from your God-given victory.

Pray: God, prepare my heart for the journey ahead today.

Dr. O. Raye Adkins Bethel AME Church San Antonio, Texas radkins@satx.rr.com

7

Thursday | January 4, 2024

Romans 12:19

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

God’s Got It I know what they said hurt you. I know what they did caused you pain. I know all you want to do is punch them in the throat, cuss them out, or call their momma. But don't. Here's your tea for this week.

God has always and will continue to take care of God's own. There isn't anything you can do, think, or believe that will give you the "get back" you think you deserve. So, go drink some tea, take a deep breath, and let God do what God does. It's going to be okay.

Pray: God, help me to release my desire to respond to those who would cause me harm; I trust your plan for them.

Dr. Chantrise Sims Holliman St. Philip AME Church chantrise@drchantrise.com Savannah, Georgia

8

Friday | January 5, 2024

I Timothy 6:6-7

Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it,

Glorious Contentment It is nice to admire the lives of others and the things that they have been blessed with, yet do not allow envy or jealousy to enter your heart. Instead, learn to count your own blessings and look at what God has done in your life! Consider that truthfully you don’t know what others have done or been through to have what they do or what they must do to maintain it. Be content with your own journey and if you desire more, seek first God’s kingdom and its righteousness and what you desire will be added to you.

Remember that godliness (righteous living) with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into this world, and we won’t carry anything out! Contentment will bring you peace, which is of god. Jealousy or envy will only bring strife and worry! Today take time to applaud others, even give God thanks on their behalf, and then count your many blessings.

Pray: God, help me to live with a spirit of contentment and not one of envy.

Ms. Alicia V Hill Payne Chapel AME Church Birmingham, Alabama aliciapiedpiper@gmail.com

9

Saturday | January 6, 2024

Isaiah 64:4-5

4

From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.

5 You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.

What Do We Expect?

When we go to church, do we expect anything? Do we expect God to show up in our worship services?

The writer of Isaiah longed for God to come crashing down, interrupting our world, and making us pay attention. This writer wanted mountains to quake and nations to tremble because of the coming of the Lord. You can imagine that many of those returning were the children of those who left their homeland decades before. The children traveled to this place, hoping that what their parents said would be true.

When they arrived, their hearts sank. Jerusalem was destroyed, and it would be a long time before it was restored—if it happened at all. It’s at this point when the people feel miles away from God. Advent is a time of expectation, of waiting for the coming of Jesus. We live in a time of uncertainty, where we are not sure of anything. During Advent, the cry of Isaiah should be our cry: God, come and shape us, shape our community. Like Jerusalem, our world is a mess. Things are not well. We wait for God to come and shake things up and change us for the better. We hope for the one who makes mountains quake and nations shake in fear—that this God will come and form us as disciples and bearers of good news.

Pray: God, shape me into the disciple that bears the good news of your glory.

Reverend Dr. Garland Davis Higgins Antioch AME Church, Executive Pastor Stone Mountain, Georgia Christian Education Director Sixth Episcopal District garland.higgins@gmail.com

10

Sunday | January 7, 2024

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Shine Your Light God placed beauty inside of you that is to be shared with others so that he may be edified. Don’t allow anyone to dim your light or cause you to hide all that is wonderful about yourself! Today, show what you’re made of—stand out! Put your inner and outer beauty on display! Remember, God made you to shine in the same manner that God created the light to shine in Genesis.

Pray: God, help me to let me little light shine today.

Ms. Alicia V Hill Payne Chapel AME Church Birmingham, Alabama aliciapiedpiper@gmail.com

11

Monday | January 8, 2024

Mark 13:32-37 32

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening or at midnight or at cockcrow or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Stay Ready for Jesus The Advent season was a time of preparation to commemorate the physical birth of Jesus the Christ and we grow grateful for the growing coming light of Christ into a dark world. But what happens after the commercial lights are taken down. We must constantly live our lives remembering that though Jesus has come, he is coming again. Therefore, we must stay ready for Jesus. Each day, we must go beyond being seasonal Christians and remain ever constant to allow the light of Christ to shine through us and - as a traditional Wesleyan hymn says, “They (the world) will know we are Christian by our love.”

Pray: God, help me to be more loving today.

Reverend Joseph A Darby Nichols Chapel AME Church Charleston, South Carolina josephdarby@bellsouth.net

12

Tuesday | January 9, 2024

3 John 1:2

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

Immortal Prosperity And how does one's soul prosper? How does the place within us where our feelings, emotions, desires, and all energies surrounding our self-esteem, hopes & dreams reside to make us as well as break us, "prosper"? Maybe we should first resolve what it means to prosper when we're talking about the soul, when we speak of this place which keeps us different from animals and even one another whether covenantally related to, or casually connected to each other.

A soul prospers by its' human host deliberately and intentionally practicing a principled mindset which enables pursuing a lifestyle not only the future self and family history can be proud of, but in which humanity can see hope exists, love prevails, and charity is always best as an unconditional blessing, never a self-seeking bribe. Its' prosperity comes with its' human host living how the Creator and Almighty God, created it to live, divinely guided and purposefully convicted, not always successfully or with popularity, yet courageously and faithfully. It prospers by welcoming the diverse ways the Great and Holy Spirit must operate in relation to obedience and rebellion, aware that what one knows as true happiness and success in this life paves the way to authentic joy and rewards in the far higher and forever life to come.

Pray: God, allow me to prosper through every circumstance.

Reverend Constance M. Coleman-Fletcher Liberty Chapel AME Church Liberty Hill/Leander, Texas pcmcfletcher@gmail.com www.libertychapelameclibertyhilltx.org

13

Wednesday | January 10, 2024

Luke 19:1-10 1

He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

A New Beginning The New Year is a blank page to begin writing a brand-new chapter for your life because God is the God of a new beginning, which is repeatedly evident in scripture.

God put a rainbow in the sky after the flood to show that He had given a new beginning. When the Israelites crossed over the river Jordan into the land of Canaan, God gave them a fresh start because there is something in the very nature of God that dictates a new beginning.

This year do not spend much time looking back at your failures and remembering last year’s mistakes.

They are there; you lived and experienced them. This year, why not ask God to grant you a new way of being?

Luke 19:1-10 is about a new way of living for a despised tax collector. Nobody liked him. The Jews regarded him as a traitor and a turncoat. The Roman government did not care what he did if they collected their cut of the money. But when Jesus came into this man’s life, he changed the direction and terrain of his life.

When Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house, the tax collector went into the house lost, but he came out found.

He went in far from God, but he came out close to him. God is still in the life-changing business!

Why not ask the Lord to give you a new beginning? Be encouraged!

Pray: God, help me to walk boldly into a new beginning.

ChatGPT Experience

14

Thursday | January 11, 2024

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

A Fresh Start Each day presents an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning. Just as the dawn breaks after the darkest night, God offers us the chance to experience rebirth and renewal through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is not merely about turning over a new leaf or making resolutions; it's about a transformative change that reshapes our hearts, minds, and spirits.

When we come to Christ, our past mistakes and shortcomings are forgiven. We are no longer defined by our past but by our identity in Christ. The old, sinful nature is replaced with a heart that seeks to honor and serve God. This process of becoming a "new creation" is ongoing, as we continually grow and mature in our faith.

Embracing a new life means letting go of the burdens that weigh us down—guilt, shame, fear, and doubt.

Instead, we are invited to walk in freedom, joy, and the fullness of God's love. Every day is an opportunity to live out this new life, to reflect the light of Christ to the world, and to be transformed from glory to glory.

As you start this new day, remember that you are a new creation in Christ. Let God’s love and grace guide you, and may you experience the joy and peace that come from a life surrendered to God. Pray: God, thank you for making me a new creation.

Chat GPT Experience

15

Friday | January 12, 2024

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Choose to Start Over Each sunrise whispers a profound truth: the chance to start over. Just as dawn replaces darkness, God's mercies renew for us daily. We all face moments of regret, missteps, or missed opportunities. Yet, in God’s unfailing love, God offers a fresh slate every day. This is not a mere reset but a divine invitation to embrace hope, transformation, and grace. Rather than being bound by yesterday's shortcomings, let's anchor our hearts in the promise of God's enduring faithfulness. Today, no matter the past, we stand on the threshold of God’s mercies, ready to journey forward in God’s love.

Pray: God, thank you for new mercies.

Chat GPT Experience

16

Saturday | January 13, 2024

Isaiah 43:19

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Peace in the Midst of Trouble Life is a journey of transitions, of closing chapters and opening new doors. Sometimes, the unfamiliarity of what lies ahead can be daunting. Yet, as believers, we find assurance in God's promise to continually guide and renew. The doors God opens are not mere passages but gateways to God’s divine plans and purposes. Even when faced with uncertainty, God’s word reminds us to perceive the new beginnings God orchestrates. God specializes in crafting pathways through the seemingly impossible, turning barren landscapes into fertile grounds of blessing. As we step forward in faith, let's embrace the assurance that each new door is an opportunity to witness God's transformative power and to experience the fullness of God’s promises.

Pray: God, give me the courage to walk through the doors that you open for me today.

Chat GPT Experience

17

Sunday | January 14, 2024

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

Say Yes Today Life is brimming with moments that invite us to step forward, to seize opportunities that beckon. Yet, saying "yes" often requires courage, faith, and a heart attuned to God's leading. As we lean into God’s wisdom and guidance, our choices align with God’s perfect will, paving the way for blessings beyond measure. Each opportunity, when embraced with a surrendered spirit, becomes a testament to God's faithfulness and provision. While fear or doubt may tempt us to hesitate, the Lord calls us to trust in God’s unfailing promises.

By committing our plans and desires to God, we find clarity, purpose, and the assurance that God will establish our steps. Today, let's embrace the divine opportunities before us, confident that in our obedience, God is orchestrating a beautiful tapestry of God’s grace and goodness.

Pray: God, give me the courage to say yes and the wisdom to know when to say no.

Chat GPT Experience

18

Monday | January 15, 2024

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Walk Humbly with God Martin Luther King Jr.'s life stands as a beacon of faith, justice, and love in the face of adversity. Guided by the principles of nonviolence and grounded in his Christian faith, he championed equality, unity, and the inherent dignity of all people. His relentless pursuit of justice was not merely a political stance but a profound expression of his deep conviction in God's call to act justly and love mercy.

As we reflect on his legacy, may we be inspired to walk humbly with God, to confront injustice with courage, and to extend love and compassion to all. Dr. King's enduring message reminds us that through faith and perseverance, we can move closer to realizing God's kingdom of justice, love, and peace on earth.

Pray: God, keep me true to the path that you have set for my life.

Chat GPT Experience

19

Tuesday | January 16, 2024

Ephesians 5:14

Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

A Wake Up Call Life's routines can lull us into spiritual slumber, distancing us from God's vibrant presence. Yet, God’s merciful call pierces through the haze, beckoning us to awaken and embrace the fullness of God’s light.

This "wake-up call" is not merely about rousing from physical sleep but stirring our souls to a renewed passion for Christ. It is an invitation to realign our priorities, cast aside distractions, and pursue intimacy with our Savior. As we respond to God’s call, we are promised a radiant illumination, where God’s truth guides our path and God’s love fuels our journey. Today, let us heed the divine summons, allowing Christ's light to transform our hearts, minds, and lives.

Pray: God, help my priorities to be in alignment with your passion for me.

Chat GPT Experience

20

Wednesday | January 17, 2024

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Grounded in God’s Truth In a world filled with shifting values and fleeting moments, our perspective often becomes clouded. Yet, God calls us to view life through the lens of God’s eternal truth. When we allow our minds to be renewed by God’s Word, our understanding aligns with God’s will. This transformation not only clarifies our purpose but also empowers us to discern God's good and perfect plans. Let us commit to cultivating a perspective grounded in God’s truth, trusting that as we do, our lives will reflect God’s glory and lead others closer to God. Pray: God, allow me to remain steadfast in my pursuit of your plans for my day.

Chat GPT Experience

21

Thursday | January 18, 2024

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

See Beyond the Immediate Challenges and trials can distort our perspective, making obstacles appear insurmountable. Yet, as believers, we are reminded to see beyond the immediate and focus on the eternal. Our present struggles, though real, pale in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting us. By fixing our eyes on the promises of God, we gain a heavenly perspective that brings hope, resilience, and enduring peace. Embrace this divine viewpoint, trusting that God's eternal purposes are unfolding even in our fleeting moments of difficulty.

Pray: God, help me to release the insurmountable to you.

Chat GPT Experience

22

Friday | January 19, 2024

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Elevate The allure of worldly pursuits can overshadow our spiritual priorities, shifting our focus away from God's kingdom. However, Scripture calls us to elevate our perspective, directing our thoughts towards heavenly treasures. By intentionally setting our minds on things above, we align ourselves with God's eternal perspective, where God’s values, purposes, and promises reign supreme. In doing so, we discover a richer, more meaningful life rooted in God’s presence and fueled by God’s love. Today, commit to nurturing a heavenly perspective.

Pray: God, help me to seek true fulfillment and purpose in you today.

Chat GPT Experience

23

Saturday | January 20, 2024

Hebrews 12:1-2

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Run A Focused Race As we navigate our individual paths, our focus remains centered on Jesus—the ultimate example of faithfulness and perseverance. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we draw strength and inspiration to continue the race with unwavering determination. Let's embrace each day as an opportunity to run with perseverance, knowing that our ultimate victory rests in Christ's finished work on the cross.

Pray: God, help me to continue to run the race before me Chat GPT Experience

24

Sunday | January 21, 2024

James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

A Refined Faith Our trials test our resolve, yet they also refine our faith. God's promise to those who persevere is the crown of life—an eternal reward that transcends earthly challenges. Let's view our trials through the lens of faith, recognizing them as opportunities to grow closer to God and to receive God’s promised blessings. With hearts anchored in love, let's persevere, knowing that our steadfastness in Christ leads to everlasting glory.

Pray: God, prepare my heart for the challenges I will face today.

Chat GPT Experience (Revised)

25

Monday | January 22, 2024

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Embrace Your Perseverance Compass Life's journey is marked by both triumphs and trials, yet our goal remains unchanged: to be more like Christ. With determination, we press on, fueled by the divine calling set before us. Every step taken in faith brings us closer to the heavenly prize. Today, choose to embrace perseverance as your spiritual compass, guiding you toward the eternal reward that awaits those who remain steadfast in Christ.

Pray: God, help me to remain steadfast in you.

Chat GPT Experience

26

Tuesday | January 23, 2024

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint

Energy for the Journey In moments when fatigue weighs us down, God's promise of renewed energy shines brightly. As we place our hope in God, our spirits are revitalized, and our strength is replenished. Like eagles soaring above life's challenges, we are empowered to persevere with unwavering faith. God's sustaining energy allows us to run the race set before us without growing weary. Let's embrace this divine promise, drawing upon God’s limitless power, and be strengthened to fulfill God’s purposes each day.

Pray: God, help me to find the endurance to navigate life's journey with vigor and grace.

Chat GPT Experience

27

Wednesday | January 24, 2024

I Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

The Goodness of God God calls us to gratitude. Recognizing God’s constant presence and provision, we are reminded of God’s unchanging love. When we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, acknowledging God’s goodness in every season, we align our hearts with God’s will for our lives. In our thanksgiving, we also find the true essence of the goodness of God. Pray: God, I am grateful for your goodness.

Chat GPT Experience

28

Thursday | January 25, 2024

Psalm 107:1

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Anchored in Gratitude Gratitude transforms our perspective, anchoring our hearts in the unchanging goodness of God. God’s enduring love remains a constant source of joy and strength. When we intentionally cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, even in challenges, we align with God's truth and recognize God’s daily blessings.

Gratitude is not just an expression; it is a profound acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision in our lives. As we pause to give thanks, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, drawing closer to God’s heart, and experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Pray: God, thank you for being faithful to me.

Chat GPT Experience

29

Friday | January 26, 2024

Psalm 113:7-8

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.

Elevation God's nature is to elevate and uplift. God sees beyond our current circumstances, recognizing our potential and purpose. Just as the psalmist describes God's act of raising the poor and needy to places of honor, God continues to elevate God’s children today. This divine elevation is not rooted in worldly standards but in God’s boundless love and grace. When we align our hearts with God’s will, God elevates our perspectives, priorities, and paths, guiding us toward greater purpose and fulfillment. Let's embrace this journey of elevation, trusting that God's hand is continually at work, orchestrating blessings beyond our comprehension and positioning us for God’s divine plan.

Pray: God, give me the courage to elevate.

Chat GPT Experience

30

Saturday | January 27, 2024

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Reach Farther Our spiritual journey beckons us to reach farther, diving deeper into the boundless grace and wisdom of Christ. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, we are called to expand our understanding and embrace the transformative power of God’s love. Today, press forward, reaching beyond our comfort zones, and experiencing the richness of God’s presence.

Pray: God, give me the courage to press beyond my comfort zone today.

Chat GPT Experience

31

Sunday | January 28, 2024

Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

A Call to Courage God's word consistently echoes a resounding call to courage. This divine courage is not rooted in our own strength but in the unwavering presence of God. God promises to walk alongside us, illuminating our path and fortifying our spirit. As we face life's complexities, draw upon this divine courage, trusting that God's steadfast love empowers us to persevere. With hearts anchored in faith, we can navigate the unknown, confident in the assurance that God goes before us, guiding, protecting, and leading us into God’s perfect will.

Pray: God, help me to draw upon your divine power to persevere today.

Chat GPT Experience

32

Monday | January 29, 2024

Mark 14:32

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

Keep Your Head Lifted Up The Lord has me in the olive press. God pressed me to go low in prayer and then look up to see the plan he has for my life. Sometimes the Lord reveals things in the natural for us to see in the Spirit. One day I was in physical pain at work from looking down a lot. My neck was hurting, and my shoulders felt as if hands were pressing down on them.

Typing 101: “Look down with your eyes but keep your posture upright.” I really did not need to look down, because I know the “home row” keys. If I place my fingers on the home row, I can press the other keys without glancing down. God’s Word is our home row. Read it daily and allow it to imprint your heart. Use it to type out the plan God has for your life without looking down. Keep your head lifted up.

Pray: Lord, help us to keep our head lifted to you no matter what is going on around us.

Reverend Joy Wilkerson Yancy St. John AME Church Memphis, Tennessee joylynn0895@gmail.com www.stjohnamememphis.org

33

Tuesday | January 30, 2024

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reflect God’s Heart Generosity is a reflection of God's heart, a tangible expression of Gods abundant love poured into our lives. When we give with a joyful spirit, not out of obligation but from a place of gratitude, we mirror the selfless nature of Christ. God's call to generosity transcends mere acts of giving; it invites us into a deeper relationship with God, acknowledging that all we have is a gift from above. As we embrace a lifestyle of generosity, we participate in God's redemptive work, extending God’s love and grace to a world in need. Let's cultivate a heart attuned to God's generosity, seeking opportunities to bless others and magnify God’s name through acts of love and kindness.

Pray: God, allow my actions to reflect my generosity for how you have blessed me.

Chat GPT Experience

34

Wednesday | January 31, 2024

I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

You are the One! You, yes you, are the one! You are who God chose! Though your hair is matted, dreadlocked and extends down your back, you are the one God chose. Though you have body piercing from head to toe, you are the one God chose. Though your love language is different from your neighbor’s, you are the one God chose. You’ve been overlooked long enough, you’ve been in the background long enough, you’ve been riding the bench on the sidelines long enough. It’s time for you to come from the pasture to the place where God is calling you.

As David was overlooked because he didn’t fit the bill of what a King should be, God is looking at your heart. Your outer appearance does not matter to God. No more second guessing, no more being passed over; your time to emerge is now! Take your rightful place in the plan of God! You’re just what the world needs in a time like this. You, yes you, are the one!

Pray: God, help me to emerge from the sheep pasture to the sacred place to which you have called me.

Reverend Myron David Hill Bethel AME Church Knoxville, Tennessee myrondavidhill@comcast.net Connectional Associate Director Music and Christian Arts Ministry

35

Website: www.AMECHURCHGROWTH.org Email Address: info@amechurchgrowth.org Phone Number: 615-997-3965