The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional July 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
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, May 24, 2024, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com. Edited for style and content.
Monday | July 1, 2024
James 4:2b
you want something and do not have it, so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it, so you engage in disputes and conflicts. you do not have because you do not ask.
Free Medicine
Go to God for a cure. Go to God for healing. There is no charge for God's medicine. It's yours and it’s free--just ask for it. Take one dose every day with faith and patience. Never take it with worry or doubt. Also, remember to keep God's medicine cabinet (the Bible) nearby, so that the prescription you need can be easily found. Call Doctor Jesus if you need medical care. Keep faith and believe while waiting for an appointment. The Holy Spirit is also standing in the gap, ready to assist. Lean and depend on this awesome trio for all of your healthcare needs. Rejoice and feel great as you improve without medical bills.
Pray: God, thank you for being all that I need to heal when my spirit is wounded and weary.
Mrs. Helen Harmon Rowley
The New Allen Memorial AME Church WMS Franktown, Virginia honeybea39@msn.com www.newallen.org
Tuesday | July 2, 2024
James 4:6-10
6 But God gives all the more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you doubleminded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Humility Before God
In these verses, James emphasizes the importance of humility in our relationship with God. The call to humility is clear: God opposes the proud but offers grace to the humble. Humility involves recognizing our need for God’s grace, submitting to His will, and resisting the devil’s temptations. As we draw near to God, God promises to draw near to us, providing the strength and grace we need to live righteously.
Today, take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where pride may be hindering your relationship with God. Confess these areas to Him and ask for His grace to help you walk in humility. Make a conscious effort to submit your will to God's and resist temptations. Remember that God’s promise is to exalt those who humble themselves before Him.
Pray: Lord, help me to walk in humility, to submit to your will, and to resist the devil.
Chat GPT Experience (Edited)
Wednesday | July 3, 2024
James 4:13-17
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” 14 Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it commits sin.
The Futility of Worldly Pursuits
James reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living according to God's will rather than our own ambitions. The passage challenges us to acknowledge God's sovereignty over our plans and to avoid the arrogance of assuming control over our future. Our lives are compared to a mist, emphasizing their brevity and the necessity of seeking God's guidance in all our endeavors.
Reflect on your plans and ambitions. Are they aligned with God's will, or are they driven by personal desires for success and profit? Take time to seek God's direction in your decisions and trust Him with your future. Make a habit of saying, "If the Lord wills," recognizing God’s authority over your life.
Pray: Lord, help me to live according to your will and to trust you with my future.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Thursday | July 4, 2024
John 8:36
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
True Independence
From the first, “I want to do it myself” moment as toddlers, each of us has recognized a strong desire for independence. We treasure our independence; however, we must be ready to acknowledge that independence is not a license to act without accountability or restraint. Independence is a weighty responsibility that requires us to make clear choices between living a life of sin or one that reflects God’s righteousness.
True independence comes through our dependence on Christ who helps us live in the freedom from a sin-filled life that God provides through God’s redemptive grace.
Pray: God, help me to remember that true independence is rooted in our reliance on the freedom that you provide through Christ.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia pastor.allentempleatlanta@gmail.com www.allentempleatlatna.org
Friday | July 5, 2024
James 4:1-3
1Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? 2 you want something and do not have it, so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it, so you engage in disputes and conflicts. you do not have because you do not ask. 3 you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.
The Cause of Quarrels
James identifies the root cause of conflicts among believers: the internal battle of selfish desires. These desires lead to envy, strife, and even violence. James also points out the improper motives behind our prayers, indicating that when we ask with selfish intentions, our requests go unanswered. This passage calls us to examine our hearts and align our desires with God's purposes.
Consider the conflicts in your life. Are they driven by selfish desires or covetousness? Take time to ask God to purify your heart and align your desires with His will. When you pray, focus on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness rather than personal gain.
Pray: Lord, purify my heart and teach me to pray with the right motives, seeking your kingdom above all else.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | July 6, 2024
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
God Celebrates You
You are celebrated with joy on earth as well as in heaven because God loves you. On the God-given and God-planned earthly journey of life, wherever God takes us, God’s love goes with us. Believe that your life is filled with God's sweet love and covered by God’s amazing grace.
As you go throughout today, remember that God is with you and that God loves you no matter where your feet trod.
Pray: Lord, thank you for loving all of me
Mrs. Helen Harmon Rowley
The New Allen Memorial AME Church WMS Franktown, Virginia
honeybea39@msn.com
www.newallen.org
Sunday | July 7, 2024
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Generosity and Cheerful Giving
In these verses, Paul emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping in the context of generosity. He encourages believers to give willingly and joyfully rather than out of obligation or reluctance. The act of giving should come from the heart, reflecting a genuine desire to bless others. This kind of cheerful giving is not only pleasing to God but also leads to abundant blessings. Today, reflect on your attitude towards giving. Are you giving out of a sense of duty or with a cheerful heart? Consider ways you can give generously to those in need, whether through your finances, time, or talents. Remember that generosity reflects God's nature and opens the door to God’s blessings in your life.
Pray: Lord, teach me to give willingly and joyfully, knowing that in doing so, I honor you and bless others.
Monday | July 8, 2024
2 Corinthians 9:8-10
8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He scatters abroad; he gives to the poor, his righteousness endures forever.” 10 God who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
Trusting God’s Provision
Paul reminds believers that they are crucial in God's plan. God equips us with what we need, not just for our own benefit, but so that we can actively participate in good works. This assurance is a testament to our pivotal role in God's plan, and a call to trust in God’s abundant provision, enabling us to give generously and fulfill God’s will.
Consider areas where you might be hesitant to give or serve due to fear of lack. Trust in God's promise that God will provide all you need to fulfill God’s purposes. Step out in faith, knowing that God will supply and multiply your resources, enabling you to be a blessing to others.
Pray: Lord, help me to trust in your abundant grace and to give generously, knowing that you will supply all my needs.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | July 9, 2024
2 Corinthians 9:12-13
12 for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 13 Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your partnership with them and with all others,
The Impact of Generosity
Paul highlights the far-reaching impact of generosity. Acts of giving do more than meet immediate needs; they also lead to expressions of thanksgiving and glorify God. Generosity is a tangible demonstration of our faith and the gospel's transformative power, encouraging others to praise God. Reflect on how your generosity can impact others and bring glory to God. Consider how your giving can inspire thankfulness and praise in those who receive it. Make it a goal to let your acts of generosity be a testament to your faith and the love of Christ.
Pray: Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of the resources you have entrusted to me.
Wednesday | July 10, 2024
1 Peter 5:8
Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.
Resist Distractions
Every human being faces a multitude of issues that if not handled correctly can devastate their lives. What makes it worse is that our adversary, the devil, is after all Christians and his primary goal is to deceive us. The enemy seeks to deceive entire nations, the world, and us as individuals and twists and distorts what is true, and there is power in Satan’s lies. If we are to be victorious and defeat the devil, then we must be mindful to exercise self-control. The Bible calls it being sober. The best way to do this is to pray and talk to God about everything. God and the Holy Spirit will always lead and guide you correctly. Always remember that the devil might be powerful, but he is not as powerful as God.
Pray: Lord, help me to resist temptations that seek to distract me today.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey Bethlehem AME Church, Pastor and Founder Baltimore, Maryland ramseyetta1@gmail.com
Thursday | July 11, 2024
1 Peter 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. .
Living Hope Through the Resurrection
Peter begins his letter with a message of hope rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This living hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a secure and lasting promise of an inheritance in heaven. The resurrection assures us of victory over death and the guarantee of eternal life. This hope sustains us through trials and difficulties, reminding us of the imperishable and glorious future awaiting us. Reflect on the living hope you have through Christ's resurrection. How does this hope influence your daily life and perspective on challenges? Let this assurance strengthen your faith and give you the courage to face any trials, knowing that your future is secure in Christ.
Pray: Lord, strengthen my faith as I look forward to the inheritance you have prepared for me. Amen.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Friday | July 12, 2024
1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Therefore prepare your minds for action, discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14 Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15 Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, 16 for it is written, “you shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Called to Holiness
Peter calls believers to a life of holiness, reflecting the character of God. Holiness involves setting our hope on the grace of Jesus Christ and living in a way that is distinct from our former lives. It requires intentionality, preparing our minds for action, and being sober-minded. This call to holiness is based on our identity as God's children and God’s holy nature.
Examine your life for areas where you may still be conforming to old patterns and behaviors. Commit to living a life that reflects God's holiness. Seek God’s guidance in today’s decisions and strive to be set apart in your conduct, showing the world the transformative power of God's grace.
Pray: Lord, guide my thoughts and actions so that they honor you.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | July 13, 2024
1 Peter 3:13-17
13
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.
Suffering for Righteousness’Sake
Peter addresses the reality of suffering for doing good and encourages believers to remain steadfast and courageous. Suffering for righteousness is framed as a blessing, and believers are called to respond with gentleness and respect. This passage highlights the importance of maintaining a good conscience and honoring Christ as holy in the midst of trials, using these opportunities to witness to others about the hope within us.
Reflect on how you respond to opposition or suffering for your faith. Are you able to maintain a gentle and respectful attitude while defending your hope in Christ? Seek to honor Christ in all situations, trusting that he will use your faithful witness to bring glory to his name and possibly draw others to him.
Pray: Lord, help me to respond with gentleness and respect, always ready to share the hope I have in you.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Sunday | July 14, 2024
Psalm 63:5
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
Praise God InAll Things
We often say like the psalmist, “I will bless the Lord at all times and his praise shall continually be in my mouth. We can praise God with singing, shouting, dancing, and musical instruments. In fact, the last psalm in the Bible says, “ Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
What then is praise? Praise is the joyful recounting of all God has done for us. Praise is closely intertwined with thanksgiving. It is us offering to God appreciation for his mighty works on our behalf. Beloved, I do not care how bad you think your life is, there is somebody somewhere worse off than you, and if you but think, you will find something to praise God for. Maybe you could start with the fact that you are still in the land of the living clothed in your right mind.
We are often an ungrateful people. Many of us believe that we should give God praise when we get to worship on Sunday and the pastor begs us to stand to our feet and give God some praise. However, we should give God praise every minute of every hour of every day. We ought to praise God because God is worthy, because God constantly helps us to defeat the devil, because God doesn’t have to bless us but despite it all, God blesses us anyway. Jeremiah said, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus and ALL that He’s done for me, my soul shouts hallelujah and I thank God for saving me.”
I pray that after reading this today, you will purposefully live every minute of today giving God praise. I pray that no one will have to ever beg you to praise God. I pray you will not care what anyone thinks of you as you forever give God your best praise. I pray that every time you open your mouth you will shout with a loud voice, Hallelujah! Glory to God! Honor and Glory to God!
Pray: Lord, allow me to praise you in all that I do today.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey
Bethlehem AME Church, Pastor and Founder Baltimore, Maryland ramseyetta1@gmail.com
Monday | July 15, 2024
Psalm 63:1-4
1 O God, you are my God; I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
Thirsting for God
In this Psalm, David expresses a deep yearning for God, comparing his longing to a thirst in a dry land. This vivid imagery highlights our inherent need for God’s presence in our lives. David's response to this thirst is to seek God earnestly, to gaze upon God’s power and glory, and to praise God continually. David recognizes that God’s steadfast love is better than life itself, which fuels his worship and adoration.
Reflect on your own spiritual thirst. How earnestly are you seeking God in your daily life? Consider the ways you can deepen your relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and reading Scripture. Allow your recognition of God’s steadfast love to lead you to a place of continuous praise and worship, even in challenging times.
Pray: Lord, help me to seek you earnestly and to behold your power and glory.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | July 16, 2024
Psalm 63:5-8
5 My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips 6 when I think of you on my bed and meditate on you in the watches of the night, 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Finding Satisfaction in God
David finds deep satisfaction in God, likening it to the richness of a feast. This satisfaction leads to joyful praise and a deep sense of security in God's help and protection. Meditating on God’s goodness and faithfulness, especially during quiet moments, brings David comfort and joy. He clings to God, knowing that God's right hand upholds him.
Think about how you can find satisfaction in God amid life’s challenges and distractions. Take time to meditate on His goodness and faithfulness, especially during quiet moments at the beginning or end of your day. Allow these reflections to fill your heart with joy and gratitude and let this satisfaction in God lead you to cling to Him more closely.
Pray: Lord, help me to meditate on your goodness and faithfulness, and to praise you with joyful lips.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Wednesday | July 17, 2024
Matthew 7:22-23
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you who behave lawlessly.’
Don’t Miss Heaven
The people mentioned in today’s scripture missed the kingdom because they were so busy working for the Lord that they never took time to get to know the Lord. These people thought that their work would save them. They called Jesus’ name and used Jesus’ name, but they never truly worked at really getting to know Jesus. If this verse teaches us anything, it teaches us that eternal life cannot be gotten by our works.
You can do it all! You can sing, usher, set up communion, tithe, visit the sick, preach, teach, serve hot meals to the homeless, pray on the prayer line, organize food and clothing drives, cast out demons, lay hands on, slay in the spirit, speak in other tongues or start a church and it will not matter because salvation is by “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). In other words, beloved, get to know the one who died for you. Spend time meditating, talking, and listening to God. Seek to know and operate in your gift. Know the voice of God. Know your comforter the Holy Spirit that lives on the inside of you. Make sure you do not miss heaven. Start today to put in time and energy in knowing God and being close to God.
Pray: Lord, help me focus on knowing you more.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey
Bethlehem AME Church, Pastor and Founder Baltimore, Maryland
ramseyetta1@gmail.com
Thursday | July 18, 2024
Matthew 7:12
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
The Golden Rule
In this verse, Jesus presents what is commonly known as the Golden Rule, a simple yet profound principle that encapsulates much of his teaching on relationships and morality. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we demonstrate love, respect, and empathy. This command goes beyond mere politeness; it calls for a proactive effort to seek the good of others in every interaction. Reflect on how you can practice the Golden Rule in your daily life. Think about your relationships at home, work, and within your community. How can you show kindness, understanding, and respect to others? Make a conscious effort to treat people as you would like to be treated, particularly in challenging situations where it may be more difficult.
Pray: Lord, hold me accountable for treating others with the love, respect, and kindness that I desire for myself
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Friday | July 19, 2024
Matthew 7:24-27
24 “Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell and great was its fall!”
The Wise and Foolish Builders
In this passage, Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount with a powerful metaphor about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. The wise builder, who hears and practices Jesus' teachings, constructs a life that withstands the storms of life. In contrast, the foolish builder, who ignores Jesus' words, experiences a great collapse when difficulties arise.
Consider the foundation of your own life. Are you building on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings, or on the shifting sands of worldly values? Reflect on areas where you might need to align more closely with Jesus' words. Commit to putting His teachings into practice, ensuring that your life remains steadfast and secure, no matter the challenges you face.
Pray: Lord, give me the wisdom to hear and put into practice the teachings of Jesus.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | July 20, 2024
1 John 1:9-10
9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Sin No More
Today’s scripture teaches us that not only does God forgive us, but also God cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Yet should we continue to live in sin because God promises that if we confess God will forgive? Don’t we have a responsibility to remove sin from our lives and not live in habitual sin? Do you really think that God expects us to sin and repent day in and day out?
The Bible warns us about continuing in sin simply because we have God’s love, grace, and mercy.
What better time than now--today, this minute to focus, name the habitual sins that live in our lives, confess, repent, and claim victory! The Bible says we have not because we ask not. Claim freedom from habitual sin in the name of Jesus today! It’s yours for the asking.
Pray: Lord, deliver me from habitual sin.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey Bethlehem AME Church, Pastor and Founder Baltimore, Maryland ramseyetta1@gmail.com
Sunday | July 21, 2024
1 John 1:5-7
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Walking in the Light
John's message is clear: God is light, and in God, there is no darkness. To walk in the light means to live in truth, transparency, and holiness, reflecting God’s nature. Walking in the light involves turning away from sin and embracing a life that pleases God. This walk not only strengthens our relationship with God but also fosters genuine fellowship with other believers. The cleansing power of Jesus' blood makes this walk possible, purifying us from all sin.
Examine your life for any areas where you might be walking in darkness, hiding sin, or living contrary to God's truth. Confess these areas to God and seek God’s forgiveness. Commit to walking in the light, living transparently before God and others. Embrace the fellowship that comes from living in the light, encouraging and supporting one another in faith.
Pray: Lord, cleanse me from all sin through the blood of Jesus and strengthen my fellowship with other believers.
Monday | July 22, 2024
1 John 1:8-10
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Confession and Forgiveness
John addresses the reality of sin in the lives of believers and the importance of confession. Denying our sinfulness leads to self-deception and separates us from the truth. However, confessing our sins opens the door to God's faithfulness and justice. God promises to forgive and purify us, restoring our relationship with God. This passage underscores the necessity of humility and honesty before God. Take time to reflect on your life and identify any unconfessed sins. Approach God with humility and honesty, confessing these God sins and seeking God’s forgiveness. Trust in God’s faithfulness and justice, believing that God will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Let this practice of confession and forgiveness become a regular part of your spiritual life.
Pray: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and justice in forgiving my sins.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Tuesday | July 23, 2024
1 Corinthians 15:12
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead?
Receive Your Resurrection
We have been given a faith that encourages us to believe in the resurrection. At the heart of our faith is the belief that death does not have the last word. No matter what form death takes, whether physical, or psychological, or emotional, or spiritual, or moral, death does not have to have the last word in anyone’s life, mind, spirit, or soul.
Thank God there is life beyond addiction, affliction, anger, and anguish. There is life beyond bondage, brutality, and bankruptcy. There is life beyond disease, disappointment, and divorce. There is life beyond fear, frustration, and failure. There is life beyond mistakes and mess, persecution and problems, sickness, sorrow, sin, and shame. The mention of life in the Gospels outnumbers the mention of death more than two to one. We must always remember that the emphasis of our faith is not on death but on life.
Our problem as humans is that as we read God's word with our eyes, hear God’s word with our ears, and confess God’s word with our mouths there will still be times when we have trouble believing in our hearts what we read, hear and speak. Beloved, in times and seasons that test our faith may you always remember the words of Paul, “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead?” Go forth and claim your resurrection.
Pray: Lord, thank you for the knowledge that I can live a resurrected life.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey Bethlehem AME Church, Pastor and Founder Baltimore, Maryland ramseyetta1@gmail.com
Wednesday | July 24, 2024
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.
Unity in the Body of Christ
Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to illustrate the unity and diversity within the Church. Just as a body has many parts with different functions, the body of Christ is composed of diverse members, each with unique gifts and roles. This diversity is essential for the health and functioning of the Church. Despite our differences, we are united by the Holy Spirit, forming one body in Christ. Reflect on your role within the body of Christ. How can you use your unique gifts and abilities to contribute to the unity and growth of the Church? Appreciate the diversity within your community of believers, recognizing that each member plays a vital role. Seek to foster unity and collaboration, valuing each person's contribution.
Pray: Lord, use my gifts to promote unity and to serve others.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Thursday | July 25, 2024
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
The Power of Love
In this well-known passage, Paul describes the attributes of true love. This love is patient and kind, free from envy and pride. It honors others and seeks their good. True love is forgiving, rejoicing in truth, and enduring through all circumstances. These qualities of love are essential for healthy and meaningful relationships, reflecting the nature of God's love for us.
Examine your relationships and consider how you can demonstrate the qualities of true love. Are there areas where you need to be more patient, kind, or forgiving? Commit to loving others as described in this passage, allowing God's love to flow through you. Seek to embody these attributes in your interactions with family, friends, and even strangers.
Pray: Lord, help me to be patient, kind, and forgiving and remove any envy, pride, or selfishness from my heart.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Friday | July 26, 2024
1 Corinthians 15:50-52
50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Look, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
The Resurrection of the Body
Paul speaks of the resurrection of the body and the transformation that will occur at the return of Christ. Our mortal, perishable bodies will be changed into imperishable ones, fit for the kingdom of God. This hope of resurrection is a central tenet of the Christian faith, offering comfort and assurance of eternal life. The promise of transformation and victory over death inspires us to live with hope and anticipation. Reflect on the hope of resurrection and how it influences your life. How does the promise of eternal life and transformation shape your perspective on current challenges and suffering? Allow this hope to encourage and strengthen you, living in anticipation of Christ's return. Share this hope with others, offering them the assurance of God's promise.
Pray: Lord, strengthen me to face life's challenges with faith and anticipation of your return.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Saturday | July 27, 2024
John 1:12
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God
The Power of a FreshAnointing
Lord Jesus, we come today giving you praise for your sacrifice as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We give you praise for dying for our sins and we are very appreciative of your resurrection. God so many have yet to accept you and give you, their lives. Many profess to be your sons and daughters but refuse to worship you in your house or to serve you by using their gifts and talents. God, each of us needs a fresh anointing today to rid our lives of all that has us bound and encourage our freedom to live boldly for you today.
Pray: Lord, thank you for the fresh anointing of brand new mercies.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey Bethlehem AME Church, Pastor and Founder Baltimore, Maryland ramseyetta1@gmail.com
John 1:1-5, 14
| July 28, 2024
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
The Word Became Flesh
John's Gospel begins with a profound declaration about Jesus, identifying God as the Word who was with God and was God from the beginning. Jesus is the source of life and light, shining in the darkness. The incredible mystery and miracle of the incarnation are captured in verse 14: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This passage emphasizes both the divinity and humanity of Jesus, highlighting God’s unique role in revealing God's glory, grace, and truth to us.
Reflect on the significance of the Word becoming flesh. Consider the implications of Jesus, fully divine and fully human, living among us and revealing God's character. How does this truth impact your understanding of God's love and your relationship with him? Take time to thank God for the gift of Jesus and the light God brings into your life.
Pray: Lord, thank you for allowing your light to shine in my life, overcoming any darkness, and may I reflect your glory, grace, and truth to others.
ChatGPT Experience (Edited)
Monday | July 29, 2024
John 1:6-9
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
Witness to the Light
John the Baptist plays a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus, the true light. John was not the light himself but was sent to bear witness to the light, so that all might believe through his testimony. This passage underscores the importance of bearing witness to Christ, pointing others to the true light that brings life to everyone.
Consider how you can be a witness to the light of Christ in your daily life. Are there people in your life who need to hear about the hope and life that Jesus offers? Think about practical ways to share your testimony and point others to Jesus, whether through words, actions, or acts of kindness. Commit to being a faithful witness to the true light.
Pray: Lord, help me to be a witness to your light in my own life and give me the courage and wisdom to share the hope and truth of Jesus with those around me.
Experience (Edited)
ChatGPT
Tuesday | July 30, 2024
Luke 24:7
that the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.”
Remembering the Resurrection
In this verse, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection, emphasizing its necessity in God's redemptive plan. The declaration captures the core of the Gospel message: the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. This prophecy, fulfilled on the third day, is the foundation of our Christian faith, providing hope and assurance of eternal life. The resurrection signifies Jesus' victory over sin and death, offering us salvation and the promise of new life.
Reflect on the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in your life. How does this central truth of Christianity shape your daily living and faith journey? Remember that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that empowers you to live victoriously. Allow the hope and assurance of the resurrection to strengthen your faith and inspire you to share this Good News with others.
Pray: Lord, fill me with the boldness to share this Good News with others so that they, too, may experience the life-changing power of the resurrection.
Experience (Edited)
ChatGPT
Wednesday | July 31, 2024
2 Samuel 6:19-20 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
King David:ALeaderAfter God’s Own Heart
King David demonstrated the true love of God. God realized that he exemplified God’s character. A true and honest leader leads by example. Whenever a good deed is performed in the name of God, our Heavenly Father loves to reward His people. King David acted as the good shepherd and gave unto the people a good measure of food and wine to return on their journey; just as Christ fed the thousands, so they could return on their journey.
King David did just as Christ did feed the people first, and then return to his own household and blessed them. (King David’s feeding of the people pre-dates Christ’s, so this order cannot be used). He became a model of Jesus Christ. So, as leaders in all appointed positions we should duplicate what King David did for the people of God, which he was chosen to lead and serve.
Pray: Lord, help me to be a leader with a heart after God’s own heart that I may serve your people.
Reverend Dr. Vinnie Lee Small Cedar Groove AME Church Orangeburg, South Carolina dudbugbubbie@gmail.com
