The Secret Chamber: November 2023 Edition

The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional November 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

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Wednesday | November 1, 2023

Psalm 96:1-2 1

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

Keep a Song Hidden in your Heart God knows the desires of our hearts. God is willing and waiting for us to seek God. God knows what is best for us. So, when the troubles of this old world weigh us down, and the enemy thinks he has won, trust God and start singing that hymn or spiritual song hidden in your heart. The song that will bring unspeakable joy and happiness. Sing “God Will Take Care of You” and many other songs, and watch God work it out.

Pray: God, help me to keep a song hidden in my heart that will guide my journey of trust in you.

Exhorter Monica Davis Island Creek AME Church Rose Hill, North Carolina monicadavis908@gmail.com

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Thursday | November 2, 2023

Psalm 116:2

Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore, I will call on him as long as I live.

Bended Ear Advent season is upon us. The word advent means arrival, start, beginning, coming on, dawn, initiation, or introduction. Most people focus on Advent because it represents the soon-coming arrival of Jesus.

Many look forward to the season of Christ’s birth, whether for spiritual or personal reasons. However, this is also the last month of the year, and many people begin considering what they have accomplished.

If this has been a rough year and the goals you established in January have yet to be accomplished, do not fear. The opposite of Advent is “departure.” As long as you have breath, you can advance from this year with lessons learned to move forward into the New Year successfully. God is bending down to listen; pray about the new things you desire for the upcoming year.

Pray: God, help me experience the new thing you have for me in my journey toward freedom.

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

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Friday | November 3, 2023

Matthew 6:33

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

Priorities Vs. Balance Balance is a word we often hear when managing responsibilities in different areas of our lives.

Depending upon our phase of life, our responsibilities will be different. But no matter the phase that you are in, there will always be obligations and tasks that compete for our attention, so we are told to seek balance.

However, the problem with balance is that its goal is to distribute things evenly. To balance a scale, the weight must be the same on both sides. We can all agree that not every area of our lives deserves equal attention. So, the issue is not balance; it is prioritization.

God does not want to be equal to, or balanced with, anything else in our life. God wants to be number one! When we get our priorities right - God first, family second, and so on, things fall into place, and we can experience the peace and refresh that we desire. So, instead of seeking balance, let's set priorities.

Pray: God, remind me to recognize that my liberation is a priority.

Pastor Lisa Reynolds Community AME Church Ecorse, Michigan lreyn812@gmail.com www.communityamec.org

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Saturday | November 4, 2023

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—

Saving Grace As I entered the restaurant and greeted the hostess, I held up my hand and said, “Five.” As she looked around, I also looked around and saw one person in my party. She was waving and smiling, inviting me to our table. I started smiling when I saw a bright yellow gift bag. There was a card attached with “Joy” written in orange cursive letters. Orange is one of my favorite colors. I automatically sat down in front of my name, and we talked until others arrived. The third person to arrive immediately dove into her bag of goodies, so we all did. We looked forward to blowing our bubbles and chewing our gum. One person immediately tried out her lip balm. We had so much fun.

The giver called the bags “happies,” and gifts tend to make us happy and bring us joy. I vividly recall the joy I felt on my 51st birthday when an engagement ring appeared on the table along with my dessert.

While they say diamonds are forever, nothing can compare to the joy of receiving the gift of God’s grace.

I appreciate Jesus using other people to spread his love with tangible gifts and acts of kindness. I praise God for the unmerited favor of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.

(Used by permission from Anchored to Hope: 15-Minute Devotions to Activate Your Faith by Joy W. Yancy) Pray: God, help me to find joy in all experiences today.

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

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Sunday | November 5, 2023

Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19 1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith, our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith, we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better homeland, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, 18 of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” 19 He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

The Power Supply of our Hope With every bridge we cross, we put faith in its integrity that it won't fail, and we shall reach the other side. With every flick of the switch, we trust that power shall flow, and the room will be illuminated. We even have confidence in the invisible air around us...for although it alludes our sight, we can feel it when it moves.

This is the hope we have in our God. We witness the evidence of our creator’s existence through God’s movement in our lives. It is through our faith that allows God to take shape. Faith allows us to behold and see our way through. It is through the eyes of faith that allows us to see hope in trying situations. In tumultuous times, it is faith that binds us and holds us together.

For our Father in Heaven has something greater for us than our momentary sufferings. Even death is conquered through faith. No special gift is required for faith. No titles or positions of prestige needed.

From Prince to peasant have all the benefits that our faith has to offer. This faith gives us the ability to do the works of God and make Him visible to those seeking hope.

Pray: God, help me to expand my confidence in you so that I might walk in your liberating power.

Reverend Anthony Lyn Carter Jones Chapel AME Church Elyria, Ohio anthonylcarter74@gmail.com www.joneschapelame.com

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Monday | November 6, 2023

Psalm 96 1

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. 4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth.

Great is the Lord and Greatly to be Praised Psalm 96 declares the glory of God to the entire world. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised.

We are to proclaim the good news of salvation we are admonished to sing praises to God and proclaim God’s salvation day after day.

Beloved we should never stop proclaiming the good news of God’s salvation, We are challenged to praise God every day. In the morning and In the evening. We praise God for the assurance that there is a way of salvation provided for us and we can be happy forever God is great in every possible sense: great in power, great in dignity, and great in mercy. Therefore, God is greatly to be praised.

Pray: God, help me to be free to praise you in all aspects of my living.

Dr. Charles Rogers Watkins , Jr. James Chapel AME Church Summerville South Carolina revwatkins27@yahoo.com

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Tuesday | November 7, 2023

Matthew 8:23-24 23

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 A windstorm suddenly arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves, but he was asleep.

Acts 12:6

The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison.

A Growing Peace The peace that surpasses all understanding is available, but can we just be honest; that peace is hard to get to. It is not easy because we have an earthly understanding of what peace looks like and feels like and is.

Peace is not dismissing contextual calamity. Peace is trusting that amid the calamity, we know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to God’s purpose.

That means that our contextual calamity is a vehicle used to drive us to trust God more.

Peter was in the boat with Jesus and the other disciples when the storm rose on the sea. Peter and the disciples were fearful that the sea would consume them. Jesus was asleep. Peter was afraid. Fast forward to Peter, in a prison cell awaiting beheading. Peter, who was afraid, is now asleep. He had learned that peace is trusting God amid contextual calamity.

Likewise, our growth is demonstrated by how we trust God in our most trying circumstances.

Pray: God, help me to liberate myself from focusing on my circumstance.

Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia susanhillaryllc@gmail.com www.susanhillaryllc.com

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Wednesday | November 8, 2023

2 Corinthians 2:14

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him.

Trusting God in the Unknown At the golden milestone of fifty, life blooms with exciting new possibilities of the future. Amidst this glorious juncture, the arrival of a precious grandchild brought an overflow of joy, serving as a reminder of the beautiful circle of life that God orchestrates. Simultaneously, a fresh ministry assignment stirs my soul, with hope, gratitude, anticipation, and fear.

However, I found that even in the midst of a deep sense of purpose and celebratory moments difficult life situations will unfold. I also discovered that life will always has woven within it both joyous triumphs and testing trials. It is at this juncture, where the steadfast trust in God's unwavering grace becomes the anchor that fortifies the heart and spirit.

Reflecting on the inspired words of 2 Corinthians 2:14, the apostle Paul's timeless proclamation echoes with resounding truth: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere." These words resonate with a profound assurance that, in every circumstance, God's triumphant grace reigns supreme.

Pray: God, help me have unwavering, liberating trust in you.

Reverend Marvette Miller St. Paul AME Church Memphis, Tennessee mmiller91@hotmail.com

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Thursday | November 9, 2023

Deuteronomy 28:6

“Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

Every Which Way I Turn As I reflect upon the comings and goings I have experienced in my life, I can thankfully proclaim, “Every which way I turn, the Lord keeps blessing me!” Aren’t you glad to have your own personal testimony about how the Lord bestows upon you God’s supernatural, marvelously Divine favor?

Moses delivered a great promise from the Lord to believers who obey God’s Word. Praise God, the promise extends to us! Whether in the city or in the country, whether coming in or going out, when we are faithful and obedient, the blessings are so great and fast-moving that they overtake us! Enemies are defeated! Everything our hands find to do that is pleasing to the Lord will be abundantly blessed!

Along with goodness and mercy which follow us all the days of our lives, great blessings swiftly advance and overtake us! Time after time, the Lord keeps blessing us over and over again!

Pray: God, thank you for every blessing and for the greatest blessing of all: the liberating gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Presiding Elder Colleen P. Gibson North Memphis District Memphis, Tennessee cpgib@msn.com

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Friday | November 10, 2023

John 6:11-12 11

Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.”

Waste Not As a child, I was taught “waste not, want not.” Too-small clothing was cut and artistically pieced together into colorful quilts. We knew how to recycle and repurpose before the term “eco-friendly” became popular.

It is described in St. John Chapter 6 that there were 5,000 hungry men plus hungry women and children in the great multitude which followed Jesus Christ when He crossed over the Sea of Galilee. Jesus prayed, gave thanks, then miraculously fed them with five loaves and two small fish. He then directed His disciples to gather into baskets the leftover fish and bread.

Jesus commanded His disciples, saying: “Don’t waste anything!” When the many fragments of leftovers were placed together, they filled twelve large baskets. Each of Jesus’ twelve disciples could have had his own personal basket of unexpected blessings!

Pray: God, help me to waste not any portion of my life.

Presiding Elder Colleen P. Gibson North Memphis District Memphis, Tennessee cpgib@msn.com

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Saturday | November 11, 2023

Isaiah40:31

But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Matthew 5:4

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Grief in Thanksgiving I have no psychological or theological intellect to explain grief that connects to everything and everyone. The Bible, experience, and observation are my only reference.

Grief has no favorites, no time limit—it is transient. Its trauma applies to the fragility of humans, war, animals, loss of property, power, election, diagnosis. It comes in waves, here today and sometimes forgotten until tomorrow.

How does one respond to grief in times of Thanksgiving? The soul is burdened, even when scriptures are repeated. We pray, meditate on the Word to let this bitter cup pass. Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil for thou art with me, Thy rod, and staff they comfort me.

We meditate on the Holy Words and wait. We believe that God directs our journey towards designated pathways. The soul takes charge so we can embrace every minute of living, to include grief. So, we must value and not curse each circumstance that is imprinted on each page in the book of life. Grief and thanksgiving accompany living.

Pray: God, help me to embrace the liberating power found in grief.

Ms. Jennifer E Miller Bethel AME Church San Antonio, Texas jmille5974@yahoo.com

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Sunday | November 12, 2023

Matthew 6:33

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

The Jump-Start One early morning, I picked up my phone and opened my Uber app. And noticed it was extremely busy (high surges). Trips were coming back-to-back with lucrative fares. Before long several hours had passed, and I had not even indulged in the first meal of the day. Now evening had befallen, and business was still busy, but I felt extremely famished. This was at a defining moment, feeling conflicted about missing out on the lucrative fares or needing to immediately address my famished state (feeling my blood sugar dropping) …I could barely make it to the restaurant. If only I had started my day seeking God first.

Have you found yourself putting “life-ing” ahead of your spiritual obligations for Christian growth?

Does your “To-Do” list for the day reflect the need for a spiritual tune-up of feeding the soul? Why wait until you are in a dire situation to call upon the name of the Lord? Well from time to time we all may find ourselves guilty of this practice, but I want to remind us of God’s word in Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Pray: God, free me from tying to jumpstart my day without seeking you first.

Mrs. Nicole Washington Saint Paul AME Church Fayetteville, Tennessee nicolewashington49@icloud.com

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Monday | November 13, 2023

Genesis 8:22

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.

Perpetual Gardner of our Life I have a colleague who is a master gardener she currently is pursuing a botany degree just for fun. She has been featured in major magazines and host unimaginable garden parties. She is tutoring and mentoring me, but I am not a very good student.

The other day she was sharing with me that now in the autumn season is when I should be planting for the spring. She told me she had over 200 tulip bulbs and other variety of plants and flowers that she is in the midst of planting in this season. So, I said to her while we are harvesting the apples and I’m living my best pumpkin spice life you are already in the throes of planting flowers for the spring.

And then that’s when it hit me. That is exactly what the Savior is doing for us. He is the perpetual Great Gardner. He is always working behind the scenes on the next season of our life. And today is a workday.

Pray: God, thank you for developing me through each season of my life.

Dr. Veda Stewart Embry Chapel AME Church Elizabethtown, Kentucky sisvpower@icloud.com

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Tuesday | November 14, 2023

Genesis 8:22

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.

God is Cultivating us through all Seasons God is the perpetual Great Gardner. Throughout the seasons of our lives, God is consistently cultivating our character. While we are in the harvest season God is already planting and preparing in us everything, we need for our Spring season. While we are focused on our problems in Fall, God is already taking care of our Spring needs. While we are on summer vacation, God is storing up for our winter famine.

God is caring for us in every season of our lives. He has ordered seedtime and harvest to yield abundance in our lives. God loves us and desires for us to totally rely on God’s promises. As each season encourages us to put our trust in God, we cultivate the fruit of the spirit and learn that we must put our trust in God. All God ask is that we crown God Lord of every season!

Pray: God, help me to relay on your through each season of my life.

Dr. Veda Stewart Embry Chapel AME Church Elizabethtown, Kentucky sisvpower@icloud.com

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Wednesday | November 15, 2023

Luke 10:27

He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.”

Loving Your Neighbor Luke 10:27 instructs us to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. Liberation and love are intricately linked. To love our neighbor is to be actively engaged in our liberation journey. It is an expression of God’s love in action.

Pray: God enable me to extend compassion, mercy, and justice to those around me.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District, Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Thursday | November 16, 2023

Isaiah 53:5

But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.

A Time for Healing Liberation encompasses healing—physical, spiritual, and emotional. Christ’s sacrifice brings healing, and this is an integral part of love. God, who is a compassionate healer, desires that we seek healing in our lives and in the world. We find inner peace and restoration through the wounds of Christ, who bore our pain for so that we might be healed. May our healing be a testament to God’s love for us.

Pray: God, thank you for providing healing for all that concerns me.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Friday | November 17, 2023

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?

A Humble Heart Micah 6:8 beckons us to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Liberation and love are rooted in justice and humility. In our journey toward liberation, we must be mindful of our call to act justly, show mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Pray: God, instill in me a commitment to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Saturday | November 18, 2023

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

The Power of Prayer Prayer is a potent tool in our journey of liberation. It connects us with the divine and empowers us to persevere in the face of adversity.

In our prayers, we find a wellspring of strength, connection, and guidance. Our prayers become a powerful force for liberation, rooted in justice and hope. Our prayers are conversations with God that lead us to action, and may our actions be acts of love, justice, and liberation.

Pray: God, remind me to talk to you about my journey today.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Sunday | November 19, 2023

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Patience in Waiting Liberation requires patience. In our waiting, we find strength, resilience, and faith. It is in the waiting that we grow stronger and closer to the liberating and loving God. As we wait on the Lord, we do so, knowing that God grants us strength and resilience. Our liberation journey is a testament to the beauty of patient endurance. It is most impactful when we trust in God’s perfect time.

Pray: God, help to find solace in knowing that your timing is perfect.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Monday | November 20, 2023

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Forgiveness and Grace Ephesians 4:32 urges us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as, in Christ, God has forgiven you. Forgiveness and grace are essential elements of our liberation journey. As we forgive, we release the power of love and grace, contributing to our collective liberation and allow compassion to flow through our hearts to those who have wronged us. This compassion strengthens the bonds of love, justice, and liberation in our loves.

Pray: God, teach me to forgive others just as you have forgiven me.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Tuesday | November 21, 2023

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up the other, but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.

Strength in Unity Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that two are better than one. From a womanist perspective, unity is pivotal in our liberation journey. Together, we can achieve greater progress in our pursuit of justice, love, and liberation. We come together as a connectional church family, supporting one another in times of need and rejoicing in each other’s victories.

Pray: God, allow my connection with others to be a driving force in my liberation journey.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Wednesday | November 22, 2023

Psalm 23 1

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long

The Lord is our Shepherd Today, let us reflect on Psalm 23, a source of immense comfort and strength. The Lord as our Shepherd reminds us that in God's care, we find guidance, nourishment, and restoration. This sustenance is central to our liberation journey. God, who is the Shepherd of our Souls guides us and provide for us and helps us trust in God’s leading. When we allow God to be our shepherd, we find the strength for our liberation journey.

Pray: God thank you for shepherding us along today’s journey.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Thursday | November 23, 2023

Psalm 100 1

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.

A Heart of Thanksgiving Today, we turn to Psalm 100 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Our thanksgiving is not merely a gesture of gratitude; it is a form of resistance against the powers that aim to diminish us. In our thankfulness, we find strength and unity, and this is a vital part of our liberation journey.

Pray: God, let my thanks be an act of resistance against oppression and injustice.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Friday | November 24, 2023

Ephesians 6:10-11 10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power; 11 put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil

The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-11 reminds us that we must put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes In our liberation journey, this armor becomes a symbol of resistance against oppression. It embodies our commitment to justice and love.

When we done the armor of faith, righteousness, truth, peace, salvation, and God’s word, we take a stand against oppression and injustice. Our armor is a testament to our unwavering love for justice and commitment to liberation.

Pray: God protect me with your full armor as a journey today.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Saturday | November 25, 2023

Isaiah 43:18-19 18

Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Gratitude in Adversity Even in the face of challenges and adversity, our journey of liberation is fueled by gratitude and hope. In thanksgiving, we resist the weight of past burdens. God empowers us through our adversity. When we choose gratitude and trust in God along our liberation journey, we find solace in knowing that every plan of God for our lives shall come to pass.

Pray: God, shield me against the forces that seek to burden me.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Sunday | November 26, 2023

Joel 2:25

I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army that I sent against you.

A Time of Restoration Restoration is integral to our liberation journey. Joel 2:25 is a reminder of that restorative power. God's promise of restoration inspires hope and rejuvenates our faith. As we journey today, we have the assurance that no matter what has happened in our lives, God is able (and willing) to breathe new life into us for the liberating journey ahead.

Pray: God, provide a second wind for us today as we experience you glory.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Monday | November 27, 2023

Mark 10:45

For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.

The Call to Serve Service is not just an act of love; it is an act of resistance against self-centeredness and injustice. God grants us the heart to serve just as Jesus did and to also find joy in selflessly serving others. When we serve others, we are God’s true instrument of love, justice, and liberation.

Pray: God, help me to see the gift that I carry in serving others.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Tuesday | November 28, 2023

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

The Light of the World Christ's light is a guiding force in our liberation journey, illuminating the path towards justice, love, and liberation. In this light, we find direction, hope, and purpose. We also find that Christ illuminates that path that we must take toward justice, love, and freedom. When we follow the light of Christ, we not only find our way, but we also brighten a path for other to follow.

Pray: God, shine you liberating light on me and through me today.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Wednesday | November 29, 2023

Deuteronomy 28:2

All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Lord your God

A Season of Blessings God’s blessings will come on you and accompany you if you are obedient to God’s direction. When we recognize that our obedience is intertwined with focus on the justice and liberation of all people.

Obedience to God’s commandments brings blessings not only to us but to all who yearn for liberation.

As we seek to obey God’s commandments, may we trust that abundant blessings will follow.

Pray: God, help me to overflow with justice, love, and liberation for others.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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Thursday | November 30, 2023

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?

The Greatest Commandment The first and greatest commandment is at the core of our liberation journey. Love is the force that binds us in our pursuit of justice and freedom. Our loving God helps us to love with all our heart and enables us to love others. This remains a guiding principle in all we do as brothers and sisters in the body of Christ to promote justice and liberation for all.

Pray: God, help me to love myself and others genuinely.

Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram Presiding Elder August North District Georgia tonilenaye@gmail.com https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/tonibeliningram https://tonibeliningram.wordpress.com

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