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, September 26, 2023, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com. Edited for style and content.
The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional October 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
Psalm 3:5
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
Blessed Sleep
In this Psalm, David was in a great deal of trouble. His son led what seemed to be a successful rebellion against him. Many of his previous friends and associates rebelled against him and joined the ranks of those who troubled him. (2 Samuel 15:13)
For David, sleep was a blessing because he was under such extreme pressure from the pain and circumstances of Absalom’s rebellion that sleep might be impossible, but he slept. Waking for him was another blessing because many wondered if David would live to see a new day.
We take for granted how God sustains us in our sleep. But think about it: you are sleeping, unconscious, dead to the world, yet you breathe, your heart pumps, and your organs operate. The same God who sustains us when we close our eyes to sleep will sustain us in our difficulties. We should remember the importance of sleep when facing severe trouble. We must be refreshed and renewed physically and spiritually to deal with the challenges that trouble brings.
Prayer: God, help me find time to be renewed by taking a nap today. Amen.
Reverend Chestine Sims St. John AME Church Pine Bluff, Arkansaschestinesims@gmail.com
Monday | October 2, 2023
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
When LifeAttempts to Drown Us
I teach swimming lessons, and as a teacher, I instruct students how to drown-proof themselves by teaching them basic survival techniques and how to float. We need the same for life because if we are not careful, life will attempt to drown us.
Tapping into God’s strength waterproofs us from drowning in the high tides of confrontation, ridicule, and disappointment. The strength we receive when we spend time with God can and will help us swim through the difficult currents in life. This strength from God helps us when we begin to sink into the waters of hate, racism, sexism, and even militarism. The author writes that God is a refuge and strength in troubled times and events.
Additionally, when the currents get rough and fear creeps in, we depend on our ability to swim against the current. A ripe tide is dangerous because it can catch swimmers off guard as they find themselves in opposing and rapid currents. Many perish because they swim in the ripe tide. One must swim across the ripe tide, not on the tide, to save oneself. So, it is when life attempts to drown us in trials that oppose our spirit. We must learn to swim against the natural inclination to go with the tide. We must swim across the tide.
Prayer: God, help me swim in opposition to any negativity that seeks to drown me today. Amen.
Dr. Herman Osby Kelly, Jr. Bethel AME Church Baton Rouge, Louisiana hkelly1@lsu.edu
Daniel 2:47
The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery!”
We Too Can Become a Revealer of Secret Mysteries
Wouldn’t it be awesome for God to reveal to us, secret mysteries, about ourselves, wise concepts, and knowledge that surpasses normal mundane understandings?
For many of us, as Baby Boomers and Generation X’ers, we have lived more years behind us than before us. So, if we have not begun to understand our “why,” we better get busy; we must come to understand that the time we live in the natural is just a small portion of the time we exist as spiritual beings. The time after we transition will be spent in eternity, either in splendor or in perpetual regret! The choice is our own.
Maybe we need to give another thought to strengthening our relationship with God, tapping further into God’s higher resources and revelations to elevate our lives. Daniel did, we too can become more masterful in this life, and we too can be a revealer of mysteries and secrets, so to prepare for an eternal reward, “no regret!”
May Jesus keep us all and bless us abundantly today with his loving kindness and everlasting peace!
Prayer: God, please bathe me in your unfathomable love and peace today. Amen.
Denise Agnes Frith-Williams Insight 12noon prayer call/Virtual Grace via The World Wide Web/Zoom calls daily denise_frith@yahoo.com
Wednesday | October 4, 2023
Psalm 23:1,5
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Allow God to Redeem the Time
When people think of not lacking, they often refer to financial resources, particularly when they have enough to meet food, clothing, and shelter needs. Another concept of not lacking relates to time. There are only twenty-four hours in a day. Sometimes, we stress ourselves trying to figure out how to do it all in the natural world. But when we take time to be still and know that God is God, God redeems the time.
The Lord is our shepherd. The Lord guides and directs us each second of the day.
During moments of silence, be especially keen to listen for the voice of the Father. Sometimes, God will call you to be still and rest in the moment. There are other times when God will quicken something that you need to do in your spirit, and you will say, “I can do this while I wait so I don’t have to do it later.”
When we listen to God’s voice and follow God’s divine multitasking method, we will find that our time is more well-spent.
Prayer: Lord, I surrender my day to you. Please guide me in how to spend every minute so that you will get the glory. Amen.
Reverend Joy Wilkerson Yancy St. John AME Church Memphis, TN joylynn0895@gmail.com
Thursday | October 5, 2023
Psalm 18:35
You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand has supported me; your help has made me great.
Be God’s Hands
We all face obstacles in our lives. Our ability to overcome is often influenced by how we are treated. Sometimes, when we falter, we are ridiculed or persecuted. Recognizing that this does not feel good, we should take a different approach when we see others stumble and take advantage of every opportunity to be good to people. A positive word and a gentle hug can do wonders to lift those who have faced setbacks.
Being gentle and kind goes a long way because you never know people’s stories. You do not know what they left at home when they came to work, school, or church. Just as God’s right hand has held you up, be God’s hands on earth and help hold someone else up. Provide the opening for them to share what is on their minds. Your smile may make all the difference in their lives today.
Prayer: God, as you uphold me, may I uphold someone else. Amen.
Reverend Joy Wilkerson Yancy St. John AME Church Memphis, Tennessee
joylynn0895@gmail.com
Matthew 25:40
And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’
Someone Needs Your Help
Being a help to others is a fundamental principle found throughout various religious and philosophical traditions. It reflects our innate capacity for compassion and empathy. When we extend a helping hand to those in need, we not only improve their lives but also enrich our own.
Jesus exemplified the importance of helping others through his teachings and actions. He urged us to love our neighbors as ourselves, emphasizing the selfless act of assisting those who are suffering or in distress. The Bible teaches us that when we help others, we are serving Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40).
Across different faiths and belief systems, the message is clear: being a help to others reflects our shared humanity. It reminds us that we are all interconnected and dependent on one another. Acts of kindness, generosity, and support not only alleviate the burdens of those we assist but also nurture our own spiritual growth and sense of purpose.
So, as you go about your daily life, consider how you can be a help to others. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or a charitable act, you have the power to make a positive impact on someone's life and draw nearer to the divine principles of love, compassion, and service.
Prayer: God, help me to be an example of Jesus’ love today. Amen.
Saturday | October 7, 2023
Matthew 22:39
And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Love Yourself
Every Sunday in most African Methodist Episcopal churches, the congregation is asked to stand and turn their focus to the “Summary of the Decalogue.” Hear what Christ our savior saith, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” We are constantly reminded to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. However, I cannot help but wonder if we are able to love our neighbor when most of us exhibit behaviors that show we do not even love ourselves.
Think about these things:
• Do I love myself when I refuse to go to the doctor every year and get a physical exam?
• Do I love myself when I use illicit drugs and see the warning on alcohol and the cigarette pack that says, “may be hazardous to your health,” but I smoke anyway?
• Do I love myself when I choose to stay in a mentally, physically, or emotionally abusive relationship?
• Do I love myself when I have been diagnosed with illnesses that I can cure by eating better, but I refuse to work on changing my diet?
• Do I love myself when I habitually disobey God’s laws and choose to live in habitual sin?
I believe that we will only show love to our neighbors once we truly can love ourselves and show our love through our actions.
Prayer: God, help me love myself so I may truly know how to love others. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey
Bethlehem AME Church
Baltimore, Maryland
ramseyetta1@gmail.com
Galatians 2:20
And it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Who’s in Control?
We all walk from here to there, passing by failures, successes, people, and places, but why are we on this journey? What purpose does this life serve? I have been asking this question for some time in one way or another, and honestly, I still do not have an answer that feels correct. Do we exist to please ourselves? That seems selfish. Do we work for others and give all to people experiencing poverty? That appears foolish.
Where is the balance we as believers must have, or we self-destruct while living? I don't have the answer, but I do know the source God. Giving over all our existence to him frees us from wondering, worrying, idleness, over-scheduling, and all manner of issues that life brings. Now, please know that few, if any, ever accomplish this until death, but we all must realize that as each day unfolds, we must surrender ourselves to God. I pray today and ask God to deliver me from me, renew my mind in God’s word, and allow me to follow where he leads.
Prayer: God, may I surrender my life daily to your will and your way. Amen.
Mandy Powers Trinity AME Church Lansing Michigan
Monday | October 9, 2023
Psalm 17:6
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.
God Hears Every Prayer
Many of us reach out to friends and relatives when needed. Unfortunately, even though they care for us, those folks sometimes do not always answer.
But our text reminds us that there is someone we can call on who always answers. There is someone who always recognizes our calls. There is someone who will always pick up and will listen no matter how long we talk. God is always there for us.
God hears every prayer, every petition, and every supplication we make. God even hears what we don’t verbalize because God hears our hearts. So, whatever is burdening you, pray to God today. God is inclining God’s ear to your voice right now.
Prayer: God, thank you for hearing my heart. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Charles Rogers Watkins, Jr. James Chapel AME Church Charleston, Scouth CarolinaRevwatkins27@yahoo.com
Tuesday | October 10, 2023
Psalm 34:17
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles.
God Hears Us
The comforting truth that "God hears us" is a source of solace and strength in our spiritual journey. It is a foundational belief throughout various religious traditions that the Divine is attentive to the cries, prayers, and whispers of the human heart.
God not only hears but also answers our prayers. This assurance encourages us to pour our hearts to God in times of joy, sorrow, or uncertainty, knowing we are heard.
No matter our faith tradition, the belief that God hears us invites us to cultivate a deeper connection with the Divine. It encourages us to share our hopes, fears, and dreams in prayer, knowing that our petitions are not in vain.
In times of doubt or hardship, remember that God hears you. Your prayers are not lost in the vastness of the universe; they reach the heart of the Creator who loves you unconditionally. So, continue to seek God's presence through prayer and find comfort in the assurance that you are heard and cherished.
Prayer: God, thank you for hearing me when others shut me out. Amen.
Wednesday | October 11, 2023
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.”
Cease Striving
Believe it or not, being happy can sometimes generate fear. You can understand if you have ever had happy times in your life abruptly cut short by events that caused you to move from happiness to sadness or from joy to despair. It feels like you were just dropped off a cliff with no parachute. And you found yourself praying for a soft landing. So, the feeling then becomes one that says it is not safe to let your guard down. But as a child of God, you know this thinking is wrong. We can cease from striving– even in this broken world.
God tells us to cease striving and know that He is God. In other words, let go and let God be God. That can even translate to saying that it is safe to relax even in the midst of chaos (complete disorder and confusion). You don’t always have to have all the answers. You don’t always have to have everything figured out. It doesn’t always have to make perfect sense. Realizing that the Omniscient (all-knowing) One is in control allows you to enter a peace that surpasses all understanding. The overall context says: though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. In other words, you don’t have to wait for the calm before you dare to be happy.
Prayer: God, help me to choose to enjoy You and all that You have for me today! Amen.
Reverend Dr. Felicia Ingram New Greater Bethel AME Church Jackson, TennesseeEphesians 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,
Hold the Complaints
Have you ever read the story of David and Goliath in 1st Samuel 17? If yes, do you remember how King Saul gave David his armor, but David said, “I cannot because I am not used to this”? (1Samuel 17:3139)The armor King Saul was offering had been made for him, not David, and probably did not fit David. In addition, David felt that it was not the armor that would help him win the battle. David knew the battle was not his but the Lord. This is verified in verse 47 when David says, “And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s.”
Every time I read this story, it reminds me of our scripture for today. Paul wrote Ephesians to the church of Ephesus. He was trying to help all believers understand their relationship with Christ and motivate us to recognize our spiritual source for daily living. As believers, we are quick to complain daily about the things that happen in our lives that we do not like. However, we have been told, “Must Jesus bear the cross alone and let all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for everyone; there’s a cross for you and me.”
As believers, we will suffer: we will have trials and tribulations. But when they come, like David, the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. And when we put on the whole armor of God, God will fight our battles. What is the armor? There are six pieces of armor available to us as believers. They are the Helmet of Salvation, the Shield of Faith, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Belt of Truth, The Sword of the Spirit, and The Gospel of Peace. Paul admonishes us that if we put on all of God’s armor when we go through the trials and tribulations of life and must battle the devil if we have all our armor on, we will have the power to stand through anything and everything. If you find yourself crying and complaining every day and you are a believer, check out your armor.
Prayer: God, deliver me from complaints today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Marietta Ramsey Bethlehem AME Church
Revelation 22:20
The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
One Day He’s Coming Back
As I go about life and experience suffering, heartache, disappointment, and much pain, I can’t help but at times rejoice in the fact that Jesus promised that one day He is coming back. When I witness the violence today and the suffering of family and friends, I often wish for Jesus to return, and today would not be soon enough. I do not think I am the only believer who longs for Jesus’ return.
Do we long for Jesus to return so we can be in his presence where there will be no more sickness or death? Do we long for Jesus to return because we are tired of living in this difficult, dismal, disappointing world? Or is it because you love him with all your heart, soul, and mind, and no one has loved you like Jesus? The only reason I can wait for Jesus’ return is it will allow me more time to witness to family and friends to get them to give their lives to Christ and become born-again believers in the “Body of Christ” before Jesus returns. If Jesus were to return right now, it would be too late for them, and they will be lost forever. I love them enough to want them to be with me in heaven, so they need a little more time to get it together and find a relationship with Christ.
We all want Jesus to return, so we passionately say, “Come, Lord Jesus,” but we also want our loved ones to be saved before He returns. So let us work hard in these last and evil days to bring souls to Christ so that no one, especially not family and friends, will be lost when Jesus comes back again.
Prayer: Jesus, help me be mindful of living a life that is holy pleasing and acceptable unto you until your return.
Marietta Ramsey Church
Exodus 4:10-14
10 But Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.” 13 But he said, “O my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, “What of your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak well; even now he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, his heart will be glad.
No More Excuses
We are good at making excuses, aren’t we? Sometimes, we even practice and keep one under our belts in case we want not to be held accountable for whatever someone is trying to get us to do. Some have killed off or “re” -killed cousins and close relatives a few times to avoid going to work a few times.
We play incompetent and declare, "I don't know how." "I didn't understand." "I couldn't find the right tools."
We are good at finding excuses not to obey God's voice: "It's the preacher's job." "It's not my gift." "I've already served; let someone else do it." "I'm too busy or tired or too old or young." Or, one of my personal favorites: “Let me pray about it.”
Now, there is nothing wrong with praying to seek God’s face in any situation, but do you really intend to pray, or do you think that it makes you look better than if you just said, “No.”
Today, if you hear yourself giving an excuse, remember that our excuses overshadow the truth of who we are: “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Prayer: God, take away excuses that keep me from growing into my full potential.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church
Atlanta, Georgia
susanhillaryllc@gmail.com
Sunday | October 15, 2023
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Normal is Not Stagnant
Normal. What is normal? Who is normal? When was your life normal?
Where do the normal folks live, work, play, and worship? How does normal show up? Is it a pattern? Does it have the same recipe, color scheme, tonality, rhyme, or rhythm? What exactly is normal?
Too often, we convince ourselves that the absence of change constitutes normal. In our desire to be and to have a “normal” state, we can get so bound in the sameness of our lives that it is hard for us to shift. It is hard for us to shift and hear when God is calling us to our next.
Prayer: God, allow me to see the steps of shift through my normal routine today. Amen.
Monday | October 16, 2023
Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Strength in the Wilderness
Often portrayed as a lonely and challenging place, the wilderness holds deep spiritual significance in many faith traditions. It symbolizes a space of testing, transformation, and spiritual growth.
In Christianity, Jesus spent 40 days fasting and facing temptation in the wilderness. It was a place of solitude where He sought communion with God. It teaches us the importance of solitude and reflection in our spiritual journeys. It's in the wilderness that we often discover our true selves and our dependence on God.
Similarly, in Judaism, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness for 40 years after leaving Egypt served as a time of trial and purification. It was a period of learning to trust God's guidance and provision. The wilderness reminds us that even in the harshest circumstances, God is with us, providing for our needs.
Native American traditions also hold the wilderness in high regard, seeing it as a place of connection to the Creator and all living beings. It's a space for learning and respecting the balance of nature, reflecting the interconnectedness of all life.
In our own lives, we may encounter wilderness moments times of uncertainty, struggle, or isolation. These moments, though challenging, can be transformative. They invite us to draw closer to our faith, seek inner clarity, and rely on God's guidance. The wilderness teaches us that there is potential for growth, renewal, and spiritual awakening even in the harshest circumstances.
Prayer: God, help me to reflect on the strength that I have found in my wilderness experiences. Amen. ChatGPT Experience
Ephesians 4:17-25
17 Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer walk as the gentiles walk, in the futility of their minds; 18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart. 19 They have lost all sensitivity and have abandoned themselves to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 That is not the way you learned Christ! 21 For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus, 22 to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another.
Live the Truth you Know
I often hear people say, “he knows better” or “She ought to know better,” when people are expecting a person to act in a manner that is more conducive to the current situation.
For example, if students sit in class and a classmate begins to look over at another classmate’s paper and the teacher catches him, you may hear the teacher say, “Johnny, you know better.”
If your friend tells you about how another friend got dogged out by the community dog, your response might be, “She should have known better to mess with him.”
If you have no business eating all those donuts, you may look at yourself in the mirror as you lick your fingers from the last bite and say, “Now I know better than this.”
There are always situations we find ourselves in that cause us to pause and reflect on how people not just others, but often we ourselves do what is not prudent in a given situation when we are clear that the person even we knows better.
Prayer: God, help me walk in the truth of who you created me today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
susanhillaryllc@gmail.com
Matthew 5: 43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Tired?
Many of us spend day in and day out just tired. Some are tired because they are always ripping and running. Some are tired because they have a heavy load of football practice, cheerleading practice, dance rehearsal, swimming, and other sports activities. Some are tired simply from lounging around all day, not exerting too much energy, but let us be clear: lounging takes a lot of work. Amen, somebody! On any day, we do much that takes our energy away.
In most countries, there is a specific culture that helps to boost energy. In many Spanish-influenced countries, everyone takes a siesta an afternoon rest or nap, especially during the hottest hours of the day in a hot climate. In British-influenced countries, afternoon tea is a time to rest over a small meal. But in the U.S., we tend to lean more towards the school of thought that taking a break is a sign of laziness. However, even scientific research supports the need for a break.
The next time you feel guilty about taking a break, consider how much more effective it may make you in the long run.
Prayer: God, help me take energy breaks today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
James 1:2-4
2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.
What’s Your True Color?
According to psychologists, even our personalities are tied to colors. It is a common perception that colors influence your mood and emotions; red is passionate, blue is serene…and I could go on…but what we need to know for this moment, for our right now, is what that means when you’re not on the psychiatrist's couch. Still, you’re sitting on the front porch, in the choir loft, or standing on the corner in the hood…that’s the definition we need this morning…What does it mean when you show your color?
It means that somebody is showing who they are…what they think…how they act… what they are made of? When our true colors manifest, we must be willing to do the significant work of changing the behaviors that are not favorable and allowing those that are to become more prominent in our character so that we might be a strong ambassador of Christ.
Prayer: God, allow the colors of joy, love, peace, and patience to shine through me today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgiasusanhillaryllc@gmail.com
Psalm 34:1
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him
Taste and See
At some moment in our day, we all love appreciating sitting down at a table and enjoying the taste of a good meal. There are times when every bite of every dish brings joy, and truthfully, there are moments when you like this dish but not so much that dish…and when you vow never to eat that person's cooking again.
Such is life. There are days when everything is not only to your liking, but the moments have you joyful and excited and dancing in your seat for the table before you. Yet there are moments when what is before you is unpalatable and brings heartache and heartburn, and you find yourself wanting to scoot back from the table of life just for a moment because surely what God has prepared must be better than this.
Surely, what sits before me has to be better. There must be more palatable than this disease in my body…haters on my back…guilt and grief…. family drama, poor choices, and fake piety. Surely, there is something more for us to feast on than lies, scandals, broken promises, and false hopes. Surely, there is something better in us, something better for us and forever with us, and it is good for us.
Though we may think of taste as the sense associated with the mouth, it is more often associated with the mind and spirit. For taste is not only "the sensation of flavor perceived in the mouth and throat on contact with a substance," but it is also how we "perceive or experience. It is our "conformity or failure to conform with generally held views concerning what is offensive or acceptable." It is our "ability to discern what is of good quality or a high aesthetic standard."
We get a taste of life each day with every experience; some days, life tastes grand, but on others, life can leave a bad taste in our mouths.
But one aspect of living for the children of God is knowing that no matter what the world has prepared, God is always good.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgiasusanhillaryllc@gmail.com
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.
What’s Love?
One of the songs that sticks in my mind about love is from Tina Turner's life story. Having endured a horrifically violent marital relationship, Tina Turner asked: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
She posed this thought: What’s love but a secondhand emotion? On the one hand, she is often beaten to within an inch of her life, but on the other, she is being held and told, “You make me so crazy; I only do it because I love you so much.” “Love” becomes more of a declaration of pain than unconditional and righteous goodness.
Many today have a misconstrued understanding of love. We equate it to gift-giving, lust, and getting our way. Stalkers feel that their obsession is love. Those hungry for power in their relationships feel that their power is love. Those who want physical intimacy outside marriage believe their lust is love.
But on the contrary, those who try to convince us that any of these things are demonstrations of love do not know what genuine love is…they only pretend to love.
Genuine love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
God’s love is a precious, binding, and unconditional gift. It is a gift we do not deserve from our own goodness, but it is one God allows each day. It is a gift that, though we do not control whether we experience it each day from others, we receive it from God.
Prayer: God, thank you for loving me unconditionally. May I return the same genuinely to others today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
susanhillaryllc@gmail.com
Romans 6:12-14
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So, use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’ s grace.
Give to Live
Life is a precious gift. It is a gift that we do not deserve for our goodness, but it is a gift that God allows each day. Though we do not control whether we experience it each day, it is a gift that we expect to have in life.
When you went to bed last night, no matter where we were or what we were doing, we did not do so expecting that we would not get up today. In fact, on this holiday weekend, many of us had even made plans for weeks, if not months, to gather with friends and family, fly out of town, or plan a menu for the cookout.
We make plans requiring life, but sometimes life can upend our plans. Nonetheless, we live it. We still put one foot in front of the other. We rethink. We rejuvenate. We retool. We press on. We still press on, knowing that if God gave us another day in the land of the living, God has also provided a way for us to live it. And the only way to do so is to give our lives to Christ. When we give ourselves completely to God, we live covered by God’s gift of grace.
Prayer: God, thank you for giving the gift of grace. May I extend it to others today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
susanhillaryllc@gmail.com
Monday
2 Chronicles 20:17
This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
Focus
Stop focusing on what people have done to you and start focusing on what God has done for you. Put your arms out and free yourself. Take off the handcuffs of bitterness, malice, jealousy, hatred, envy, covetousness, etc. free yourself. Sometimes self is your worst enemy. If a person does you wrong, they are not above you but beneath you. If you are trying to get back at them, you are not moving upward but downward. If you are careful, you will find yourself in a different position than they are.
The battle is not yours; it is the lord. Trust God. Darkness cannot overshadow light, but light overshadows darkness. Your heart cannot simultaneously be filled with compassion, kindness, love, and bitterness. When you let go of bitterness, you free two people: you and them. Only, and only then, can you grow in God's grace.
Prayer: God, help me fix my eyes on you and not the battle. Amen.
Douglas Avery Fidelity AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
James 1:22-27
22 But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act they will be blessed in their doing. 26 If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Jesus Says
“Simon Says” is a children’s game in which players must obey the leader’s instructions only if those instructions are prefaced with the phrase “Simon Says.” If Simons says it, then you do it.
We hear the instructions. We understand the instructions. We even know what to listen for to play the game successfully, but somehow, we get tripped up. Even when we concentrate, we can put the cart before the horse and try to get to what we forget, that in this game, it is more important to listen to what Simon is saying. Likewise, in our everyday lives, we too can get caught up in our day-to-day doing and forget to focus on whether God is telling us to do what we do.
The book of James is a wonderful text written to believers, those who profess Jesus as savior, and those who rock with James when he says that he is a “servant to” and “slave of God.” This epistle--letter to God’s people is crafted by who most scholars believe is James, the brother of Jesus. Can you imagine having to live up to Jesus as your brother?
Wait, we do not have to imagine it. Jesus is our brother, and we are his siblings; each day that we rise, our primary goal is to live a life that is “holy, pleasing, and acceptable before God, not conforming to this world, not copying the behaviors and customs of this world but letting God transform us by the renewing our mind so that we might come to know God’s good and pleasing and perfect will for our lives.
(Romans 12:1-2) But to do that, we must be intentional in how we engage God daily. And it takes work. Because every day we get up, the enemy gets mad and tries to give us instructions to live by that do not come from God.
So, each day, we must rise to listen to what God says. We must function through the world's white noise daily to hear God’s voice in every circumstance.
Prayer: God, help me to shut out the noise to hear your instructions today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday | October 25, 2023
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Speak Life
In Hebrew, “word” means “an agent of creation.” Our words create! Our words are agents of creation! Our words shape and mold…our words produce…our words construct…our words manifest… our words manufacture…our words assemble…our words put together…but it is all about what words we use.
That is why, in the beginning, there was already darkness, but God used words…God spoke: “Light,” and light appeared. God spoke: “Sky,” and the heavens were separated from the earth. God spoke: “Let the earth bring forth grass,” and it did. God spoke: “Light! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky”…and the stars appeared. God spoke, and fish filled the oceans and birds filled the sky. God spoke, and every land animal began to roam the earth. God spoke: Let us make human beings in our image…and man and woman were created!
Likewise, Every time we speak, we create something…every time words come forth, we are setting into motion some action in the atmosphere.
Prayer: God, allow me to use my words to build others today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgiasusanhillaryllc@gmail.com
Thursday | October 26, 2023
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ
Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Attention Seeking
Many of us spend a lot of time trying to feel love. Some may call it…seeking attention. Doing stuff to get others to notice us, to accept us acting out… to see if people we feel should love us love us.
Children are notorious for such behaviors, but it seems that many of us carry the same behaviors the same mentality into our adult life. Often, how we love what we look for and who we look for changes as we mature. When we mature, my sisters, we no longer look for the “bad boy” of whom our parents would never approve. We start looking for the “right man” who loves the Lord as Christ loves the church.
When you mature, my brothers, you no longer look for the “good-time girl” who you know is down for anything…but you start looking for a wife who understands that he is a precious jewel and that her children will rise and call her blessed.
When we mature, we do not look for our peers to validate us, but we believe we are a royal priesthood, God’s chosen people.
When we mature, we do not seek praise from people because we know that God loved us so much that God sent Jesus, God’s only begotten son, to die for us so that we might have life and life more abundantly.
But the reality is that growing to a point when we are mature enough to understand these truths about ourselves takes work. We just do not come out of the gate mature.
Prayer: God, help my thoughts and actions to demonstrate my spiritual maturity today. Amen.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
susanhillaryllc@gmail.com
Psalm 1
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers, 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. 4 The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Choices Matter
Psalm 1 serves as a profound reminder of the choices we face in our spiritual journey. It paints a vivid picture of two contrasting paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The Psalmist encourages us to be intentional about the company we keep, the counsel we heed, and the meditations of our hearts.
Blessed is the one who walks in the counsel of the Lord, finding wisdom in God’s word and seeking God’s guidance. They are like trees planted by streams of water, rooted deeply in the life-giving truths of God. Every season, they bear fruit, flourishing and unshaken by life's storms.
Conversely, those who choose to walk the path of the ungodly wither away like chaff scattered by the wind. Their lives lack purpose and substance, driven by worldly desires and short-lived pleasures.
Psalm 1 underscores the importance of delighting in God's law and meditating on it day and night. By immersing ourselves in the word of God, we gain strength, wisdom, and discernment to navigate life's challenges. We become resilient, unwavering, and fruitful.
Prayer: God, help me choose the path of righteousness, rooted in your word, and experience the blessedness that comes from an obedient life. Amen.
ChatGPT Experience
Genesis 2:1-2
1Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. 2 On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done.
Find Rest in God
Genesis 2:1-2 offers a profound glimpse into the divine act of creation and the concept of rest. After God had meticulously crafted the heavens and the earth in six days, God chose to rest on the seventh day, sanctifying it as a day of rest and reflection.
This passage teaches us the importance of rest in our lives. God, the Creator of the universe, set this example for us, not because God needed rest but to emphasize the significance of rest for creation. In our fast-paced, busy lives, we often neglect the necessity of rest, both physically and spiritually.
God's act of resting also reminds us of the completeness and perfection of God’s creation. God looked upon all creation and found it "very good." As we reflect on this, we understand that rest is not just about physical rejuvenation but also about recognizing the goodness of God's work in our lives. Moreover, the Sabbath day points to the spiritual rest we find in God through faith in Jesus Christ. In God, we find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
Prayer: God, help me embrace both physical and spiritual rest in my life. Amen.
Exodus 1:6-8
6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers, and that whole generation. 7 But the Israelites were fruitful and prolific; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them. The Israelites Are Oppressed 8 Now a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.
Trust God’s Sovereignty
Exodus 1:6-8 introduces us to a significant shift in the biblical narrative. These verses mark the beginning of the Israelites' journey from being honored guests in Egypt to becoming oppressed slaves. "Joseph and all his brothers died," and a new Pharaoh arose who "did not know Joseph." This change in leadership marked a turning point for the Israelites.
This passage reminds us of the transient nature of worldly favor and the importance of placing our ultimate trust in God. The Israelites had enjoyed prosperity and favor in Egypt during Joseph's time, but the passage shows that political circumstances can change rapidly. Human allegiances are fleeting, but God's promises endure.
It also underscores the fact that God's plan often unfolds in unexpected ways. While the Israelites faced adversity and hardship, God worked behind the scenes to fulfill God’s promise to make them a great nation and lead them to the Promised Land.
In our own lives, we may encounter seasons of difficulty and uncertainty. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem bleak. Just as God had a plan for the Israelites' deliverance, God has a purpose for us. We must lean on God.
Prayer: God, help me remain faithful, and know that your promises will ultimately prevail, even in the face of adversity. Amen.
Monday | October 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?
ADivine Mandate
Social justice is a concept deeply rooted in compassion, equality, and fairness, and it finds resonance in various spiritual and ethical traditions. It calls us to recognize every individual's inherent dignity and worth and work towards a world where all people can live with equity and justice.
Social justice is not just a human endeavor but also a divine mandate. Jesus's life and teachings exemplify the importance of caring for the marginalized and oppressed, emphasizing love and empathy for our neighbors.
Across faiths and belief systems, the call to pursue social justice resonates. It challenges us to address issues like poverty, discrimination, and inequality, advocating for the rights and well-being of all people. As we contemplate the idea of social justice, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable world. It calls us to examine our actions, challenge prejudice, and work towards a society where compassion and fairness prevail.
Prayer: God, help me honor the principles of our faith and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world. Amen.
Tuesday | October 31, 2023
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.”
Restoring Through Stillness
Amid life's chaos, these words resonate as a call to pause, to quiet the clamor within and around us. In stillness, we find a sacred space to encounter the Divine. This verse reminds us that acknowledging God's sovereignty brings serenity. It is an invitation to release control and trust in His supremacy. As we yield to God’s exalted presence, we discover peace in surrender, and our souls echo the reverence that resounds across the universe.
Amid the chaos, carve out moments of stillness to be in God's presence. Allow God’s peace to wash over you.
Prayer: God, help me to walk in the sanctuary of your calm.