The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional August 2025 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 Wilfred J. Messiah, Senior Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Bishop Erika D. Crawford, 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 Ephraim, Copy Editor
The Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Graphic Editor
Friday | August 1, 2025
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
God Will Provide
God’s purpose for your life won’t always feel easy it can be grueling, stretching you beyond your comfort zone and leaving you feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. But don’t give up. Keep pace with God, even when the path is unclear. Trust that God will supply everything you need to endure, grow, and overcome. Remember, God loves you, sees you, and believes in the calling placed on your life. So, take a deep breath, move forward with confidence, stay encouraged, keep the faith, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for the stretching.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Saturday | August 2, 2025
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
God isAlready At Work
There’s no time to whine, worry, or waver God is blessing you right now! Even if your circumstances look uncertain or your emotions feel heavy, trust this: God is already at work behind the scenes, making a way for your breakthrough. Don’t give up. Obstacles are becoming opportunities, and delays are setting the stage for deliverance. Walk forward with courage, stand firm in God’s promises, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for making a way when I cannot see one.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Sunday | August 3, 2025
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm.
Stand Firm
Don’t let anyone or anything block you from becoming who God has anointed you to be. When God’s favor is on your life, no opposition seen or unseen can override God’s purpose. The enemy may try to distract or discourage you, but his movements are no match for God’s promises. So, move forward with boldness. Stand firm in what God has spoken. Walk in the victory that’s already yours. Complete the assignment God gave you and no matter what, #HAPD (Have a Powerful Day)!
Pray: God, help me to stand firm in your word today.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel
AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Monday | August 4, 2025
Psalm 119:116
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope.
God Knows
God is not surprised by your situation. God knows exactly what you’re facing and what lies ahead. Trust that God will sustain you through every trial, challenge, and uncertainty. Walk forward in faith, with the full assurance that God is with you every step of the way. Rest in the peace that comes from knowing God cares deeply for you. So, take courage, lean on God’s strength, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for seeing me at my point of need.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Tuesday | August 5, 2025
Psalm 27:2-3
2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh my adversaries and foes they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
Delay is not Denial
Don’t be deceived delay is not denial. The enemy would love for you to believe that the waiting season is permanent, but God is simply making room for greater. Sometimes, divine delays are holy setups God is slowing you down to clear the path ahead.
Move forward with confidence, knowing that God has your best interests at heart. Learn to wait with faith, trust with joy, and walk with hope. God is working while you’re waiting. Stay faithful, stay focused and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day)
Pray: God, thank you for having my best interest at heart.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Wednesday | August 6, 2025
Psalm 119:115
Go away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
Move Forward
Stop letting your past hold you hostage. What happened then does not have the power to define what God is doing now. Release the need to repeat the same missteps and expect different outcomes God won’t bless cycles we refuse to break.
Move forward with courage. Let go of the pain. Lock in on your purpose. Trust God to turn your hurts into hallelujahs, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day)
Pray: God, deliver me from allowing my circumstances to stagnate my steps.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Thursday | August 7, 2025
Philippians 1:10
to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless,
God Knows Best
Every battle isn’t yours to fight. Every path isn’t yours to take. Trust God’s process God knows what’s best for you. Walk in step with God, move forward with courage, and watch God turn obstacles into breakthroughs. #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, equip me for the process.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Friday | August 8, 2025
Genesis 1:3
Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
One Faithful StepAway
Now is not the time to give up. Even in the face of challenge, you’re just one faithful step away from breakthrough. Keep pressing forward, knowing that God has already worked it out. Move ahead with courage, trust God to turn burdens into blessings, celebrate God’s goodness, hold on and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to keep stepping forward into my breakthrough (even if I have to crawl).
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Saturday | August 9, 2025
James 1:19
You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,
It’s Not My Business
Everybody’s business ain’t your assignment. Ask God to free you from the need to meddle and redirect your energy toward your own healing and growth. Sweep around your own front door, focus on your wholeness, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me focus on my own business today.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Sunday | August 10, 2025
Jeremiah 32:17
“Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
Shaping
“Allow God the space to shape your character, so you can face life’s battles without falling back into old habits. Move forward with courage, submit to God’s work in you, trust in God’s sustaining grace, align with God’s direction and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for shaping me today for what is to come.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Monday | August 11, 2025
Ephesians 3:20
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,
Don’t Give Up
Allow God’s power to operate through your weaknesses. You are living proof of God’s divine power working for your good. Move forward with boldness don’t give up. Trust God to transform your burdens into blessings, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for your power at work in me.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Tuesday | August 12, 2025
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Always Faithful
Be encouraged! God is always faithful to God's promises. Speak life over yourself with words of truth, favor, and healing. Remember, you have not because you ask not. So, ask boldly, move forward with courage, walk in divine authority, stand in God’s favor, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for being faithful.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church
Albany, Georgia
pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Wednesday | August 13, 2025
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
God’s Perfect Timing
Be fully convinced of God’s power to move obstacles and position the right people and opportunities around you. Trust that God’s timing is perfect and that what’s coming is exactly what you need. Now move forward with courage believe in God’s possibilities, walk boldly in your purpose, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me fully embrace where I am in life and all that this place is growing in me.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Thursday | August 14, 2025
John 20:29
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.”
Shift
Shift your focus from the problem to God. Release what you’re holding onto and trust that God is your Deliverer. Now move forward, reflect on God’s goodness, rely on God's faithfulness, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for everything you have done for me.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Friday | August 15, 2025
Matthew 6:12-13 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.
Leave The Past Behind
No matter how determined you are to move forward, something will always try to obstruct your progress by reminding you of past annoyances. Keep it moving, don’t dwell on it, and don't let it win. Move forward with courage by trusting God to turn obstacles into opportunities, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to see my past as what got me here, not where I am.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Saturday | August 16, 2025
Isaiah 40:31
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.
Mental Detox
Allow God to help you grow into a better version of yourself for the conflicts and challenges that lie ahead. Remember, every delay is not a permanent denial; it may simply be a time for mental detoxification. Move forward with courage, focus on your spiritual growth, and trust that God will work everything out, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to clear out the clutter that keeps me stuck.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Sunday | August 17, 2025
Romans 12:3
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good;
Focus On Praise
When your faith becomes fragile, frustrated, and fatigued, praising God can give you the proper perspective. Praise will help you see God in spaces where you didn’t see God initially. Move forward with courage, trust God to turn chaos into calm, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, give me a spirit of praise despite my circumstance.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Monday | August 18, 2025
Matthew 5:5
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Sustaining Faith
Don’t allow current events to contaminate your faith. Let faith in God sustain you and lift you above the fear of defeat. Move forward with courage, be positive, trust God to turn problems into possibilities, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God: thank you for being the model of faith in my life.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Tuesday | August 19, 2025
2 Thessalonians 3:2-3
2 and that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
God Never Fails
Allow the Spirit of God to guide you through the mysteries of life. God's plans for you will not fail, so make yourself available to God’s Spirit for enrichment. Move forward with courage, rebuke denial, and watch God turn your dilemmas into deliverances and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for revealing yourself to me in the stillness of today.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Wednesday | August 20, 2025
Romans 14:10-11
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God, 11 For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”
Let It Go!
Your unforgiving spirit is at odds with the spirit of God. God desires that we forgive and let go of the bitterness that gives the evil one a foothold in our lives. Move forward in grace: empty yourself, forgive yourself, free yourself, and value yourself and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, deliver me from holding grudges.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Thursday | August 21, 2025
Psalm 103:17-18 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
Forward Focused
Stop being bitter, angry, and out of control over what didn’t work out. Stop trying to pursue what God hasn’t intended for you, and instead, focus on what God has called you to do. Move forward with courage, embrace your purpose, trust God for your next, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to appreciate who I am and what I have because of who you are.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Friday | August 22, 2025
Isaiah 64:6
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There Is Work To Do
It is time to put in the work to move past the pain of your past and sever relationships with fear, crazy, and disillusionment that are impeding your future. Move forward with courage, be healed, trust God for your next, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for my next.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Saturday | August 23, 2025
1 Peter 4:10
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
Behavior Traps
Terminate greedy and selfish behavior because of its toxic nature. They are designed to trap you in a maze of self-satisfaction that you confuse with sacrifice. Move forward with a pure heart, trust God to complete you, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, deliver me from toxic habits, people, and thoughts.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Sunday | August 24, 2025
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.
Leave It There
God is ready to restore your heart, mind, and joy. God wants to help you heal and become even better than before. To do this, let go of the things, people, and mistakes that hold you back. Move forward with courage, embrace your best self, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to heal.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Monday | August 25, 2025
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Renew Your Focus
Please take a moment to slow down, calm your emotions, and connect with God before feeling overwhelmed. Let go of bitterness and allow God to help you work through the anger caused by poor decisions, pain, and guilt. Focus on healing, grow in grace, find peace, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me fix my mind on your goodness.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Tuesday | August 26, 2025
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Change Me
When God doesn’t change the problem, ask God to change you around the issue. Stop trying to change things that are beyond your season. Move forward with courage, walk in obedience, and prepare yourself for God’s shift and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to maintain ownership of my circumstance.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church
Albany, Georgia
pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Wednesday | August 27, 2025
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
Speak Life
Refrain from speaking negatively about your life. Your words can chase away God's peace and disrupt your flow. Please understand that your words have consequences and implications. The path you’re on may be the path created by your negative energy. Move forward with courage, speak victory, truth, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to speak into my own life today.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Thursday | August 28, 2025
Galatians 5:22-23
22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.
God’s Peace
Refuse to allow the choppy, rough currents of life to discombobulate your flow and spirit. Breathe and let God’s peace center you. Always remember that if God is for you, no one can defeat your progress. Move forward with joy by trusting God to turn misunderstandings into miracles and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me center myself in you in moments of uncertainty.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Friday | August 29, 2025
Acts of the Apostles 4:11-12
11 This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’ 12 “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”
Transformation
Stop being content with secondhand faith. How can one believe God if one never takes the time to seek God? Transformation comes to those who wholeheartedly seek and desire God. Move forward with courage, put God above your needs, trust God in all things, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, help me to seek you today.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church
Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Saturday | August 30, 2025
Psalm 121:7-8
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. 8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
God Is Still There
Don't be discouraged by God’s silence; God will speak to your situation through God’s grace. You’re never alone, so don't mistake silence for abandonment. Move forward with courage and encourage yourself by trusting God to turn burdens into blessings and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for your presence even when circumstances keep me from feeling you near.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
Sunday | August 31, 2025
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Keep Pace With God
God’s purpose for your life won’t always feel easy it can be grueling, stretching you beyond your comfort zone and leaving you feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. But don’t give up. Keep pace with God, even when the path is unclear. Trust that God will supply everything you need to endure, grow, and overcome. Remember, God loves you, sees you, and believes in the calling placed on your life. So, take a deep breath, move forward with confidence, stay encouraged, keep the faith, and #HAPD! (Have a Powerful Day!)
Pray: God, thank you for the stretching.
Reverend Dr. Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. Bethel AME Church Albany, Georgia pastor@bethelameofalbany.org
