The Secret Chamber | A Digital Devotional May 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 Buckson, Copy Editor
The Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Graphic Editor
With 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 voice in writing. An actual person enhanced each Open AI ChatGPT experience included to fit the context of this edition. Visit https://openai.com to explore the possibilities.
Thursday | May 1, 2025
Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Beyond Normal
Did you realize that God is doing a new thing in your life every day, not a normal thing? Just asking. There is a difference, you know. Normal is often seen as routine, mundane, and even safe. I mean, there is nothing wrong with normal; it is comforting, and we like the convenience of comfort. It does not require that we step out of our comfort zone.
But what if your experience with normal hinders you from getting to your next? What if it keeps you in a box that is not meant for you? What if there were more, but you are too apprehensive to receive new?
The text reminds us that our weight “slows us down.” I am clear that the text refers to sin, but note that it says, “especially the sin,” inferring that there are other things that “trip us up.” One of those things is lowering the expectation that God will do a new thing.
Personally, some of you may know that I recently said, “Absolutely Positively Yes” to Rev. Dr. Michael G. Ephraim’s proposal of marriage. I must admit that my normal routines of life had begun to consume me, but as I evaluated what had become normal in my life at the end of the year, I declared to the Lord, I am content with my normal, but Lord, I am open to whatever new thing you have for my life. And look at God.
I get that it is scary to walk into anything new. For you, it may be walking into a room of people you do not know or starting a new school or job, prioritizing self-care, changing your attitude, or releasing guilt or unforgiveness. Whatever normal has consumed you, I encourage you today to receive the new life God sent Jesus to ensure for you.
Pray: God, give me the courage to grow beyond my normal.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Friday | May 2, 2025
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Go, Teach, and Baptize
No instructions could be clearer than those which Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19-20. These commands don’t just say what to do but they give the entire “who, where, when and actions to take for making disciples. First command is to simply “Go.” Go means to literally make an effort to proceed in a specific direction. In this case the where is “all nations” of the world, all meaning all so that all will come to understand the saving power and authority of Jesus Christ and while teaching baptize the hearers and learners in the names of God which are the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. The last command is to “teach” that which Jesus has commanded and be assured that as we go, God will be with us. These things are to be done even in the midst of those who doubt [Matthew 28:17]. We must focus on the “Go, Teach and Baptize” and not only on those who doubt for if we focus on those who doubt we may become discouraged and never begin the journey of making disciples.
Reverend Dr. Terri Strong
Mt. Sinai African Methodist Episcopal Church Arlington, Tennessee terristrong3082@gmail.com
Saturday | May 3, 2025
Exodus 12:14
14 “This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time.
We Are Sankofa
When COVID-19 quarantined the world, I was comforted by the voices of two of my elders, who shared with me stories of how they remembered homes and blocks of homes in their communities quarantined because of measles outbreaks. They were not at all shaken by the quarantine incident. They had seen this before.
While localized quarantines pale compared to a global shutdown, I find it essential to recognize that our foreparents have experiences that parallel all we see. They have, in essence,“been there and done that.” Every generation has its own experiences, yet those experiences are not compartmentalized but connected.
God calls the Israelites to remember the night that the plague of death did not touch them; however, it is more than that. This text is a reminder of the ways and means, the degradation and debasing, the whips, and the struggles of slavery that preceded this night. Just like your today is never separate from yesterday, your today is also linked to your tomorrow and your children’s tomorrow and their children’s children’s tomorrow.
We are Sankofa. We are always going forward with the seeds of yesterday. Never forget that the wisdom you need is found behind you.
Pray: God, order my mind that I may never forget your sacrifice and the sacrifice of my people.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Sunday | May 4, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we no longer know him in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the art of restoring what once was. When something is restored, its foundation remains, yet it emerges renewed. We often need to mend friendships or family bonds, hoping the reasons for our disconnection haven't caused irreparable harm.
God grants us the strength to let go of our past and welcome a fresh start through the gift of salvation, which guides us on our journey to become our best selves. Transforming into a new creation can feel overwhelming, particularly when those around us cling to their memories of who we used to be. This journey toward renewal requires not only inner faith but also the courage to face the uncertainty of change while navigating the challenges posed by the perceptions of others. Embracing this transformation involves shedding old habits, redefining our values, and consistently striving to embody the person we aspire to be.
The wonderful truth is that God grants us a divine "do-over," inviting us to become ambassadors for Christ. God’s selfless sacrifice allows for our renewal. When we sing “Give Me a Clean Heart,” we ask God to renew our hearts for God’s purpose. The traits that once distanced us from God no longer define us. Let’s celebrate God’s name for the art of reconciliation!
Pray: God, help me to be mindful of how my past empowers my future.
Ms. Octavia Latrellis Dent Fambro Chapel AME Church Macon, Georgia
Macon Conference Christian Education Director/DOLA Alternate Lay Member of the AMEC Judicial Council octavia78978@gmail.com
Monday | May 5, 2025
Psalm 23:4
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
Experiencing God in the Valley
Church service is where many of us have a mountain-top experience with God. However, we cannot remain there, but we must go down to the valley. Symbolically, hills and mountains can represent our being above the problems and worries of life. We can maintain our focus as we look above and maintain a positive outlook. Yes, and realize that our help comes from our Father above where we can bask in God’s presence. It is in the valley (daily routines) where we are challenged to maintain a positive view of life because the valley is located below as well as between the hills and mountains. It is there where we must walk through that part called the valley of the shadow of death (the unexpected).
Death constantly reminds us of our limited time of earthly existence. Our focus then shifts to death’s unknown factors of the date, time, how it will happen, or one’s state or condition. So, death casts a shadow (a distorted, unrealistic view) of itself to test one’s faith causing fear and hopelessness in some. Psalm 23 reassures us that God is with us in the valley and there is no need to fear any evil (thoughts, words, or deeds). We must learn to rest in God’s love. Our faith and trust in God should help us to cast our fear upon Him. God made provision for us to withstand any circumstance, and God is with us wherever we may be!
Pray: God, thank you for my valley experiences that strengthen m trust in you.
Reverend Darnell A. West, M Div. McChapel AME Church Marianna, Florida
dbwpa12@ymail.com
Tuesday | May 6, 2025
1 Corinthians 1:18
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God
Even In My Foolishness
No one knows nothing. (Read that again.)
As an educator, I embraced Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Gardner’s research suggests that individuals possess various distinct types of intelligence rather than a single general intelligence. Gardner shares that we all have varying levels of strength in eight areas: Visual-spatial, Linguistic-verbal, Logical-mathematical, Body-kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalistic. In essence, Gardner’s work tells us that no one knows nothing. We all may not know everything, but we do know something in our own way.
We all have intelligence the know-how to produce in key areas. However, having intelligence and operating in wisdom are two different things. Wisdom is not about what you know but about how you live. James 3:13 reminds us that we prove that we are wise“by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Jesus demonstrated wisdom in every one of his actions. Likewise, we are called to live a holy, pleasing, and acceptable life before God (Romans 12:1). But to do so in these earthly bodies, we need God’s wisdom. We need the same wisdom that we understood from the cross, and though I could call on the thousand angels, I know that my life is a holy sacrifice. We need the same wisdom many in the Bible demonstrated when they stood for God and did not bow to man. We need the same wisdom that may not have ever learned to read but declares with fervor,“Yes, God is real, for I can feel God in my heart.” As we operate in God’s wisdom through every circumstance, we demonstrate to the world that we are God’s chosen ambassadors.
Pray: God, thank you for choosing me in my foolishness to be an ambassador for Christ.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Wednesday | May 7, 2025
John 12:1-3
1 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
The Press
One sure way to honor the Lord is to spend time with him in intimate ways. It demonstrates our gratitude for all that the Lord has done in our lives. It demonstrates how, in the midst of worldly pressure, you lean into the courage and conviction of godly love to do what you know is the right thing to do.
We have to realize that there is nothing that we can ever do to give back to God what God has given unto us, yet, what we can do is give God our best. From Judas’ perspective, Mary was wasting the oil that she used to anoint Jesus’ feet. For Mary, however, she was pressing into the Lord’s presence to bless him with her best. Mary chose to use her best to honor the Lord. The Lord deserves this from each of us despite the challenges that seek to draw us from him.
The Lord deserves the best of your stewardship and our love. The Lord deserves the best of your gifts. The Lord deserves the best of your finances. The Lord deserves the best of your time. The Lord deserves the best of you.
Pray: God, create in me a heart that presses into your presence.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church
www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Thursday | May 8, 2025
Philippians 2:5-11
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
You Saved My Life
Every now and then, we have people in our lives (people we do not even know) who will go out of their way to do something for us. These days, however, we find that even those we know are just trying to cover themselves; they do not make time for us or others. In light of this, it is time for us to begin a deep “circle check.” While we should not be about people in our circle who do for us what we can do for ourselves, we must have people in our circle (including ourselves) who would go the extra mile to ensure that we stay on track, who hold us accountable, who require our excellence, who pray for our wellbeing, and who think not too highly of themselves but are humble enough to know that we are all just working on a building we need God’s saving grace.
It is a blessing to know that when we have Jesus in our circle, we have this kind of covering. We have a Savior who went the extra mile for us to the cross, and the journey accelerates today as Jesus enters Jerusalem to the pomp and circumstance of people praising him joyfully. Jesus knew that these were not people in his circle, but he still took the journey to empty himself take human form, humble himself, and die a criminal’s death on a cross for each of us. What a blessing to know that, above all, we have one, in Jesus, who has gone the extra mile for us.
Pray: God, thank you for emptying yourself to save my life.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church
www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Friday | May 9, 2025
Ezekiel 37:21-23
21 And give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will bring them home to their own land from the places where they have been scattered. 22 I will unify them into one nation on the mountains of Israel. One king will rule them all; no longer will they be divided into two nations or into two kingdoms. 23 They will never again pollute themselves with their idols and vile images and rebellion, for I will save them from their sinful apostasy. I will cleanse them. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.
God Knows
Even though the children of Israel are the epitome of waywardness, and David is the poster child for one who makes decisions to feed their natural desires, God never turns God’s back on either. As a matter of fact, God says that the Israelites “will truly be [God’s] people, and I will be their God. God also appoints his servant David over them, knowing David’s tendencies.
God knows who we are. God knows our tendencies. God knows our ways. Isn’t it a blessing to know that God still uses us as God’s ambassadors? God already has established a relationship with us. Our responsibility is to honor that relationship with our obedience not our perfection.
Take time to thank God today for making us holy through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Pray: God, rescue me from defilement and cleanse my heart that I may not sin against thee.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Saturday | May 10, 2025
John 10:31-38
31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. 32 Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction, I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?” 33 They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.” 34 Jesus replied, “It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’ 35 And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods,’ 36 why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. 37 Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. 38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.”
May The Works I Do Speak For Me
On the basketball court during pick-up games, we used to say, “Don’t talk about it; Be about it.” Someone would always hype themselves up with their mouth, but their actions rarely met that expectation.
Jesus was always “about it.” Everything Jesus spoke and everything Jesus did demonstrated that he was more than able to do far more and above anything we could even imagine. Yet, some consistently did not believe. They chose to disregard what was obvious. (It sounds like MAGA responses to almost everything. Remember, we have been here before.)
Our responsibility is not to convince others of who Christ is. It is to live a life that demonstrates what he has done. Indeed, we are to share testimonies about God's work in our lives, but the most significant testimony is always modeled.
So, today, don’t simply talk about what God has done; show it in how you give and live. Let your work speak for you.
Pray: God, may the works I do speak for me.
Please take a listen today: May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Sunday | May 11, 2025 |
MOTHER’S DAY
Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”
My Legacy
What we do matters not only today but also for the future. We must understand that every decision we make and action we take has an effect on the next generations.
Abrams’ decisions to be faithful led to him being “the father of many nations.” He was obedient and God blessed his seed.
We have no clue what our impact will be on generations to come, but we do know whether or not we are following God today. We know if we trust God with our next or if we are hemmin’ and hawing’ and makin’ excuses for why we cannot do what God keeps calling us to do. We know.
Step forth in faith today. Your children's children's children need you.
Pray: God, thank you for establishing my legacy.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Monday | May 12, 2025
Daniel 3:14-20
14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” 19 Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.
Thou Shalt Not Bow...
It is easy to get pulled into the lure of what is popular. That is why fads are fads. Just reflect on the outfit or article of clothing that you just had to have to be “cool.” We had to have what was “in” to be like the crowd. Something about our desire to be a part of what is popular in the natural challenges our walk in the Spirit.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s stand against Nebuchadnezzar stands as a testament to what God will do in us, for us, and through us if we follow the will of God. We get more concerned with the consequences if we fly in the face of the world’s directives, but have you ever thought about what it means not to be obedient to God? Ask Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5:1-11). Look at what God did to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). Well, I do not know about you, but I do not know a Nebuchadnezzar, Ned, or Nadia who has the power to open up the ground and swallow us whole, or make fire rain from heaven, or have us drop dead where we stand. But I do know that God does.
When the world calls you to bend to its standards, remember that God sent Jesus as our standard of holiness. No, we do not always live up to it, but God took care of that by not just sending Jesus to teach and model the standard but also to cover us through his sacrifice when we do not.
Please be sure to stand firm today in your convictions. God will honor your refusal to bow.
Pray: God, keep me safe when society tells me that I should bow so others may see God’s protection.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Tuesday | May 13, 2025
Numbers 21:4-5
4 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, 5 and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”
I Still See The Blessings
While this text is on that some denominationally have taken literally to worship and revere poisonous snakes, I remind us that God puts nothing before us that we are to worship except God. Scripture reminds us that God is jealous and that we shall not put anything before God. When then the replica of a poisonous snake-on-a-pole. Why give the Israelites something earthly to look at when they are perhaps at their most hurtful time, and why have the people thought that their focus on the snake-on-a-pole is what heals them? I ask myself this question all the time when reading this text.
Yet, I might suggest that neither the snake nor the pole is the text's focus; instead, it is a reminder of God’s power, protection, and provision. The Israelites are still in the wilderness, “taking the road to the Red Sea” (Wait, we are going back there? Didn’t God already work a miracle there?). The text says the Israelites had gone back to grumbling, complaining, and“speaking against God and Moses.” (Wait, isn’t this what happened before, and God sent what they needed? They were grateful to receive food manna from heaven, then) And did not God send plagues to Egypt to show God’s power and might -and keep the Israelites safe?
The cycle of disobedience and entitlement that the Israelites continue is not too far from what we experience. And like the Israelites, we often need a reminder of how God delivered us. Every time I pass a certain area on the way to my house, I recall how I could have died when a deer landed from the sky in front of my car. Every time I look at the scars on my left hand, I recall how the Lord saved me from 3rd degree burns on my little fingers as a child. What about you? What focuses your attention to show you how the Lord has brought you through a trying circumstance? A scar, a letter, a photo, a memento of sorts? For the Israelites, it was a snake-on-a-pole. What is it that reminds you of God's power, protection, and provision in your life?
Pray: God, adjust my focus so that I may always see your blessings in the midst of my circumstance.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Wednesday | May 14, 2025
John 8:1-7
1 Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning, he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
Thou Shalt Not Judge...
A common response to what Jesus is writing when he stoops down and writes in the dust is that he is listing the sins of this woman’s accusers. Let’s go with this response for now. Jesus’ response is, of course, one that quiets the voices of those who themselves are blasphemous sinners who feel that the sins of others are always greater than theirs. Or perhaps those unnamed in the crowd think that they are without sin.
Each day, you will face those among the anonymous crowd and those you know personally who find fault in you. No matter what you do, it is never right. No matter what you give, it is never enough. No matter how God blesses you, they will always find fault even in what God chooses to do for you.
We cannot help how, when, and where accusations crop up, particularly when folks find it necessary to make up stuff due to jealousy, hatred, and lowered self-esteem. However, we have a responsibility to be sure that we are living such that the accusations are untrue. I know, you thought I was going to write about the accusers. Nope.
Remember, we are to search our own hearts, and test our own minds, and remove that which is unpleasing unto God. (Thank God for repentance and love) As such, we cannot get caught up in false accusations, but we must be mindful of those that hit a nerve because they are true.
Pray: God, thank you for protecting me from those who judge me for my sins.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson
The Lenten Experience: a 40 Day Revival, 2017 Allen Temple AME Church Atlanta, Georgia
www.susanhilaryllc.com
Thursday | May 15, 2025
Romans 8:6-11
6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Increase My Awareness
Flip Wilson’s iconic character, Geraldine, had a go-to line whenever she did something that she knew was wrong. Say it with me, “The Devil made me do it!”
The Bible gives us several examples of temptations and spiritual takeovers by the enemy and the enemy’s demons. The enemy showed up in the Garden of Eden. Legion showed up in Gerasene. Peter asked Ananias why Satan had filled his heart. And today, still, we can find ourselves face-to-face with friends, family, and unfamiliars whom the enemy has hand-picked to distract us. However, as you reflect today, consider what happens when you are really the distraction. What will you do when you notice that you are self-sabotaging? What will you purge when you recognize that you are allowing your sinful nature to control you?
Spending time with God helps you examine yourself and grow stronger. You will be more armed with the word of God and self-control, allowing Christ to live fluidly within you. Each of us needs more time to examine our circumstances, our motivations, and our hearts to see if we are the best we can be for our spiritual growth and development. Happy examining.
Pray: God, increase my awareness of my spiritual self.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson
Friday | May 16, 2025
Jeremiah 11:18-20
18 Then the Lord told me about the plots my enemies were making against me. 19 I was like a lamb being led to the slaughter. I had no idea that they were planning to kill me! “Let’s destroy this man and all his words,” they said. “Let’s cut him down, so his name will be forgotten forever.”
20 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, you make righteous judgments, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you.
God Has My Back
Each day, you will have to face people who, for no reason other than their warped esteem, will attempt to destroy you in any way they know how. When they cannot shake you personally, they begin to speak in quiet tongues to others to mar your character.
While it is undoubtedly a horrible feeling to have to go through such attacks, it is a wonderful thing to watch God reveal to you and to others those who thought their plots were going to destroy you. Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that “no weapon formed against us shall prosper.” However, I encourage you to read the entire verse for Jeremiah’s sake and for your own. We tend to stop after the a-clause of the text, but the peace of the text comes in the rest of the verse, affirming that God will “silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me.”
You never have to fight word-for-word or, return gossip for gossip, or degrade those who plot against you. This then becomes an act of sin in your life. Just remember there is a benefit to putting it all into God’s hands. Never forget that in the midst of his painful death, Jesus put everything into God’s hands, declaring, “Into Thy hands, I commend my spirit.” When our enemies plot, God assures us that we will be vindicated.
Pray: God, guard me from those who devise schemes against me.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church
www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Saturday | May 17, 2025
John 7:28-30
28 While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. 29 But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.” 30 Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.
My Personal Savior
In the day of fake news and erroneous journalistic integrity, it has become increasingly more important to do your own investigation to validate the truths found in a news source. Globally, journalists like Walter Cronkite, Max Robinson, Dan Rather, Barbara Walters, and Carole Simpson were appreciated and believed for their reporting balance. They did not readily spin a story to pacify political parties or create chaos among the masses; They gave the facts. Today, we are bombarded by conspiracy theorists and socio-political cronies who see their view as the only view. Get this…even when it does not suit their best interest.
Fake news is not new. The Jewish religious leaders spread it to try to squash Jesus’ influence. The enemy spreads it to make you think that you are not who God says you are. It is important that we not allow ourselves to be so consumed with soundbites, conspiracy theories, and prejudiced conjectures. We must come to know ourselves, our communities, and our God for ourselves. This is why you must do the work of knowing God for yourself. Sit with God. Walk with God. Talk with God. Get intimate with God. Acknowledge God. Believe God for yourself.
Pray: God, may I always know the Lord for myself.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Sunday | May 18, 2025
Luke 1:35-38
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Remember Who You Are
This may be a very odd text to share during this time in the liturgical calendar. “The Birth of Jesus Foretold,” and we just finished following Jesus on his journey to the cross. Sure, it is. But it isn’t.
The journey to the cross began with Immanuel (“God with us”), conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin who did not see herself as highly favored, for the text notes that“Mary was greatly troubled at his words.” I hope you get that every day we are called to move out of your own way to see yourself how God sees you as favored.
The world bombards us with many messages about who we ought to be. For Mary, I would imagine that a young girl who is pregnant and unmarried would not be favored in the eyes of the community. I would also imagine that someone had given her the “where-do-babies-come-from” talk so she knew that virgins did not get pregnant. However, this text reminds us that God does not see you and your station or condition in life at the moment. Like Mary, God has ordained favor over your life.
God’s favor is not predicated upon who you are, what you have, or what you have or have not done. God demonstrated God’s favor over your life when God spoke life into you. When you recognize that “no word from God will ever fail,” you, like Mary, shall respond with a life that declares, “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
God sees you. Believe in yourself as God believes in you. (Glenda* almost had it right…wink)
Pray: God, thank you for seeing more in me than I see in myself.
*I pray you all remember The Wiz. It is a cultural icon. Go ahead, believe in yourself. Show some sign: Click your heels. One for the Father, one for the Son, and one for the Holy Ghost.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church
www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Monday | May 19, 2025
Exodus 32:11-14
11 But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” 14 Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
Stand In The Gap
Leading people is tough! Never be fooled; if you are a leader, you will have to stand in the gap for people who would rather see you fall than see themselves prosper under your leadership.
Time after time, God had shown God-self strong and mighty in the sight of the Israelites through Moses, yet at every opportunity (and there were many along the wilderness journey the Israelites were disobedient and “quick to turn away from what [God] commanded them.” God was through with these folks and was going to destroy them and start all over. So, in case you ever wondered, this is where parents get, “We brought you into this world, and we can take you out and make another one that looks just like you.” God had had enough of the people’s disobedience….but Moses!
Moses stood in the gap for God’s people. Despite their grumbling and complaining, Moses pleaded with God to relent. God heeded God’s promise and relented. But what if Moses had not stood his ground before the Lord? What if God shirked God’s responsibilities as the leader God had anointed him to be? What if God gave up on God’s people and did not see God’s people through the promise of God? What if you let go of your responsibility? What if you stop praying for the wayward folks in your life? What if you throw up your hands and walk away?
It isn't easy to lead people. But just remember: It is less about who you are leading and more about who is leading you. Keep standing.
Pray: God, give me the courage to stand in the gap for those who have turned away.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Tuesday | May 20, 2025
John 5:1-8
1 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3 In these lay many ill, blind, lame, and paralyzed people. 5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The ill man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am making my way someone else steps down ahead of me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.”
Necessary Versus Popular
I hope you can imagine your own healing and recognizing that Hod has already provided that you need to prosper in your new season of life. If you can imagine your healing, can you also imagine your gratitude and praise that will come following it. Well, instead of imagining it, why not pick up a pen and write your testimony. That's right, write your testimony in the midst of your storm and watch how the glory of God begins to order your steps.
There will be those who will downplay and disregard your declaration of healing, but the text shows us what happens when we follow Jesus’ instructions. Carrying his mat was a sign that he trusted the Lord. Though he recognized (and was reminded of quickly by those who could have helped him over the years) what should be in the natural, the man responded with whatshall be we trust God.
Pray: God, give me the courage to do what is necessary and not what is popular.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Thursday | May 22, 2025
Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Keep Me Humble
Sin is not an issue. The Bible even tells us that we all so it. (Romans 3:23) God sent Jesus to die for our sins. God does not see our sin; God sees us through the blood of Jesus who“was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” Glory!
Sin is not an issue. Our refusal to humble ourselves to repent is.
We must be intentional daily about getting more in sync with our spiritual-selves so that we will be more focused not only on sin in our lives but demonstrating remorse and repenting. That means asking God for forgiveness and turning away from our sins. Remember, God is faithful and just to forgive us of all unrighteousness. God does God's part. Our part is to turn from our wicked ways.
Pray: God, keep me humble. Thank you for your grace and mercy.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church
www.allentempleatlanta.org
pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Friday | May 23, 2025
Psalm 81:8-10
8 Hear, O my people, while I admonish you; O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
9 There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.
10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
God’s Wrath
I once heard Dr. Michel Brown, President of Payne Theological Seminary, define wrath as (I summarize) when God takes his hands off of us and leaves us to our own devices. Can you imagine God getting tired of dealing with us and leaving us alone?
I can imagine this is what happened on the cross when Jesus declared,“My God! My God! Why hast thou forsaken me?” The sin of the world was on the cross, and I imagine that it was so repugnant to God that God took God’s hand off of Jesus, and Jesus experienced what it meant to be without God, separated, and full of all of our indiscretions.
We live each day without thinking about the weight of our sins. We live under God’s grace, which was afforded to each of us when Jesus bore our sins. God “gave us over to [our] stubborn hearts, to follow [our]own counsels.” Wow.
This is why spending time with God is so important. We must never grow to a station in our lives where we feel we do not need God’s guidance, protection, and fullness. We do in all things we do. How about today, we “listen” and “walk in [God’s] ways. Remember, “Lean not to your own understanding.” God’s is better, anyway.
Pray: God, help me to hear your voice and to be obedient to your will.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church
www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Sunday | May 25, 2025
Deuteronomy 4:1-2
1 “So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2 You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you
God’s Teaching Is Everlasting
It is not enough for us to be only hearers of the word; we must also be doers of the word. That is what James said. (James 1:22-25) However, this text reminds us to take this life application one step further we must also be teachers of the word.
As you reflect on the personhood and patterns of Jesus, I trust you will notice three things: First, Jesus took time to hear from God the Father. He stole away to spend time in prayer, not to tell God all about it (remember, he was God in the flesh, so he already knew about“it”), but rather to hear the voice of his father speaking to his son who was shall we say, out of his element like we are as spiritual beings living an earthly existence. Second, Jesus executed the work purposed for him. His earthly ministry demonstrated the fulfillment of the laws that God had given to Moses for the people. He not only actualized the law, but he called out those who were disobedient to it. Third, Jesus taught. He sat on hillsides and in boats on the lake, took over synagogues, and taught in a manner that the masses could understand.
As those who follow Jesus, we are always called to go and do likewise. (Luke 10:37) While we must have our private time and revelations and yes, growth spurts, we cannot forsake the other aspects of our discipleship walk. We, too, are called to live out our calling, and a huge part of that is to teach to leave a lasting legacy for those who do and will follow us.
Pray: God, help me to remember, obey, and share your teachings.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Monday | May 26, 2025
Matthew 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
Overcoming Hurt
As children, we do not understand the nuances, subtle inferences, or innuendos around us. However, there is a revelation that comes after you have lived a bit and had complementary experiences. (Until you mature to understand alcoholism, you just thought that your family member was the “fun(ny) one.” And when our experiences as children meet our understanding in maturity, we realize that what we have experienced from some (particularly in the church) was not just hurtful but traumatizing.
Think about it. You felt the sting of someone telling you that you should“be ashamed coming to church like that,” or a certain person’s hands groping you during the moment of fellowship every Sunday or feeling isolated because you were not one of the cliques. These and other experiences in the house of the Lord are traumatizing for so many. When they happen to us, we often catalog them until a triggering event happens that brings out the angst.“ Church" hurt” is real.
I dare not suggest that you just let it go; I do, however, encourage you not to silence your voice but to speak with a counselor about the pain that you have felt. (If you need a resource, email me.) I encourage this because when you do not reconcile your emotional trauma, you can find yourself inflicting the same pain or another form of it on others. It is hard to forgive those who have wronged you, yet the forgiveness is not to release the person from accountability; rather, the forgiveness is to free you from the person’s influence on your behavior responses known and unknown.
Pray God, help me to overcome church hurt and never to cause the same hurt I have experienced.
Prayer works, but so does counseling. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com as a resource for counseling services.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Wednesday | May 28, 2025
Psalm 37:7-11
7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. 8 Refrain from anger and forsake wrath. Do not fret it leads only to evil.
9 For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
God’s DailyAgenda
We spend a lot of our life doing what my mom called “piddling.” Piddling is doing playing at doing a little bit of many things. Piddling is not outcome oriented. Piddling means that you are cleaning up an untidy space, but when you look around, you have made more little piles out of the bigger piles. (I promise I have not been with you all week. I just understand piddling). When we piddle, we are often mindlessly moving from one project to the next, and at the end of the day, while we may be able to name all that we piddled, we may not have anything to show for it. That is piddling. I thought it was something that my mother made up, but it is an actual word. It means “to spend time in a wasteful, trifling, or ineffective way.”
I am sure that we do not spend every day of our lives piddling, but what about the days that are. How much time are we spending in a wasteful, trifling, or ineffective way? What are we missing when we wake up and begin a brand new day without a plan? Imagine the time we have wasted, especially when it comes to creating space for God.
We each have the same time in a day none more, none less; however, how we allocate our time is significant. We do not owe it to anyone but God. No one has the right to mishandle it. It belongs to God. Noone gets the privilege of wasting it. No one can give it back to you.
A straightforward way to not spend moments piddling is to ask God each day, “What is our agenda today, Lord?” If we take the time to hear from God daily, we will cut wasteful spending of our time, talent, and treasure. We can write list after list after list but be sure that time with God is at the very top each day. You can believe that the Lord’s agenda will fill you up until you overflow in God’s purposed abundance for your day.
Pray: God help me to focus on your will for my life today.
Reverend Dr. Susan H. Buckson Allen Temple AME Church www.allentempleatlanta.org pastor@allentempleatlanta.org
Thursday | May 29, 2025
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.
