Even For The Little Things
When God heals our body or brings us out of some terrible situation, we are usually quick to say thank you. In our testimonies we explain how good God is when we are shown favor in the midst of a storm. But how many times do we remember to say thank you for finding a parking space? How often do we say, thank you when we walk in the door safely after at work? When someone calls just to say hello, or when we remember something that we could have forgotten, do we say, thank you? It is good to give thanks to the Lord; he is good. It's wonderful, to testify and say thanks for the big things. But always remember to say thanks even for the little things.
Pray: Lord, help me to appreciate the little things today. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Thursday | November 6, 2025
Psalm 110:3a
Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day you lead your forces on the holy mountains.
I Offer Me
The old school gospel song, I'm Available to You, though no longer on musical charts, makes a bold declaration that goes to the core of our faith today: “Lord, I'm available to you. My will I give to you.”
Giving over our will is not an easy thing to do. It requires true sacrifice and answering a call that may terrify us. Yet, if we are truly going to follow Jesus, offering ourselves totally to his will is what we must do. So when we pray, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,” let us be ready to offer ourselves totally to the Savior.
Pray: Lord, help me to surrender my whole self to you. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD
Director of Christian Education Ministries
Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Friday | November 7, 2025
Psalm 9:10
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Trust
“I trust you.” These are very special words to hear and to say. When they are shared, the critical thing is for the individual who is placing the trust to be able to rely on the one receiving the trust. Friends and family mean well, but at some point, in life, they will disappoint and betray our trust. But the One who knows us all, who died for us on the cross and who rose again on the third day, will never betray our trust.
Pray: Lord, create in me a lifestyle that demonstrates my trust in you. Amen.
Reverend
Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday | November 8, 2025
Psalm 34:9
O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
AGood Kind Of Fear
I remember as I was growing up, people talking about a healthy kind of fear. At my mom's church, I began to understand what people meant when they said to fear the Lord. Different from having no fear because of your faith, this refers to a fear that is borne out of respect and reverence. We who are worshipers and children of the Most High God, understand the difference between fear that paralyzes us and fear that propels us! It's the kind of fear that allows us to stand in awe of a most powerful and loving God. It is a good kind of fear.
Pray: Lord, help me to have reverence for all of who you are. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Sunday | November 9, 2025
Psalm 51:11-12
Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Getting Back My Joy
How Stella got Her Groove Back was a 1990s movie that was about an older woman who found joy in the relationship with a younger man. Certainly, romantic relationships are not what this Psalm focuses on, but joy is. Depression will come; sadness will find this way into our lives. But a simple prayer to the Lord can rescue us in our lowest moments. Whisper this prayer: Lord, this is a hard day for me; I'm going through something. But then, in you I can get my joy back. In you, my joy is restored.
Pray: Lord, help me find my joy today. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Monday | November 10, 2025
Psalm 48:98
We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple
Too Hard To Believe
There is the same in our culture that says, “if it's too good to be true it probably isn't.” I don't know how many times I've heard someone say, as well, “I knew it was too good to be true.” Yet, we see in this psalm something that breaks the mold. When we consider the love of God and how unimaginable it is, then we can visualize something that seems too good to be true and yet, it is. When we think over how good God is and how miraculous God’s faithfulness is in our lives, we have to smile. It's too hard to believe, but we see the evidence each and every day.
Pray: Lord, thank you for your love that always expands my imagination and exceeds my expectation. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday | November 11, 2025
Psalm 95:6-71
O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker. For he is our God
Let Us Bow
In some cultures of the East, bowing, rather than shaking hands, is the proper greeting. In this psalm, we are called to make the humble gesture of bowing before the Lord because of his greatness and his power. As we hear wonderful prayers in the church whether the Doxology, The Lord's Prayer or the Gloria Patri, let us consider the moment of reverence, and bow before God our Maker.
Pray: Lord, help me to humble myself to your majesty and your will. Amen.
Reverend
Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday | November 12, 2025
Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
I Know Where To Find My Help
When we are at our wits end and are not sure what to do, we have a certain and sure answer in the words of this psalm. In a season where thanksgiving is an intentional act, perhaps we can recall all through the year that the same one to whom we give thanks is the one to whom we can return again and again to find the help we need. Look to the hills and find your help there.
Pray: Lord, help me find peace and calm in the uncertainty of my day. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Thursday | November 13, 2025
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Leave It There
The hymnist wrote, “Leave it there; leave it there. Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there”… but do we do that? When you pray; when you ask the Lord for help; believe it is done. To take it back with you and to carry it in your heart, means you didn't trust the Lord to take over. God is there to answer your prayer not to just hear it. When you take your burdens to the Lord, leave them there.
Pray: Lord, help me to release myself of the burden of carrying my burdens. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries
Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Friday | November 14, 2025
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The Light Of My Life
You Light Up My Life…a beautiful song that speaks of joy and hope. It has been sung by many, but the message is the same. The Power of Love does bring light to darkness; it does bring hope to hopelessness. “You light up my life; you bring me hope.” That is the message of salvation; that is the message of we can sing to our Savior.
Pray: Lord, keep me focused on the light that you have given me to shine. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday | November 15, 2025
Psalm 1:3
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.
Just Like That Tree!
The renowned gospel play, Heaven Bound presented at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta each November, includes a scene where the character sings, I Shall not Be Moved. The lyrics go on to say, just like the tree that stands by the water, I shall not be moved.
If only we could be like that kind of tree everyday of our lives. It's hard sometimes to stand firm in the midst of temptation, peer pressure and conflict. Yet, we can imagine ourselves like that tree with roots of faith that keep us firmly entrenched! As God made trees, God made us. All we have to do is go to the Lord when we feel we are about to fall. Just like that tree, we can stand with God on our side.
Pray: Lord, thank you for standing in me when today gets tough. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Sunday | November 16, 2025
Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
IAm Safe
One of the ways that we can find comfort as we turn in for the evening, is to have an affirmation that declares our safety in the Lord. This Psalm is a wonderful nighttime prayer, and what peace it brings! No matter what has happened during the day, no matter how horrible the world has been, we can declare to the Lord "I can sleep; in you Jesus; I am safe.” And, so it is.
Pray: Lord, thank you for being my safe space. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Monday | November 17, 2025
Psalm 19:1-2
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
Even The Heavens
Have you ever taken a moment just to gaze up at the sky, when the sunset with beautiful rays of orange, gold, and pink amaze humankind? Have you awakened early to see the sunrise bringing hope for a new day? Have you fallen asleep to the sound of gentle rain? Surely, these phenomena are not human made; they declare the glory of God the great Creator, the One who deserves our every praise.
Pray: Lord, thank you for the beauty of creation. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of
Christian
Education Ministries
Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday | November 18, 2025
Psalm 119:9-10
How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.
Yes, The Young
Growing up in my family, I was always in church; my father was Catholic, and my mother was Pentecostal. So, from early Mass to afternoon and evening worship, I was there. All young people may not have that experience today, but there is no reason why, as they grow, that they cannot be exposed to the Word of God. No matter your age, starting the day with communion with God is the perfect way to enjoy a better life. So, enjoy! Enjoy the Lord; enjoy the Word of God.
Pray: Lord, thank you for the scriptures that help guide my life. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries
Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday | November 19, 2025
Psalm 119:54
Your statutes have been my songs wherever I make my home.
I Sing Because I’m Happy
One of the advantages of learning the word of God and keeping Scripture within our hearts, is because we can call on them to inspire, encourage, and comfort ourselves. To remember the Lord and how precious is the grace and mercy that we are given, can certainly inspire us to sing songs that bring us joy; songs that bring us peace. Today, sing because you're happy. Sing because you know his eye, just as it is on the smallest of birds, is on you.
Pray: Lord, help me find my song and may it keep me centered. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Thursday | November 20, 2025
Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.
Build Your Home
Beautiful homes and mansions are a sight to see. They stand majestically and are beautiful to inhabit. When they are built in the right way, they can be a joy for a lifetime. Our faith is just like that. When it is not built on the foundation of a godly life and biblical truth, then it can fall apart. It is shallow. Let God build your faith and keep your faith focused, not on earthly things, but on the power of our Creator.
Pray: Lord, help me to grow deeper in faith. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Friday | November 21, 2025
Psalm 8:5
Yet you have made them a little lower than God And crowned them with glory and honor.
My Crown!
Through the years, we hear testimonies of saints who say they look forward to the day that they will wear their crown. It is a popular theme at home going worship experiences. For sure, it is something to look forward to and something to keep within our hearts as we go through life. God has made us to be special and unique beings, only second to the angels. Let us carry that honor with reverence and respect; let us be prepared to do all that we can do to earn our crown when God calls us home.
Pray: Lord, thank you for helping me to keep the main thing the main thing. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday | November 22, 2025
Psalm 113:2-3
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
From Dawn To Dusk
The song, Praise Him, inspired from this psalm, is one of my favorites. From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, Jesus is certainly worthy to be praised! We can praise in so many different ways! We can do it our way. Remember, even when we are not in church, that from the moment we open our eyes, to the moment we close them again, we can praise Jesus with a simple thank you Lord, a moment of silence or just singing the lyrics to a song.
Pray: Lord, help me to remember to cultivate a spirit of praise, today. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Sunday | November 23, 2025
Psalm 134
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord. May the Lord, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
BlessAnd Blessed
This psalm is the devotion for today. As you bless the Lord, you will be blessed!
Pray: Lord, may I remember that I am blessed to be a blessing. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Monday | November 24, 2025
Psalm 140:8
Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot
Get ‘Em, Lord!
Scripture tells us that vengeance belongs to God. The psalmist underscores this truth when he asks God to defeat his enemies and take care of evil ones. We can do the same. It is not our job to get back at anyone, but we can certainly pray that God will do it for us. Cry out to the Lord when you have been harmed or when your people are in dire need of protection. God will defend us, and there’s nothing wrong in asking God to do so.
Pray: Lord, thank you for protecting me from my enemies. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries
Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday | November 25, 2025
Psalm 96:1-2
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord; bless his name. Tell of his salvation from day to day.
ANew Song
With all the music that we hear in our worship experiences through media, why sing a new song? Perhaps a new song is not necessarily new lyrics, but a new spirit. Put away the old hurt; put away the old doubt; put away the old ungodly habits; put away the old fears. Sing a new song that gives you hope and equips you for a new day. Let your new song be your new faith that will carry you through to victory.
Pray: Lord, create a new spirit in me. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education Ministries Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday | November 26, 2025
Psalm 86:1
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you.
PoorAnd Needy
Being out on the streets with nothing to eat and without shelter, is certainly a condition of neediness. When we are not able to pay our bills or to live comfortably, we are considered poor. Yet, the spiritual lack that we can experience when we lose touch with the Savior leaves us poor and in great need. Let us go to the Lord in prayer and join the psalmist at any time when we feel lack. For the Lord who knows us and understands everything, can certainly bring us to a level of spiritual wholeness and wealth.
Pray: Lord, thank you for bringing wholeness to my life. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD
Director of Christian Education Ministries
Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Thursday | November 27, 2025
Psalm 148:12-13
Young men and women alike, old and young together! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
The SistersAnd Brothers
One of our challenges is incorporating all individuals in love and worship together. We separate ourselves because of our gender, our age and ethnic backgrounds. If we want, however, we can throw away these barriers and come together in one Faith. Jesus loved and died for all. Who are we to separate ourselves, denying the richness and inspiration that togetherness can bring? Let us all praise the Lord together, for his name alone is worthy!
Pray: Lord, keep me focused on your glory. Amen.
Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD Director of Christian Education
Ministries
Big Bethel AME Church Chaplain, Big Bethel Village Campus Atlanta, Georgia
Friday | November 28, 2025
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
