All Things New

Revelation 21:5 - "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

Good morning faithful readers.

I pray you had a safe, joyous and memorable Post-Thanksgiving weekend. Many of you traveled to be with family and friends and we are thankful for traveling coverage of your journeys. As we begin this work week let me offer praise to our awesome God for his provision of safe shelter and a new beginning.  I am now fully moved into my new residence and busily transforming it from a house into a home.  I can never find the words to describe how relieved I am to have the packing and moving behind me and the joy of anticipation as I now unpack and arrange my "treasures" in their new surroundings! Just as I have taken on a refreshed "newness" in my new home; so it seems even my old furniture, pictures, appliances and even Tupperware seem to be revitalized in our new environment.  God makes ALL things new!!  Look around and really notice something you have had for awhile and appreciate how God makes it like new just for you.  Your car may be old but it rides like new - especially when you appreciate not having a car note. Your outfit might be from last year but how nice it is that it still fits -even after all that Thanksgiving feast.  Find the beauty in what you have.  

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Don't Hesitate

1 Samuel 17:48: “ So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David   hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.” 

        Once David had analyzed the problem (Goliath); figured out the reward ( riches, honor and a beautiful woman); and came up with a battle plan (5 smooth stones and a slingshot), he did not hesitate to confront the issue head on.  Goliath made light of his young adversary and mockingly walked slowly toward him as he taunted David with curses.  This did not sway David in the least.  He knew his objective and he ran into his destiny.  Today is the last day of the first month of the new year and we can already note  how quickly time is flying by. Do not let opportunities to slay the giant, pressing issues in your life pass by.  Time waits for no one. It keeps marching on whether we are prepared for the future or not.  

         Let’s not waste precious time procrastinating and hesitating under the guise that we are thoroughly analyzing the problem.  While it is beneficial, just like David, to have a battle plan in place.  It is never advantageous to repetitiously rehearse and never carry out the real act.  David knew that time was of the essence and that God’s protection and grace were upon him at that very hour.  God does not do for one what he is not willing to do for others.  Whatever is on your heart.  Fill out that application; make that phone call; shut down that repressive relationship; start the ball rolling to open your own business; learn to sew; stop smoking; join a fitness group…..just do it!!!    

         My college friends and I loved to play Bid Whist and one of our favorite taunts was to tell a player who was slow to act…”study long...study wrong”.  In essence,  take a good look, sum up the situation, map out your strategy and play your hand - don’t hesitate.  Strike while the iron is hot.  Go for it.  

 Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-packed day! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn  

Give Thanks and Be Blessed!

Seek First

Matthew 6:33  (ESV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

      We use our education and our experience and even our hunches to decide the best courses of action… only to discover that no amount of forethought or critical thinking can outweigh the power of seeking God’s guidance in any situation.  No matter what the toil, trial or challenge, God’s way is always the best way.  No need to try all the other alternatives before we finally give it to God. Our God is a God of FIRSTs.    We offer first fruits…. We pass down special blessings to our first born, so why should we bring our concerns to God last?  We try to fix things ourselves, over and over again; then finally we ask a close friend for their advice.  When that seems like a dead end, we ask other friends and family and eventually we even seek outside advice from self-proclaimed experts, counselors, and even self-help books.

     Don’t’ let intellect overrun intelligence.  Our brains tell us we can figure it out given enough time, but our hearts know that it is best to go to God FIRST and ask for his guidance.  We are not to be so concerned about things; but focus on the main thing. . . the progression of God’s Kingdom here on Earth.

      Everything we need God has already provided. Much like how our parents would shop early for our Christmas gifts and hide them in the house until the appropriate time to reveal them; God has great answers to prayers and wonderful gifts to bestow, often right within reach, but out of view.  He is more concerned with the proper timing than he is with our impatience.  As we continue to seek his righteousness, he moves certain prayer answers or gifts from the attic to the top of a hall closet and eventually when we are ready we will find it sitting right on the kitchen table fully accessible - and we will be able to say that the Lord has prepared a table before us, even in the presence of our enemies, our impatience and our struggling faith.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Careful Wishes

John 15:7 (NRSV):  “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” 

     We have heard it under many circumstances; “be careful what you wish for – you might just get it.”  I don’t know too many people who don’t want their wishes to come true. We would like to believe that what we truly desire will manifest itself, just because we believe. The real issue is not in the manifestation of the desire, but in the desire itself.  What is it that you are really wishing for and wanting to have happen?  That is where the ‘care’ must be taken. As believers in Christ we trust his word and know that he is truthful.  Therefore if Christ gives us the parameters around achievable wishes, then it seems plausible that we must exercise caution in what we wish for.  When Jesus proclaims our liberties to wish and receive those wishes; they are bound up in two parameters.  The Expanded Bible (EXB) relates this way: [If you remain [abide] in me and ·follow my teachings (my words abide/remain in you), you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to (be done for; come to) you]. So I believe that if we remain united (joined) with Jesus and follow his commands, then our wishes will be in alignment with the desires that he has for us and they will come about upon our asking - some instantaneously, some over time. 

      This means that my asking should therefore be in harmony with what God has purposed for me.  As I ask for revelation, clarity, forgiveness, etc., these things are in alignment with what God wants for me along my life’s journey, so he is apt to bring those desires to fruition.  If my wishes are for things that are detrimental or distractions to my walk with him, he loves me so much, he will not make them a part of my reality or he will withhold them until I mature or progress to a place where I can handle them properly.  

      Every parent wants and prepares their child to be independent and able to exercise their freedom, but we would never give car keys to an 10-year old, even if they were tall enough to reach the peddles and see over the steering wheel. No matter how much experience they have driving a car using their Wii game, they are not ready to handle a real automobile.  So they can wish all they want but as responsible adults we know what is best.  God hears your wishes and he knows what is best; so make sure you are careful about your wishes.  Wishes show God your maturity level and how many more lessons you might need to repeat before you can move on to a higher level of responsibility. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Great work

Psalm 111:2-4  (ESV) – “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.”

      As we enter this week of Thanksgiving festivities I know that we all have examples somewhere swimming around in our consciousness of how good God has been to us.  If we just take a brief moment and allow some of those examples to float to the surface we would relive the awesome splendor of knowing how great God is.  Of all of the eggs and sperms to ever evolve, the one distinct pairing that constituted you had to find themselves in a sea of turbidity.  That’s not chance – that is God.  Of all of the people on the planet, on every head, whether now bald or not, every hair shaft has been counted. That’s not circumstantial– that is God.  Of all the shades of the rainbow, the color of your eyes, the tint of your hair and the hue of your skin are not by genetic probability - you are wonderfully and fearfully made. That is God.

     As a biologist who loves to study the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of life; it gives me great joy when I come upon a mystery that baffles my non-believing colleagues.  Where physicists like to ponder, I love to praise.  Where scientists like to speculate, I love to shout. Where chemists like to clamor, I love to clap and cheer.   They have given a name to the space between the infinitesimally small subatomic particles that make up the interior of atoms.  I call it God’s playground. No matter how far out in space we search or how deep within the interior of the earth we plunge, we will never come to the edge of the awesomeness of God.

  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Quit Playing!

 Psalm 39:8 (NCV)– “Save me from all my sins. Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.”

       When I relay some off-the-wall information to one of my good girlfriends about any outlandish action or deed that I have learned about, she will often quip  "quit playing". She tells me in essence to stop trying to trick her mind and give it data that just can't possibly be true.  We usually laugh it off because whatever it is that I am telling her is usually something funny that I have seen on some television show where they have caught someone doing something so foolish it is not hard to see why they were caught.  I remember telling her about the man who attempted to steal an ATM machine by tying a chain around it to his truck bumper (not the pickup truck, but the bumper) and sped off.  Well needless to say the police found him at home with his bumper-less truck parked in the driveway because they easily traced the license plate that was still attached to the bumper - what an idiot!  She hollered "quit playing" and we both laughed out loud.

         The devil will do foolish things in attempts to thwart the plans of God.  One of his often tried plots is to whisper ludicrous suggestions and taunts to you.  He will use foolish statements that talk about your trials, stumbles, fall and failures.  He will constantly rehearse ideas of things you have attempted that might have fallen through or relationships that turned sour.  He will use people close to you to torment you with “I told you so” and other babbles that will distract you.  Do not let it sway you or throw you off schedule.  When these foolish statements come your way…do like my girlfriend does and shout “quit playing” and laugh it off.  “Quit playing” is a cynical way of expressing to the devil that you just can’t believe how stupid he is for trying to come between you and what God has ordained for your life.  It reminds him that his foolishness is not going to affect you because you know what he is saying is madness.  He is a liar and the father of all lies. When you place whatever the devil says up against the Word of God it loses all of its power and turns to dust.  So shake it off from the beginning and do not let it take root.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!.  Have a wonderful weekend and don't listen to any of the foolishness of the evil around you.  Focus on God's word, his promises and his undeniable power!!!!  See you Monday! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

It's Your Time!

Joshua 3:7- "And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses."

       After the death of Moses, Joshua took on the role of leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. He was faithful in following and serving Moses and capable and courageous for the task, but God knew that was not enough. In order to be truly effective the people needed to "see" that Joshua did not just inherit the position because he was next in line, but because it was his God-ordained and appointed time to be in the lead position. Joshua did not ask God for favor nor did he command the people to listen to, obey and respect him. He simply kept doing what he had been assigned to do and God made the royal decree and backed it up with signs and wonders. 

     Now is your time.  You have been faithful, on point, serving and doing God's will; often without recognition, reward or even compensation. You might have even taken some hits because you chose to stand on the side of righteousness; but alas your time is now. God is working right now to exalt you so that those who might doubt will have no recourse.  This is your day, your week, your month, your year... this is your time. All that you have done is not in vain; but don't try to force your hand; let God work on your behalf, if you want to be frustrated put your hands in it -if you want it fixed let God handle it.  Trust God - you have sacrificed and been faithful - it's your time. 

    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Unasked Answers

Romans 13:30 - “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;” 

          We have all been sidelined from what are commonly known as ‘unanswered prayers’. There are some wishes and desires that we have sighed and wept over; petitioned and appealed for; begged and fasted for; and yet they remained for the most part - unanswered.   But what about those wishes that we might not verse or share with others yet somehow they end up being checked off of our ‘to do’ list.  There is such as overwhelming sense of joy and favor when we are the recipients of random acts of kindness.

         Well faithful reader this is my charge to you today. Open yourself up to the leadership of the Holy Spirit as he directs you to be the shining star in assisting someone else today.  Your act of consideration and kindness will not fall upon blind eyes or deaf ears. While those you are helping may never know it was you who came in at the midnight hour, there is a rush within our souls when we learn that our random act of love has made someone happy, even if for just one day. When you help someone unexpectedly, especially if it is in an area of need,  that is an unasked answer.  NO question was asked. No favor was sought. But the giver knew the receiver’s need and fulfilled it.     

     Unasked Answers may be the solution for someone’s problem today.  They may not know how to ask for help or might feel embarrassed that they even need assistance.  Sometimes it is pride, but it could be that they might be a bit overwhelmed by the issue and are too embarrassed now to ask.  Find a need and fill it.  Who knows on your way out to do something kind for someone; another person could be targeting you for their expression of love.  Watch out there now!! 

              Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Time Stands Still

Joshua 10:13 (GNT) –“The sun stood still and the moon did not move until the nation had conquered its enemies. This is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stood still in the middle of the sky and did not go down for a whole day.” 

       Do you have some unfinished business that you feel you might not be able to complete because time and resources are not on your side?  Could one more hour of study possibly increase your scoring potential?  Would an additional week make the difference between a mediocre and a good product?  Can an additional month give you more time to raise the funds you need? Would another year make your business truly successful? We often try to negotiate with time, but time waits for no one…or does it? 

      Joshua and his troops saw that their battle was requiring more daylight so Joshua spoke to the sun and commanded the daylight to remain as he and his troops fought on.  God wants your days to be filled with successful ventures and for your life to be a reflection of the good and grace that he provides. Remember it is never too late for God.  Things are never out of the control of God’s influence. When Joshua spoke into his destiny, God answered and responded with a resounding ‘yes’ - and the sun remained in position.  Speak power into your situation.  Speak with authority for what you need and want.  The universe is just waiting to respond and give you what you need.  Things are being held up in the heavens and just require you to speak up to manifest them into this physical world.  God has already answered the prayers that you need more time to carry out a mission or that you need the resources or people to be in place to carry out your mission.  All that is needed from you is to believe and receive. 

       Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn 

Yield Not!

James 1:12 :  “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to those who love Him.”

     God always keeps his promises and the Holy Scriptures are replete with promise after promise of blessings that God wants to bestow upon those faithful to him.  Life will present different challenges, many designed to develop us into stronger, more God-fearing followers; others mask the evil one’s attempt to thwart the destinies that God has pre-ordained for us; and some challenges are temptations that test our resolve to do the right thing. I encourage you today to closely check out the things that are bombarding you and see the real cause for the frustrations and challenges you are suffering.  It could be that temptations are lurking at your door but disguised in ways that are subtle and often undetected.  For example a sure fire way to throw someone off of their game is to use the art of distraction.  When we are distracted we lose our focus and can waste valuable time trying to make up lost ground.  Some distractions seem so harmless and often can on the surface be ‘good’ things to do; but if they are not a part of your walk, then even good intentions will turn out to be time-wasting, blessing-delaying temptations.  

     Staying in touch with friends and keeping in the know can be important gestures, but if you can’t manage to stay off of Facebook or Twitter for more than 30 minutes before you feel the need to update your status, you could be the victim of distraction.  If you are really not one of the primary persons involved in a conversation yet you feel the need to put in your two cents; you have fallen prey to the temptation of needing to be heard. Notice that the power scripture tells us to endure temptation – not rebuke, reprove or cast it away– but endure it.  In essence, it is not going away, but you don’t have to succumb to it.  Know what it is and treat it accordingly.  If God says endure, then it means it can be done and we just need to hang in there.  Let us be mindful that the temptations around us will escalate as we get closer to reaffirming our faith in God and the power of the resurrection of his son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-filled day.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Hope

Job 11:18 - "And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety."
  When we are  bombarded with negative thoughts and  constant examples of how things can go wrong, it isn't difficult to understand why many may lose confidence and courage in the waiting process.  Regardless of the wait, it is surely worth it.  One of the greatest motivators for sustaining confidence is to re-evaluate where you are and giving thanks for where you are going.  Planning for the future requires hope.  Hope reminds us that there is something worth working toward; fighting through; and praying for.  Hope tells us to keep moving even when our bodies are weary, our minds are baffled and our souls are discouraged. Hope keeps us striving, even though circumstances keep changing.  Hope dictates a pattern of courage that is unrivaled  Hope is the glue that holds our dreams together as we connect the puzzle pieces that will form the picture of our destiny.  Never let hope slip away, diminish or fade.  Keep encouraging yourself.  Read your Bible daily for inspiration.  Pray continually and guard your heart and mind against anything that wants you to maintain the 'status quo'. 
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Have an awesome weekend.  See you on Monday!.  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Shine!

Luke 8:16 (LEB):  “And no one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in can see the light..”

 You are wonderfully and fearfully made and there is divine purpose for your life.  God is so proud of his creation and you are special to him in so many ways.  You are made in his image and therefore reflect his glory.  Don't be ashamed to let the world know that you are a true believer; and since God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him, anticipate special treatment from God. 

     In each of us is a special light that shows our connection to our Creator.  Because a single candle can dispel the darkness it is only fitting that our lights be placed in darkened areas to allow the glow of God from within us to shine forth.  If you wonder why you are stationed at your particular work site under an unnecessarily uncouth boss; or why your spouse’s family might be a little abrasive; or how you still seem to stick out a bit even among your friends; it could be that you are the light stationed there.  God is depending on you to make those opaque areas clearer.  He expects you to not put your light under a basket to be of use just for yourself, but he urges you to place yourself in situations where you will stand out and be luminous.

    Lamps require oil for refilling, wicks to burn cleanly and an ignition source. Keep yourself under the anointing of the Holy Spirit so that your oil never runs dry.  Daily pray in the spirit for renewal and refilling of your strength and courage to complete the task assigned to you.  Seek the refiner’s fire which burns away impurities and assures that your work is pleasing to God.  Do not shun, ignore or complain about areas in your life that are uncomfortable  or unseemly; these very places might be areas where God is using the strength of your resolve and the brightness of your light to chase away uncanny and evil issues that could envelope the lives of those not strong enough to chase away the darkness themselves.  Be that light .You have in you what it takes.  If God did not trust you with the assignment, he never would have placed you there. 

 Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!

Be blessed ! - Dr. JoAnn

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Genesis 9:13 (AMP)  “I set My bow [rainbow] in the cloud, and it shall be a token or sign of a covenant or solemn pledge between Me and the earth.”

   Over the past few weeks we have experienced frequent sudden downpours where the heavens just seem to open and we are quickly drenched with a torrential rain.  These sudden squalls do not last long, but the amount and intensity of the storm is something quite amazing.  Since moving to Atlanta one of the most mystifying scenes I have witnessed is when it is raining on one side of the street and bone dry on the other.  Each time we are blessed with these showers I am reminded of the wonder that must have overtaken Noah when he and his family saw rain for the first time.

The upheaval of the sinful world caused God to refresh and renew the planet through Noah’s family as they rode out the storm in the ark.  Along with his family, Noah and key flora and fauna survivors witnessed God’s rainbow promise to never destroy the world again by flood.

     Every time I witness a rainbow in the heavens I remember that God keeps his promises and I am rejuvenated and overcome with awe as I watch the color patterns lace the sky in splendor.  God made a solemn, unconditional oath to protect us; just as he promised that whosoever believeth in Jesus should not perish, but would have ever lasting life.  For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.  Isn’t it gratifying and wonderful to know that God wants us to have abundant life and that he showers us with love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and favor.  Then he reminds us with daily little glimpses of his promises by giving us signs and wonders.  Look around you today and take note of the small yet wonderful signs God gives to remind us that he loves us.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Keep Love First!

Daniel 6:22 -"My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
Life can be vicious; people can set traps for us; rules can be unfair and even in innocence we can get caught up and thrown to the lions. Daniel was the victim of one of the most historically famous cases of haters orchestrating a set-up. Jealousy, envy, insecurity, ignorance, low self esteem and just being plain mean are all potential motivators for haters to stop handling their business and start messing in yours. Don't be surprised if you get hit from  out of "nowhere" with an attack that could throw you for a loop. But DON'T get thrown off your game! Keep love in your heart. 

Most haters will never attack you right out; they try to weaken your resolve and cause you to cave in, then throw you to the lions. They will gossip, hurt your feelings, stretch the truth to its outer limits, bring up old hash and anything to shake your resolve. Do like Daniel and keep focused on your Godly purpose. Keep your heart pure. No one is perfect; but your haters will not allow you to have faults. It is not written in the bible that Daniel protested or fought back or even put up a struggle when they escorted him to the lion's den. You can't fight organized evil in your own strength- so don't try... just stand with God and let him do the fighting. Keep love first and foremost in your actions. Resist the urge to 'give them a piece of your mind' or to show them they "messed with the wrong one". 

To your haters it will seem like they got the upper hand and that you are 'weak'.... But they just don't know God will shut the mouths of the destructive forces they thought would undermine you. The lions of isolation, gossip, divorce, debt, abuse, un-/under-employment, and anything that can devour us can be shut down and ineffective.  Instead of consuming us, God will use these very things to cushion us as he works out our escape plan and destroys our haters.  Stay loving. It is not easy; but each time you do the next trial gets easier until eventually you will do just like Daniel and not even get flustered when you see your haters coming,  

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Leave Some!

Leviticus 19:10 -"It is the same with your grape crop—don’t strip every last piece of fruit from the vines, and don’t pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and for those traveling through, for I am Jehovah your God."

     The blessing of having enough, and even better than that, the blessing of having more than enough carries with it instructions to share with others. God blesses us in many ways and magnitudes. God tells us that when he blesses our bounty, we are not to collect and hoard what he has allowed to increase. Some of our lives overflow in areas that are rather easy to share. If you are blessed to be financially comfortable it might not be taxing to contribute money to charitable causes, If you have talents that can be shared- that is wonderful and many may benefit from your inspirational singing, dancing, speaking, sewing, and artistry, These can be great areas to express altruism; where the giver bestows upon the receiver. Many have and need to be blessed through these kind acts of sharing. But God tells us in this scripture that it is helpful to not bundle up all you have and then dole it out in increments to open hands; but to allow opportunities for those who are able and willing to "work" for the blessing of your overflow.

       In essence God is blessing them through you, not because of you. This system allows the gleaner to appreciate the harvest, have pride in their work, and stops the devil from twisting helpful acts into areas of scorn. It never fails that the devil can turn altruistic gestures into scenarios of "look what I did for you" if we are not careful. The scripture tells us that when we provide opportunities for others to gain, we may never know who they are, their state of being; whether they are passing through our lives or will be regular fixtures of our destinies.  The main point is that -no relevance is given to who you will help so there can be no prejudice. Help someone by giving them an opportunity to do a good work through you. Don't know what to do or how to proceed? Ask God- he is awesome in providing opportunities for us to be more like him.   

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be blessed.  Dr. JoAnn 

Loose Lips Sink Ships

Proverbs 11:13 –(HCSB) “A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.”

    During the World Wars, before the age of GPS, satellite imagery, 3-D scanning, underwater photography and computer radar detection; when battleships and submarines used simple listening devices to figure out the locations of enemies; the decree given when danger was perceived was for the crew to go into radio silence. They would cut the engines and everyone would cease all unnecessary movement.  Talking was replaced with hand signals because they knew that ‘loose lips’ could cause their location to be detected and the possible sinking of their ship.

      Unnecessary talking can be extrapolated to also include the unneeded and unwarranted banter of gossip. If what we say does not edify, glorify, magnify or rectify a situation then chances are what we have to say never really needs to be said.  There is a place of course for whimsical chatter often referred to as ‘girl talk’ or ‘barber shop heckling’; but when the words that we share reveal secrets that should not be disclosed; or expose truths that are not ours to bear witness to; then we are no longer involved in the art of conversation, but in the jaws of rumor and innuendos.

     Spreading gossip or even just talking to be heard can cause problems not only for the poor victims but also for us.  It can tarnish our reputations and damage the trust that others place in us.  If we open and spew out the details of what others have told to us in confidence; we might escalate a situation to a fever pitch and cause anger and resentment when the source of the leak is found. As the young generation now says…’snitches get stitches’.

      Be careful also to not share too much of your own personal information with a ‘motor mouth’ friend.  Fast talkers, who seem gregarious and really spirited, might be masked rumor-mills in hiding. When you talk to someone who openly tells you everything about themselves or others; chances are if they can’t be discerning about their own affairs, they surely will not keep yours either. God gave us two stereophonic ears but only one mouth.  Listen more, speak less.  

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Have an awesome weekend.  See you on Monday.  Participate in a Christ-centered worship service this weekend.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Be Responsible

Galatians 6:5 (KJV)-“For every man shall bear his own burden.”

    School shootings, police beatings, political sabotage, destruction of relationships - in the aftermath of so many selfish events two poignant points arise in the future of all who seek justice – Responsibility and Faith.  The ways and the means by which we have grown more like Christ has been guided by the measure of faith given to each of us.  It is our responsibility to nurture and strengthen that faith to spurn us on to greater heights and deeper depths.

     Each of us must bear the joy and pain that comes with the responsibilities we share.  We are our brother’s keeper. We are responsible for the upbringing of all youth, for it does take a village to help them achieve. We are responsible for the health of our community and the comfort of our elders.  We are responsible for our attitudes and our behaviors.  Just as Christ bore the burdens of a sin-sick world to grant us the opportunity for eternal life; we must fulfill our charge to aid others to help make their lives better.  Who are you responsible for; who depends on you to keep your promises?  What burdens do you bear that aid those in need?  Do not despair if your obligations seem overwhelming?  If God has entrusted you to take on these duties, he will provide what you need to complete your tasks.  Stand up and complete your responsibilities – your reward will be great.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-packed day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Fear Not - I Am With You

Daniel 10:19  (NIV) - "Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong. When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” 

 Last night just before I was about to say my nightly prayer and retire to bed, God decided he wanted to speak first and he laid upon my heart—’fear not’.   The ‘Grown-Up-Woman JoAnn’ assessed the realities of my life and summed up that there are quite a few variables that I have no control over that are impinging upon me. Some aspects carry degrees of fear provoking angsts, but I am harboring no fear (I thought).  But the ‘Little-Girl-JoAnn’ inside must be experiencing anxiety and God was speaking to her.

The story of Daniel in the lion’s den popped into my head so I opened my Bible to the point of the story where King Darius rushed to find out what had happened to Daniel after a night in the pit; only to discover that God had closed the lions’ mouths and that Daniel was not only safe but in good spirits.  The lesson God gave me was that just like me, Daniel was a man, a mortal with emotions.  I am certain that even in his non-resistance to being placed in the lion’s den (Daniel didn’t struggle or fight back), surely his inner being experienced some emotions.  His heart probably was racing and his knees may have grown weak as he approached the opening to the pit. The outward man walked undaunted to his destiny, but his inner man was afraid.  We can sit and watch a thriller movie in a comfortable, cushioned movie theater, knowing well that there is no 50 foot monster waiting for us in the parking lot, but we scream anyway when it jumps at us on the movie screen.  The outer man thinks rationally but the inner child will still fear. Just like Daniel I am pushing forth into uncertainty but I am wholly obedient to what God has told me to do.  Last night God told me to stay focused, this uncharted path is a part of my destiny; but the ravaging beasts of the experience are only there to teach others who see me safe in the midst of the turmoil to glorify God.  

So when I finally did got a chance to say my prayer last night ‘Grown-Up-JoAnn’ stayed quiet and ‘Little-Girl-JoAnn’ thanked God for his reassurance and was strengthened for a wonderful night’s rest and courage to face the beasts. What we go through really isn't’ about those of us who believe; our walk really helps those who need to see our invisible God work through us. I implore you faithful readers to do as Joyce Meyer teaches… “scary things may be there but ...do it afraid”. It will glorify God! 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-packed day!  Dr. JoAnn

No Condemnation

John 3:17 (NIV) - “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 

       Finger pointing seems to be the new trend in everything from political debates to sporting events to social media.  People want others to be held accountable for their actions; but at the expense of dragging them through the mud, muck and mire of shame and disgrace.  Our Heavenly Father does not use condemnation as a tool of chastisement.  To get our attention so that we can turn from our foolish ways, the Holy Spirit does not use shame and humiliation.  God gently guides and admonishes us for improper behavior in a loving way as a caring father.  Then he provide avenues for us to see the error of our ways; make amends for our wrongdoings and get back on track.  We therefore must be careful that as we see faults or mistakes done by others we do not use condemning tones, attitudes and words to try to correct them. 

        The Body of Christ has often been attacked because non-believers say that many Christians act ‘holier than thou’ about even the smallest infraction.  We must not denounce or attack others for shortcomings; as we are all on the same walk.  In the same manner, we must not take on a spirit of condemnation when we have not lived as we ought.  Do not let the evil one cast burdens of guilt and disapproval upon you for Christ died to set you free.  Know that Jesus came into this world that men might be saved. Not by our acts or actions, but because of the gift of salvation through belief in Christ. 

        If you have acted in a certain manner or participated in an activity that is not in line with the life that God wants you to live, let no man criticize you to the point that you feel that your walk is weak or that you are unworthy of the call on your life.  The devil is a liar and Jesus is our Savior.  There is no condemnation from Jesus, only love to help you get it right.  Repent and walk in the knowledge that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

       Every day is a good day;  it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-packed day! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn  

Blessings of Faith

Romans 5:2 (NLT) – “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory”.

     Decades ago a popular song's lyrics stated - ‘What a difference a day makes” – well I can really pronounce – ‘what a difference a week makes”.  This past week and weekend stand as a monumental testimony of God’s grace and the exercise of faith.  Over the past few months I have anticipated this season as I knew I was going to be transitioning in my residence.  It has been a walk of faith and a time of testing, distraction and fervent prayer. 

     The apartment complex where I live has been a battlefield of change. Now under new management, a lot of clean-up is happening. We see many new physical changes that are pleasing to the esthetic eye; but as with any cleansing, the dank, hidden, dark places are rooted up and exposed and they do not like having their hiding places disrupted. Just as scripture tells of the ‘legion’ of evil inhabitants of the demoniac which fled into the pigs and ran off a cliff into the sea - the evil which lurks in the hearts of men, when exposed runs rampant.  Now we are seeing the forces of darkness scattering. Domestic and neighbor disputes, crime, violence and illness have escalated within our subdivision community.  Through the kindness of a dear friend, God has provided the hope and glory of an escape for me.  To God be all praise.  

For those of you standing in faith for a transition…. There is light at the end of the tunnel and that light is the light of the world – Jesus Christ – keep holding on, keep praying and keep praising God. 

      The blessings of faith comes through the gifting of Christ and the love of our God.  As today’s scripture says through faith in Christ, we are all being brought into a place of undeserved privilege where we can joyfully look forward to even more of God’s glory.   I am so excited about my new 'lease' on life.  Hallelujah!

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed  GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn