Extra, Extra!!

Psalm 150: 4  “Praise him with timbrel and dance, praise him  with the strings and pipe”

Today marks a special day in that the calendar only makes room for it every four years.  Happy Leap Year! Our scripture shows the psalmist inviting ‘everything that has breath’ to celebrate and praise the Lord in many different ways.  He suggests that we use trumpets and harps, stringed instruments and pipes, cymbals and dancing.  He encourages us to relatively and passionately celebrate, honor and adore the lord.  Because the lord is great and has performed mighty acts on behalf of His people, He is worthy of all praise. 

These outward expressions of praise will come from an inner wellspring overflowing with gratitude to God.  Though we may celebrate the Lord in different ways, our praise to God always needs to be expressive and meaningful.  When we think about the lord’s character and His mighty acts toward us, we cannot help but celebrate him through our praise and worship. 

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

Tomorrow's Harvest

Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

    As Americans come to the close of the month long celebration of African American (Black) History it is imperative that we not only remember the devastation of generations of enslaved men, women and children but more importance is to focus on the grace of the journey and the impact on future generations.  Some say “what is in the past is past– let it go – stop bringing up old stuff”.  While it is true that forgiveness is needed, we must not forget what nor why things happened so that the errors of the past should not be repeated.  As an African American I thoroughly believe it is necessary to revisit some things to make sure we do not miss gleaning the important lessons of humanity. 

    Frederick Douglass, former slave and crusader for human rights stated –“No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.”  In the act of dehumanizing others, we dehumanize ourselves.  The apostle Paul put it another way when he wrote today’s scripture reference.  It tells us that our choices have consequences – and that includes how we treat others.  When we chose to hate, that hate can return to us in the form of consequences that we can never fully prepare for.  And remember one seed always multiples when it is sown.  Do not plant today the bitter fruit you, your children and grandchildren will have to digest tomorrow.

     As we have opportunity to do good, let us not grow weary in doing so.  Plant today what you want to reap later and be careful how you treat others.   Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Not My Kind

Galatians 3:28 – “ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

    Those who know me know how much I love Sci-Fi and especially space odyssey movies. For today’s blog I share an excerpt from Joe Stowell.*

In the Star Wars trilogy, there’s a scene that reminds me of some church people I know.  At an establishment somewhere in a remote corner of the galaxy, grotesque-looking creatures socialize over food and music.  When Luke Skywalker enters with his two robots he is surprisingly turned away with a curt rebuff – “we don’t serve their kind here!”

    That strange scene captures the malady that we all struggle with in our relationships here on planet Earth.  We are always more comfortable with people who are just like us.  But think of where you would be if Jesus had felt that way.  He was divine, perfect in every way, which makes Him far difference from us.  Yet He came to dwell among us and to die for us. 

    Those of us who follow Christ shouldn’t have “they’re not my kind’ in our vocabulary. As Paul reminds us, in Him ‘there is neither Jew nor Greek…slave nor free…male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  So, whether others are different in attitude, perspective, race, class, political opinion, or social standing, it should make no difference to those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus.  Find someone who is not your kind and share Jesus’ love with them today.

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

*Excerpt from Daily Bread (2/27/12)- Joe Stowell

Remedy for Fear

Psalm 34:4 –“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

     Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt hoped to ignite an optimistic outlook about the floundering economy during the Great Depression so he declared – “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  Fear often shows up in our lives when we are at risk of losing something – our wealth, health, reputation, position, safety, family, and/or friends.  It reveals our innate desire to protect the things in life that are important to us, rather than fully entrusting them to God’s care and control.  When fear takes over, it ripples us emotionally and saps us spiritually.  We are afraid to tell others about Christ, to extend our lives and resources for the benefit of others, or to venture into new territory.  A fearful spirit is more vulnerable to the enemy, who tempts us to compromise biblical convictions and to take matters into our own hands.

     The remedy for fear, of course, is trust in our Creator.  Only when we trust the reality of God’s presence, power, protection, and provision for our lives can we share the joy that today’s scripture references - trusting in the Lord is the cure for a fearful spirit.

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

Excerpt from Daily Bread (2/20/12)- Joe Stowell

Not Long Hidden

Hebrews 11:6 – “ [God] is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”

   Often at the end of one of my more strenuous lectures I will conclude my presentation with a few fun slides that contain hidden images. Most of my students will see the obvious picture right away.  Some, after a few moments, will declare that they see the other images coming into focus.  It comes easy for a few while others struggle.  Those who do not give up and continue to stare at and search the screen will soon see other images evolve from the 2-dimensional hideaway. Some will leave their seats, approach the screen, turning their heads and bodies in all directions.  And even though they could not readily see the hidden image, they believed it was there because others had seen it.  Sure enough with time, patience and persistence almost everyone will be able to discern the hidden picture. 

     Their persistence is a reminder of the importance of having the same tenacity in matter of faith.  The danger for those who doubt is that they stop looking for God because they believe He cannot be found in their situation or that he has left them on their own.  God promised that those who seek Him with all their heart and soul will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29) and our scripture today confirms that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. 

     If you struggle to believe, remember the example of the hidden picture; just because you don’t readily see Him does not mean he does not exist or that he is not there.  Keep seeking Him and watch Him graciously reveal Himself to you. 

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

Yet I Will Rejoice*

Habakkuk 3:18 – “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

     Life in our world can be difficult.  At some point, most of us have wondered, “where is God in my trouble?” and we may have thought, “it seems like injustice is winning and God is silent”.  We have a choice as to how we respond to our troubles.  The prophet Habakkuk had an attitude worth following – he made the choice to rejoice.

     Habakkuk saw the rapid increase in Judah’s moral and spiritual failings, and this disturbed him deeply.  But God’s response troubled him even more.  God would use the wicked nation of Babylon to punish Judah.  Habakkuk did not fully understand this, but he could rejoice because he had learned to rely on the wisdom, justice and sovereignty of God.  He concluded his book with a wonderful affirmation (which is today’s scripture reference). Though it was not clear how Judah would survive, Habakkuk had learned to trust God amid injustice, suffering, and loss. He would live by his faith in God alone.  With this kind of faith came joy in God, despite the circumstances surrounding him.  

     We too can rejoice in our trials, have surefooted confidence in God, and live on the heights of His sovereignty.  Praising God in our trials turns burdens into blessings.

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

*Excerpt from Our Daily Bread - 12/29/11  Marvin Williams

Examine Yourself

 2 Corinthians 13:5 - “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.” 

     It is good for us to examine our lives; not just for the sake of self-improvement or critical scrutiny; but to revisit the wonderful things that God has done through us.  Have you ever been slow to respond or non-responsive to your call or your ministry or your mission because you doubted your ability to be effective or slipped into a spirit of ‘fear’?  In today’s scripture Paul is admonishing the church at Corinth to review their actions, to examine and test themselves.  I am charging us today to do that very thing. 

    How many possibly lay wounded on the side of the road because you doubted your ability to help?  I had to really think of the many opportunities that I have had to assist others when I answered the call and how fulfilling it was to see God operate so magnificently through me; not because of me, but in spite of my shortcomings.  So how many more times was I apprehensive about exercising the power of God through me to be a catalyst of change in someone else’s life or circumstance?  Jesus’ blood covers us for a multitude of sins but if we are to be guilty of anything when we come before the Master, we do not want to be charged with disobedience, apprehension of duty or lack of enthusiasm when it comes to fulfilling his call upon our lives. 

    Examine yourself today. Have you squelched the power of God in your life by denying him the opportunity to use you to show his grace and mercy to the world?  Have you undermined his authority in your life by not paying attention to the wonderful muscles he has developed in your spiritual life for you to use against the enemy?  All that he has taken you through has built you up for greater victories.  Now is not the time to shy away or underestimate the wonder that God wants to perform through you.  Examine yourself and you will see that you are more than equipped to do even greater works through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 

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

The Tempest

Psalm 107:24-25 (NIV)- “ They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.  For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.”

      The news tells us that there are severe storms raging around many northern states in our country and several areas on our planet. Emergency protocols are being reviewed, provisions are being stockpiled and people in potentially affected areas are preparing for the worse. Some meteorologists have predicted that these storms are the worst on record for more than 50 years and could potentially cause power loses and structural damages in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars.  With the potential for devastation always threatening, it is essential for people of faith to remember that all things…yes ALL things… are under the watchful eye and control of God.  Not every bad or problematic condition is of evil invention or the after clause of some returning bad karma.

     As our scripture for today indicates the wonder of God happens in all aspects of life on planet earth.  The same hand that can produce a storm will quiet it. We may not understand why stifling dust storms, blinding blizzards, torrential rains, tsunamis, or the slow moving lava of active volcanoes could be signals of a just and powerful God; but our faith tells us that these occurrences are not times to mourn and complain, but to humble ourselves and draw nearer to God in prayer.  Every storm is a call to trust God and rely upon his sovereign grace and perfect will. 

    What storms do you see brewing on your horizon?  What troubles do you see looming just ahead?  If God has given you foresight to see the potential for trouble, use these forewarnings as a time for prayer and quiet reflection.  Don’t’ always ask God why the storm is coming or why you have to go through the storm. Praise him for the fact that he will not allow you to go through the storm unaware or alone. There is a lesson in the storm. There is a blessing in the storm. Some things in your life need a shaking and some loose ‘junk’ needs to be blown away.  There might be some things that you really don’t need but you are too attached or even to distant to get rid of; so a storm can provide the right impetus to let you focus on the real importance …life itself. How many times have we seen tornadoes totally decimate an area and the residents more times than not will respond by saying…”we lost everything, but that can be replaced…we are blessed to be alive”. 

    So as the storms are approaching our land from all directions, let us pray for the safety and well-being of our coastal citizens and their families; and at the same time, let us praise our God for in his mercy these storms will bring him glory if we know how to ride it out!  Your own personal storms will bring God glory if you just let go…let God do what he does best…and ride it out!  No murmuring…no complaining….just praying!

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

Rules Rule

Psalm 19:8 (ERV) -“ The Lord’s laws are right. They make people happy.

The Lord’s commands are good. They show people the right way to live.”

Everywhere we turn there are signs telling us what to do or what not to do.  Doors tell us to ‘exit only’ or ‘ no entrance’; street lanes are ‘right turn only’ or ‘no passing zones’; stores tell us ’10 items or less’ or this lane for ‘cash only’ .  ‘ No food or drink allowed’; ‘ use only 40SAE oil’; ‘do not microwave’, ‘ no sitting-no standing-no leaning-no parking-no running-no swimming-no diving- no left turn, no right turn, no nothing’!  We see courtesy signs, warning signs, humorous signs and even signs to tell us what other signs are for; but all in all each sign is to inform us of a particular command or rule that is designed to keep us safe and living in peace with others. 

God’s laws are the framework for all of the civil rules we see in the world around us.  Some believe that since we live under ‘grace’ we no longer need to fuss about the rules and regulations that were outlined in the Old Testament.  God’s laws were designed to show us our need for salvation but they are not out-of-date or out of sorts.  We may not need to sacrifice lambs and bulls anymore but we do personal sacrifices when we yield ourselves to the rules and commands of God.  Sometimes the laws seem a bit restrictive, but when we (like Paul proclaimed) are prisoners of Jesus, held captive by his love, we don’t mind following his guidelines and living under his direction.  These rules keep us pure, safe, healthy, guilt-free and in some cases even temporarily free from sin.  When we read the scriptures and learn the lessons that the proverbs, psalms, gospels and epistles provide we garner wisdom that helps us lead productive and Christ – centered lives.

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

Do It Now!

James 1:6 – “Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.”

    Last evening I was discussing with a close friend my push to squelch the trappings of procrastination as we delve into this Lenten season.  While many use this time of fasting and prayer to eliminate certain food groups or habits from their daily use, my design is to increase activity to take some much neglected projects from idling on the back burner onto the foreground and turning up the heat.

     What have you allowed to sit idle for too long so that now it seems as if its fire has gone cold? Don’t get discouraged or believe too much time has passed and those desires are awash.  As we continued to talk my friend affirmed that while we might think that we are totally at fault for letting inactivity occur, sometimes God allows us some idling time as he orchestrates other situations, people, and circumstances on our behalf.  Now is the time to shake off the cobwebs, stir up things that have gotten too settled and breathe new life into old projects.  Our steps are ordered by the Lord and now it’s time to get busy and put some pep into our steps and get things done. No more procrastination. Do It Now! 

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

Real Love

1 John 4:10 (ERV) – “True love is God’s love for us, not our love for God. He sent his Son as the way to take away our sins.”

Yesterday on Valentine’s Day, my church celebrated our 5^th anniversary of prayer, praise and worship.  We had a wonderful gathering of members, family and friends, as one of our very own brought the morning message on being a “visionary”.  As we prayed together and sang song of Zion, the love of God’s spirit pervaded the entire room.  The love God has for us is unsurmountable and almost inconceivable.  As we fellowshipped together it was easy to see why it is important for the Body of Christ to dwell together in harmony and to be on one accord. 

As we begin this week, let’s look at our relationship dynamics with others.  Love is not merely a word or feeling, but an action.  If you love someone they should not only hear it, but feel it and be able to touch and talk about it.  How can we better express our concern for other’s well-being?  How can we SHOW someone that we love them?  Look for simple, yet powerful ways to allow the love of God to flow through you to others. As you do, you will be surprised how quickly and how pervasively the love will find its way back to you

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

Cast Your Cares

Psalm 55:22 (NIV) – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

   The place is here and the time is now!  Whatever overriding concern or issue that troubles your heart needs to be given to God.  He knows that our trials and concerns weigh us down and impede or stop our progress; therefore he instructs us through the teachings of Paul to rid ourselves of these cares.  We all have a tendency to take things to God in prayer and gently placing them down at the altar and then picking them right back up again.  This is especially true when we are impatient for a resolution or result.  God tells us to cast our burdens upon him  The idea here is to forcibly discard or throw our troubles unto him and to leave them.

   Sometimes we have gotten so used to carrying the unnecessary weight that when it is removed ironically we miss the pressure.  God promises to sustain us through the transitoin.  Like addicts we don’t want to be controlled by the problem and God helps to sustain us while we kick the habit.  We cannot do it alone.  Isolate the problem and drop kick it to God. He is more than capable of carrying and handling the load.

   Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Enjoy the weekend.  See you on Monday.  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Balance

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NLT)- “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.  A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” 

    Have you ever heard the phrases “I have to keep laughing to keep from crying” or “ I am so far down I have to climb up to reach rock bottom.” or “I am too tired to sleep.”   Well when we use these retorts we are reflecting on a state of imbalance that has consumed our lives to the point that the illogical seems commonplace.  An abundant life requires that we have a balanced life.  We work therefore we must also play.  We keep active; so there must be adequate rest.  We are constantly surrounded by people and activity; so we need quiet and rejuvenation time. 

      God provides us with examples of how to live a balanced existence.  Our all-knowing, all-powerful God, in his sovereignty still created the world and all its inhabitants in a process.  He could have easily completed everything in the blinking of an eye, yet he chose to do it over a series of several ‘days’.  At the end of each creative spurt he analyzed his progress and stated that ‘it is good’.  We need to take the time to find and maintain a healthy balance in our lives and to be sure to take time out to analyze and evaluate our progress. It is amazing how quickly time can fly by when we get sucked into a rut or routine that can drain us.  Take some time today to slow down and smell the roses.  You are worth it. You cannot give God your best when you are riding on empty.

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

    We are already in the second week of the second month of this New Year – 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 – go for it!  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!!!    

         I love to play the card game, Bid Whist and one of the favorite taunts amongst players to anyone slowing down the game by taking too long to play is to say – “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 

Sweet Revenge

Romans 12:19 “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but [a]leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.´(NAS)    

        Some say that revenge is a dish best served cold. But the Bible tells us to avoid the temptation of seeking revenge.  At some point in time, we have all been wronged in some manner. Whether we were the butt of a prank; cheated by a friend or the victim of identity theft and fraud; once we find or figure out how we have been duped the next thought is usually about how we can get back at the culprits. Jesus in his treatment of Judas Iscariot gives us a good example of how to react when we are treated in less than honorable ways.  Although he was fully aware of the schemes and motivations of Judas, Jesus still permitted him to remain as one of the inner circle of disciples. He had a purpose to fulfill.  We waste precious time and energy worrying and working on how to get back at perpetrators and soon we find that the people whom we seek vengeance upon have gone on with their lives and do not even have a shred of regret or remorse for what they have done.

      “Can’t nobody do me like Jesus, can’t nobody do me like the Lord.” This is often said about how just trusting in Christ can heal a grieving heart or make a life more tolerable just by being under the mantle of Christ.  I’d like to do another arrangement on this ole familiar tune.  When it comes to vengeance and satisfaction – “Can’t nobody get them like Jesus; can’t nobody get them like the Lord.”  

        Stay focused on what God has in your destiny.  Stay on your plan; work your ministry; study for your classes; advance on your job; love your family; care for your elders; and let God handle those who have the nerve to mistreat you.  

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

Liar Liar Pants on Fire

Psalm 58:3-   “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” (KJV)

       I try to look at the positive side of issues and I have been accused of being a bit too trusting of people.  It seems like a dangerous position to be in when you trust too soon or are too open and transparent; but to tell the truth, I enjoy my ‘rose-colored glasses’ approach to life.  It is hard for me to be cynical or to expect the worse from others; but I am not naïve.  I know that human nature is sinful and that many people live only to have their own interests fulfilled.  They come into this world lying and they get better at it each and every day.      

     Yes I do give money to beggars; and yes, I know that not all who beg are downtrodden.  Yes I do give rides to strangers; but not every hitchhiking thumb finds comfort in my car. The Holy Spirit guides me and gives me discernment about whom to help and whom to pass by.  There have been times when I have been driven to do things that I thought were unorthodox yet I was obedient to God’s Spirit and the outcome was always to his glory.

      The defining line is that I realize the world is full of liars. Some lie because they want something or to get out of something.  Others lie to feel important or want others to believe they are important or esteemed.  Some lie just because it is their nature. They are pathological in their lying and it is life-long.  Do not let their lying behaviors sway you from believing in the goodness of others or more so in the goodness of God who controls all situations. Don’t be afraid to reach out and help where you can.  There are deceivers, cheats and miscreants in all levels of society.  As Christians it is our responsibility to represent Christ in our daily walk; yes, even among those who would spitefully misuse us.  Stay tuned into the Holy Spirit and he will guard your heart against the evil one and guide your hand where your service shall not return void.

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

Squelch the Gossip!

Proverbs 16:28:  “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” ESV)

     Be aware and beware of people who constantly dabble in gossip.  If they are sharing information with you about others chances are very likely that they will share your conversations with others.  There is no confidentiality among gossipers. When given the opportunity some so-called friends will use what they know about you to their advantage.  Even if they may not plan to use things against you; in trying to elevate themselves they will trample on you, your good name and your reputation.
    Many of us have some volatile relationships (even long term) that at some point we need to sever.  If lifelong friends, long-time co-workers or even family members are exhibiting behaviors that are immature - we need to separate ourselves from the madness of trying to hold on to what we have outgrown.  As Christians we are to emulate Christ and strive to be good stewards over what God provides.  As representatives of God’s kingdom we cannot have an effective witness if our reputation for truth and confidentially are questionable.  When people want to talk about the lives and livelihoods of others, politely, remind them that ‘all have fallen” and that each of us has a right to privacy as God works on and through us.

    Tonight we celebrate our second First Friday Fellowship Ministry meeting of 2016; if you are in the metro-Atlanta area please join us.

    Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-filled day. Have a great weekend. See you Monday.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

I Shall Not Be Moved!

Isaiah 54:17a:   “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” (KJV)

       There are some people in this world who are just plain mean and nasty.  Their behavior is sociopathic and their evil is deep rooted.  We see countless examples of parents who starve, abuse and torture their children or men who would kill their estranged wives rather than see them happy with someone else.  We hear reports of genocide for the sake of a few parcels of land and we tremble when we learn of unprovoked public shootings.

    As children of the Most High God we hear of these conditions and our hearts have empathy, care, concern and sympathy for the victims, their families and the populace at large; but our mind set should still be that we are protected. Life is not without its trials and perils and surely there are those whose actions negatively impinge upon our lives; but we must not resort to becoming agoraphobic and sequester ourselves away from living. We have alarm systems, closed circuit cameras, guard dogs, and motion sensor flood lights canvasing our properties, but have we covered our domicile with the blood of Jesus?  Have you prayed at your front door and rebuked any negative powers that might try to enter whether on their own or trailing along with guests who harbor negative energies with them?  Have you anointed the rooms and hallways of your home and invited guardian angels to reside with you?  Have you blessed the beds that you and your children sleep in and asked God to put his hedge of protection around you from not only illness, but fire, burglary and abuse?  It might sound funny, but I would rather depend on an ‘all-present’ God than to wait on the response time of the police to my burglar alarm. Don’t get it twisted…people are nuts…keep your security system intact, but put your trust in God!     

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

Shelter In The Time of Storm

Psalm 61:3 (AMP: “ For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary.”

         In earlier posts I told of how thankful I am to finally be settled into a new comfortable home. Through all of the shuffling around over the past few years, I am thankful that even through the displacement and downsizing how grateful I am to have had, and still have some ‘stuff’ to call my own and a place to put all of the stuff that survived the journey.  Having shelter is no joke.  One of the first things that settlers in any new area try to acquire is some form of shelter which provides protection from the elements; a comfortable place to rest the body and emotional safety and security.

     When the certainty of leaving my previous adobe became a reality, I asked God where was I to go. Utilizing his usual method of communicating with me when I attempt to panic, he was silent.  As I calmed my spirit, his voice became more clear and distinct and in essence he told me to ‘wait’.  And I did.  I packed but I waited.  I packed the essentials and I waited to find out where they would go.  I shuffled through and downsized things I had in storage and I waited for further instructions.  I packed things to give away and I waited for news of my next move.  I worked while I waited.

          I considered a myriad of relocation scenarios; even contemplated foreign missionary service; but in it all, God told me to wait.  Shelter came from an unlikely but providential source.  And now I am finally “at home” and I know all parties are being blessed by this union.  Daily I give God praise for a roof over my head; a door to lock out danger; ample food and enough ‘stuff’ to make it all comfortable. I praise God for the shelter of his everlasting arms; the shelter of his abiding Word; the shelter of knowing that I am saved and safe.  I thank God for shelter.  Whether you live in a 10 bedroom mansion, a rental double-wide trailer or found peace on a friend’s pull-out sofa, give God praise and thanksgiving for shelter.  

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

Great Provider

Genesis 22:14:  “And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” (NKJV)

    Abraham had been instructed by God to offer his son Isaac as a burnt sacrifice on the mountain in the land of Moriah. Abraham, though enamored by this first child born of his wife Sarah, was obedient in all the details leading up to the act. Abraham, Isaac and several men started out on the trek to the area where God had instructed Abraham to go. As they approached the end of the journey, Abraham told the other men to wait for their return as they journeyed up the mountain.  It is not known what he was thinking, but the fact that he told them to wait for their return showed evidence of Abraham’s faith in God. He was going to be obedient and God would provide. Even if God was to raise Isaac from the butchered dead, Abraham knew that the two of them would return.

      As he and Isaac journeyed up the mountain Isaac inquired of the whereabouts of the lamb to be used for the sacrifice.  Even as he raised his knife-clenched hand, once again Abraham’s faith proved that God would provide. When it was obvious that Abraham would withhold nothing from God, an angel of the Lord stopped the act and as Abraham looked up to heaven he saw a ram caught in a thicket bush.  This ram became the sacrifice. Abraham’s faith in God provided a suitable sacrifice and a way for both of them to return from the mountain. 

     Do you really trust God?  Do you trust God, really? Do you believe that he wants to provide for you? Do you believe that he will provide for you in that situation you are in right now that you have just about given up on and consider as being- ‘it is what it is’?  Abraham surely knew that God had promised to make him a great nation through his son; so in his heart he probably knew that whatever God was having him to do, would be for his greater good and he would show himself to be faithful. 

     When was the last time that you put on the altar something that was truly sacred to you?  Not something that you wanted to discard and remove, or so distant from you that its removal really did not impact you; but something that was treasured by you and its loss had the potential to be disheartening?  Have you ever had to sacrifice a love? A dream? A desire?  Know this!... no matter what you had, have or will have to give up in obedience to the will of God, you will be victorious in the end.  The situation will be rectified; you will be justified and God will be glorified. Do not be fearful of what you think you will lose. Trust God – he will provide.

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

Bitter Waters

Exodus 15:23 -Then they came to Marah, but they could not drink its waters because they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah (bitter).”

    It is downright disgraceful how corruption, greed and avarice run so rampant among those who have been trusted in leadership positions.  The talk of the nation buzzes around the needs of our citizens in Flint, Michigan and surrounding towns for clean water.  Due to negligence, fraud and unbridled corruption, innocent men, women and especially children are suffering from the ravages of poisoned water. 

    As guardians of the land that God created it is our responsibility to not only protect our waterways but to keep them clean for future generations.  Those in charge of waste water collection, treatment, water quality analysis and clean water distribution are especially important because of the many water-borne diseases and chemical contaminates associated with ‘dirty’ water. 

    During their wilderness journey when the children of Israel encountered a spring of water that contained ‘bitter’ undrinkable water, they complained and God instructed Moses what to do to remedy the situation.  The people in Flint, Michigan are crying out and God is instructing the nation of what to do. Several water collections campaigns are in full swing now; with truckloads of bottled water headed to Flint.  Find a place to donate and show the devil that what he tried to do for evil through the corrupt actions of unscrupulous leaders will be thwarted by the generous, caring nature of believers.

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