Show Goodness

Psalm 90:16 –“Show your servants the wonderful things you do.  Show your greatness to their children.”

   For many children around the country, school is about to begin next week.  Soon the stores will be scattered with picked over back-to-school supplies; school buses will jam up the traffic and of course we will soon all the darlings in their new school clothes (or uniforms) prancing down the street. 

   Reach out and help a parent prepare their offspring for the new academic year.  Help make going back special by helping a child feel good about themselves.   If there is a struggling parent, volunteer to buy a pack of new underwear or pay for a trip to the barber shop.  Take a young teen to get her nails done or purchase some fun stickers to decorate a plain notebook in a special way. It does not take much to inspire, but show your goodness and God will make your efforts go a long way.

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose.  Have an GREAT weekend.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn 

Shine On!

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

    No one like a braggart or a show boater.  It is unbecoming to always try to steal the spot-light or take credit for every little thing that one does.  It is with modesty and humble hearts that we win over souls for Christ; but we must not keep our good works hidden.  It is desirable that we allow the world to know that we are children of the Most High God and that it is through him that we move and live and have our being.

     When asked how you finished a difficult task or project. Tell about the hours you put in and the amount of study and effort it required and be sure to let them know that you could do all things through Christ who strengthened you.

     When asked how you are able to keep being such a great caregiver or in-law or spouse to such grumpy people.  Tell them how God’s steadfast love gives you the patience to run the race and endure.

     It is from our connection with Christ that our lives truly have meaning and how we are able to do all of the wonderful things we have accomplished.  Let the world know! Let your light shine!

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn 

Suffering Re-purposed

Hebrews 5:8 – “Yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”

Rev. Dr. James Dobson stated in his book, Emotions: Can You Trust Them?,  that growth in the Christian life depends on obedience in times of crises. Most of us can confirm the saying that what does not kill us only makes us stronger.  That is to say…if we endure through the ups and downs of life we are wisest when we don’t worry so much about the path but observe and glean from the settings and the situations.

While we are in awkward or uncomfortable places or amongst disagreeable people do not focus on the ‘why’ but see ‘what’ God is unfolding.  He will reveal hidden truths to us in times of conflict that will help us win the victories.  He will open avenues of escape in times of suppression that will lead us to fertile grounds where he restores our souls.  Yea thou we walk through the valley of the crazy people, unorthodox methodologies and just plain weird stuff, we will fear no evil for God is everywhere, at all times, and he knows all.  Wd we can learn so much just through our obedience.  Hang in there!

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn 

Trust the Process

Philippians 1:6- “… being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”
     One of my truly progressively thinking girlfriends and I talk extensively about the need and the blessing of ‘trusting in the process’ that God unfolds before us. As we journey through life God has a wonderful purpose and a designated plan for us. There are lessons to learn; people to encounter and paths that we must travel.
     No matter how off track we may feel or how long the process seems to take; no time is ever wasted if we view what we encounter as steps in the process. From the first breath you inhaled as a newborn infant you were proceeding on the path of the process. Every trial, tribulation, triumph, frustration, joyous celebration and total periods of silence are all a part of the process. God who has begun a good work in you will complete it. Stay on course and just keep moving. Trust the process and in doing so we verify and testify that we truly do trust God!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

When Healing Hurts

Numbers 12:13-14 - 3 So Moses prayed to the Lord, “God, please heal her from this sickness!” 14 The Lord answered Moses, “If her father spit in her face, she would be shamed for seven days. So put her outside the camp for seven days. After that she can come back into the camp.”
     Miriam and Aaron were whispering about Moses behind his back and thought they had gotten away with their murmuring; but God heard it and brought their indiscretions out into the light.  As punishment Miriam was stricken with leprosy.  Moses prayed for her healing and she did receive it but with a banishment. Her healing came with a bit of emotional hurt and isolation. 
     We have all experienced the pain that healing can bring.  Whether it is the pesky itch of a healing scab that forms over a scar or the pain that comes later as sore muscles and joints reestablish themselves from a fall or overwork. And who hasn’t fallen asleep in an awkward position and awaken to find that a hand or limb has ‘gone numb’ and the revitalization feels like ‘pins and needles’ as it comes back to life. 
     When life’s problems arise, and yes they will come, it is not for us to fret or lose hope, but to seek solutions through Christ and then prepare for the healing and restoration.  Both of which can be sometimes hurtful.  As God heals your physical, emotional or spiritual pain be aware that some healing will be a little uncomfortable but that does not mean that it will not be whole or effective.  God does not do anything half-way; his promises are sure, so do not lose heart if the ‘way back’ seems difficult.  Sometimes the restoration from a problem may seem like more punishment itself, but rest assured if God sent it, in the long run it will make you better than before.  Hang in there.

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn 

Don't Be Afraid to Ask!

Matthew 20:31-32 (ESV) – “31The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?”
     If there is something on your mind or in your heart that you keep pushing to the background because is ‘feels’ as if it is too overwhelming or even too trivial to bring up – go for it. Our God is concerned about ALL aspects of our lives and he yearns to have the type of relationship with you in which you take all of ‘you’ to him in prayer. There is nothing too hard for God. We instinctively want to get rid of heavy things that burden us and will throw all the ‘ton-age’ on the altar, but what about the small ‘gnat-like’ things that just seem to pester us? They might not occupy a full measure of concern, but they definitely fly about and cause distraction and discomfort. The Holy Spirt might be bringing these small things to your attention so you will address the issues and bring them before the Master.
     Don’t allow your own feelings to override the fact that God loves you so much he wants to be involved in all that concerns you. Yes, he is concerned about the small pebbles in our shoes; the nearly invisible dust particles in our eyes and the other life nuances that irritate us and keep us from being 100% on task. God is concerned about these distractions; even if the world thinks they might be trivial - call on the name of Jesus and ask him for relief. Call on the Master and seek his guidance and help. Call on the one who loves you more than life itself and proved that on the cross. Call on Jesus and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; focus on your purpose! Have an awesome weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tell Your Face!

Exodus 34:35 (ESV)- “ the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
     When I ask someone how they feel or how things are going and their answer and facial expression do not match, I often tell them to “tell your face” how you feel because it appears it does not know. When our actions and our words do not match it is confusing to our subconscious which runs on commands. If we keep telling ourselves that things are good yet we scowl, frown and grimace at every turn; our body language will override our consciousness and implant deep-seeded reactions.
     It is great to practice what you preach. If you say that you feel well; make sure you match that with a smile. If you profess to be ‘blessed and highly favored’; then align that with bright eyes and an unfurled brow. God tells us when we are fasting to not look desperate or hungry; so the opposite is also true; when you are doing fun activities and feeling on top of the world- be sure to tell your face.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; focus on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Take Action

1 John 3:18 – “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
     Today my son, his girlfriend and my granddaughter are traveling to Jamaica. She is reuniting with family she hasn’t seen in many years and my son and granddaughter are going to visit and meet that side of the family for the first time. Everyone is excited and of course I can’t wait to see all of the pictures which will capture the memories they will make. These pictures are depictions of the wonderful experiences they will share. I know I will enjoy viewing them all; but when they look at the pictures there will be different reaction because they embody the actual ‘feelings’ and actions associated with the images.
     A picture is worth a thousand words because pictures are captured moments of real life actions. As I like the say – “I can show you better than I can tell you". Images linger in our minds much longer than words; therefore actions are more powerful than speeches. You can tell me that you love me, but the realness of it is when you show me that you love me. Do your actions match and exceed your words? Do you express your feelings to others in tangible ways so that your words can truly live for them. If someone is struggling; it is good to tell them you are concerned and praying for them, but it might help to buy some groceries, give them a tank full of gas or babysit for an evening to give them a break. Love isn’t just an emotion – it is an action. Take action today and make a real difference that will linger on the heart longer than words stay in the ear.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

House Divided

Mark 3:25 – “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
     Last evening I listened to one of my favorite talk radio stations reporting on events of the Republican Convention being held in Cleveland, Ohio. I didn’t really tune into much of the rhetoric until I heard the commentator speak about the protests and dissension that was plaguing the Republican Party. As most of us know the forerunner, Donald Trump has made many inflammatory statements which has caused some Republicans to want to distance themselves from him. This separation has caused the ‘house’ to be divided on many levels.
     We must examine our own ‘houses’ - our relationships. How are they supported? Do we have them on firm foundations where we can build lasting associations? Are we evenly yoked with those we spend quality time with and depend upon? If there are areas of friction we must work steadily and truthfully to get to the core of the matter and allow healing to progress. We must evaluate our households, relationships, friendships, work teams, recreational groups and club memberships. 
      If ungodly, unjust, distasteful or prejudicial actions seem to run through the heart of these relationships or if discussions are few and tempers often flare, it is time to call the ‘house’ back to order. Spend time putting the cards openly on the table and discussing issues that can bring unity and clarity to whatever does cause or has the potential to cause division. We owe it to the longevity of relationships that are important to us to get our ‘house’ in order.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose! Have a great weekend. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Vouching

1 Timothy 1:12 (GNV): “Therefore I thank him which hath made me strong, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord: for he counted me faithful, and put me in his service”
     One of my responsibilities as an educator and consultant is that I am often called upon by my students and those whom I counsel is to write recommendations as they apply for various scholarships, admissions or employment. It is a privilege to stand with another as they show the evidence of their hard work, long trials, multiple studies, and numerous skill development programs. I am thankful that God allowed me to be in the position to assist others to move on to another level in their academic and/or career development and I do not take it lightly. I give God praise and thanks for how he keeps us through all the rigors of advancement and provides opportunities for progress.
     I am thankful for all who have ever ‘vouched’ for me; stood up for me; nominated me; pushed and supported me. And I am always responsive and thankful when I can be of service to help others along their journey. When you are called upon to stand in the gap for someone – do it with honor and remember those who helped you and give God praise!
     Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed Dr. JoAnn

Brand New

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”     During church service this past Sunday my pastor mentioned how God makes all things new; not making new things. This revitalization is consistent with his word as recorded in today’s scripture reference. 
     Yesterday I experienced this renewal as I changed a part of my outward appearance with a new hairstyle. The positive feedback I received boosted my confidence and really gave a shot in the arm to my self-esteem. It was a great feeling to hear and read all of the nice comments that people thought about my being made ‘new’.
     Imagine how wonderful it is when God ‘renews’ us through our relationship with Jesus Christ. As we allow the Holy Spirit to embrace us and make us better from the inside out we experience the passing away of the old self and the new creature that emerges is more vital, more on target and more in line with the will of God.
     It was ‘painful’ in a way to watch as my natural dreadlocks fell to the floor; but the cutting away of the old was necessary to release the potential beauty that lay beneath. God will use whatever steps are necessary to cut away the things that hold you captive so that you may bloom.     Allow God to make you over again by not fighting when he places you on the potter’s wheel. Things may seem to spin a bit out of control at first; and it may take a while to get used to the firm hand that he places upon you to reshape and remold you; but in the long run the refining process will make you ‘new’ again and fit for even more service.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose! Have a great weekend. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Prayer Focus

Isaiah 41:10- “[F]ear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

    Negotiations have started to take on a more formalized state as protestors have declared ‘cool down’ periods from marching to allow time for dialog. Town hall meetings are springing up around the nation and people from all walks of life are coming to hear and weigh in on the issues. Whether we believe the key problems are law enforcement or juvenile arrogance or being in the wrong place at the wrong time or just being a member of the minority ,it is evident that there are strongholds deeply planted.
    The primary issues are not just about the low-vibrational conflicts that reign between factions; but what is of real consequence is the spiritual conflict that is at work. We can talk, walk, protest, slander, preach, block roads and throw insults and innuendoes but nothing will happen or change unless and until we pray. This battle is of a spirit nature and there must be a renewed hope and invigorated faith which can only happen through prayer to our Creator.
    Whatever pressing matter is on your plate or on the front burner or on the top of your to-do list, be assured that if it is in alignment with God’s plan for your life – He will strengthen you for the task; provide your resources and uphold you through whatever processes or procedures you must endure for its completion.
    God is faithful and long-suffering. He will not allow you to fail as long as you do not give up or give in. But we must seek his face and live under his grace. He will uphold us with his grace, mercy and power. Give God thanks today (through prayer) for his help and watch him make our tomorrows a reality.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Key to the Road Map

John 16:13(ISV) “ Yet when the Spirit of Truth comes, he’ll guide you into all truth. He won’t speak on his own accord, but he’ll speak whatever he hears and will declare to you the things that are to come.”
    In these days of GPS, we often do not have a need to actually look at and try to decipher a printed map. One of the main objectives of studying a map is to find locations, estimate distances and to chart routes from point A to point B. The map itself is usually a bird’s eye view to the terrain with different signs and symbols of varying shapes and sizes. Somewhere on every map, usually tucked away in a corner is what is known as the ‘key’. These are the instructions which help us decipher the map and discover its hidden secrets. The maps hold the true data but without the ‘key’ we might not be able to easily unlock the treasures that it holds.
    Many of the lessons that Jesus teaches us have hidden meanings that the world can never figure out no matter how hard they try. But Jesus provides assistance to his followers by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that through our association with him we are able to have access to the Father. Through the glorification of Jesus by his death, burial and resurrection, we have been granted the presence of the Holy Spirit which lives within us as our present help and comfort.
    When you are feeling uncertain and not sure of what your journey will entail; do not stay in confusion- that is not what God wants. Use the resource that is as close as a whisper, a thought or a bent knee. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to all truth about your concerns and he will be sure to speak that which comes directly from God on your behalf. He will show you Jesus in all of his glory in whatever situation you are facing. The Holy Spirit is your ‘key’ to using the road map (lessons of the life of Jesus) to have victory in moving from point A to point B.
    Unlike GPS units which can malfunction in certain ‘dead zones’ or weather conditions; the map that Jesus provides and the keys that the Holy Spirit gives are sure each and every time. Ask for the guidance you need and faithfully follow the clues you are given to reach your ultimate goal in Jesus.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Shame the devil

Psalm 52:2-3 (ESV) – “Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right.”
    It has been many years since I have sat down and routinely watched the television news. I stopped allowing the mainstream media to pour into my spirit the negativity and debasing characteristics of our degrading society. I still stay on top of what is happening and I usually keep abreast of world events, but I decide what I will allow to bombard my soul and my spirit and through what means.  I encourage you to always look beyond the obvious. Remember they call a news story a "news feed".  Be careful what you feed your soul. Th devil always plays against our emotions, We must stay in prayer,  Our God is a God of purpose and this blog medium  is used to uplift the kingdom and to empower the saints. I share what God puts in my heart and on my spirit for the day. And today the main message is "don't be fooled by lies- the revolution will not be televised!"
    With the social unrest that is brewing around our country and the plights against human dignity that surge around the world; we must not lose sight of that fact that there are dark forces at work. Evil is real; demonic influences are real. People are vulnerable, weak and naïve. As Godly people we must be alert, prayerful and fearless in trusting God.
   Older members of my family used to taunt one another when they were spinning tales of unbelievable exploits or fabricating details of ordinary events. When one of them caught another stretching the truth a bit they would quip – “Tell the truth and shame the devil”. We need to follow this example even more stridently. We must endeavor to squelch the propagation of falsehoods, lies and deceit. The devil loves gossip, slander, lies and misdirection and will use these tools to bring division and derision to those who love the Lord.
    Small indiscretions can lead to full blown mockery if we do not nip it in the bud. Our scripture tells of how the evil one can influence deceit and thrive on controversy. When we make a conscious decision to tell the truth, stop slander and ignore gossip; we stop the devil in his tracks. He comes only to kill, steal and destroy. He wants to kill relationships; steal our joy and destroy our destinies. He will not stop; so we must be ever vigilant to his crafty and sly ways. Tell the truth. It takes work to remember lies; but the truth is always the truth and easy to recall. Exercise discretion and live in the freedom of doing the right thing; shame the devil.
   Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Church Service or Worship Service

Acts 4:31 – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”(NIV)

    Yesterday morning I woke up not really feeling like going to church.  I rested well, I wasn’t ill, I had outfits to wear and gas in my car.  To be honest I just didn’t feel like going to my church but that is why I knew I needed to be there. And that is why I got my hips up and went.  Whenever I don't feel like going somewhere but I know I need to be in attendance, that is when I thump the devil in the top of his head and push onward because I know my faithfulness is pleasing to God. Worship isn't about how I feel but how grateful I am.  Feelings come and go, but my gratitude to my God is eternal.

      I belong to a very small church - only about 7 of us each week and three come late every Sunday.  I must admit  I miss Sunday school, the choir, praise team, praise dancers,  the single's ministry and all the trappings of "entertainment "  that seems to come with most big churches now.  I often miss the crowd and the fellowshipping we are known to do in the parking lot long after church is over.

    The devil has been egging me to leave and go back to "real" church and I know that is purely not of God.  My small, yet powerful, church is awesome.  I enjoy my fellowship and the preaching.  God's spirit visits us in our unified praise so I push through the "feelings of big church loss" and go to worship the God I serve I went to church and I didn’t drag in there either.  I went with a thankful heart.  I thanked God for healing my friends and family of their illnesses and hurts;  I thanked him for my First Friday Fellowship ministry and those that attend; I thanked him for my father’s 94 years of  longevity, for my landlord's trust, for my brother's health, for our nation's peace and my anointed life.  I went because I really couldn’t help it.  I love worship service where I can tell God in the midst of fellow believers that I love him and want to serve him.  It really isn’t about church service because I often visit other churches when I want to see the praise dancers running down the aisles – it is about congregational worship service and that comes when just 2 or more are gathered in his name.  

   So if you are feeling a little displaced at your place of worship; hang in there my friend...  we might just be called to serve in places that might not be "comfy” or what we want ,but God is there so what more must we do but show up in spirit and worship him in faith!!

   Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Keep At it!

Philippians 1:6 (ERV) –“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.”
     We are well into approaching the second week of the first month of the second half of the year and there are some great accomplishments we have done since the beginning of the year and there are other works, tasks and activities we are striving to complete before year end. In looking at our daily walk, we are sure to see areas where God has empowered us to make many inroads and achievements and also yet other areas still requiring improvement. In the process of working out our salvation we will encounter many stretches of time and many miles of road where our actions may seem fruitless, ineffective or futile. We might even feel like we are going in circles and making very little, if any, progress.
     Do not lose heart; but keep at it and keep striving. God is there even in the times when we feel unsuccessful. Emotions and feelings are often predicated on false perceptions and we know that we walk by faith and not by sight; therefore what might seem like wasted time or unproductive and fruitless performance, in the palm of God, is incubating into something marvelous. Be patient; do not let the evil influences of this world mislead you into believing your work is unneeded or vain. Keep at it and soon you will see how things will blossom.
   
Please pray for peace in our communities. All lives matter- Law enforcement is not the enemy ... let's remember who the real villain is. 

  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Have a wonderful weekend. See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Walls

1 Samuel 25:15-16(AMP) –”But David’s men were very good to us, and we were not harmed, nor did we miss anything as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields. They were a wall to us night and day, all the time we were with them keeping the sheep.”
    What seems to be blocking your path? Your progress? Your development? We all speak about things that stifle or hinder our promotion or advancement and often refer to them as walls. We constantly ask God to open windows and doors of opportunity to give us access to what lies beyond the walls. But for a moment let’s look at walls in a different manner. Do you see walls as barriers or as protectors? I guess it all depends on which side of the wall you stand.    As the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, scripture refers to the towering water as ‘walls’ which provided protection for them and doom for the Egyptian army that pursued them. In today’s scripture we see reference to the protective nature of walls when David’s men aided those in need by serving as a wall by day and by night. In our modern world we see the use of climbing walls to help athletes and those in training develop stamina and strength. Walls themselves are neither good nor bad; they are inanimate objects that we can either use to our benefit or allow to stifle our advancement. 
     Make the innovative choice to use everything that comes your way to your benefit; good, bad or indifferent. When we come upon something that appears to halt our forward movement maybe the right move is to change direction. Instead of trying to go forward, change your direction…why not go up!. Up and over! Look at your obstacles in a different way; as a challenge to help change how you look at things and opening you up to higher heights. When you hit the wall – look up and get over it!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Live, Love, Laugh!

1 Samuel 17:39- “David strapped Saul's sword over the armor and tried to walk, but he couldn't, because he wasn't used to wearing them. “I can't fight with all this,” he said to Saul. “I'm not used to it.” So he took it all off.”

Try to not take life too seriously.  While we always need to strive for excellence in doing our jobs, completing our school work or participating in church and civic activities; we must not take ourselves so seriously that we do not enjoy the process.  Laughter is the best medicine and a merry heart can heal a troubled soul and an anguished body.  If things seem a little tense around you, take some time to untangle the downtrodden web that is trying to encapsulate you and find a reason to laugh.  If you have the time – take in a good comedic movie or watch an episode of a situation comedy on television or streaming video.  If time is of the essence, then just take a few moments to read a comic strip or look up the joke of the day on the internet.  The point is …lighten up.  Our God has a wonderful sense of humor…he must. .. he had to have been in a good mood when he created the platypus.

    Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT laughter-filled day.  Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

The Okey Doke

1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”.

     Do not get caught up in the OKEY DOKE!.  Many of you may not be familiar with these words.  This is an old-school, flashback term from the mid-west where I grew up.  It simply means don’t accept the mediocre, the mundane or the ordinary.  We would say that people were giving us the OKEY DOKE when what we got was OK, but less than what we expected or needed.    It was average, basic, standard, every day, run-of-the-mill stuff.  Don’t try to pan off on me whatever you think will placate me or shut me up for the moment.

    When babies are making a fuss, parents will often give them something shiny or noisy( that of little real value) just to quiet them through distraction.  The child might want to be fed or changed or just held, but they get the OKEY DOKE until the parent is ready to deal with them.  Don’t let life hand you the OKEY DOKE.  You are a royal priesthood.  God loves you so much and Jesus died for you to have full majestic status.  The Holy Spirit is your confidante and constant companion.  God’s angelic forces are on ready standby to aid you.

     Expect the best of everything.  Do not settle for less in anything.  Expect to be treated right in business deals. Expect to be afforded the highest regard at your job, in your neighborhood, in the stores where you shop and everywhere you go.  If people do not treat a prince in the correct manner, the prince does not lose character and get bent out of shape; he knows who his father is and that the perpetrator will be dealt with by his father’s wrath.  Likewise if you are given the OKEY DOKE; you don’t have to accept it and you don’t have to make a scene.  Just walk away - and ‘let God deal with them accordingly”.

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted: stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Royal Priesthood

Happy 4^th of July!

1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”.

    As believers in Jesus Christ we are fully adopted into the King’s family.  We are no longer estranged, alienated, or disenfranchised.  We are not distant relatives, in-laws or step children.  We are fully embraced and accepted with all rights and privileges granted.  As children of the most High God we are royalty; and as royalty we must conduct ourselves as such. 

     When we study earthly monarchs whose family lines rule over generational kingdoms we get a small peek at the majestic benefits of God’s heavenly sovereignty.  The king’s children have no doubt about who they are or who their father is.  From the cradle they lavish in a lifestyle of privilege and do not think it outlandish to have the best of everything. They have a certain expectancy of how they should be treated and are taught how they are to respond in any given situation.  When they walk into a room it is expected that all attention will be turned to them.  When they make a request it is assumed that the need will be met without hesitation.  When they are in trouble the King will send the magnitude of his forces to remedy the situation.  They are rarely alone or ostracized for they are provided with nannies, playmates and overseers. 

     If these actions are established for earthly rule then it is even more prudent to see this type of interaction when we are adopted into the family of God.  Our mouths may speak that we are the King’s kids and that our father has cattle on a thousand hills, yada, yada, yada; but do we fully embrace all of the freedoms and rights that come with our adoption papers?  We are all guilty of not exercising to the highest extent our benefits and favors and it is a shame.  Christ died a horrific death to secure our place in the kingdom.  He preached and taught and set examples of how we are to conduct ourselves as the royal priesthood. Exercise your rights as a child of the King!  “Ask”, “seek” and “knock”; but most importantly expect” good things. 

          Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted: stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Joyful Strength

Nehemiah 8:10 – “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
     Our scripture today reminds us that our joy is steeped in our relationship with God. Through the building and nurturing of our faith we are able to withstand the bitter and harsh outcomes that accompany tragic trials and setbacks. When we become victims of circumstance or even of our own or other’s doing, we must remain consistent in our handling of our emotions and the situation.
     Our joy is rooted deeply in the Lord, like a ship with a heavy anchor that is secured on the sea floor. No matter how the storm above is raging, the ship may be tossed to and fro, but it is held in place by the anchor which secures it. Jesus is our rock and no matter what comes our way we can rest assured that our anchor will grip the solid rock and in that we can maintain our joy.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted by the storms; stay focused on the ROCK and live out your purpose! Enjoy the long weekend. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tonight is First Friday Fellowship; please keep us in prayer as we worship and give God praise; not for what he has done but just because of who he is. Hallelujah!