Forgive and Keep Moving!

Matthew 6:12 – “Forgive our sins,     just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. (ERV)

     Forgiveness is so important and I pray my previous blogs about forgiveness have brought light to the subject. God is strengthening me as I have been standing in the gap for so many. I was really growing weary and it seemed as if some were purposefully trying to wear me down.  Life has a way of trying to burden us down when we try to handle things in our own strength.  I had to turn my yoke over to Jesus for his is so much lighter and easier to bear since he did the 'heavy lifting' crawling up Jerusalem's hill to Calvary with the weight of the world on his back in the form on an old wooden cross.  I can but only imagine how it felt but he did it just for me and just for you.  We surely can endure our hardships which God has allowed as a means to glorify himself through us.  What an awesome privilege... it of course does not feel that way while we are in the midst of it and it probably won't feel that way once we are out and looking back, but it isn't about 'feeling'... it is about knowing that God is awesome, never wrong, always loving and always there. 

     I have been going through some relationship re-evaluation moments lately and while I have found it vitally important to sever the interactions with certain folks, I must be very careful not to harbor ill-will or linger in unforgiveness because they did not treasure me the way I thought they should.  It is best for me to cut and go rather than continue to feel mis-understood, used or emotionally drained every time I interact with them.  I had to remember the purpose of my fellowship and not allow my or their idiosyncrasies to cloud my judgement.  Love them...but keep it moving.    

     I know the importance of forgiveness...not for them but for me.  It is an act of self-love when we don't allow unforgiveness to penetrate us and harden us or trick us into acting outside of our Christ-like character.  Those who do unexpected acts of disloyalty or uncanny behavior against us are acting in their character, but we must not counter that with similar actions...that would be outside the character of Christ which we strive to emulate.  We must forgive and keep it moving... to linger will only make us keep rehearsing in our heads what happened and allow negative thoughts to be replanted....No - forgive and move on with the assignment God has for us.  It will not only make us stronger but indeed wiser!  Love them, but leave them.

   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 

All Life Matters!

Galatians 3:28 – “Now, in Christ, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or free, male or female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus.”

    As more marches are planned and more legislations are challenged about police brutality and citizen interaction; one thing must remain at the forefront of all discussion – all life matters.  While I am a vocal supporter of voting our conscience, I am also even more outspoken about praying in the spirit for those vying for leadership positions.  Only God knows the hearts of men and we can only trust what they say will actually manifest itself when they take positions of power.  Our scripture today reminds us that it does not matter about background, origin, race or gender, we are all the same in Christ therefore we must treat everyone as Christ did.  

     An important concern is that we speak up to those who do not know the love of Christ and introduce them to his glory.  The best sermon is not being preachy from on a soapbox or wagging a critical finger in the face of someone who may not practice a particular faith-walk but to live your life in a way that everyone can ‘see’ the Christ in you.  Live and love in a way that shows those around you that all life matters and that Christ died to save us all.

     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 

Peaceful Promise

Isaiah 26:3 – “God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.”

     As Jesus prepared for his transition to the cross he began preparing his disciples and praying over them.  In the scriptures recorded in John 14:16-27 he told them that although he would be leaving, they would not be left hopeless because he would leave them with his peace and that the Heavenly Father would send the Holy Spirit so that they would not be left comfortless.  Jesus’ words were true then and they are true today.  He has not left us nor forsaken us for his peace abides with us.

     Today's scripture reminds us that this peace which passes all understanding is generously poured out upon those who trust God.  When we fret and worry about circumstances and allow the angst of life to distract us from our Provider, Jehovah Jireh, then we tell God that we don’t trust him, his ability to help us or his love to care for us.  Show God that you do rely upon his sovereignty and that you trust in his holiness; do not give way to the anxieties that bombard you.  Just relax and enjoy God’s peaceful promise. Trust God and watch as his peace washes over you like a flood. 

      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 

Healing the Heart

1 Samuel 1:8 – “Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?”

     We have all had instances in our lives when our hearts have been bruised, deceived and even wounded. We have loved and lost; we have opened ourselves up to those who have betrayed our trust and hurt us deeply. Yes we have all had our hearts hurt. Like rips in fabric, to function properly our hearts must be mended; they must be healed. 

     In our scripture today Hannah’s heart was not only broken because of her barrenness, but the pain of ridicule from Peninnah was more than she could bear. There are a lot of life lessons we endure and they in themselves carry a weight that we must shoulder, but when ‘insult is added to injury’ and we must suffer through ridicule or hassle from insensitive people, the burden seems to be even more troublesome. We can often tolerate physical trauma far more successfully than the pains of heartache. We must turn to God for healing.

     Like Hannah, our sorrow can quickly be turned to gladness when we make our petitions known unto our gracious God and trust him for relief. He hears our prayers and is just and loving to care for our well-being. Take your broken heart to him; take your cares and place them at the altar. He wants to hear from you. Not murmuring and complaining; but confiding in him the pain that troubles you and seeking his wisdom and guidance.  

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

Lean Not

Judges 21: 25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

      In the days of the Old Testament when the children of Israel were without a king, chaos and confusion reigned in the land because every man made decisions based on his own judgments. When we try to govern ourselves totally under man-made laws there are always flaws, discrepancies and injustices.  When we allow Jesus to reside as “King” over our lives we  by human rulers.

       Man makes decisions often based on and controlled by emotion.  God leads us by sovereign wisdom and love.  In need of making an important decision?  Don’t trust your own understanding – but wholly lean on Jesus.  The first chapter of the book of James reminds us that if we need wisdom to ask God who will provide it liberally.  We must acknowledge God is all things and lean not to our own understanding.  We see things from such a limited and myopic point of view; it is crucial that we seek the wise counsel of the Holy Spirit which dwells within.  He orchestrated the past, operates in the present and knows the future.  Seek God’s answers; be patient and watch how the right choices move into your path. 

     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 

Acceptable Offerings

Amos 5: 22-23 – “Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them, though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs, I will not listen to the music of your harps.”

       What a pity it would be to get all dressed up for a party, wrap up a nice present, start singing celebratory songs only to have the special guest clamp their hands over their ears, refuse to accept your gift and prefer that you not remain in their presence.  Well that is what God does when our fellowship is not genuine.  No one likes to be ‘played up to’ or placated through vain ceremony.  We all want expressions of love and respect to be sincere.  So remember that while we can smile and pretend and display what appears to be authentic demonstrations of love toward others; we cannot fool God who looks at the human heart and the motivations for our actions.  Be straight with him, if you are hurting, disappointed, ashamed, or confused, tell him and ask for his guidance to alleviate those feelings.  If you are frustrated, challenged or angry, do as David did and go before his presence with sincerity and watch the Holy Spirit shepherd you into the right thinking that will make your worship experience valid and real.  Offer unto God your very best and he will accept 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 

Find Out

Ephesians 5:17 – “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

     We have heard it said that ‘ignorance is bliss’ and that you can’t be blamed for what you do not know.  Don’t be foolish when it comes to the will of God for your life; not just this mortal life but our eternal purpose.  God warns us to not be wasteful of the precious time we are allotted while here on earth.  This world is not our only assignment; we are destined for eternal life with him when we accept the gift of salvation and we must know and acknowledge our purpose within God’s kingdom. 

     Like many, I used to say ‘why am I here?’ – what is my purpose; especially after so many of my dear friends have died and passed on from this mortal existence?  I wondered what was my destiny and instead of asking vague questions out into the atmosphere, I point blank directed my questions to the God of creation.  “Why was I so wonderfully and fearfully made? And although there was no airplane writing in the sky or big billboard plastered on the side of a building to proclaim my answer…he made himself crystal clear.  I asked and he answered me in a special way and he will do the same for you.

     Your purpose may remain the same but don’t be fooled if your assignments change as you grow in your relationship with God.  Just as workers get more responsibility as they progress through the workings of a company more will be added and some things taken away as God advances and uses you for his will.   Embrace the challenges and above all – find out what you are supposed to be doing and do 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 

A Little Dab

Ephesians 6: 16 – “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

      Years ago a television commercial of a popular hair ointment claimed that you didn’t need much of the product in order to get the desired effect.  It said that ‘just a little dab will do’.  This is true with our faith walk with God.  He does not require that we have a boat load of faith in order to please him, but he does want us to exercise that which we do have.  Today’s scripture reminds us that when we are faced with a problem of any size we are to brace up with our shield of faith. 

     If you think about a shield it is not used as an offensive weapon but as a defensive tool against attack.  Remember the battle is not yours but the Lord’s, so you have but to show up and stand up in faith.  Put your faith in front of you and stand behind its protection.  It only takes a dab. 

    When trials come at you back to back like arrows raise your shield and speak the words of God against the onslaught.  Remind yourself that God is in control and that the victory has already been won through the blood of Jesus.  Don’t be afraid that you can’t fight against such an awesome foe…we serve a BIG God and his might and power are awesome.  Stand with your shield of faith and tell your problem who your God is and watch as he buffers you and keeps you safe.

   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 

Indispensible

1 Corinthians 12: 22-23 –“²² On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect;”

     Everyone needs a little help now and then and that help can be in many different forms depending on the nature of the problem or concern.  When assistance is warranted, usually the first persons we think about are those most able to assist without much impact on them or their usual lifestyle.  When someone needs shelter it usually isn’t the man in the tent that we think would be the optimal person to help.  We would naturally think about a man in a large home who could offer a room without any strain.  When financial assistance is needed we don’t usually think about the friend who often overdraws their checking account; but rather to the person who shows fiscal stability.   

       We look at things from the external, physical perspective; but God looks beyond our faults and sees our hearts and motivations.  Our scripture tells us that everyone has a special assignment from God and that the fulfillment of this assignment is what brings the greatest honor.  You don’t need to know rocket science or graduate from college at the top of your class or be the sharpest ax in the tool box in order to be an effective member of the body of Christ. All we need are willing hearts and hands for service.  God calls us all to remember the plight of those we have been called to serve.

      Serving in the worship experience is a great way to help build the Kingdom.  So what if you don’t’ have the strongest singing voice; lift praises to God in any key you can reach.  So what if you walk with a slight limp; you can still serve as an usher or greeter to escort nervous newcomers to their seats.  So what if you have a lisp or speech impediment; you can still give great testimony of God’s goodness. Great or small - all of us are vitally important in the body of Christ and our gifts and skills are needed for the Kingdom.  Find a place to serve – someone needs you!

     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. Enjoy the weekend.  See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn 

Revisit Gratitude

Acts 24:3 – “In every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, we accept and acknowledge this with deep appreciation and with all gratitude.”
    As we raise our children one of the first phrases we instill into them is the expression ‘thank you’.  We teach them to show good manners by saying thanks when they are given things, compliments or shown kind deeds.  We know that it is good manners to say thank you immediately upon receipt of something; but what a wonderful impact the words have when they are revisited after the fact.
    Yes I am thankful when you open a door for me and I am grateful when you remember my birthday and I respond quickly with acknowledgement of my thankfulness.  But think for a moment about someone who did something that set the ball rolling for you a while back and now you just need to revisit that thanks.   Who picked you up when your car left you stranded?  Who slid a few bucks into your palm when you needed it most?  Sure you said thanks then, but why not remember them again and let them know you still remember their random act of kindness.
     Who do you need to say thanks to?  Who would gather strength and joy from hearing a few kind words of gratitude from you?  Search your heart and make someone feel as special as you felt when they first helped you.   We don’t do things to get thanks; but it sure lifts the spirit when we hear that we are appreciated and it has even greater affect when the thanks lingers over an extended period of time.   Lift someone’s countenance today; reach out, remind them why you appreciate them and give thanks (again).

     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 

Healing Herbs

Genesis 1:29 – “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth...”

       Most mornings I start off my day with a veggie/fruit smoothie.  I like spinach, carrots, bananas, strawberries, kale and assorted spices and herbs.  The other day I was reading a small pamphlet about healing foods spoken about in the Bible.  I read a few passages and realized that all things God created are for our use; we must learn their properties and proper usage.  Even poison ivy serves a purpose.  As discerning souls we have a wide variety of plants that God has provided for our well-being and bountiful health.  It is only in modern times that medical science has recognized the existence and important of vitamins, but one of the reasons the diet of biblical times was so healthy is because it was loaded with all of the important nutrients – no processed meats, sugars or chemically created and deep fried snacks.  Ancient people may not have known all the chemical symbols or equations that make up the nutrients but when they followed the laws and commands of God about eating they remained healthy. 

    Search the scriptures for clues about any ailment you might be experiencing.  No need to reach up on the drug store shelf and consume mass doses of drugs with 15 syllable names; instead reach for your Bible and find God’s cures for your aches and pains.  Cinnamon, fennel, cumin and cayenne can do wonders for your digestion. Anise, lentils, paprika and red peppers aid in circulation.  Have a headache that might be caused by tension? – Nothing like chamomile to sooth those nerves. 

   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 

Arrows Away

Psalm 18:14 – “He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.” (NKJV)

Have you ever felt as if you have been pulled to the farthest of your ability to stretch?  Felt as if you have bent over backward so far that you could easily see where you have been? Or how about things being so tight that you could not give another inch?  Well believe it or not those are all good signs. Yes...great signs. It means that you are just about at the point of letting go. Not the kind of letting go where you give up or give out, but the kind of letting go when you give ‘over’.  Give whatever it is over to God.  He has been patiently waiting of you to exhaust yourself to the point where you will now Let Go and Let God!

What do you think all of that sacrifice and torture was about those 2000 years ago?  Why do you think Jesus bore those gruesomely abusive stripes?  Blood was shed and a random paid and you were redeemed.  Time to cash in and God has been waiting.  We must not keep struggling to operate in our own strength or we will be guilty of trying to negate the work of Jesus as the Savior of the world.  We must let God be God and do his wonderful Godly things of never sleeping; always protecting; healing; nurturing; teaching and guiding. Sovereignty requires some really big shoes and you and I can in no way even think about how to begin to fill them.  Let God – Be God.  He is really good at it and although you think you have the best answer let him do his ‘thang’.

An arrow by itself, though sharp and full of potential, has very little power unless it is pulled and positioned.  The greater the pull; the more the tension; the higher the angle; the farther the arrow will fly.  So if you feel like you have been stretched to the limits of your patience, abilities and wits…guess what??? It is time to soar.  God knows just the right amount of tension and resistance for you to bear; he knows where he wants you to land and how much force it will take you to get there… Let God be God and enjoy the flight.

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 

Plant Good Seed

Ezekiel 17:5– “When he took of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside abundant waters. He set it like a willow twig”

    Yesterday I was blessed to host a ‘thank you’ dinner for my cousins to celebrate the love and support they continuously shower on me.  I presented them with a traditional “thanksgiving’ dinner menu and I gathered many of my food items from a local farmer’s market.  Each time I visit a local grocery store, county market or road-side stand it is rewarding to see the small business owners display their wares so proudly.  I love to see the vibrant colors and smell the aromas of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits.  As an experimental chef, it is wonderful to mix and match the ingredients to make delicious dishes, desserts and beverages.  None of this would be possible if the farmers had not planted seed early in the sowing season.   In order to have a bountiful harvest the farmers must think in advance about the amount, variety and care of the plants they want to reap; and plant accordingly.

    We must also be mindful of the ‘yield’ we want to develop and plant well.  Whether you are seeding into the life of a ministry; planting sound advice and encouragement into the life of a teen; sowing energy into a volunteer project or just placing great new thoughts into the fertile ground of your own creativity; it is important that you plant good seed and put it into fertile ground.  One apple seed can produce a mighty tree, which in turn can produce hundreds of apples each with dozens of seeds capable of producing vast orchards of future trees.  The exponential grown potential is mind-boggling. Your small initial sowing can make a tremendous difference.  Make sure your seed counts.  Plant it now and plant it deep!

    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 

No Pests Allowed

Malachi 3:11 – “I will not let pests destroy your crops. All your grapevines will produce grapes.” This is what the Lord All-Powerful said.”

     One of the things that keeps Georgia so lush and beautiful is the possibility of daily sporadic rain. Not only do these showers bring out the best in the local flora but there is always the onslaught of outside pests that think they have a right to invade our residences. Yes you know what I mean, ants, spiders, silverfish and even water bugs try to find their pesky little ways into our living spaces. Later today an exterminator team will visit my home and show them who is really boss. If any of you have ever experienced a spider bite or the sting of a Georgia red ant you know it is paramount to make sure they stay outdoors. So while the rains can serve to spawn such beauty they also can bring irritating events.
     There are events in our lives which can on one hand bring us great joy but we must be mindful that along with the apparent elation can also come some unforeseen annoyances.
God warns us to be ever vigilant and to prepare for such occurrences. It is wise to monitor our surroundings; the places we inhabit and the visitors we allow to invade our personal spaces. 
     As we stay focused on what God desires he will guide us, protect us and when needed exterminate for us the bothersome things that try to invade our spaces. So this weekend take the time to get into the small crawl spaces of your life and flush out the vexatious beings that have invaded where they do not belong. Phony companions, “frienemies” and fake smiling faces all need to be eliminated for you to stay focused on your purpose.  Don’t be afraid to tell them to ‘get out’ and ‘stay out’.

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! Enjoy the weekend – see you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

He Knows

Matthew 6:31 – 32 – “31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”
     Recently a very dear mentee reminded me of today’s Bible passage which speaks about the provisioning love of God. Today’s scripture highlights the fact that no matter what it is -God knows our needs. As Psalm100 reminds us, ‘it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves. We belong to God; he has our steps ordered, he has a plan for our lives which is designed to prosper us and glorify him and; he has given us a way of escape when things get too harsh and he forgives us of our wrongdoings. He is all-knowing; everywhere at all times and he is all loving. What more can we ask?  Don’t worry about anything.
     Everything is in Divine Order and God knows our needs before we can even imagine them because he is the one who sets us on the path’s journey. He is the author of our story and believe me he knows every plot, twist and turn. Trust God today to meet your needs and provide for your destiny. Worry not; faint not, just believe and trust in the process.
     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

Worthy

Luke 12:6-7-“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. “
     As believers we were bought with a price and that price was paid for by Jesus in his sacrifice on the cross. There is no tangible amount that can be placed on the salvation of one’s soul but for sure, this priceless gift is beyond all comprehension.
     God reminds us through today’s scripture that if he is mindful of the lives and livelihood of the simple sparrows as they dart across the noon-day sky. If he is aware and caring about these lowly creatures then surely he purposefully longs to make sure our needs are met and our interactions are not based in or guided by fear.
     We are made in the image of our conquering king and in his majesty we are joint heirs to the kingdom. With this in mind it isn’t hard to see why God reminds us that even our hair numbers are counted and that we are worthy of God’s attention. Let’s walk boldly into any situation that gives God the glory.
     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

Winning Mindset

Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
     As I watch coverage of the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro I can’t help but live vicariously through the fighting instinct exhibited by the competitors. Although the field may have many standing at the starting line, only the top three will win medals. They are the true conquerors. To get to the medal award stage they had to conquer many trials; grueling practices, unrelenting injuries; inadequate sleep, and isolation from family and friends. But they did these sacrifices for the greater joy of the conquest. No matter how formidable the obstacles they had to separate fact from reality.
     We are all too often guilty of giving into what seems like hopeless situations because they seem so insurmountable. It is during these times that God wants us to ‘divide and conquer”. Divide the truth from the facts and realize that everything is not always as it seems.
      The facts state that the Hebrew boys were thrown into a fire that was stoked so hot that the soldiers commanded to put them in were consumed by the flames. The truth is that they walked around in the furnace unhurt and when they exited they did not even smell like smoke. The facts state that the walls of Jericho were impenetrable; the truth is that with simple shouts the stones crumbled to the ground. The facts state that the military-trained soldier Goliath was almost 9 feet tall; the truth is that the shepherd boy David knocked him off of his “A” game with a simple slingshot and a smooth stone.
    We should look at our lives as a series of opportunities to be conquerors. Troublesome events are nothing more than options for flexing our spiritual muscles and taking control of the situations. Jesus has already paid the price; we just need to go in and seal the deal. Don’t give into your fears or back down from what appears to be a stronghold… muster up your courage to give it the ‘1-2’ punch! We are conquerors.
    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

Reunited

Philippians 2:28 – “ I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.”
    What a difference a phone call can make. After many years of separation, last evening I was reunited with my goddaughter Tailah who is now 33 years old. Her mom and I grew up together as children and she is my first godchild. Over 20 years ago after her mom’s death, though neither one of us could put our finger on it, we lost touch. For years I sought to locate her but with no success. I even sought assistance through child advocacy agencies and later through Facebook when it was in its infancy.
    Over the past few years as I have been packing, unpacking and relocating I often run into pictures of her amongst my belongings and wonder about her well-being. Just this past Friday I mentioned her and one of the favorite activities we used to do and what a shocker to now know that through a simple message and a few questions she was the one who found us. WE have been reunited and I can only rejoice. I have prayed over finding her and knowing where she was and how she was fairing and God is so faithful. I never wanted her to think she was abandoned or forgotten. Not only is she doing well, but she said she has been thinking about us throughout the years and was hopeful to find us too.
    If there is someone that you miss and they keep coming up in your spirit do not be dismayed. God is so awesome and he loves reunions. He wants us to be reunited - for that is the core of the redemption story. When Adam sinned and put a great divide between mankind and God, Jesus came to bridge that gap. Ask the Holy Spirit to work on your behalf and then trust, wait and believe.
    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

The Gap!

Ezekiel 22:30 – “And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.”
     Every day is a good day but today is a special day for me. The first Friday of the month is the day that my praise and worship ministry meets to lift the name of Jesus, share testimonies and honor God through prayer and praise. We are small in number, but mighty in spirit. As I reflect back on the ministry’s beginning I am amazed and humbled at how God has used me to ‘stand in the gap’ for others. Although we physically share a collective space only on the first Friday of the month, the ministry itself reaches far beyond the walls of my home.
     Through life-coaching sessions where I speak into and pray over the lives of young adults God allows me to share his love with many. Through my ministry I am privileged to be used by God to do daily devotionals, this blogging outreach and Bible study to show others his love. It is a true privilege and I could not do it without the support and encouragement of you my faithful readers. Your financial support, texts and emails of encouragement and simple “Amen” comments all help keep me focused to continue to stand in the gap. Thank you for helping me stay focused on the battlefield.
     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. Have an awesome weekend and continue standing in the gap for someone else. You may never know how important your support is but they do and God does! See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Changed Nature

Genesis 7:16 – “All these animals went into the boat in groups of two, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind Noah.”
     This scripture is taken from the story of Noah and the flood. Noah was given a great assignment from God and in the completion of his assignment we notice that God used animals to help us learn an important lesson. Scripture tells us that animal pairs of all natures came to the building site of the ark to be loaded in for salvation of the species. Some were predators, ferocious hunters; while others were meek and vulnerable prey. Whether they were stealthy tigers or timid gazelles, they all arrived to enter into the ark.
     When God gives you an assignment; he will provide all the resources that you require to fulfill his mission and he will even change their nature to make them accommodating to your needs. In your presence, people who usually would be in opposition about everything seem to get along. When you need cooperation you only have to speak with the authority granted to us from God in order to cause calm to reign in a situation.
    Got a big job to complete? Don’t worry about the players; just focus on the game plan. God will cause all the particulars to fall into place. Even the dog with the biggest bark and the sharpest teeth is no problem when you operate in the fullness of God’s assignment.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Eternal Flame

Leviticus 6:13- “That fire must always be kept burning on the altar. It must never be allowed to stop burning.”
     Yesterday while attempting to do my fair share of ‘running around’ and getting things done for the week and my upcoming ministry meeting, I experienced what some would call a ‘hitch in my get-along’. My car brakes went out and what could have been a dangerous situation really just turned into a ‘revamp’ and ‘reassess’ situation. I had a lot on my plate over the weekend and really had been burning my candle at both ends. Although I was planning my work and working my plan; I was not getting adequate rest. So this minor snafu really is just a way to guide me into slowing down and rejuvenating so I can stay on my goal-setting path. With my car nestled in the garage until my mechanic can take a look at it; I am sequestered at home where I can refuel and get focused back on the real tasks at hand and not the scores of other things I allowed to pile onto my ‘to-do’ list.
     “Staying on task; staying focused; keeping our eyes on the prize”; all of these are familiar phrases we have heard, said and tried to live by. For 2016 I have used a similar phrase at the close of each of these blogs… we must stay focused on the purpose. It is important to keep moving forward and never giving up; but more important is to keep the drive of our conviction; the enthusiasm of our efforts and the fire of our determination fully stoked and ablaze. 
     When things do not go as planned (and an unstoppable vehicle is definitely not in my plan) or when we face problems or betrayals or stumbling blocks only the deep rooted fire of our determination can keep us on task until the blockage is removed. No matter what you are facing take time to stock pile your furnace; pack on extra fuel; collect additional energy sources so when the going gets tough you will be able to keep your fire lit. How do you stockpile? Very simply – keep assessing your needs; keep praying; keep praising; keep studying God’s word; keep helping others and most of all keep drawing near to our wonderful savior, Jesus.
     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

"And It Appears!"

John 2:11 – “This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
     Have you ever thought about someone and the phone rings or a text comes through and it is them? Ever make a statement or hint about something and low and behold it happens? Well I am one who does not believe in chance or luck or serendipity. I believe in Divine Order; in which the steps of the righteous are ordained and ordered by God. As believers we are on a journey to fulfill our purpose and mission within God’s ultimate kingdom plan; therefore our part is too important to just leave to happenstance.
     God knows our needs and has already made provision for us to have all the things, circumstances, nuances and people in place to fulfill his plan for our lives. We are free agents to make decisions but as those ‘paid for with a price’ we love to govern our lives to respond to the desires of our Savior. What we need is in the atmosphere. We can conquer fear, overcome anxiety, push ahead into new ventures, forgive the unforgivable and a multitude of other things because all that is needed has already been supplied by God - it just needs for our faith to cause it to ‘appear’.
     Speak with power and authority into your situation. Believe that your needed change has already occurred and walk into the manifestation of what God provided when he formed the worlds millennia ago. When we speak it … it appears!
     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

God's Timing

Genesis 21:2 (NIV) – “Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.”
     We have all said it… some phrase that let others know we plan to do something but not immediately. We tell them – “In a minute”, “hold on”, “ I’ll get back with you” and although no specific time is given it is generally known that at some point the issue or response will be completed.
     When we enter an establishment expecting service we are often satisfied by a simple head nod or gesture from the salesperson, maitre’ d, or clerk that our presence has been noted and soon our needs will be met.
     Why then do we get anxious with God about his timing of events, blessings or prayer answers? Why do we seem to trust that men will do right by us when we make requests known and we will usually patiently wait our turn; but when it comes to God we want to put him on the ‘clock’. We pray and then expect as soon as we open our eyes or get up off of our knees or finish the final ‘AMEN’ we expect – waa-laa – for the answer to appear immediately. Yes, God is capable and powerful enough to make anything happen in the blink of an eye, but he is also loving enough and wise enough to know that most of our requests should be tempered with time. Not our ‘chronos’ time; but his ‘Kairos’ time.
     My mantra is very simple – “Relax, everything is in Divine Order”. Not only does this mean that the events are unfolding as God has ordained; but also it encompasses the fact that the timing is also under his wise control. When we get anxious and cannot always see the steps of God’s divine order progressing; we must trust God’s heart and be patient. His timing is perfect.
     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!  JoAnn