Friday, June 30, 2017

Midpoint

Psalm 138:8 (ERV) – “Lord, I know you will do what you have promised. Lord, your faithful love will last forever. You are the one who made us, so don’t leave us.”
     Wow we have reached the last weekend in June. We have made it to the midpoint of the year and how time has flown. If you are like me and many others, when the year began you had a laundry list of things you wanted to conquer, complete, eliminate or change. Recently I was evaluating my “to-do” list and it was refreshing and encouraging to see that I have made a few important ‘check marks’. Many of my prayers hinged on the promises of God and he is ever faithful to fulfill them in accordance to his will and purpose.
     God made us in his image and placed within us a longing and desire for fellowship with him and a sense of purpose and drive. As we strive to conquer the next half of this year and see the manifestation of our desires it is reassuring to know that God will do as he has promised. He is keeping each and every one of our dreams and aspirations alive as we traverse through the upcoming hours, days, weeks and months. Stay focused on God’s promises for your situation and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge God in all your ways and he will not only direct your steps but will illuminate your path.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Have a great weekend. See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Spectacle Watching

Matthew 14:6 –“But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.”
     Entranced by the provocative dance that she performed, King Herod proclaimed that up to half of his kingdom he would give to Herodias. History and scripture tells us that because of this promise, the head of John the Baptist was presented on a silver platter.
     Those in the audience who watched as she flittered and pounced about probably had no idea that the spectacle would end in such an horrific fashion. As onlookers what responsibility do we have in the outcomes that play out in front of us. Do we really pay attention, question, and speak up?
     We are living in dramatic times when we must be proactive in observing all that is going on around us. The Black Lives Matter movement coined a phrase – “Stay Woke”. We must be diligent in paying attention to what is unseen as well as unsaid. Don’t be fooled by unwarranted drama; keep your eyes on the path and your hand in God’s hand.
     Pay attention to all that could be written between the lines… your very diligence could save a life (from depression, wrong living, chaos or bad choices). Let’s not just look and shake our heads or turn away…. Let’s get involved.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Keep Moving

Acts 20:24 – “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” 
     About a month ago, in the midst of recovering from foot surgery I started gradually going back to the gym. At first it was a little slow going as I worked my way from one to two and now three miles on the treadmill. When I first stated although I wanted to do more, what I settled for was to do my best with the limited mobility that I had. Eventually the incision healed and I grew more resilient to the pain of putting pressure on my foot and was able to do more and go farther.
      All that God wants us to do is to do our best to complete the task before us. Trust that he has prepared us for what lies ahead and that we just have to dig down deep and take one step at a time. Soon the time, the distance, the projects, the classwork, the therapies, the chores and the race will be completed. Take it a step at a time and keep going. Don’t worry about the challenges or oppositions; keep pressing on.
    Each new step we encounter might be a bit of a strain but the benefit to our overall health is immeasurable. You have what it takes to make it and it just takes you to resolve in your mind that you must keep moving.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Endless Supply

Philippians 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
       We cherish receiving the answers to prayers and it is even more glorious when our desires and very thoughts seem to materialize instantly or without much delay.  Lately I have been experiencing the wonderful provision of our God in ways that have been quite delightful and intriguing.  I thought about a new coffee maker and walked into a store and found the very one I wanted on sale.  I desired for some new furnishings and within a week’s time all the pieces I needed to revamp my bedroom came from different sources but matched together as if they were sold as a unit.  I imagined new revenue sources and found out that I had a teaching assignment that came through in a pinch. 
     It isn’t good luck or serendipity or fate.  It is the provision of our God. I didn’t spend time on my knees begging or pleading for God to help or supply. I simply thought about what I wanted and when the timing was right God had the universe to supply my need.  Somethings right away, other things within a time frame that still made it spectacular.
     He told me that everything I would ever need to fulfill my mission on earth was available at my disposal, so why can’t we also imagine that the ‘extra stuff’ that makes life more livable isn’t also waiting in the wings for us to just trust that it is there and that God wants us to have it.
     Think some good thoughts today and watch as God delights in bringing joy to his children; and as he supplies be sure to thank and testify.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day!
Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn


Monday, June 26, 2017

Strength from Within

Happy Monday! 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
     I have made some real blooper decisions in my day and I must admit that some of them were because I just didn’t think pass the tip of my nose. Others were because I was rushing or tempted or just under the influence of stupidity or carnality. But our God is so faithful, that even in the midst of our making wrong choices or going in wrong directions or hanging out with the wrong people he protects us.
     Lately I have had to really do some soul searching about editing my address book (and phone contact list) to eliminate some people and places that just cannot be a part of my ‘walk’ anymore. It has not easy to eliminate the familiar or to walk away from people who are toxic when they think they are ‘ok’. Some when we walk away want to follow us. But God will strengthen us and protect us as we eliminate the evil that tries to pursue us. Whether that negativity is from without or from within, God provides for us shelter in the time of turmoil and storm.
     Got some hard decisions to make? They might just be life changing for the better….that is one reason they are difficult to do. Ask for God’s wisdom and protection and allow your path to be cleared of the rift-raft, naysayers, toxic people who want to stall your forward progress.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Friday, June 23, 2017

Use With Caution


1 Peter 4:10 (CEV) –“Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.”
     We all have gifts which God gives and uses to his glory and for his purpose. Today’s message is short and sweet. Use your gifts as God has ordained; use them in the service of others. Peter does not waste time; without must ado he instructs believers to use God-given talents for the betterment of the Kingdom.
     What are you really good at doing that could be used at your next family gathering; your church? In an outreach ministry? In the service of others? Are you minimizing the time and effort involved in transforming your walk with God into your life’s journey? Take a moment and proceed with caution. Our reaction under stress is a time-proven judgment of our faith and preparedness.    
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Only A Scratch

Psalm 147:3 – “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
      Look at your life– what do your scars remind you of? Don’t think on the incidents or the tragedies that might have produced the scars, but think on the God who saved you, set you free, gave you another chance, forgave and repositioned you. God left you with mere scratches where you could have been maimed – so wear the scars with pride; they are your evidence that God loves you and will always be there to protect and heal.
        Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day!. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn


Wednesday, June 21, 2017

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 victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

You Are Not Alone

2 Kings 6:17 (KJV) – “ And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
     When the Prophet Elisha warned the king of Israel of an upcoming trap, the opposing king set out to capture and kill Elisha. He brought many fighting men and chariots and surrounded the place where Elisha and his servant stayed. When the servant saw the large fighting force, he was terrified but Elisha was not shaken in the least. He saw in his spirit the multitude of angels that God had positioned for his protection and he prayed and asked God to open the eyes of his servant that he too could be aware that they were not alone.
     Our God promises to never leave nor forsake us…in essence that means that we are never alone and when we need reinforcements to stand with us; like Elisha, we simply need to pray and ask for discernment of where our allies are; how to rally our troops and what moves to make. But in it all, we are not to worry, fret or lose heart; for WE ARE NOT ALONE.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, June 19, 2017

Help Me

Over the weekend I read and commented on a Facebook submission posted by my cousin and it jolted my memory of an event I shared through a previous blog. Today I am revisiting those sentiments as we flashback to an episode I experienced two years ago... enjoy!

"Yesterday as I exited the freeway in downtown Atlanta a group of young boys were selling iced bottled water at the light. I had a chilled drink in car that I prepared for the ride so when they motioned from the curbside I shook my head and continued to wait for the light to change. Then a strange thing occurred, one of the boys came across the lane to my window and shook two chilled bottles and was talking...I rolled down the window and before I could offer a polite "no thank you" - he looked into my eyes and said "help me Auntie".  At that very moment the impatient driver in the car behind me laid on his horn and out of instinct I pushed the gas and rolled forward.   But an even greater instinct surged through me as I saw the young boy race to the curb to avoid the traffic- my protective spirit.   Without much thought I zoomed ahead, found an opening and "busted a U-turn" as I dug into my purse to find some money.  As I approached the underpass I blew my horn and motioned for my "nephew" to break away from the crowd and come to me.  Eagerly he grabbed a cold water and raced to my car.  I asked him if he was the one who called me "Auntie" and he said quietly "yes ma'am ".  I told him he was worth me coming back to see and I gave him a dollar and told him to keep the water. I decreed a blessing over him and then drove off again to "bust another U-turn" so I could continue my journey. 
What took less than 5 minutes made a great impact on me.  We are a village and this very "nephew" of mine was out hustling to make some honest money; not like those who months earlier had climbed my balcony and burglarized my apartment.  These working "nephews" needed to know that someone cares enough about their welfare that even if we didn't get it right the first time we are willing to make a u-turn to help.  
Look for opportunities to be a blessing and if you miss it... stop and take the time to listen when others cry out for help and if you have to make a U-turn - realize you are fulfilling a Godly assignment.   
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.    Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn "

Friday, June 16, 2017

Shield of Grace

Philemon 1:25 -"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

   God's grace and mercy shields us from the ravages that try to consume us. The unmerited favor of God keeps reminding us of our frailty and God's loving sovereignty.  
     Enjoy today and think about all of the "grace" interventions you can recount where God protected your mind, your soul and your body by giving you a spiritual nod.  Just when you thought you might have been forgotten or passed over, God may not slam open great miracle doors but he might gently show you through a grace move that he has your back. "Count your many blessings... name them one by one. Count your many blessings and see what God has done".   

      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Have an awesome weekend.  Happy Father's Day to all our wonderful dads. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Examine Ourselves

Examine Yourself
 2 Corinthians 13:5- "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified."

         Another way to stay 'sharp' for use in the kingdom is to regularly examine ourselves, our motives and our motivations.  What is the driving force behind our actions?  What makes us want to complete some tasks and others we seem to constantly procrastinate on and place on the back burner?  Do we do some things with more gusto when we know we will be evaluated, or judged or recognized or paid?  Do we give it our all just because we want to do a good job and produce the best outcome?  No one truly knows the workings of our hearts but God. We can even fool ourselves sometimes into believing we are on task for one thing when we could subconsciously have an ulterior motive.  
    Our scripture today encourages us to examine ourselves.  Take a good look at the man/woman in the mirror; and be honest in you evaluation.  Our examination is structured upon our faith.  In essence, when we review how we talk, how we interact, how we respond in certain situations do we bolster it in faith or are we reactionary.  Do we exhibit road rage when someone cuts us off or causes us to miss the light or do we consider through faith that maybe their actions caused us to delay just enough to avoid an accident just up ahead.  Do we sulk or try to sabotage projects when a less qualified colleague gets a much sought-after promotion; or do we remember in faith that it is God who grants true advancement and something even better is just around the corner  but he is testing to see our true spirit.  
    Let's be transparent and let the Jesus that lives in us and the Holy Spirit that operates through us keep us sharp.  When we see flaws, and we ALL have them, ask the Holy Spirit to point out their root and to show you the right course to pluck them from their source.  All we need do is confess and God will wash us clean and teach us how to avoid future contamination.

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

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Good friends

Proverbs 27:17 "As one piece of iron sharpens another, so friends keep each other sharp."
    Today's scripture tells us how we can continue to stay 'sharp' and willing tools to be used by God in the service of the Kingdom.
     We can stay sharp by staying in relationship with fellow believers and keeping  one another in check. When we need to sharpen tools to a razor's edge it is important to apply friction to the blade and run it across a rough surface.  This will eliminate any imperfections that would cause the blade to snag or drag. 
  Good friends  know your weaknesses and imperfections and you know theirs. There is no competition or desire to upstage each other so as one needs chastening the other can respond in love; as one needs support the other can respond with comfort. When doubt or fear embrace and try to paralyze, friends know just how much tension to apply to get us up and motivated again. Enough pressure to bend but not to break. The iron of their will grades up against the iron of our resistance and in the final analysis both are improved!  Cherish your friends who are not "yes" men in your life. The ones who will call you to the carpet when you act foolishly or need a jolt of reality. Be that type of friend to others.  Iron is most effective when it is clean and polished.  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn


Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Triumphantly Sharp

Triumphantly Sharp 

Psalm 41:10-11- "But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up,That I may repay them. By this I know that You are well pleased with me,Because my enemy does not triumph over me." 
  
Yesterday we examined the importance of remaining "sharp" for God's service. Today's scripture reminds us to stay humble and allow God's purpose and providence to move forward.  When we trust God and allow him to move; in even the must superfluous situations we will witness how his love, grace, and peace will triumph in ways we could hardly imagine.  When we allow God to raise us up, to put us into position, to grant us access, the outcome will not only glorify God but the outcome will always be for our greater good.  Instead of always rushing in and proclaiming our right to exist, our right to be heard, our right to be in control or even our right to be "right"; when we wait on God with humility and patience, God will reward us with victory over our enemies and our own self doubt. 
     To remain "sharp" for service requires that we honestly examine ourselves and seek correction;  stay in relationship with fellow believers; and we must realize that we are God's workmanship and must humbly walk before our Creator.  Think about an area in your life where you might feel a bit "stuck" or defeated- release it - stop trying to figure it out and give it to the Master. Allow God to raise you up in the position of power to overcome whatever it is instead of scrambling and trying to reconcile it yourself, 
   Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn. 










Monday, June 12, 2017

Sharp for Service

Sharp For Service
Hebrews 4:12- "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart."

       As an amateur (but pretty good cook) one thing I know for certain is the importance of having the right tools in the kitchen.  It makes preparing food so much   easier and actually tastier when the prep time is completed with the right tools. One key to every functioning kitchen is a set of sharp knives. Soups and sauces are smoother; dips and casseroles more flavorful and even cuts of meat are more tender when the right knife is used in preparation; and that knife functions better when sharp.  Nothing is more exasperating than to reach for a knife to slice a tomato or onion or even bread and the blade is dull.  
      To be effective in our daily walk, we must remain sharp and functional.  We are the embodiment of Christ. We are many times the only sermon many people will hear; the only witness many will see and the only intercession many may encounter.  We must remain sharp and effective so that the words we speak and the actions we portray represent the awesome God who lives and breathes within us.  

      The more and closer I walk with God, the more evident it is that things in life do not just happen by chance or luck or serendipity; but that God is always orchestrating and setting up something wonderful; so when he places us in situations where we are needed to be used by him, we must be sure our blades are sharp and ready for service.  I do not want him to do like I do and throw that dull knife back into the drawer and find another to complete the task. We should be willing and ready to be used by God for the furtherance of his kingdom.  Let the word of God resonant in you with such magnitude that you are always prepared.  Read and meditate daily on scriptures and keep your prayer life active and vital. Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Friday, June 9, 2017

Glorified Fsults


John 9:3 -"Jesus answered, “It was not any sin of this man or his parents that caused him to be blind. He was born blind so that he could be used to show what great things God can do."

Take a good look at your present situation and then think on the most challenging aspect of what you are experiencing now. What comes to mind? Is it as devastating as it appears on the surface or does it seem so because 'emotions' are caught up in the same reality net as 'fact'.  Yes... things can be quite hectic at work right now.  Yes...
Family members may be straining at sanity's seams and of course bills flow and money can be funny but when we truly look at our circumstances we should see God in all things. If you are facing tough times remember God orders your steps therefore he knows where you are and what resources you have. And he trusts you to be in that place -at that time -with those people -handling that thing.  It might not be comfortable,as a matter of fact it might be down right disagreeable, but if God put you   to the task he will see you through the task.  All for his glory!  Take your eyes off of what is happening "to" you and see what God is working "through" you. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a great victorious day! Have an awesome weekend. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Great Rewards

Matthew 25:25 (NKJV). "And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours."

     Great reward comes from great risk. In the parable of the talents Jesus told that talents were given according to abilities and that the two men who boldly used their talents reaped rewards.  The foolish man (afraid to try) was scolded for his laziness and what he had was taken from him.  
     What are you afraid of? What trial are you not facing because you might fail? What new stage of life are you limiting yourself from because you keep looking at the risks?  So what if you have tried before and it did not turn out 100% like you wanted.  Try Again! And don't worry what others think. Only what GOD says really matters. And we all want to hear "Well done good and faithful servant"!   
     Every day is a good day; it's up to us to make it a great day.  Have a victoriously power packed day!   Dr. JoAnn

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Silly is as Silly Does

1 Timothy 4:7 - "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness"

So much has happened over the past weeks that it can be mind-boggling to say the least; earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, and even political sabotage. And in the midst of all the chaos incriminating skeptics will taunt the benefits of listening to ungodly rhetoric as a means to overcoming the ills of society.  And they recommend all types of self-help remedies, get-rich - quick schemes and once-in-a-life time opportunities. Do not fall victim to these traps.  Do not be fooled by myths or any so-called fixes that are not based in fact or faith. People who are up to no good always skirt their schemes in a ribbon of truth but the core of their deceit is blanketed in falsehoods.  Be aware.  Make wise choices and avoid silly mistakes. Often the biggest setbacks occur because we make silly mistakes by not paying attention.  If the devil is in the details; it is our responsibility to root him out by our thoroughness.  

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

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Stay on Course

Happy 92nd Birthday to my wonderful aunt, Geraldine “Tee” Houser. 

 Job 42:2 (AMP)  “ I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.”
     We all have at some point in our lives had to readjust certain ‘sure’ things’ around us to make sure we stayed on God’s course. Today's message is short, sweet and to the point.  Strive to become more like Christ in our daily walk by aligning your actions, deeds and plans with your life purpose. How can our walk be meaningful if we are uncertain of where we come from and where we are going?  We must know our coming and going to see the real connection.  We are designed to be the hands and feet of the Master; therefore we are at our best when follow the teachings of Christ and fulfill the mission assigned to us by God.  Use this simple prayer below to stay on course.  
Dear God!
Please help me discover my purpose in life.
Give me the directions to open the roads you want me to travel.
Please help me discover the treasure of being on my true course.
You have created me with a certain purpose.
Lead me to recognize my path so that my life will
have true meaning.  Thank you for listening to my payer.  Amen”

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

Monday, June 5, 2017

Embracing Joy!

Isaiah 35:10- “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
    Yesterday afternoon I was blessed and honored to participate in the memorial service celebrating the life of a good friend, Grace E. Holmes. As the service proceeded and person after person spoke about her life and her love, it was so evident that the short time of my interacting with her was truly a time to cherish. Many who spoke were life-long family members and friends and those of us who have known her for just a few short years still felt the same way. No matter the length of time, Grace made you feel special and important.
   Though our hearts are saddened by her untimely transition; we count it all joy to have known such a special woman and her legacy of ‘grace’ shall always be with us.
   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 victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Friday, June 2, 2017

Work In Progress

Happy 5th Anniversary to First Friday Fellowship Praise and Worship Ministry.  
Philippians 1:6 NKJV: - “… 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”.
     Unfinished business seems to be the order of the day. Often we think there aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week for us to complete some much needed tasks. The end of the month runs up on us and before we know it we are ready to flip another month over on the old calendar. Whether we feel we have accomplished enough or that things are lagging behind one thing is sure; God finishes what he starts.
     Our purpose in God’s plan is sure and on point and believe it or not; on time. The good work that God wants to transpire through you will happen and you will be better for it and he will be glorified from it. God knows all of what is expected and what will happen during our walk with him through the vicissitudes of life and he is eager to watch us participate and progress.
     Our role is simply to trust God; have confidence in ourselves and work out our salvation through the grace and favor that God provides to us each and every day. God will; but only if we are willing. God does not always use workers who are qualified; he uses workers who are willing. Make a commitment today to trust the process and allow God to use you for his glory and he will complete a good thing in your life.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day!. Have a productive weekend. See you on Monday!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn



Thursday, June 1, 2017

Face the Giant

1 Samuel 17:40 – “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
      Yes, the problem is there. No, ignoring it will not make it disappear. Yes, the calls keep coming. No, sending them to voicemail will not make them go away. Yes, the deadline is approaching. No, postponing the inevitable is not a solution.  
     In reality, procrastinating, delaying, postponing, putting off and any other term used for not dealing with an issue are equivalent to the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand. Not seeing, ignoring or wishing (even praying) some things away are not solutions. God expects us to handle our business and be about his; and in most instances that means we have to face some giants.
     Today’s scripture tells how David took what was familiar to him; his staff and his slingshot and he faced the giant warrior Goliath. He didn’t take a lot of time surveying and studying Goliath, his moves or his strategies. David thought about the victory and what he would receive. David recalled his own past battles and the victorious ways that God triumphed through him. Don’t spend your time fretting over the problem; don’t give your power or energy to studying how invincible ‘your giant’ seems to be. Think on the challenges you faced before and how God delivered you from them; many times without you even being aware that you were in a fight. Rely on what God has placed in your hand. Give the glory to God; focus on the victory and go and face your giant.      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT (Giant-facing) day!. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn