Seasonal Change

Genesis 31:40 – “This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes.”
     Autumn is MY time of year. I love the warm, sully days with cool crisp evenings; but this past weekend I thought someone had flipped a switch and dialed down the temperature way too fast. We can’t complain here in Atlanta because for the past few months while the rest of the country was besieged with hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and raging forest fires we have experienced great weather with scattered showers and lots of sunshine. So now that the temperature is actually matching the time of year, it isn’t surprising that the abruptness has caught many of us off guard. We hear conversations everywhere of having to ‘turn on the heat’ and pile on more blankets.
     Just as abruptly as the weather can change to mark a change in seasons, so can changes in our lives occur as God moves us from on season to another. Sometimes these changes are subtle and easy to adapt to; while others can be spontaneously surprising. Are you prepared for the changes that are sure to come? Are you ready to turn up the heat and make sure that the transition is comfortable and doable? Just as we have to make sure our furnaces and blankets are ready for use; so must we have our ‘life tools’ in order to be ready as change bombards us. These ‘life tools’ are put into place by prayer, study, meditation, altruistic activities and praise. Don’t get caught out in the cold. Pump up the praise music, read your Bible daily, practice memorizing scripture, help someone in need and take time to listen as you pray.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Manufacturer's Use Only!

Psalm 51:9 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right[a] spirit within me.”
     Whether it was a computer unit, high-end technical instrument or notepad, we have all owned or seen a piece of technology that had inscribed on the back - “Do Not Open – No Consumer Parts Inside”. In essence the warning was telling us to not tamper with the merchandise and that if anything went wrong there were not parts that could be replaced by the consumer. Only the manufacturer could handle any of the workings on the inside. 
      Well this is true with us also. We often see areas in our lives that need fixing and we strive to make the changes ourselves. I am reminded of my own tendency to try to fix the ailments when in all honesty I had to re-evaluate and note that there are some things (and usually it is most things) that need mending or repair could only be addressed by the manufacturer, our Creator God.

Even simple things like being kinder or less judgmental or more patient all require a rewiring by the God who knows us better on the inside than we think we know ourselves on the outside. We may be able to make temporary fixes on some physical and emotional traits but to make lasting changes only God has the keys to unlock the old and instate the new.
     Let me encourage you today to not worry about what is wrong or how it can be fixed, simply take your concerns to God in prayer. Just like the high-tech equipment, don’t be surprised if God has to turn your life over or upside down in order to get to the area of need. It might mean shutting you down for a while or even taking you out of the environment where the problems may exist; but rest assured you may be displaced or a little topsy-turvy, but you are never out of the Master’s hand.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Power to Achieve

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
     Ask we approach the weekend my prayer for all of us is to make the most of the wonderful talents and gifts that we have to offer. We strive through the workweek giving our best, often to people and situations which may not value our true contributions. We work hard for paychecks and to keep our families, friends and co-workers in the best light. Now take that same energy and foster the things that contribute to your own personal success.
     If you are a student, spend a little extra time fine tuning your study guides or reorganizing your notes. If you are an entrepreneur, glance over your business plan again and see what addendum or adjustment you can make. If you are a homemaker, steal a few moments away from the house responsibilities and work on that special project that is just for you.
     Yes, the daily grind is important to keep the lights on, food on the shelves and clothes on our backs, but life is more than what we will eat or what we will wear; our own happiness wears heavily on our being focused on the greatness that is within us. God gives us the power and focus to achieve our goals. God does not want us to have a “shrinking violet” (shy) attitude; but one of power and self-confidence. Make your mark!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT say. Enjoy the weekend. Make it count! See you on Monday!. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Guard Your Anointing

Here is a flashback worth repeating! - Enjoy!

Judges 16:20 -
20 Then she cried, “Samson, the Philistines are here!”[j] When he awoke from his sleep, he said, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.
     After much needling and nagging Delilah had finally badgered Samson into revealing the secret of his strength to her. In essence it was not just the cutting of his hair that caused him to lose out on the special anointing that he had received in his youth; the Nazirite vow involved a special commitment that rested on the sacred relationship between him and God. Samson was not ignorant of his calling. He had known all along that the secret of his strength was laid upon this relationship and that his hair was merely a sign of that relationship.
     When he gave up the secret to his strength he stated that the relationship between him and this ungodly woman was of more importance than the promise he had made with God. He interrupted the flow of faith and hope that ran through his lifeblood. It was a special tie between him and his Creator. The shaving of his head was a disappointing stab in the heart of God. In his lust for that which God had separated him from, he lost the virtue which kept him tied to God. He was so oblivious that he did not even know that the tie had been severed. He thought he could operate ‘as usual’ but he was sorely wrong. When he stood up without God, he got knocked down and blindsided.
     When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior we make a commitment to him. He has done all of the hard work (beatings, suffering, dying, resurrecting) and our part is simply to believe. In that belief, our “old self” is done away with and we then embody the new creation. The symbol of our commitment to Christ starts with our public declaration of our faith, our baptism and of course most importantly our ‘walk’, which shows the ‘fruit’ we bear. 
      How disappointing it must be to our Savior when we toss our commitment to him aside by violating his trust. He trusts us to treat each other with love. He trusts us to watch out for the helpless and in-firmed. He trusts us to be his eyes, ears, hands and feet to work on the behalf of the kingdom. He trusts us to be good soil so that great things can grow out of us. He trusts us to show the world that faith in him reveals the way, the truth and life eternal. Rethink your commitment to Christ today. Is there a Delilah (temptation) speaking in your ear trying to lull you to sleep? Is there a barber (some ungodly activity) in your midst waiting for the right opportunity to cut you off from your blessings? Renew your vows and reinstate your promise to God.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously great day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Try Again

Matthew 25:35

Good morning  today's power scripture comes from 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 is up to us to make it a great day! Have a victoriously beautiful day!   Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Tempted But Not Torn

James 1:12 (KJV) – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him”
      Human nature really is something. We want the easy good life, but we abuse things that are often given to use too freely. We don’t appreciate the time and effort that goes into the development and completion of something unless we are the ones putting in the time and wiping away the sweat. People operate rental cars with a lot less care than they do their own; rental properties often bear the brunt of negligent renters and free meals are more likely to be picked over.
     There is something to the fact that if we work hard at something we will protect and cherish it more. So it is true about life’s temptations and trials. The more we go through the stronger we are and the more we appreciate the journey because of the perils we have conquered. A weary, battle-beaten soldier is cheered more than the one who seems to have come home unscarred, though both may have faced the same enemies.      As you face temptations this week, remember these are just trials and tests. Temptations vary from person to person. What puts you on edge may not affect even your twin. Do not compare your journey, your ups and your downs with anyone else. As a matter of fact do not even compare what you are going through right now with what you have traversed in the past. Old challenges may rise, but you are totally different than you were then and will and must handle things differently. 
       Remember nothing comes your way that is new under the sun; others have been there- made it through and so will you. Run up on your tempter just like David ran up on Goliath. The confrontation is going to happen – you might as well take the upper hand. Jesus endured temptation and you shall also. The great news is that since Jesus conquered his tempter he broke the chains and now we all have the right and ability to live in sacred victory. Just stand up to your temptation and watch it dissipate.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Give Your Best

Matthew 26:7 – “a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.”
     I am a true ‘church chick”. I thoroughly enjoy a great church service and the opportunity to praise and worship God in a congregational setting. By the time I get to church I am usually wound up from my watching early morning sermons prior to leaving home; then I listen to praise songs on the radio while driving to church; then I sing along with the church choir. By the time the preacher of the hour comes forth to deliver the message I am in full gear.
      When we give God praise do we give it our all and enjoy being immersed in the awesomeness of his wonder? When the woman with the alabaster box gave her all to Jesus she was motivated not by what others would think or how it would show up on social media… her motivation was to honor Christ.
     Let’s check our own giving moments and motivations. When was the last time you really sacrificed something that you don’t plan to give away in the first place? How many times have you resisted completing a much needed task because it was uncomfortable or didn’t directly benefit you? Been guilty lately of doing just enough to get by? All of these are examples of not giving God our best. We might think that we are doing fine because we attend church services, promise to curse or drink less or give an occasional dollar to a street beggar; but are we really making sacrificial giving to reciprocate the love that God showers on us? Take a moment and think about the last time you gave of ‘yourself’. Find a way today to give of your best!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

The Joy of Patience

James 1:2-4: (TLB) -“[Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
     As I reflected over the words of the text I could not help but chuckle to myself that in looking back over the hardships and frustrations I have experienced over the past few years; I must by now have the strength of Sampson.
      It seems whimsical but indeed the essence of these words from the brother of Jesus are so true. When we realize that all things are orchestrated and under the control of a loving and powerful God; it is not hard to fathom that some of his methodologies to help us grow and progress will involve stretching us in uncomfortable areas. These may on the surface appear to range from the pesky little reoccurring annoyances that teach us patience to the more tragically burdening difficulties that produce perseverance and fortitude.
     Regardless of what you are going through, REJOICE and again I say REJOICE. It may not be easy to look for the bright side, but do it…it is worth it. Think on the hardships of Job, it wasn’t until he stopped pondering about his situation and gave prayers over his annoying friends that he received the full recompense for his loss. So the next time life’s difficulties bear down upon you do not think about ‘why me?’, but glorify God that he trusts you enough, like Job, to be the purveyor of His will.
      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. Rev. JoAnn

Clutter-free

Leviticus 10:10 (ESV) – “You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.”
     As the brisk winds of autumn swoop in to cleanse the land it is an opportune time for cleaning our "houses" of unnecessary clutter and end the last quarter of the year with better organization and less chaos. We should strive to give away items that we no longer use or need and finally throw away old junk that is just taking up space. Time to re-organize shelves and some of us might even consider applying a coat or two of new paint. Our environment will soon reflect the new order of things.
     We know how awkward it can be to have to step over and around clutter that has accumulated on the floor. Dancing around piles of shoes, clothing, magazines or newspapers can be nerve-racking. Once we clean up, it is necessary to clear it out. Once we get it out of the way – take care of it and put it out. It is essential for us to keep our living spaces free from contamination and debris and this means both in the physical and the spiritual sense.
     Once we have gotten our spirit renewed and revitalized, all that ‘stuff’ that God pointed out to us to remove needs to be completely cleared away. It is great that you acknowledged the need to remove the old stuff and it was courageous a deed to actually put in the work to clean up your act, but the final deed of clearing it out needs to be completed. Don’t let the stuff linger in the corners and somehow find its way back into the middle of your life. Who would sweep a floor and collect the trash in a dust pan then leave the dust pan in a place where the debris can soon be scattered again. Take a survey. What have you cleaned up…but not cleared out!! Get ‘er gone!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Short and Sweet - “Forgive”

Colossians 3:13-“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. forgive as the Lord forgave you."

     You show true power when you give others the chance to be shown the love of Jesus through the act of forgiveness.  Holding  grudges only holds you captive.  Forgive, forget and move on in victorious freedom. God Will be your vindication. you have a destiny to get to -do not let the chains of unforgiveness hold you back.

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a great day. Have a victoriously wonderful day. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Pour Out!

Today I’d like to share a snippet of what I presented for my seminary graduation sermonette.     2 Kings 4: 4-5 – “ 4 Then go in, and shut the door behind you and your children, and start pouring into all these vessels; when each is full, set it aside.” 5 So she left him and shut the door behind her and her children; they kept bringing vessels to her, and she kept pouring.”
     These verses tell about the Prophet Elisha and his interaction with a widow whose sons were about to be taken into slavery because of debts. She petitioned the man of God for help and his question to her was similar to what we hear from a popular credit card company when they want you to remember to rely on what you have in your possession to take care of your needs – “What’s in your wallet the commercial asks – and Elisha’s response to her plea was – “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”
Today I pose a similar question and at the same time encourage you to “POUR OUT!”.
What do you have that God can use to his glory to bring about the manifestation of your divine purpose? We often look outside of ourselves for assistance, we plead for help from areas that are not a part of God’s plan for us; we seek encouragement from those who really are not members of our cheering squad.
     The Holy Spirit which dwells within has the key to all that we need. God is our ultimate source and like the widow - every resource is really at our fingertips. As you read further in the text we you will discover that as long as she had empty vessels to pour into, her supply never ran out. In your obedience, as you seek empty places, situations and people to pour into, God’s providence will be unlimited. The more you pour, the more you will have to pour. Colossians 3:23-24 – “23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
     Whatever your calling; wherever God has placed you for your purpose – do whatever is assigned for your service with fervor and zeal. God tells us through Paul’s letter to the Colossi church to do whatever we do heartily. Do not ‘dribble out’ your portions like a baby’s spittle, but pour out your service as a gushing fountain full of life and vigor.
     If your present situation has you in a place or position that you believe is wasting your talent, below your potential – it is expected that you would desire more and greater – but while you are there do your best and present quality at all times. Martin Luther King, Jr., said– “If I cannot do great things I can do small things in a great way.” We must press upward and onward and strive to reach higher heights through doing great works in our present circumstance. Keep pushing for greater, but while you are pushing remember the foundation that you stand on is what will hold you when you build upward….make sure it is solid by pouring out your best now.
     Now you must pour… Find spaces that need filling….find places that you can fill….. pour into empty places….pour into empty spaces…. Pour into people whose souls have been emptied by the vicissitudes of life… pour, pour and then pour some more.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Leader Care

Proverbs 27:18 (NRSV) – “Anyone who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,and anyone who takes care of a master will be honored.”
     We must remember to honor those who are in leadership positions over us. We must support our pastors, ministers, managers, supervisors, bosses and leads. God placed them in positions of authority for reasons we may or may not understand. Some may be fulfilling life-long desires to be in positions of authority; while others, like Moses, accepted positions of leadership reluctantly. 
     Many of us may be blessed to have leaders who take their positions seriously and work diligently to fulfill their responsibilities and work supportively with those under their charge. While others may be power hungry or so ambitious that they forget about the ‘little people’ who make their jobs effective.
     Whether we work with a silly Yogi Bear, a responsible Smokey the Bear, an adorable Teddy Bear or a grumpy old grizzly bear it is always in our best interest to faithfully protect and take care of our ‘masters’. It is not for us to undermine even the most disagreeable of supervisors. Pray for them and do our best, as if we are doing it directly unto the Lord. When it is all said and done God will not ask you what they did to you but will ask how you responded. He will deal with them about their behavior and with you - according to yours. Be sure you can stand before the King of Glory and your report reflect that you acted in a manner befitting of a child of the King.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Show special care to your ministerial leadership this week. This past Saturday was my formal graduation ceremony from seminary and I am so grateful to all of the pastors, ministers, preachers and elders who poured into my life.  Enjoy this awesome week. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

A Trusting God

Luke 1:30- "The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you."
     Last night in a very heart-warming ceremony I was ordained along with 10 others into the ministry of God’s call. While there were many emotions that flowed through me, the most overwhelming was the feeling that God approved of me and selected me to be a fore-bearer of his Word. I have been actively reading, studying, teaching and sharing the Gospel, Bible Studies and testimonies for many years and I always did my best to honor the privilege by carefully approaching any tasks with dedication. I have been told on many occasions that I have a special gift for teaching and that my ‘storytelling’ abilities make the teachings come alive for those listening. I appreciated each word of support and accreditation, but last night I truly felt the essence of how Mary must have felt when she realized the gravity of how much God trusts us with his assignments.
     God wants us to be willing vessels for him; to not only follow his directives but to be anxious and zealous in our obedience. The pathway to becoming an ordained minister was not a ‘lifelong’ goal for me, but somehow when I look back on my journey, God has been preparing me for it all along and he trusted that when he called me, I would step up to the plate and be ready to go to bat. You never know the plans God has for you – he trusts you – so trust Him!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Heart to Heart

Proverbs 27:19 (NRSV)– “ Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another.”
     As we interact with others on a physical level, our spirits also intertwine. This is why it is very important that we operate in spirit and in the truth for our lives are so co-mingled. Still water acts a mirror which reflects all in its vicinity and we reflect the essence of those whose company we entertain. 
      As we engage with others, our hearts are affected by the love, truth, hurt or disappointments that they feel. If we are inundated with a series of discomforts associated with a certain person, soon whenever we see or even hear mention of them our hearts can grow troubled or deflated. On the other hand if we are supported, cherished, honored and loved on a regular basis, we develop a sense of compassion and caring which lingers into our livelihood and the way we view life. Take a moment to see how you reflect on those around you. What impact are you making? Let the hearts that you affect cherish your being around.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day.    Thank you for your prayers and support as I participate in my ordination service this evening.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Countdown to Rest

Exodus 34:21 –“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in plowing time and in harvest time you shall rest.”

     A friend and I have been contemplating the parameters of ‘work’ as they relate to our life’s purpose and calling. One of our discussions paralleled the sentiment expressed in today’s scripture. Many focus on the soothing thought of the ‘rest’ that is referred to at the end of the text; but our discussion centered on the heart of the matter – the work. It states that 6 days we will labor; giving our best; following our plan; executing our strategies; nose to the grindstone; eyes on the prize and full steam ahead. It is not until we have put in the work can we look to the benefit of the ‘rest’.     n the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell surmised that successful people put in on the average about 10,000 hours of ‘work’ to accomplish goals. LaBron James, Julio Jones, Serena Williams, Misty Copeland all have talent, but they still had to put in hours and hours to perfect their talents into success. It is my contention that the time they spent did sharpen their skills – but the use of their talents during those devoted hours developed confidence and a true relationship with God. These two factors together solidified their success potential and accelerated its manifestation. There are many who can try and try and try but will not get the same outcome. Time must be married with talent. What is your talent and how much time do you sacrifice for it? Are you putting in too much work in the wrong areas?
     As we do the work and use our gifts God reveals himself through us in greater ways of achievement. We get better at what we do not just because we practice, but because of our obedience to the ‘work’ - God opens our gifts to higher levels of expression. It is my charge to you as we open up the beginning of this week to continue the work of ‘perfecting’ your talents through their use. Do not grow weary; lose heart; get depressed or slow down because progress seems slow…just remember its only 10,000, 9,999, 9,998, 9,997 to go!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

The Big Come Back

Ezekiel 37:11 – “Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.”
     I am reminded of the vision of Ezekiel as he was led to view the valley of dry bones. When asked if they could rise again he wisely remarked that only God knew the future and the potential come back; his answer laid a foundation for hope. When we speak of dry situations in our lives we must never speak of them as dead and buried. For just like the bones in Ezekiel’s vision, what might appear to be gone is not buried and out of reach. God has the final say in every aspect of our destinies and when he commands us to speak life back into our marriage, our children, our job, our health, our home, our community – it is mandatory that we maintain hope.
     Never lose hope. We may lose our focus, our drive or even our way; but hold on to hope for it is the spark that will always relight the flame that burns through to victory. Keep hope alive and watch as areas of our lives, which seem dried up, experience the ‘big come back’.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Yoyos, Boomerangs and Frisbees™!

1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)
     For our October gathering of my First Friday Fellowship I shared with the group how we must be vigilant in not taking on burdens that are not ours to carry and to cast off, shake off, throw off cares which try to weight us down.
     Using examples from my childhood I demonstrated that we often believe we have released burdens, cares, concerns, anxieties, frustrations, etc.…only to have strings attached and just like ‘yoyos’ the more energy we expend to dismiss these things the quicker and harder they return to our hands. The motion of dismissal is good and done with gusto and the object of our frustration needs to be released, but when we have strings of distrust, fear or apprehension associated with the release, then very quickly it returns to us. The way we can break, sever, cut these strings is through giving God praise and remembering his promises.
     Secondly I used the illustration of the boomerang….it too can be launched with great enthusiasm, and although it does not come back as immediately as a yoyo, it too will return. This happens when we ‘pretend’ to release and outwardly it seems like we are ‘cool’ about our progress but inwardly we are still dwelling on the issues, worried about the outcomes and not trusting God to handle the problem. Sooner or later the frustration returns.
The way we should address cares which keep us boggled down and obstruct our forward progress is to handle them like Frisbees™. Grab them firmly, kiss them goodbye and fling them with all of our might to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Let the wind catch the care and carry it to God in prayer.
     Cut strings on yoyos and abandon boomerangs by remembering and believing the promises of God. Saucer frustrations and cares into oblivion like Frisbees™ by prayer and praise. 
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Happy Columbus Day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Prayer Agenda

Romans 8:26 - (ESV) – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
     Today I am blessed to participate in a prayer series hosted by Sankofa Church in Metro-Atlanta. Nestled in the West End area, this vibrant congregation is celebrating life by organizing activities in October around Women’s Health issues. As we pray for the victims and victors of breast cancer we know that life’s ups and downs, twists and turns can often place us in positions where we don’t know which way to turn. Once we get out of the initial spin of the situations, our heads can be clouded and our outlook distorted; in these circumstances we know prayer works but often we can be uncertain about what to pray.
      When we see a storm coming, we pray that it will be averted; when we are in the midst of the storm, we pray for it to cease; when the storm persists, we pray to get through it; when the storm is over, we give thanks for survival. Our prayers are many and varied, but all in all our prayers are communications with our God. Our prayers do not inform God of our needs, desires or petitions; he is fully aware of everything at all times. Our prayers are methods for drawing us closer into union, fellowship and relationship with him,
     When we feel the yearning to be close to God, his spirit is drawing us near; like a caring parent cradling a child; his love is soothing and in these times we want that closeness but may not know how to approach God, the Holy Spirit does. With petitions that permeate deep into the heart of our concerns, the Holy Spirit goes before God and intercedes on our behalf. Isn’t it wonderful, marvelous and even stupendous that we serve a God who cares about us so much and wants to be in relationship with us so deeply that when we don’t even know how to approach him, he provides an avenue.
      So don’t worry if your own prayers seem jagged, rough around the edges, not seeming to express what you really want to say…the Holy Spirit dwells deep within; knows your heart and says …”Don’t’ worry - I got you and I got this!”
     If you receive this message in due time, tune in and support me on the 7:00am prayer call with your anointed presence. (605) 472-5389 code = 563180 There will be other great ministers sharing a word at the noon and 7:00pm sessions.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Have an awesome weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Going the Distance

Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Today we will revisit the writings from a book I read last year entitled “Going the Distance with God” by Lori Salierno.
      “If you want to go the distance with God you must move ahead one step at a time. You can’t sit around waiting for spiritual maturity to happen because it will not happen without effort on your part. You must progress day by day, as you absorb more of God’s word into your heart and mind, as you get to know God better through prayer, as you share God’s love with others, you grow stronger for the journey.”
As I read this paragraph from the literature, one thing in particular piqued my interest – “day by day”. 
       By nature and by nurture I am a true blue planner. I like to organize my ideas, plan my work and then work my plan. This of course means that for many aspects of my life I have to think well in advance in order to generate a schedule. This skill has served me quite well and keeps anxiety, frustration, chaos and clutter pretty much out of my life; but what I am discovering in my refined walk with God is that the ‘day by day’ - seat-of-your-pants – impromptu life of just following God day by day, hour by hour or minute by minute is not only refreshing but mandatory. God is creative, wise and resourceful so he enjoys the fact that we also plan, execute and create; but he wants us to honor the value of the faith that comes from walking and working without an agenda – to just trust him and walk with him in harmony and peace.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Mirror, Mirror

 1 Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

Yesterday as I was preparing for the day, I glanced into the mirror located on my dresser.  It is a two sided mirror that is perched on a stand.  One side shows reflections that are of normal size, while the flip side has a 5X magnification factor.  As I focused on the ‘regular’ mirror examining my reflection, I was engrossed in the image that the mirror provided as I brushed my hair.  When it was time for me to apply my make-up I had to flip the mirror to the magnified side.  Only then could I see close up enough to make better use of my make-up brushes and eye liner.  Only upon close scrutiny could I see some flaws that I wanted to cover up with concealer.  It was only upon close review that I could really see the things that needed correction.

            It is similar for us in our walk with God.  We may see ourselves and our time with God as good, stable and effective or ‘business as usual’ and in a way this is like the regular side of the mirror.  We can get some things accomplished and they appear to be all in place and in alignment. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to flip the mirror so we can see more ‘up close and personal’ more things that we ought to work on become evident.  What have you asked the Holy Spirit to do for you lately?  My suggestion is to petition him to reveal areas in our lives that need to be magnified, identified and fixed so that our walk with God will be glorified.

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

Faithful Cohort

Matthew 18:19-20- "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” 

     Last weekend I spent three inspiring days with members of my seminary class as we participated in an intensive experience culminating our ordination preparation.  As we traversed the open splendor of the north Georgia mountains several things were exceedingly evident.  We all share a love for our great God; although our methods of deliver and worship vary, we appreciate the viewpoints and ministry approaches of each other. We are indeed a wonderful cohort.  In our own ways we have developed friendships that have set a foundation for a lifetime of future support and service.  The call to ministry is as challenging as it is rewarding – a strong support system is needed.

      Find a good and faithful friend, companion, sibling, etc., who will stand in the gap with you about an area where you are being challenged. Jesus reminds us that if we are abiding in his purpose and walking in his will then we have the power and authority to agree with like-minded believers for anything and to expect a favorable end.  This does not mean that you should run out and ask a friend to agree with you about some ludicrous idea or desire and believe that just because you both think it is good for you that it will "magically" happen; nor does it mean that because you have been standing in strong affirmation with someone and nothing has happened, that this scripture is untrue.  By the contrary what we must realize is that, if and when we are in alignment with God's will then we are in line with his purpose.  When God purposes something through us he provides all that we will need to accomplish that work. But the provisions may not drop out of the sky.  

     We must ask, seek and find.  God wants you to expand your horizons and move into another dimension.  Every time you see a billboard about enrolling in a program or see someone doing what God has told you to do, you get convicted, but it seems the money or time or confidence to move ahead is out of your reach. If God has purposed it then he is placing all the variables in place.  Find a believer you trust and tell them your desire and ask them to pray for your need; now you are unlocking and releasing that which God has already set out on the shelf for you to claim.  But we must be careful who we share our ideas with and if you are uncertain - you can even ask God who should stand with you when you lift petitions to him. He will help you in all things.  

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