Be A Witness

Deuteronomy 11:7 (NLT) “But you have seen the Lord perform all these mighty deeds with your own eyes!”
     Sometime you just have to open your mouth and tell it like it is. Whether people want to hear or accept the truth, it still must be told. God is so wonderful to us. He is an ingenious creator; faithful father, abundant provider, great healer and the list goes on and on. Our God is so great that we can only stand in awe at the very mention of his sovereignty. There is no one and nothing like him; no imitations or duplications. He is all in all.
     We are constantly bombarded with rhetoric, propaganda, twitters, tweets, twerks and other forms of madness that display the dark side of society and it seems we can never quite get enough. Just turn on the television or download an app on a mobile device and you can watch non-stop trash posing as reality television. It used to be shameful to expose your family’s dirty laundry. We used to say what happens at home stays at home; but now that only pertains to Las Vegas and even that is distorted. Each reality show seems to thrive off of trying to outdo another in who can look more vile, talk more ignorantly or create the greatest mockery of decency.
      As Christians it is not only our privilege but our responsible duty to tell the world about the God who makes all life possible. We must counter the negative press that wants people to believe that all hope is gone and that life is dismal at best. The images we see of adulterous living, greed and corruption, unscrupulous, scandalous behavior and rampart infidelity cannot be allowed to remain unchallenged. We must speak up and tell about the great deeds of our God. We must testify of his nature and his desire that none should be lost. We must attest to his divine holiness and his reign as the Ancient of Days. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. The Holy Spirit is our Paraclete.
     We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. We will enter his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. We surely will be like Jesus’ disciples – we will never have the rocks (stones) cry out on our behalf. We will tell of his excellent greatness until our tongues no longer function. Tell someone today about the great God that you serve. Let someone know that you are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ .Let someone hear you with their own ears and observe you with their own eyes as you give God praise in the middle of your ordeal. Despite what the medical report says; in spite of how many bills are past due; regardless of the pressure you might be feeling – Stop for a moment and just give God a shout out. It is good to have those praise moments where you just have to give a quick "Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus” – but do more than that. How many times have you greeted someone and before you could draw another breath they have quipped back to you in a parrot-like retort…”Blessed and Highly Favored” In these times when patent answers are so common place go beyond the simple salutation and actually tell someone why you love the Lord.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT! Be blessed! – Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Remain Useful

Matthew 7:19 – “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
     Christ tells us that he is the ultimate vine and we are the branches of a very extensive growing network. As we stay connected to the true vine we draw nourishment and gain protection and guidance to grow strong and bear discernable fruit. When we lose or neglect our connection our ability to stay nourished is diminished and soon our capacity to grow and develop good fruit is compromised. The scripture warns that every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down…not pruned to grow in the next season…but cut and disposed of in the fire.
     We must not let our purpose, our walk and our ways be tarnished or compromised in such a way that we lose our usefulness and become nothing more than kindling. We must stay focused on drawing nearer to Christ and staying connected to his divine wisdom, grace, mercy and favor. How do we do this? By fostering and nurturing a closer relationship through fasting, prayer, and praise, study of scripture, meditation and listening. Christ  himself, through the urging of the Holy Spirit, will guide us into ways to honor him and his plan for our lives. We must remain useful and of value to the Kingdom.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

A New Twist

Exodus 4:3– ““And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.”
     Don’t be surprised that God will use something very familiar to you in a different and surprising way. Moses had lived in the Midian desert for over 40 years and had become very familiar with the tools of the shepherd lifestyle. The staff was a main tool used by herdsmen for many purposes. Its design made it useful to guide and prod the sheep, goat and oxen in the direction he desired. Its strength made it useful in defense and support. Its length made it helpful in balance and agility. Many carved designs, pictorial stories and even family histories on the staff that they carried with them everywhere they went.
     Much like our cell phones of today, they have many purposes and we guard them judiciously. For God to instruct Moses to throw his familiar tool to the ground would be contradictory to his nature to always keep his staff at hand. God may instruct you to look at and use some things that you are very familiar with in a different way and it might even seem to be frightful but do not be dismayed.
     If God tells you to do something and it seems out of the ordinary or even suspect…trust him and be obedient – then do not be afraid. No need to run or flee from what it might turn into or become – as long as God is doing the guiding, it will never hurt or harm you. Get ready to watch God use what you have become too comfortable with in a new and provocative way. Be vigilant of the new twist that God will put on the familiar.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

What's In Your Hand

Exodus 4:1 – ““So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”
     Let us be mindful that what we need has already been provided. When Christ said from the cross that ‘it is finished’, of course we know the direct message is of the salvation story; but also it entails that everything set forth for the coming Kingdom has been set in place. This includes our life purposes and how the Holy Spirit directs and guides. We often hear it said that “God does not give vision without provision” and while it has a nice rhyming ring to it; it also righteously encapsulates the oneness and completeness of how God operates. Since God knows the ending before we even begin he knows what to put into us before we ever know what we will need.
     Trust the skills, talents, abilities, knowledge and experience that you have already. While it is important to continue to seek higher levels of achievement, education, skill development and advancement; be cognizant of what you already have ‘in your hand’ and at your disposal.
     What are you good at that people always compliment? What comes so easily and naturally to you that you could do it proficiently in your sleep? What makes you delight in doing it so much that you could do it for free (and many of you already do)? What has God so ingrained in your spirit that you know without a shadow of a doubt – “I can do this!” – well - start now believing - “I have all I need!” No more excuses that you will start ‘as soon as you get more money saved; or take one more certification class; or get a more reliable vehicle; or the kids get out of school. Start with what is in your hand.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Think Big

Exodus 4:1 – “Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’”
       Now is the time to stop listening to naysayers, critics, negative people and sourpusses. No one will ever totally buy into your dream because it is not for them - it is for YOU. God has placed a special project, direction, dream or plan in your life and while some will support and encourage you, no one will fully understand what you must do. Most of the time you may not know 100% what you must do because God might not reveal it to you but a piece or step at a time. Your first mind set change must be to stop the negative ‘talk’ that filters into your life. This might be from people but it can also be self-generated. Now is the time to squelch self-doubt and believe that those urging to get up and get moving are from God.
      Many of us feel the urge to go after wonderful plans but because they are grand or glorious we believe they are too far-fetched to be pursued. Stop the hindering and know that God has placed that in your heart. He is a BIG God and does not dwell in the miniscule. Why would a God who created the universe give you a ‘Dollar Tree’ plan? Yes it is big…go for it.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Follow Directions

1 Samuel 13:8-9 “He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people began to slip away from Saul. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the offerings of well-being.” And he offered the burnt offering.”
       Think back - When have you jumped the gun? When have you gone ahead before you were told to do so? When have you done something outside of your authority? All of these things happened in this passage when Saul decided to do as he pleased instead of waiting on the man of God. Saul was King and a military leader, Samuel was an anointed prophet and served in priestly fashion during Saul’s reign. Samuel had given specific instructions from God, yet Saul in his anxiousness overrode these instructions and stepped beyond his boundaries and performed offerings he was not privileged to do.
     If you read further in the scriptures you will see that because of this act Samuel tells Saul that his days as king are numbered and his lineage will not stand forever but that God has sought out a man “after his heart” to rule.
     Continued reading of this scripture also tells us that immediately after Saul had done this deed Samuel showed up. If only he had waited just a little while longer he might have remained king and his children and future generations would have reigned in Israel. When we become impatient and do not wait on God that is usually the case -immediately after we choose to do things our way then we see God’s providence and how we messed up. Don’t throw your destiny to the wind, stay in the favor of God. Stay focused on what he has told you to do; how he has told you to do it; where, when and with whom he has instructed. Lean not to your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. Follow directions.
     Every day is a good day; it’s up to us to make it a Great Day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

What's In Your Heart?

1 John 4:20-21(NRSV)-“ Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. ²¹ The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”

Today’s scripture tells us that we must really search our hearts to find the true motivation for our actions when it comes to dealing with others.  Among the many people we may encounter each day, some may be quite pleasant but others may be abrasive, rude, or just plain nasty.  Many may be preoccupied so they may brush us off or even ignore us.  How we react to our interactions with others is important in our Kingdom walk.  Not every soul we embrace will bring perfume.  Some have a lingering aroma of guilt, doubt, distrust, abrasion and even prejudicial hatred that will try to cover our countenance.  We must learn to look pass the outer coatings of humanity and see the creations of God.  If we truly love God and want to have a closer and deeper relationship with him, we must love those that he loves.  God tells us that it is impossible to really love him who is invisible to us in the physical world and hold hardness toward our fellowman whom we walk and talk with on earth.   It might not be easy but try to see the love of God in everyone you encounter today.  Love on them in a special way. 

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

Know Your Limitations

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
     Okay, let’s just keep it real. We have all been in situations where we thought we were in total control. We knew we could handle whatever the influences the day might present. We could have been in a meeting that seemed to go awry or placed in the midst of conflict that seemed to escalate; maybe even on a date that wasn’t panning out to be what we expected. No matter what the cause we all are fully aware of the effect. If we’re not given an option for escape things might not turn out in our favor.
     God tells us through this letter to the church at Corinth from Paul that temptation is just a part of life and we need to be on guard because although temptation is all around God provides a way of escape. Are we astute enough to recognize our escape routes? Are we so mesmerized by the allure of the moment that we miss our clues to ‘GET OUT”? While God does save us from extraneous problems and traps we must be alert enough to step through the door of escape. Don’t be fooled thinking that you can handle things or that it’s no big deal – temptation is just the lure – like cheese on a trap – the real bite comes later. When the option arises – take advantage of God’s release and let go, leave, stop talking, start walking and know your limitations.
     “Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Awkward Surrender

Jeremiah 38:17 – “Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “The Lord God All-Powerful is the God of Israel. This is what he says, ‘If you surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, your life will be saved, and Jerusalem will not be burned down. And you and your family will live.”
    Jeremiah was warning the people of Jerusalem that if they stayed they would perish, but if they went with the leading of God they would be saved. It seemed strange for them to give up their home, their stronghold, their familiar. To surrender – oh no! Yes, it appeared as if surrender was the end of the game, but what they did not realize was that sometimes we must have a temporary setback in order to have a future come back. Those that listened and fought their own feelings of abandonment found out that Jeremiah was telling the truth and that they were saved.
     There are instances in our lives when we just feel we have the right answer and we push ahead trying to make that solution a reality. Then God tells us something to the contrary and it seems like following that directive is as if we are giving up everything. It seems awkward to surrender; but what we must realize is that God knows the end of the story and is giving us a chance to rewrite the plot in our favor.
     Surrender to God, even when it seems uncomfortable, uncanny or unclear. God has your ‘salvation’ in mind and wants the best for you. Surrendering may involve pruning, pride destruction, relocation of resources or just plain isolation. But whatever it is; as God directs it is for your greater outcome in the end. Lean not to your own understanding but acknowledge God and he shall direct your path.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Have a great weekend. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Sheltered

Psalm 91:1 – “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

     For more than 40 hours many of us in the Eastern and Southern parts of our country have been sequestered inside due to a wintery storm.  Here in Atlanta our roadways have been so slick that advisories caution to stay indoors and avoid travel unless completely necessary.  Schools, colleges, governmental offices and many businesses closed which gave many of us no reason to have to venture out into the bitter cold. 

     I have taken full advantage of this time sequestered to reorganize areas in my home and catch up on paperwork. Not being much of a television watcher and being home alone I have fully enjoyed this down time reading and having great conversations with God.  Aside from the ‘thank you Lord I am not homeless and out in the cold’ – our talks have centered on how grateful I am for just having a heavenly Father who loves me so much that he desires a relationship with me.  I have had great opportunity to really talk about how his shielding love and overarching protection keeps me and reassures me. 

     With the temperatures in the teens; accompanying howling winds and threats of an extended wintery blast I feel so sheltered here in my home.  Plenty to eat, ample liquids to drink, operational heat and running water; but most importantly the comfort of knowing that God is right here with me.  I feel safe, secure and comfortable.  Even if you are in a part of the country where there are balmy breezes right now and access to come and go as you please – it is a reassuring feeling that only God can provide when you know that you are kept under his shadow.  Enjoy his secret place. He created it just for you.

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

Don't Be Deceived!

I Corinthians 15: 33 – “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
     About 4:30 this morning I awoke to find my yard, driveway and street softly covered in a beautiful, shimmering blanket of snow. Yes, I live in Georgia and yes, it is snowing (again). We are known for our rain and muggy nights but this tendency for snow, ice and bitter temperatures is becoming an all too familiar trend. Needless to say my prayers are with everyone around the world experiencing climate change effects (from flooding to mudslides to soaring temperatures).
     The meteorologists have warned us that while the snow is slowing down (and I can attest to how beautiful it appears) we must not be deceived because under that glistening layer lies deadly patches of black ice. It appears on the surface as if it is easily traversed but driving and even walking is dangerous. No matter how much tread is on your tires or how slowly you creep along; ice is ice and you will slip and accidents can occur.
     In life, we too must be weary of how things appear on the surface. Paul tells the church at Corinth that they must be on guard about being deceived by behaviors. If evil was to come at you full-face with teeth bared and claws showing you would have very little problem avoiding and even rebuking its presence; but we all know that evil comes to steal, kill and destroy and therefore it will use stealth and deception to draw close to you. Listen intently and watch diligently the words and actions of those who are trying to influence you. If their walk and talk does not mimic the life of Jesus, be on guard.
     God instructs us to stay in the path of righteousness; but if we linger around those who do not know, acknowledge or respect God we might become corrupted. Even the strongest (in the Spirit) can be affected over a period of time if we are not careful. Evil never lets up. We must never give up or give in.
     “Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Examine Yourself

2 Corinthians 13:5 - “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.”
     I watched the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commemorative Service yesterday and for the lack of better more literal terms - it was - ‘off the chain’. The guest speakers, commentators, program participants and key note speaker, Rev. Bernice King challenged us to examine our lives; not just for the sake of self-improvement or critical scrutiny; but to revisit the wonderful things that God has done for us, through us and even in spite of us. And when we do this; we must then look to how we must redirect our energies to continue the work of Dr. King.
    Contrary to popular thought and White House rhetoric, we are already a great nation. We have lost our focus; taken too much of what others have sacrificed for granted, and we are no less than the awesomeness of the God who created us and placed us here on this soul for his greater purpose. We must not be afraid to move forward.
    Have you ever been slow to respond or non-responsive to your call or your ministry or your mission because you doubted your ability to be effective or slipped into a spirit of ‘fear’? In today’s scripture, Paul is admonishing the church at Corinth to review their actions, to examine and test themselves. I am charging us today to do that very thing.
     How many are going un-served or under-served because we doubted our ability to help?” I thought about the many opportunities that I have had to assist others when I answered the call and how fulfilling it was to see God operate so magnificently through me; not because of me, but in spite of my shortcomings. So how many more times was I apprehensive about exercising the power of God through me to be a catalyst of change in someone else’s life or circumstance? Jesus’ blood covers us for a multitude of sins but if we are to be guilty of anything when we come before the Master, we do not want to be charged with disobedience, apprehension of duty or lack of enthusiasm when it comes to fulfilling his call upon our lives.
     Examine yourself today. Have you squelched the power of God in your life by denying him the opportunity to use you to show his grace and mercy to the world? Have you undermined his authority in your life by not paying attention to the wonderful muscles he has developed in your spiritual life for you to use against the enemy? All that he has taken you through has built you up for greater victories. Now is not the time to shy away or underestimate the wonder that God wants to perform through you. Examine yourself and you will see that you are more than equipped to do even greater works through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Do Something

Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”
     We have all heard sermons, read devotions and probably done personal bible study about this scripture.  The key to the understanding of this verse is that it is an ‘action’ text.  Asking, searching and knocking all require movement and action on our part.  We cannot sit back, pray, hope and wait; thinking that things will just fall into place because we are good and faithful.  The scripture reminds us that there is action needed to see the fruition of things we want to see come true.  
     We can sit around and look pitiful or we can ask for help.  We can wait for opportunity to call our names or we can hunt it down and tackle it .  Whatever outcome is desired, some action is needed.   Don’t live your life as the victim of circumstance; allowing life to just happen to you and then claiming it was all a part of God’s will.  Stop lying on God and start going after all that he has provided.  Do something and watch manifestations unfold. 

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

Get Organized!

1 Corinthians 14:40- “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
     With the promise of unrelenting cold weather returning to the Atlanta area and designating this coming weekend to getting my garage in order. I plan to clean out old storage bins, clear cluttered shelves and remove items that really should never have been stored there in the first place. My ultimate plans include returning other people’s items, repacking scattered items and throwing away unneeded items. In essence I plan to get my space in order. It will undoubtedly be tedious but the reward will come in the near future when I won’t have to squeeze my car into the garage and can resume some of my arts-and-crafts projects on my work table that is now covered with ‘stuff”’.
     Our scripture today reminds us that in ‘all’ things we must have a diligent sense of completing all tasks in a proper manner. Take some time to reorganize and revamp old systems that might be out of date and might not work so well. Check out new technologies that might make keeping up with your records more proficient. If clutter is a problem, there are apps and websites specifically designed to help debunk the unnecessary. Find a way to work smarter and not harder so you can concentrate on the great new things that God has ordained for your 2018 journey.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Misplaced investments

Luke 16:11 – “If you cannot be trusted with worldly riches, you will not be trusted with the true riches.”
     Over the past week there was a fever-pitch swarming around the nation as many states participated in the high stakes lottery games. Neighboring states that do not participate in the lottery drawing saw their citizens driving often hundreds of miles to cross borders to purchase tickets for a chance at unbridled wealth. For the opportunity to instantly be delivered from debt, poverty, misery or just to have more and more and more, many are putting together lists of numbers ranging from birthdates, anniversaries, and lucky digits or just throwing luck to the wind by getting computerized quick-picks.
     Everywhere I went the conversation somehow centers on what ‘I” would do and where “I” would go if “I” got that money. Needless to say, I too, have daydreamed about what that kind of wealth could do for me, my family and my dreams for my ministry; but I can’t see spending gobs of money on a long shot. Admittedly I purchased a ticket or two but I have heard that some people are spending hundreds of dollars and even turning over their paychecks to purchase lottery tickets. If people would invest as much money in education, medical research, as they have done over the past few weeks on a lottery pipedream so many of the world’s ills could probably be reconciled.
     Can God trust us with the stewardship of world possessions in such a way that we demonstrate confidence in what heavenly rewards he has for us? Let’s be sure to examine our motives and our actions. We must be sure to invest as much (or more) in God’s plans as we do in our own dreams.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Listen Up

Proverbs 28:9 – “If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.”

     There is nothing quite as frustrating as not being able to hear clearly. For the past few days my hearing has been muffled due to congestion from a sinus infection. My head felt like an echo chamber with sounds reverberating back-and-forth. When I thought I heard someone say one thing I only discovered by reading their lips or asking them to repeat themselves that they had said something totally different. After a while I just stopped ‘really listening’ and turned a semi-deaf ear to the random sounds and retreated into my own world with polite smiles and gentle head nods as if I was an engaged part of the conversation.
    Today’s scripture tells us that if we get frustrated or distracted and turn away from God’s laws and instructions that our prayers, desires and interactions can be disturbed. I became frustrated because of illness and turned a deaf ear to what others were saying and possible lost out on some wonderful conversations. Let’s not allow the frustrations of life to cause us to turn a deaf ear toward our wonderful God. Yes, the laws can be muffled at times and even a bit frustrating to follow but they are for our greater good.
     When we seek with all of our ability to hear, learn and follow God’s instructions then the evil around us which tries so hard to frustrate us is thwarted in its designs to separate us from the blessings that God has for us.
    My hearing is getting better and I am even more resolved to make sure that I ‘hear’ what God is saying. That is my charge to you today. Really listen – God is always speaking – through nature, through his WORD, through songs, through others – listen for him today.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Blind Spot - Flash back

I've been a bit under the weather (sinuses have gone berserk) so today we will revisit a previous lesson. Enjoy.
Psalm 146:8 – “The Lord makes the blind see again. The Lord helps those who are in trouble. The Lord loves those who do right.”
     Those of us who drive know that there are particular areas around our vehicle known as ‘blind spots’. When we are driving, changing lanes or backing up it is often difficult or nearly impossible to see anything that is lingering in that blind spot. When zooming down the freeway at more than 60 mph it can be quite daunting to attempt to change lanes; look for clearance, move in that direction; only hear the rapid rhapsody of a car horn giving warning that the space is already occupied. It is evident at that moment that the other driver is in our blind spot. 
       Whether the blind spots are created by the design of the car; the annoyance of blinding sunlight or crippling darkness; or too many packages in the backseat, they can be distracting or even devastating.
       Our scripture today reminds us that God makes all things clear for those who love him and live righteously. There are many blind spots that surround us every day. Things that by design are purposed to try to throw us off track; to cause frustration; or to cripple us from moving forward are no match for our Lord who makes all things clear. Some people may try to sabotage or blindside you, but God will make their motives known before they can even finish developing their wicked plans. He will sound a horn of warning. What others may try to do for evil, God will use it for your greater good. Be cautious in your daily walk, but do not be anxious about anything. Do your very best and let God handle the rest. We cannot be everywhere, seeing everything, all the time – BUT GOD DOES! So let him handle the blind spots; we just have to proceed with caution and listen for the warnings.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

God's Love Letter

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 – “Earth and Sky, listen to what I say! Israel, I will teach you. My words will be like gentle rain on tender young plants, or like dew on the grass. 3 Join with me in praising the wonderful name of the Lord our God. 4 The Lord is a mighty rock, and he never does wrong. God can always be trusted to bring justice.”
      Today’s reference scripture comes from the beginning of a song that God gave to Moses with the instructions to teach it to the children of Israel. Each time they sang it they would be reminded of the great works of God and his tender mercies. The poem delineates the course of events that God carved through history to develop them as a people; to watch their numbers multiply; to deliver them from bondage and to set them on a path to the land of promise and provision. 
      The song (poem) is indeed a love letter reminding the reader that through all of the adversity, God hears us. Though we may believe we are alone and forgotten, that God is working behind the scenes. When we are wandering aimlessly and not certain which way to turn, God is our present help in time of need. He is a sheltering cloud when things are too intense and a warming fire when the cold world turns against us.     The poem gives warnings about our behavior and the need to follow God’s instructions. It gives guidance for living a fruitful and purposeful life and shows that even when we mess up God is ever present to pick us up, dust us off and put us back on the right path. Just as the children of Israel were about to stake their claim in the Promised Land, God had certain laws we must also follow to rightfully stake our claim on the dreams, plans and purposes he has entrusted to us. 
    This love letter tells it all and it is just as pertinent today as it was in the time of Moses. God is the same yesterday, today and forever and his love is boundless and his mercy endureth to all generations.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

The Black Box

Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Today I am scheduled to travel back to Georgia after a wonderful 2 weeks of hanging out with old friends in California and Nevada. As we prepare to board our plane, I cannot help but think about the safety features and how remarkable the aeronautics of flight are in true essence of the splendor of God’s gift to mankind.     The flight attendants will tell us all about the safety features of the plane; the seat belts, the extra oxygen supply masks, the emergency exits and of course of all of the devises on board my mind can’t help but run to flight recorder or “black box”. This device, which seems to be made of indestructible material, is designed to record all of the pertinent data associated with the airplane-the mechanics, flight pattern, audio and digital messages and various other pieces of information related to the entire course of the plane’s mission.
     One of the favorite monologues of many comedians in order to bring levity to such a tragic situation is to offer one seemingly off-beat but plausible suggestion. Why not make the entire plane out of the material they use to construct the ‘black box’? If that little device can withstand midair collisions, mile-high plummets to the ground, undersea pressures, subzero and Saharan temperatures, then surely that should be the material of choice. I definitely want to be able to rely upon the fact that the vessel I am in will not only stand up against the ravages of outside forces, but keep me safe and sound on the inside.
     However we know that we cannot put our total trust in armored vehicles, memory bumpers, seatbelts or airbags. There are few things in this world that we can rely upon 100%; even so-called ‘sure things’ have no guarantees. The smartest and most innovative engineers can design the best possible items to protect us but in the long run we must know that our only defense against any and everything in this world is our trust and belief in the protective and loving power of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that there is power in the name of JESUS.
     The very name of our Lord is a strong tower, a place of refuge, a stronghold, a fortress. When things around you are chaotic and spiraling out of control; and it seems like all that you have ‘up’ is coming ‘down’ – call on the name of JESUS and run into his safety. Don’t sweat the small stuff (and to our BIG GOD, everything is small stuff). Call on the Lord Most High, trust, believe and receive the gift of peace.
     Whatever has gone on this week, know that God is a rescue tower with the light blinking brightly –JESUS, JESUS, JESUS! And all are welcome. Notice that the scripture text says that the righteous RUN in and are safe. Don’t hesitate; don’t be ashamed or second-guessing. Break free from whatever is trying to frustrate you by attempting to steal or kill your dream or destroy your livelihood. Throw down anything (or anyone) that might weigh you down and run and don’t look back. Jesus waits with open arms.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Trust God

Hebrews 6:18 (ERV)- "These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours."
      As we move into this year I joyfully remind us that we are so blessed to serve a God who not only loves us but always keeps his word. Remember his promises and rest assured that he is working in front and behind the scenes to bring every good work together for our greater good. Of course his ways are so much higher than ours and his thoughts more divine; so we may never actually follow his line of reasoning or thoroughly understand his actions. It is key for us to trust him.
     I am not sure to whom the credit goes but I have often heard it said that "when you cannot see God's hand, trust God's heart". In essence, we may not see how things are unfolding or how our prayers are being answered but our hope and trust are anchored in the fact that God is good; God is love; God rewards those who diligently seek him; God wants great things for his children; God is powerful and is a provider. There many, many more wonderful traits of God but just these few I listed gives assurance that our All-powerful Father loves his children (us) and wants the best for us; and is able to grant it.
     God is not capable or culpable of lying. His word is sure. So put away any fears, frustrations, anxieties, doubts or uncertainties and TRUST God. You may not see results right away but like any good gardener once you plant a seed (asking in prayer) you don't go back every day and dig the seed up to see if it is growing; you trust that the soil is right, the seed is good and you wait for the sprout. But even then when the little plant emerges from the top soil you don't pluck it out. You leave it, fertilize and water it and the most important thing is you keep the weeds around it from choking it out. Get rid of the weeds of 'impatience', 'doubt', and 'distraction'. God has you and your prayers in mind. Trust 
him!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Guard Your Ear Gate

1 Chronicles 17:20 - “O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”
     We have to be very careful about what we allow to impact us; especially things that come in through our ears. The design of the ear is for stereophonic perception of what enters into our ear canals. We hear and are able to locate the magnitude, intensity, and direction of sound. What bombards us impinges upon us; and takes on many forms before we actually get to the point of deciphering what is heard. Our anatomy is designed to take sound waves and transform them into mechanical, chemical and eventually electrical energy.
     Unlike our mouths which have lips or our eyes which have lids to close off any unwanted entrance; our ears are passageways open to the external environment. We can try to ignore certain sounds and even focus on other things to try to draw our attention away from things we do not want to hear, but the reality of it is that there is the opportunity for things to enter our ear gate.

Of even more importance is that we must be aware of how what we hear affects us; our well-being and emotional state. There is a direct correlation between what we hear and how we feel. When we hear tragic news we often carry the sadness upon us. When we hear jovial music we might even get into the beat by rocking and moving to the groove. When we hear sounds that are too loud or traumatic we often jump with surprise and our hearts will race. When soothing sounds of ocean waves or birds singing in the morning caresses us, we may take on a serene feeling of splendor.

Be careful what you allow to enter into your ear gate. Be cautious about the music or people you listen to and television shows you watch; even if you only have the boob tube on for company while you do other activities, your ears are still open. Be aware of the music, conversations and even street sounds that you permit to consistently penetrate you through your auditory canal. Constant discussions of terrorism, infidelity, misogyny, adultery and murder can wear on the soul. Reality shows, night-time dramas and even some television evangelists and boot-leg preachers will clamber for your precious ear time to fill it with garbage. Be aware that some preachers were called; some just went. Be mindful of what is really being said to you and over you. And be a watchful ear for what is bombarding your children and your family. If in doubt – ask the Holy Spirit for discernment and believe me when irrational or ungodly things try to come your way; they will irritate you so much you will know without a shadow of doubt that they need to be dispelled. Guard your ear gate and protect your spirit.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

It's Your Time!

Joshua 3:7- "And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses."
     After the death of Moses, Joshua took on the role of leading the nation of Israel into the promised land. He was faithful in following and serving Moses and capable and courageous for the task, but God knew that was not enough. In order to be truly effective the people needed to "see" that Joshua did not just inherit the position because he was next in line, but because it was his God-ordained and appointed time to be in the lead position. Joshua did not ask God for favor nor did he command the people to listen to, obey and respect him. He simply kept doing what he had been assigned to do and God made the royal decree and backed it up with signs and wonders.
     2018 is your time. You have been faithful, on point, serving and doing God's will; often without recognition, reward or even compensation. You might have even taken some hits because you chose to stand on the side of righteousness; but alas your time is now. God is working right now to exalt you so that those who might doubt will have no recourse. This is your year... this is your time. All that you have done is not in vain; but don't try to force your hand; let God work on your behalf, if you want to be frustrated put your hands in it -if you want it fixed let God handle it. Trust God - you have sacrificed and been faithful - it's your time.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Auld Lang Syne

Philippians 3:13 (TLB)- “No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
     When we transition from the old year into the New Year it has been customary to do the familiar countdown – 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 –shouting “HAPPY NEW YEAR”. We blow our whistles, rattle our noise makers, hug and kiss even perfect strangers and those in secular setting will fake through a verse or two of "Auld Lang Syne". Many of us may be in religious or family setting where we usher in the New Year on our knees in prayer and praise. Some will swing into the New Year in grand style at lavish parties, while many may follow the haps from around the world in the comfort of their homes via television broadcasts.
     Regardless of where you are one thing is for certain when the clock strikes midnight many will see this New Year as a new opportunity to salute and say farewell to the old and prepare to conquer new ground. The saying Auld Lang Syne is from a Scot traditional folk song and loosely translated into English says "for (the sake of) old times".
     For the sake of old times, we remember the people, the places, the events, the challenges and the triumphs that the old year presented. For the sake of old times we remember and relish the lessons we were taught and the impact those lessons will have on where are now to go. To truly cherish old times does not mean that we wallow in the old, or try to remain in its grasp, but we appreciate the old by forging new paths rooted and grounded in what the old had to offer.
     Now it is it time to forget the old; not the essence of the lessons, but forget in the sense that now we must turn it loose and grab hold of the new. Like a trapeze artist in motion, use the old as a catapult to thrust forward to catch the new. To some it may be just another day on the calendar; just another sunrise on the horizon or just another shift at work; but those who know that every day God grants brand new mercies, this new day of the New Year is special for many reasons. Like the Sankofa bird, look back upon the past for what it has brought but keep your feet and momentum pointed forward as your move into your new destiny.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Rev. Dr. JoAnn