Drink the Water

John 4:14 – “But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.”
     Scientists, doctors, nutritionists, athletic trainers and others all tout about the many benefits of being hydrated and maintaining good water consumption habits; yet I often struggle to get in the required amounts of water each day. Not because there is a lack of supply or a lack of knowledge of its advantages, but somehow I struggle to drink what I know is great for my metabolism, skin, joints and overall health well-being. I am aware of my lack and therefore I conscientiously work at prodding myself to get better. I try different types of water; different pH levels, different flavored waters, and I keep a bottle of water within arm’s distance to remind me to give it all I have to make my hydration quota for the day a reality.
     Just like the physical water that we must drink to sustain life, we must also take in adequate amounts of spiritual water to bring us eternal life. We must do whatever is necessary to keep the living water of Christ flowing inside of us. Jesus is the living water that sustains us; therefore daily as we read our Word, share our testimonies and offer our praise we take in the water which causes us to never thirst again.
     Just as I seek various ways to keep physical water within arm’s length to remind me to drink; please keep the living Word of God close to you in various ways to remind you to drink in the living water that brings eternal life. Post scriptures on your dashboard, refrigerator, desk or treadmill to remind you that while you go about your daily living, the living water of Jesus is flowing within you.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Shine On

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
     No one like a braggart or a show boater. It is unbecoming to always try to steal the spot-light or take credit for every little thing that one does. It is with modesty and humble hearts that we win over souls for Christ; but we must not keep our good works hidden. It is desirable that we allow the world to know that we are children of the Most High God and that it is through him that we move and live and have our being.
     When asked how you finished a difficult task or project. Tell about the hours you put in and the amount of study and effort it required and be sure to let them know that you could do all things through Christ who strengthened you.
     When asked how you are able to keep being such a great caregiver or in-law or spouse to such grumpy people. Tell them how God’s steadfast love gives you the patience to run the race and endure.
     It is from our connection with Christ that our lives truly have meaning and how we are able to do all of the wonderful things we have accomplished. Let the world know! Let your light shine!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Suffering Re-Purposed

Hebrews 5:8 – “Yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”
     Rev. Dr. James Dobson stated in his book, Emotions: Can You Trust Them?, that growth in the Christian life depends on obedience in times of crises. Most of us can confirm the saying that what does not kill us only makes us stronger. That is to say…if we endure through the ups and downs of life we are wisest when we don’t worry so much about the path but observe and glean from the settings and the situations.
     While we are in awkward or uncomfortable places or amongst disagreeable people do not focus on the ‘why’ but see ‘what’ God is unfolding. He will reveal hidden truths to us in times of conflict that will help us win the victories. He will open avenues of escape in times of suppression that will lead us to fertile grounds where he restores our souls. Yea thou we walk through the valley of the crazy people, unorthodox methodologies and just plain weird stuff, we will fear no evil for God is everywhere, at all times, and he knows all. We can learn so much just through our obedience. Hang in there!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Enjoy the weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Trust the Process!

Philippians 1:6- “… being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”
    I have little sayings and signs all around my house reminding me about the need and the blessing of ‘trusting in the process’ that God unfolds before us. As we journey through life God has a wonderful purpose and a designated plan for us. There are lessons to learn; people to encounter and paths that we must travel.
   No matter how off track we may feel or how long the process seems to take; no time is ever wasted if we view what we encounter as steps in the process. From the first breath you inhaled as a newborn infant you were proceeding on the path of the process. Every trial, tribulation, triumph, frustration, joyous celebration and total periods of silence are all a part of the process. God who has begun a good work in you will complete it. Stay on course and just keep moving. Trust the process and in doing so we verify and testify that we truly do trust God!
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Never Fret!

2 Corinthians 5:21.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

  The fast pace and the ups and downs of life can bear upon us with such intensity that we can become discouraged and disenchanted.  If we lose focus we might start to doubt our abilities, our direction or even our purpose.  We can become disappointed with ourselves, our progress and our performance.  The word  of God tells us to not let our hearts be troubled and that we are the righteousness of God.       

   While the world around us may succumb to the bad news that bombards us daily, we must stay resolved that God sees us, not as failures, but as his righteousness.  Mistakes happen; we may make poor decisions and often experience setbacks, but that does not change the love that God has for us.  Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary where he took on our sins, proved his love for us and with the acceptance of that love we radiate that righteousness.  So walk today with your head up and your shoulders back.  No need to be embarrassed if things are not running 100% on target right now. Keep trying. God is your greatest cheerleader.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!

Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Not Today

Matthew 24:36 - “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
     How quickly truth comes to meet reality. Over the weekend I shared sermons and discussions about the need to not worry about the present or future calamities we face because if we are rooted in the love of God there is nothing to fear. We are to seek God’s righteousness, keep on our whole armor, fear not and share the love of Jesus with others through our word and works.
     Well last evening as I was on my way to teach my weekly Bible study class I came close to being another fatal vehicular accident statistic. After exiting the freeway I approached the surface street interaction where I and others waited patiently for the light to change. When it did, I can only say that the Lord caused me to hesitate to enter the intersection. A heavy white van barreled through the intersection probably going at least 45-50 miles per hour and only because of my hesitancy and the brand new brakes I had installed less than a month ago, I escaped being ‘t-boned’ in what could only have been a very horrific scene. Drivers in cars all around were honking their horns and I was operating as if in slow motion. I did not panic, my heart rate did not increase, I did not even blow my horn - I just slammed on my brakes and then gave God praise. I knew it was a ‘saving’ moment.
     In today’s scripture it talks about the fact that only God knows the timing of when we will leave this mortal soil. He clearly told me yesterday that it was “not today”. My day is coming I am sure and I will be prepared to meet him face to face but for now I can rest assured that there must still be more work for me to do and that my life plan has a few more chapters to unfold. For that moment was an opportune time to see a life snuffed out but God said…’Not Today”. I proceeded to Bible study; we had an awesome lesson and if only for me to write to you today to tell you this – live each day to the fullest; work at and cherish your relationship with God… we do not know the time or the place – God does and at least this morning for most of us he has said – “Not Today”
     Every day is good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Strength to Endure

Isaiah 41:10- “[F]ear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
     Yesterday I was blessed to attend two inspirational church services where I brought the message of hope though sermons I entitled – “God Is…” I spoke of our need to remember whose we are and who we serve. God is our all and all and there is no need to fear the ‘craziness’ of our present world or the uncertainty of our future. . Scripture tells us that as followers of Jesus Christ we will have persecution, but to count it all joy for we know that anything that happens to us now is only temporal, as we are preparing for life eternal.
     I spoke about the state of the church and for believers to remember the words of Paul to the Corinthians that basically reminded us that our true calling is in following the example of Christ and in doing so we will face tribulation but to not lose heart. We must not grow weary in well doing and we need not fear anything or anyone.
     From both services although I was the ‘preacher of the hour’ I gleaned so much. It is amazing how the Word of God can invigorate, inspire and rejuvenate all at the same time; for both the proclaimer and the hearer. In each instance as I proceeded to prepare to share my thoughts, I asked for renewed strength and vitality. Whatever is on your plate or on the front burner or top of your to-do list, be assured that if it is in alignment with God’s plan for you – He will strengthen you for the task; provide your resources and uphold you through whatever processes or procedures you must endure for its completion.
    God is faithful and long-suffering. He will not allow you to fail as long as you do not give up or give in. He will uphold you with his grace, mercy and power. Give God thanks today for his help and watch him make your tomorrows a reality.     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Walk In Love

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) – “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2)nAnd walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
     It is Friday and for most of us this is the end of a long work week. If we had a productive week then most of us will finish most of our assigned tasks and by close of business be ready to “live for the weekend”. Whatever your plans or whatever your work schedule, be conscious of how blessed we are to be able to live in the freedom of God’s love. We must strive to copy and be great imitators of God, especially when it comes to loving God. How can we do that? Easily… love God with all of your heart, mind and soul. Follow his teachings and love each other.
     In all that you do think of what would glorify and please God. Think what would make him happy and proud to be called your father. Think of the great feeling you get when you complete a task and can walk away from it knowing you did your best and that your work is appreciated. Well each time you encounter someone who has been ‘assigned’ to you by God to show love…be diligent to do your best. As it is written, we never know when we are entertaining angels. Someone that you will encounter today might just be that ‘opportunity’ from God to show your loving nature.
     Enjoy the day; find someone to bless and show the love of God and watch how quickly and productively your day will progress.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Have a great weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed!. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Vouching!

1 Timothy 1:12 (GNV):  “Therefore I thank him which hath made me strong, that is, Christ Jesus our Lord: for he counted me faithful, and put me in his service”

      One of my responsibilities as an educator and consultant is that I am often called upon by my students and those whom I counsel is to write recommendations as they apply for various scholarships, admissions or employment.  It is a privilege to stand with another as they show the evidence of their hard work, long trials, multiple studies, and numerous skill development programs.  I am thankful that God allowed me to be in the position to assist others to move on to another level in their academic and/or career development and I do not take it lightly.   I give God praise and thanks for how keeps us through all the rigors of advancement and provides opportunities for progress. 

      I am thankful for all who have ever ‘vouched’ for me; stood up for me; nominated me; pushed and supported me. And I am always responsive and thankful when I can be of service to help others along their journey.  When you are called upon to stand in the gap for someone – do it with honor and remember those who helped you and give God praise! 

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

House Divided

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

Not the One!

1 Chronicles 17:23-24 – “ Do as you promised, so that it will be established and that your name will be great forever.”
    David had drawn up the plans. He designed the furniture. He collected the materials. He made all the arrangements; but the first temple built in Jerusalem is known as Solomon’s Temple, not David’s. For God had said, ‘You are not the one”. God had chosen David’s son Solomon to build the temple. David’s response to this denial was exemplary. He focused on what God would do, instead of what he himself could not do. David maintained a thankful spirit. He did everything he could and rallied capable men to assist Solomon in building the temple.
     Often we may have to accept that the work which we would dearly like to perform in terms of Christian service is not that for which we are best equipped, and not that to which God has in fact called us. It may be, like David’s, a preparatory work, leading to something more obviously grand and maybe for someone else to complete.
    David sought God’s glory, not his own. He faithfully did all he could for God’s temple, laying a solid foundation for the one who would come after him to complete the work. May we, likewise, accept the tasks God has chosen for us to do and serve Him with a thankful heart! Our loving God is doing something “more obviously grand.”
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Slow to Anger

Proverbs 20:3 – “Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man. But any fool will quarrel.”
   Life throws crazy, out of the ordinary circumstances at us all of the time. People we know and even perfect strangers will undoubtedly say or do things that will try to throw us off our game. When under stressful situations it is important that we resist the urge to quarrel or even give attention to misgivings that are only designed to distract us. For most of us it isn’t too hard to think of situations when we really had to hold back our tongues from blurting out something that would have been like throwing gas on a fire. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we exercised self-control and potentially saved a lot of time, energy and misunderstanding just by bridling our tongue and not reacting to potentially volatile situations.
    God has given us the resources to live peacefully with other people. His WORD assures us that it is possible to feel anger without letting it boil over into rage. Strife is that friction that either simmers under the surface or explodes in the open between people who disagree about something. The book of Proverbs teachers that it is to one’s honor to avoid strife. As we enter this week, let’s be on guard to avoid quarrels and to follow God’s example when we fill provoked. Stay focused on your mission and don’t be distracted by wasting energy on quarrels.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Horn Blowing Time

2 Kings 13:18 – “Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”
     In a recent conversation with a dear friend we talked about the difficulty many Christians have in ‘blowing their own horns’. She was expressing difficulty in writing an autobiographical sketch which highlighted her accomplishments and successes. Yes we are taught that a haughty spirit is not Christ-like and that pride goes before a fall; but we must see the fine line that exists between humility and undermining the wonderful gifts, talents and promotions that God has granted.
     From the scripture above we learn that the King was being modest in his following the instructions of the man of God and his outcome, although positive, was greatly diminished from what he could have received if he had ‘gone for the gusto’. God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him and do we really think that God wants his gifts hidden and under-used? Just as we want to see someone wear the special garment we purchased for them for their birthday or to see them wear the jewelry we gave them at Christmas – so does God rejoice to see us use, appreciate, share and lift the wonderful gifts he has bestowed upon us. Do not be ashamed to polish up the old horn, toot up the old lips and blow, baby blow. Let the world know that you are not ashamed of the specialness that is you.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Have an awesome weekend. See you on Monday! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Righteous Credit

It is time that we give credit where credit is due. It is easy for us to give false credit to the devil about things that seem to go awry when we misbehave or misfortune befalls us. We often hear people say “oh the devil made me do it“. But the truth of the matter is that it was most likely our own decision.  On the other hand when there is a stirring inside that causes us to perform a certain way when we know we had no inkling of what to do or how to proceed on our own, we often say “something made me do this... or “ I don’t know why I did that” or “ I’m not sure why I went that way, but I sure am glad I did!”

Jesus promised us a Comforter and this Comforter is with us, in us and is third person of our Triune God-head - the HOLY SPIRT....as real as the air we breathe.  So the next time you get a “hunch” about something or feel inspired to do an action or are persuaded to keep quiet... give credit where credit is due.... Praise and thank the Holy Spirit!  Everyday is a good day; it is up to us to make it a Great day!  Be blessed! Rev. Dr.  JoAnn 

Silver and Gold

Make new friends yet keep the old;  one is silver and the other is gold.

    This was a very popular slogan song from my years as a Girl Scout when I was a youth back in Gary Indiana. It says it all.   Every new adventure; job; vacation or location brings with it the possibility of meeting new friends. It can be very good for business to enlarge our social network.  However it can be soothing to the soul to cherish long standing friendships that have weathered the storms of life. 

My granddaughter, Kamari will be attending a new school in the fall and she is constantly saying-“ I’m going to miss my old friends but I’m going to meet some new ones.” What a healthy attitude. And yes, she is definitely a social butterfly and will undoubtably make new friendships but it is good to hang on to “good” old solid relationships that are the life blood of our existence.  

     People say I never meet a stranger and it is true that I enjoy making new acquaintances but I do cherish my BFF that I have known for more than a half century; my First Baptist and Macedonia church buddies; my ride-or-die compadres and all others who I have known more than 40 years.  

     Yes I constantly make new friends but there is nothing like “tried and true”.  Tell your “old” friends what they mean to you and show them that longevity has its benefits!!!  

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

Keep At It

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

Sandpaper Friends

Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
     This past Friday, during the discussion at our monthly First Friday Fellowship gathering, I spoke of our need to have some ‘sandpaper and smart friends’ in our lives. Most of us cherish our friends, whether we have only one good buddy, a close circle or an entourage of ‘peeps’. We enjoy our interactions with them and for the most part – most friends get along well - mainly because it is said that ‘birds of a feather, flock together.’ Over the next two days I offer two simple bits of advice that I want to share with you my faithful readers. These truths are nothing new and you have probably heard them in some form or another; but they bear repeating.
     So today I offer the observance that we all need ‘sandpaper’ friends in our lives. Today’s scripture tells us that only two hard implements rubbing together can keep each other sharp. Many times we want to surround ourselves with people who we can totally get along with because it is just easier. The unfortunate part is that after a while they simply turn out to be “yes” men /women who never challenge us or help us to see or embrace new situations. They agree with us and we love their non-abrasive character. But these friends are like ‘cotton’ and no knife can have its edge sharpened by rubbing against cotton. Oh but do cherish those companions who just every so often get on your nerves – say or do things that make you crazy or set your teeth on edge. These are the people God often places in our path to keep us on the cutting edge of sharpness. These ‘sandpaper’ friends make sure that we do not get dulled by the monotony of ‘just getting along’. We need ‘sandpaper’ friends to rub us just the right way to knock the kinks off of our thinking, realign our emotions and subdue our egos. Thank God for the soft, get-along buddies who comfort us in times of need; but give God praise for our ‘sandpaper’ friends who keep us sharp and ready for use by God.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! . Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Walls

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

Royal Priesthood

1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”.
     As believers in Jesus Christ we are fully adopted into the King’s family. We are no longer estranged, alienated, or disenfranchised. We are not distant relatives, in-laws or step children. We are fully embraced and accepted with all rights and privileges granted. As children of the most High God we are royalty; and as royalty we must conduct ourselves as such.
     When we study earthly monarchs whose family lines rule over generational kingdoms we get a small peek at the majestic benefits of God’s heavenly sovereignty. The king’s children have no doubt about who they are or who their father is. From the cradle they lavish in a lifestyle of privilege and do not think it outlandish to have the best of everything. They have a certain expectancy of how they should be treated and are taught how they are to respond in any given situation. When they walk into a room it is expected that all attention will be turned to them. When they make a request it is assumed that the need will be met without hesitation. When they are in trouble the King will send the magnitude of his forces to remedy the situation. They are rarely alone or ostracized for they are provided with nannies, playmates and overseers.
     If these actions are established for earthly rule then it is even more prudent to see this type of interaction when we are adopted into the family of God. Our mouths may speak that we are the King’s kids and that our father has cattle on a thousand hills, yada, yada, yada; but do we fully embrace all of the freedoms and rights that come with our adoption papers? We are all guilty of not exercising to the highest extent our benefits and favors and it is a shame. Christ died a horrific death to secure our place in the kingdom. He preached and taught and set examples of how we are to conduct ourselves as the royal priesthood. Exercise your rights as a child of the King! “Ask”, “seek” and “knock”; but most importantly expect” good things.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Symbolic Sanctification

Numbers 6:8 - "Throughout the period of their dedication, they are consecrated to the Lord."      In Bible study last night we covered the consecration of the temple as outlined in the book of Numbers chapter 6. The text spoke of the Nazirite Vow and what was required in order to be consecrated in that decision. Those who took the Nazirite vow had strict regulations: they could not eat or drink any product or by-product of grapes; they could not cut their hair and they must not be in the presence of dead bodies... not even to honor the burial of their deceased mother or father. The rules were strict but were for a holy purpose as they were consecrated and set apart for service to God. A question that I raised to the group and now I raise to you my faithful reader- what things or rituals do you incorporate into your life that show your "separation unto God?"
      Ever since I was a small child I did my nightly prayers on my knees and although I am sure God hears my prayers no matter what position my body happens to be in- I feel a certain closeness in consecrating my prayer time with him while I am on my knees. As most people do, I say a grace blessing over my meals before I take a first bite; I bow my head and close my eyes; and when I am in the company of others I prefer to hold hands also....just my way but others don't seem to mind when I reach out and touch.
      These are small simple examples of things I have grown accustomed to doing to consecrate myself unto the Lord. Think what do you do that has special meaning between you and God? One of the group members mentioned the way in which she prepares her tithe offering is her special way of honoring her relationship with God! Whatever it is that you do God honors the fact that you take out time to make your relationship with him special in a way that it is hallmarked by a behavior that shows him that you care. Some of these may be family traditions or just behaviors that you do that help you to feel closer to God. Think about it! Share them in the comment section if you desire- I'd love to read them!      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a great day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Small Things Matter

James 3:4 (EXB) - “Also a ship is very big, and it is pushed by ·strong [fierce] winds. But a very small rudder controls [guides; steers] that big ship, making it go wherever the pilot wants.”

  Last week I was prompted to send out a donation notice about God's new church he has blessed me to start.  Many of you may have received a forwarded message about an app I use for online payments. There are no real big expenses for the church presently but obediently I did as God requested and sent out the notice.  I was feeling a bit apprehensive because we all know the "stigma" of the begging preacher.   The Holy Spirit instructed me that it wasn't about my need or the church's immediate need but more about giving others an opportunity to sow and how small investments for them in rich soil can produce mightily for all concerned.  
Well nevertheless I sent out the notice and a few people responded right away.  One person even remarked that they only had a few dollars but would give again later.  After thanking them My response was that their obedience to God's call magnified that donation and for them to not be concerned at all about the amount.  If it was only a dime I would be grateful and God would use it to his glory.
Do not think for a moment that your contribution is too small or insignificant to matter.  If you only have a small amount of money to give toward a large goal or if you only have a limited amount of time to spare to assist on a project; it does help.  God looks at the heart of your contribution and not the quantity.  It is the quality of your service and desire to give and participate that endears God’s heart.  When we give our best, even in small increments, God will take what we have and multiply its effect so that our little becomes much.  In today's scripture we read of the influence that a small helm or rudder has in steering a large and formidable ship.  The ship is gigantic in comparison to the small pliable piece that is used to maneuver it through the water under the control of high and often violent winds.  The stronger the push of the gale, the more obvious it is that the rudder is needed and important.

      The ship might represent some grand or great aspect of your life that requires the dynamics of strong influence in order to move from where it is now to the place of its best use; but the very forces that provide this push, could also be the same forces which could tear it apart or send it off course. Here is where your small rudder of ‘faith’ comes into play.  God’s promises concerning your mission are secure and he has provided the means (the ship) and the power (the winds) but direction is needed.  That focus or direction comes from your faith.  We only need as much faith as compared to that of a small mustard seed and we can see its influence making a great impact.  Don’t cower from asserting your faith in tackling large issues, problems or projects.  Know that God has provided all that you need and all you must do is take hold of your faith and steer.

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