Psalm 103:8 -The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
I have mellowed in my older age but I have to admit that back in the day my patience for ignorance was nil or next to none; especially in conversation. Once I discerned that the person I was talking with was a filibuster, a show boater, a braggart or a liar, I dismissed them and dismissed myself from the conversation. Why waste good listening on foolish talk.
In some regards we have all played the role of the 'mouth' when we have approached God with foolish talk; whether we were telling God about our plans, our directives, our decisions or belly-aching about our circumstances. We have engaged in show boating when we speak more highly of ourselves than we ought knowing full well that if it was not for the grace of God we would be lost. We have all lied, even if it was only to ourselves about our abilities to handle our lives. Through it all God never gives us his love in a filter. He does not handle us ‘straight with no chaser’. His love is always embraced with not only mercy but grace. God never dismisses us or tunes us out. He is a gracious in his love and care.
We must exercise gracious living when we interact with others. Not everyone will respond favorably but that is not our concern. Covered in the blood of Jesus and guided by our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, we must exhibit behaviors that edify, lift and encourage those that might not know how great our God is. We are a reflection of the God we serve; so always put your best foot forward and be gracious!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Monday, December 11, 2017
Friday, December 8, 2017
Relax!
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Hard to believe we are at the end of the first week of the last month of this year. Whoa…how quickly time has flown. Over the past few months, my life has been a total whirlwind. All great stuff, but so tiring. From seminary graduation, ministry ordination, completing teaching my college courses, my own consulting contracts and of course writing my blogs and hosting my Bible study ministry….whewww. Today I am going to heed my own words and listen to the teachings of today’s scripture… for at least a little while in the midst of all the stuff that still needs to be done, I am going to relax.
There's nothing like rest and rejuvenation to spark the spirit and heal the soul. Sometimes we just need to put the brakes on and slow ourselves down to a complete stop. Many of us are running on full throttle so much that we are whisking through life and really not enjoying the scenery. We all know that the rat race is out there.... but we also know that the second rat gets the cheese. Slow down... feast on the day... smell the flowers; better yet take some time and actually plant a few.
We hurry though each day wishing for it to be over but in reality we are asking for our lives to hurry and be done. You might say- "I can't wait until next month, this project will conclude." It seems like a harmless statement but remember our words are very powerful. Before you know it the time has come and gone; but what other important things have you also sped through? Time you could have spent with family; time you could have enjoyed doing things you like; reading, crafts, movies; time you could have used deepening your relationship with God. Well I am embracing the fine art of doing as Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT rest-filled day. Be blessed! REv. Dr. JoAnn
Hard to believe we are at the end of the first week of the last month of this year. Whoa…how quickly time has flown. Over the past few months, my life has been a total whirlwind. All great stuff, but so tiring. From seminary graduation, ministry ordination, completing teaching my college courses, my own consulting contracts and of course writing my blogs and hosting my Bible study ministry….whewww. Today I am going to heed my own words and listen to the teachings of today’s scripture… for at least a little while in the midst of all the stuff that still needs to be done, I am going to relax.
There's nothing like rest and rejuvenation to spark the spirit and heal the soul. Sometimes we just need to put the brakes on and slow ourselves down to a complete stop. Many of us are running on full throttle so much that we are whisking through life and really not enjoying the scenery. We all know that the rat race is out there.... but we also know that the second rat gets the cheese. Slow down... feast on the day... smell the flowers; better yet take some time and actually plant a few.
We hurry though each day wishing for it to be over but in reality we are asking for our lives to hurry and be done. You might say- "I can't wait until next month, this project will conclude." It seems like a harmless statement but remember our words are very powerful. Before you know it the time has come and gone; but what other important things have you also sped through? Time you could have spent with family; time you could have enjoyed doing things you like; reading, crafts, movies; time you could have used deepening your relationship with God. Well I am embracing the fine art of doing as Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT rest-filled day. Be blessed! REv. Dr. JoAnn
Thursday, December 7, 2017
No Comparison
Galatians 6:4 (NLV): “Everyone should look at himself
and see how he does his own work. Then he can be happy in what he has done. He
should not compare himself with his neighbor.”
We are individually and uniquely
made by the hand of our Creator as he knit us together in our mothers’
wombs. We have our own special styles, tastes, likes and dislikes. We
have wonderful skills and talents, though similar in type are all different in
degree, scope and number. We are special to God as individual works of art on
his potter’s wheel. It is said that God’s gift to us is our talent, but our
gift to God is how we use it for his glory.
As we go about
the purpose of our lives and fulfill the works that God has placed along our
paths we must be careful not to compare our journey with that of others. Even
cars driving along on the same highway, heading in the same direction travel at
different speeds going to different destinations. Some drivers get on and
never change lanes until it is time to exit; while others weave about like
honey bees darting from flower to flower.
The scripture reminds us to
scrutinize ourselves and to run quality control tests on our own work. As we
focus on doing our best with the cards we have been dealt, we should not have
time or interest in comparing our walk with anyone else. It is good to
have role models and to look up to others for examples. It is ok to
glance at the paths that others have taken so that we might learn from others'
mistakes and good fortunes; but we must draw the line when we try to disregard
what God has prepared for us. Our journey is special and our way has been
ordained by God. Every walk that looks easy or better than the one we are
on only causes us to sell short the benefits that God has placed in the journey
we have been assigned.
Have your trips,
stumbles and falls along the way been because your path has been so rough and
rugged or has it been because you have your eyes gazing in someone else’s lane
and missed the warnings, potholes and pitfalls on your own path?. Stay in
your own lane and enjoy what lies ahead for you. God is a way maker and
your journey will bring you joy and him glory.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously
GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
The Awakening
Samuel 2: 6-7 - Again the Lord called Samuel, so Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “I’m here. You called me?” “I didn’t call, my son,” Eli replied. “Go and lie down.” (7 Now Samuel didn’t yet know the Lord, and the Lord’s word hadn’t yet been revealed to him.)”
Today’s scripture relays a part of the calling of Samuel into prophetic service for God. As young boy he was ‘promised’ into priestly service by his mother, Hannah, who sorely wanted a child and when God granted her request she dedicated him back to God. Now living under the tutelage of Eli, he started to hear the call upon his life, but was unaware of its source. Three times he heard God speaking to him and three times he went into the bed chamber of the Priest thinking that it was Eli who had summoned him.
We must be judicious in listening for and responding to the call that God has placed upon us. Samuel was obedient and even though he might have thought it was strange to keep being sent back to his bed, each time he thought he heard his master Eli call – he jumped up and went to see what was needed.
When we are uncertain of what God might be saying, or if it is even him that we think we are hearing from… it is imperative that we respond. God will keep calling and he wants us to learn his voice. Listen and be ready to move to the next level.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live victoriously. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Today’s scripture relays a part of the calling of Samuel into prophetic service for God. As young boy he was ‘promised’ into priestly service by his mother, Hannah, who sorely wanted a child and when God granted her request she dedicated him back to God. Now living under the tutelage of Eli, he started to hear the call upon his life, but was unaware of its source. Three times he heard God speaking to him and three times he went into the bed chamber of the Priest thinking that it was Eli who had summoned him.
We must be judicious in listening for and responding to the call that God has placed upon us. Samuel was obedient and even though he might have thought it was strange to keep being sent back to his bed, each time he thought he heard his master Eli call – he jumped up and went to see what was needed.
When we are uncertain of what God might be saying, or if it is even him that we think we are hearing from… it is imperative that we respond. God will keep calling and he wants us to learn his voice. Listen and be ready to move to the next level.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live victoriously. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
The Tempest
The weather on the east coast has been up and down and all around for the past month or two. We are fast approaching the heart of winter and some of the trees here in Atlanta haven’t decided if their leaves should change color, drop or just cling on for dear life. Soon we will experience some much needed rain and hopefully the fog will dissipate so we can actually see the beauty of the raindrops and the rainbows that come with them. As our scripture for today indicates the wonder of God happens in all aspects of life on planet earth. The same hand that can produce a storm will quiet it. We may not understand why stifling dust storms, blinding blizzards, torrential rains, tsunamis, or the slow moving lava of active volcanoes could be signals of a just and powerful God; but our faith tells us that these occurrences are not times to mourn and complain, but to humble ourselves and draw nearer to God in prayer. Every shift in the weather is a call to trust God and rely upon his sovereign grace and perfect will.
What shifts do you see do you see brewing on your horizon? What troubles do you see looming just ahead? If God has given you foresight to see the potential for trouble, use these forewarnings as a time for prayer and quiet reflection. Don’t’ always ask God why the storm is coming or why you have to go through the storm. Praise him for the fact that he will not allow you to go through the tempest unaware or alone. There is a lesson in the storm. There is a blessing in the storm. Some things in your life need a shaking and some loose ‘junk’ needs to be blown away. There might be some things that you really don’t need but you are too attached or even to distant to get rid of; so a storm can provide the right impetus to let you focus on the real importance …life itself.
So let us pray for the safety and well-being of all parts of our country as weather patterns are changing. Let us praise our God for in his mercy these storms will bring him glory if we know how to ride it out! Your own personal storms will bring God glory if you just let go…let God do what he does best…and ride it out! No murmuring…no complaining….just praying!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live victoriously. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Monday, December 4, 2017
I Can See Clearly Now
1 Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
If you live in Georgia and are an early riser like me, then you know that for the past few days we have been inundated with a thick, unrelenting fog bank that has crept up during the night and lingers through much of the morning. It is eerie to watch as the low hanging clouds make their way down the streets and over the manicured lawns with a stealthy quiet that might remind one of how the angel of death came upon all of the first born of Egypt in the time of Moses.
One can barely see the street lights or your hand in front of your own face when the fog billows over the surface of the street. Often without warning you will stumble upon someone who seems to appear out of nowhere, when all along they have been approaching from a distance that you cannot discern. Everything around us is dim and unfocused.
Today’s scripture reminds us that we live a similar ‘dim’ existence and often stumble around in the ‘fog’ of life; but rest assured, just as the sunlight of day pierces and burns off the fog, the light of the world, Jesus will pierce through the darkness and the fog that surrounds us. We will no longer stumble and strain to make our way; but see clearly what paths to take. All in his timing and all under the direction of the Holy Spirit we will be awakened. All things will be made clear and discernable.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
If you live in Georgia and are an early riser like me, then you know that for the past few days we have been inundated with a thick, unrelenting fog bank that has crept up during the night and lingers through much of the morning. It is eerie to watch as the low hanging clouds make their way down the streets and over the manicured lawns with a stealthy quiet that might remind one of how the angel of death came upon all of the first born of Egypt in the time of Moses.
One can barely see the street lights or your hand in front of your own face when the fog billows over the surface of the street. Often without warning you will stumble upon someone who seems to appear out of nowhere, when all along they have been approaching from a distance that you cannot discern. Everything around us is dim and unfocused.
Today’s scripture reminds us that we live a similar ‘dim’ existence and often stumble around in the ‘fog’ of life; but rest assured, just as the sunlight of day pierces and burns off the fog, the light of the world, Jesus will pierce through the darkness and the fog that surrounds us. We will no longer stumble and strain to make our way; but see clearly what paths to take. All in his timing and all under the direction of the Holy Spirit we will be awakened. All things will be made clear and discernable.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Friday, December 1, 2017
Feast or Famine
Philippians 4:12-"I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
Some days it seems we have a little surplus; enough to share with others and a little left over to bank away. Then other times we are ordering from the dollar menu and not super-sizing a thing. Our journey is full of days of plenty and nights of insufficiency; but through it all the secret of enduring is to do as Paul prescribes. There are three things he shared in his epistle to the church at Philippi.
1) He acknowledged that abasement is where we are "brought". Usually we do not venture to go to the minimum. We are often brought into situations where we may be depleted or used up. Whether it is our money, our time, our resources or our energy, we can be drained if we are taken out of our element and operate in unfamiliar dimensions. Therefore a remedy is to get back to the familiar and operate in your strong suit.
2) He tells that there is a 'know-how' associated with levels of existence so we must be cognizant of where we are, how we got there and then be open to shift between one and the other without it effecting who we are. The old adage states that "clothes do not make the man"; character is what defines him. So whether your shoe bottoms are red or full of patchwork, carry yourself with dignity and keep your head and countenance up.
3) Paul stated that he learned to 'face' any situation. No matter what station you find yourself in life, do not be ashamed of where God has placed you. Whether in the High Court or in the prison; Paul never lowered his standards or lost his inner self worth. He knew and always proclaimed that it was not him but the Christ that lived within him that made all the difference in the world. As long as we have the King of kings, the Lord of Lords and the purveyor of everything in us, why should we care whether we are being escorted to our private table at 'McCormick and Schmick's' or standing in a soup line. Keep your head up. Nothing lasts forever but God! So if you are 'up' right now, be kind to those who are not. If your train has entered a dark tunnel, rest assured soon there will be the light of Jesus to illuminate your way and get you back on prosperity's track.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Some days it seems we have a little surplus; enough to share with others and a little left over to bank away. Then other times we are ordering from the dollar menu and not super-sizing a thing. Our journey is full of days of plenty and nights of insufficiency; but through it all the secret of enduring is to do as Paul prescribes. There are three things he shared in his epistle to the church at Philippi.
1) He acknowledged that abasement is where we are "brought". Usually we do not venture to go to the minimum. We are often brought into situations where we may be depleted or used up. Whether it is our money, our time, our resources or our energy, we can be drained if we are taken out of our element and operate in unfamiliar dimensions. Therefore a remedy is to get back to the familiar and operate in your strong suit.
2) He tells that there is a 'know-how' associated with levels of existence so we must be cognizant of where we are, how we got there and then be open to shift between one and the other without it effecting who we are. The old adage states that "clothes do not make the man"; character is what defines him. So whether your shoe bottoms are red or full of patchwork, carry yourself with dignity and keep your head and countenance up.
3) Paul stated that he learned to 'face' any situation. No matter what station you find yourself in life, do not be ashamed of where God has placed you. Whether in the High Court or in the prison; Paul never lowered his standards or lost his inner self worth. He knew and always proclaimed that it was not him but the Christ that lived within him that made all the difference in the world. As long as we have the King of kings, the Lord of Lords and the purveyor of everything in us, why should we care whether we are being escorted to our private table at 'McCormick and Schmick's' or standing in a soup line. Keep your head up. Nothing lasts forever but God! So if you are 'up' right now, be kind to those who are not. If your train has entered a dark tunnel, rest assured soon there will be the light of Jesus to illuminate your way and get you back on prosperity's track.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
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