Genesis 31:40 – “This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes.”
Autumn is MY time of year. I love the warm, sully days with cool crisp evenings; but this past weekend I thought someone had flipped a switch and dialed down the temperature way too fast. We can’t complain here in Atlanta because for the past few months while the rest of the country was besieged with hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and raging forest fires we have experienced great weather with scattered showers and lots of sunshine. So now that the temperature is actually matching the time of year, it isn’t surprising that the abruptness has caught many of us off guard. We hear conversations everywhere of having to ‘turn on the heat’ and pile on more blankets.
Just as abruptly as the weather can change to mark a change in seasons, so can changes in our lives occur as God moves us from on season to another. Sometimes these changes are subtle and easy to adapt to; while others can be spontaneously surprising. Are you prepared for the changes that are sure to come? Are you ready to turn up the heat and make sure that the transition is comfortable and doable? Just as we have to make sure our furnaces and blankets are ready for use; so must we have our ‘life tools’ in order to be ready as change bombards us. These ‘life tools’ are put into place by prayer, study, meditation, altruistic activities and praise. Don’t get caught out in the cold. Pump up the praise music, read your Bible daily, practice memorizing scripture, help someone in need and take time to listen as you pray.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Manufacturer's Use Only!
Psalm 51:9 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right[a] spirit within me.”
Whether it was a computer unit, high-end technical instrument or notepad, we have all owned or seen a piece of technology that had inscribed on the back - “Do Not Open – No Consumer Parts Inside”. In essence the warning was telling us to not tamper with the merchandise and that if anything went wrong there were not parts that could be replaced by the consumer. Only the manufacturer could handle any of the workings on the inside.
Well this is true with us also. We often see areas in our lives that need fixing and we strive to make the changes ourselves. I am reminded of my own tendency to try to fix the ailments when in all honesty I had to re-evaluate and note that there are some things (and usually it is most things) that need mending or repair could only be addressed by the manufacturer, our Creator God.
Even simple things like being kinder or less judgmental or more patient all require a rewiring by the God who knows us better on the inside than we think we know ourselves on the outside. We may be able to make temporary fixes on some physical and emotional traits but to make lasting changes only God has the keys to unlock the old and instate the new.
Let me encourage you today to not worry about what is wrong or how it can be fixed, simply take your concerns to God in prayer. Just like the high-tech equipment, don’t be surprised if God has to turn your life over or upside down in order to get to the area of need. It might mean shutting you down for a while or even taking you out of the environment where the problems may exist; but rest assured you may be displaced or a little topsy-turvy, but you are never out of the Master’s hand.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Whether it was a computer unit, high-end technical instrument or notepad, we have all owned or seen a piece of technology that had inscribed on the back - “Do Not Open – No Consumer Parts Inside”. In essence the warning was telling us to not tamper with the merchandise and that if anything went wrong there were not parts that could be replaced by the consumer. Only the manufacturer could handle any of the workings on the inside.
Well this is true with us also. We often see areas in our lives that need fixing and we strive to make the changes ourselves. I am reminded of my own tendency to try to fix the ailments when in all honesty I had to re-evaluate and note that there are some things (and usually it is most things) that need mending or repair could only be addressed by the manufacturer, our Creator God.
Even simple things like being kinder or less judgmental or more patient all require a rewiring by the God who knows us better on the inside than we think we know ourselves on the outside. We may be able to make temporary fixes on some physical and emotional traits but to make lasting changes only God has the keys to unlock the old and instate the new.
Let me encourage you today to not worry about what is wrong or how it can be fixed, simply take your concerns to God in prayer. Just like the high-tech equipment, don’t be surprised if God has to turn your life over or upside down in order to get to the area of need. It might mean shutting you down for a while or even taking you out of the environment where the problems may exist; but rest assured you may be displaced or a little topsy-turvy, but you are never out of the Master’s hand.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Friday, October 27, 2017
Power to Achieve
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Ask we approach the weekend my prayer for all of us is to make the most of the wonderful talents and gifts that we have to offer. We strive through the workweek giving our best, often to people and situations which may not value our true contributions. We work hard for paychecks and to keep our families, friends and co-workers in the best light. Now take that same energy and foster the things that contribute to your own personal success.
If you are a student, spend a little extra time fine tuning your study guides or reorganizing your notes. If you are an entrepreneur, glance over your business plan again and see what addendum or adjustment you can make. If you are a homemaker, steal a few moments away from the house responsibilities and work on that special project that is just for you.
Yes, the daily grind is important to keep the lights on, food on the shelves and clothes on our backs, but life is more than what we will eat or what we will wear; our own happiness wears heavily on our being focused on the greatness that is within us. God gives us the power and focus to achieve our goals. God does not want us to have a “shrinking violet” (shy) attitude; but one of power and self-confidence. Make your mark!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT say. Enjoy the weekend. Make it count! See you on Monday!. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Ask we approach the weekend my prayer for all of us is to make the most of the wonderful talents and gifts that we have to offer. We strive through the workweek giving our best, often to people and situations which may not value our true contributions. We work hard for paychecks and to keep our families, friends and co-workers in the best light. Now take that same energy and foster the things that contribute to your own personal success.
If you are a student, spend a little extra time fine tuning your study guides or reorganizing your notes. If you are an entrepreneur, glance over your business plan again and see what addendum or adjustment you can make. If you are a homemaker, steal a few moments away from the house responsibilities and work on that special project that is just for you.
Yes, the daily grind is important to keep the lights on, food on the shelves and clothes on our backs, but life is more than what we will eat or what we will wear; our own happiness wears heavily on our being focused on the greatness that is within us. God gives us the power and focus to achieve our goals. God does not want us to have a “shrinking violet” (shy) attitude; but one of power and self-confidence. Make your mark!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT say. Enjoy the weekend. Make it count! See you on Monday!. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Guard Your Anointing
Here is a flashback worth repeating! - Enjoy!
Judges 16:20 -
20 Then she cried, “Samson, the Philistines are here!”[j] When he awoke from his sleep, he said, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.
After much needling and nagging Delilah had finally badgered Samson into revealing the secret of his strength to her. In essence it was not just the cutting of his hair that caused him to lose out on the special anointing that he had received in his youth; the Nazirite vow involved a special commitment that rested on the sacred relationship between him and God. Samson was not ignorant of his calling. He had known all along that the secret of his strength was laid upon this relationship and that his hair was merely a sign of that relationship.
When he gave up the secret to his strength he stated that the relationship between him and this ungodly woman was of more importance than the promise he had made with God. He interrupted the flow of faith and hope that ran through his lifeblood. It was a special tie between him and his Creator. The shaving of his head was a disappointing stab in the heart of God. In his lust for that which God had separated him from, he lost the virtue which kept him tied to God. He was so oblivious that he did not even know that the tie had been severed. He thought he could operate ‘as usual’ but he was sorely wrong. When he stood up without God, he got knocked down and blindsided.
When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior we make a commitment to him. He has done all of the hard work (beatings, suffering, dying, resurrecting) and our part is simply to believe. In that belief, our “old self” is done away with and we then embody the new creation. The symbol of our commitment to Christ starts with our public declaration of our faith, our baptism and of course most importantly our ‘walk’, which shows the ‘fruit’ we bear.
How disappointing it must be to our Savior when we toss our commitment to him aside by violating his trust. He trusts us to treat each other with love. He trusts us to watch out for the helpless and in-firmed. He trusts us to be his eyes, ears, hands and feet to work on the behalf of the kingdom. He trusts us to be good soil so that great things can grow out of us. He trusts us to show the world that faith in him reveals the way, the truth and life eternal. Rethink your commitment to Christ today. Is there a Delilah (temptation) speaking in your ear trying to lull you to sleep? Is there a barber (some ungodly activity) in your midst waiting for the right opportunity to cut you off from your blessings? Renew your vows and reinstate your promise to God.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously great day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Judges 16:20 -
20 Then she cried, “Samson, the Philistines are here!”[j] When he awoke from his sleep, he said, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.
After much needling and nagging Delilah had finally badgered Samson into revealing the secret of his strength to her. In essence it was not just the cutting of his hair that caused him to lose out on the special anointing that he had received in his youth; the Nazirite vow involved a special commitment that rested on the sacred relationship between him and God. Samson was not ignorant of his calling. He had known all along that the secret of his strength was laid upon this relationship and that his hair was merely a sign of that relationship.
When he gave up the secret to his strength he stated that the relationship between him and this ungodly woman was of more importance than the promise he had made with God. He interrupted the flow of faith and hope that ran through his lifeblood. It was a special tie between him and his Creator. The shaving of his head was a disappointing stab in the heart of God. In his lust for that which God had separated him from, he lost the virtue which kept him tied to God. He was so oblivious that he did not even know that the tie had been severed. He thought he could operate ‘as usual’ but he was sorely wrong. When he stood up without God, he got knocked down and blindsided.
When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior we make a commitment to him. He has done all of the hard work (beatings, suffering, dying, resurrecting) and our part is simply to believe. In that belief, our “old self” is done away with and we then embody the new creation. The symbol of our commitment to Christ starts with our public declaration of our faith, our baptism and of course most importantly our ‘walk’, which shows the ‘fruit’ we bear.
How disappointing it must be to our Savior when we toss our commitment to him aside by violating his trust. He trusts us to treat each other with love. He trusts us to watch out for the helpless and in-firmed. He trusts us to be his eyes, ears, hands and feet to work on the behalf of the kingdom. He trusts us to be good soil so that great things can grow out of us. He trusts us to show the world that faith in him reveals the way, the truth and life eternal. Rethink your commitment to Christ today. Is there a Delilah (temptation) speaking in your ear trying to lull you to sleep? Is there a barber (some ungodly activity) in your midst waiting for the right opportunity to cut you off from your blessings? Renew your vows and reinstate your promise to God.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously great day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Try Again
Matthew 25:35
Good morning today's power scripture comes from Matthew 25:25 (NKJV). "And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours."
Great reward comes from great risk. In the parable of the talents Jesus told that talents were given according to abilities and that the two men who boldly used their talents reaped rewards. The foolish man (afraid to try) was scolded for his laziness and what he had was taken from him.
What are you afraid of? What trial are you not facing because you might fail? What new stage of life are you limiting yourself from because you keep looking at the risks? So what if you have tried before and it did not turn out 100% like you wanted. Try Again! And don't worry what others think. Only what GOD says really matters. And we all want to hear "Well done good and faithful servant"!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a great day! Have a victoriously beautiful day! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Tempted But Not Torn
James 1:12 (KJV) – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him”
Human nature really is something. We want the easy good life, but we abuse things that are often given to use too freely. We don’t appreciate the time and effort that goes into the development and completion of something unless we are the ones putting in the time and wiping away the sweat. People operate rental cars with a lot less care than they do their own; rental properties often bear the brunt of negligent renters and free meals are more likely to be picked over.
There is something to the fact that if we work hard at something we will protect and cherish it more. So it is true about life’s temptations and trials. The more we go through the stronger we are and the more we appreciate the journey because of the perils we have conquered. A weary, battle-beaten soldier is cheered more than the one who seems to have come home unscarred, though both may have faced the same enemies. As you face temptations this week, remember these are just trials and tests. Temptations vary from person to person. What puts you on edge may not affect even your twin. Do not compare your journey, your ups and your downs with anyone else. As a matter of fact do not even compare what you are going through right now with what you have traversed in the past. Old challenges may rise, but you are totally different than you were then and will and must handle things differently.
Remember nothing comes your way that is new under the sun; others have been there- made it through and so will you. Run up on your tempter just like David ran up on Goliath. The confrontation is going to happen – you might as well take the upper hand. Jesus endured temptation and you shall also. The great news is that since Jesus conquered his tempter he broke the chains and now we all have the right and ability to live in sacred victory. Just stand up to your temptation and watch it dissipate.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Human nature really is something. We want the easy good life, but we abuse things that are often given to use too freely. We don’t appreciate the time and effort that goes into the development and completion of something unless we are the ones putting in the time and wiping away the sweat. People operate rental cars with a lot less care than they do their own; rental properties often bear the brunt of negligent renters and free meals are more likely to be picked over.
There is something to the fact that if we work hard at something we will protect and cherish it more. So it is true about life’s temptations and trials. The more we go through the stronger we are and the more we appreciate the journey because of the perils we have conquered. A weary, battle-beaten soldier is cheered more than the one who seems to have come home unscarred, though both may have faced the same enemies. As you face temptations this week, remember these are just trials and tests. Temptations vary from person to person. What puts you on edge may not affect even your twin. Do not compare your journey, your ups and your downs with anyone else. As a matter of fact do not even compare what you are going through right now with what you have traversed in the past. Old challenges may rise, but you are totally different than you were then and will and must handle things differently.
Remember nothing comes your way that is new under the sun; others have been there- made it through and so will you. Run up on your tempter just like David ran up on Goliath. The confrontation is going to happen – you might as well take the upper hand. Jesus endured temptation and you shall also. The great news is that since Jesus conquered his tempter he broke the chains and now we all have the right and ability to live in sacred victory. Just stand up to your temptation and watch it dissipate.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Monday, October 23, 2017
Give Your Best
Matthew 26:7 – “a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.”
I am a true ‘church chick”. I thoroughly enjoy a great church service and the opportunity to praise and worship God in a congregational setting. By the time I get to church I am usually wound up from my watching early morning sermons prior to leaving home; then I listen to praise songs on the radio while driving to church; then I sing along with the church choir. By the time the preacher of the hour comes forth to deliver the message I am in full gear.
When we give God praise do we give it our all and enjoy being immersed in the awesomeness of his wonder? When the woman with the alabaster box gave her all to Jesus she was motivated not by what others would think or how it would show up on social media… her motivation was to honor Christ.
Let’s check our own giving moments and motivations. When was the last time you really sacrificed something that you don’t plan to give away in the first place? How many times have you resisted completing a much needed task because it was uncomfortable or didn’t directly benefit you? Been guilty lately of doing just enough to get by? All of these are examples of not giving God our best. We might think that we are doing fine because we attend church services, promise to curse or drink less or give an occasional dollar to a street beggar; but are we really making sacrificial giving to reciprocate the love that God showers on us? Take a moment and think about the last time you gave of ‘yourself’. Find a way today to give of your best!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
I am a true ‘church chick”. I thoroughly enjoy a great church service and the opportunity to praise and worship God in a congregational setting. By the time I get to church I am usually wound up from my watching early morning sermons prior to leaving home; then I listen to praise songs on the radio while driving to church; then I sing along with the church choir. By the time the preacher of the hour comes forth to deliver the message I am in full gear.
When we give God praise do we give it our all and enjoy being immersed in the awesomeness of his wonder? When the woman with the alabaster box gave her all to Jesus she was motivated not by what others would think or how it would show up on social media… her motivation was to honor Christ.
Let’s check our own giving moments and motivations. When was the last time you really sacrificed something that you don’t plan to give away in the first place? How many times have you resisted completing a much needed task because it was uncomfortable or didn’t directly benefit you? Been guilty lately of doing just enough to get by? All of these are examples of not giving God our best. We might think that we are doing fine because we attend church services, promise to curse or drink less or give an occasional dollar to a street beggar; but are we really making sacrificial giving to reciprocate the love that God showers on us? Take a moment and think about the last time you gave of ‘yourself’. Find a way today to give of your best!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn
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