Green Pastures

Psalm 23:2 -“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (KJV)
     I am not one who sleeps a lot or takes naps but I do understand the need and purpose of getting rest. I may not slow down in the eyes of some, but I do find adequate time to rejuvenate and replenish myself. Our God knows what is best for us and it seems like a shame that he has to make us rest; but it is true. For some of us if it were not for the fact that our bodies would shut down we probably would not slow down long enough to replenish and refresh.
      Our society has placed such high value on performance that we often neglect the fundamental needs of the human body in order to ‘make the grade’, ‘finish the chore’ or produce the deliverable’. If you have to work a 60 hour week to prove to your boss that you are a valuable employee you need to rethink what you are trying to prove and who you are trying to impress. Some familiar sayings tell us that hard work and perseverance are honorable and garner great results; but the truth of the matter is that much can also be undermined when the body is tired; the mind is fatigued and the soul is wearied.
     If we try to operate when we are overtaxed and overdue for some much needed down time, we can make careless mistakes that can prove to be either costly or detrimental. We hear of police traffic reports where fatalities are caused because someone falls asleep behind the wheel. Homes have been destroyed when weary moms doze off while cooking. Both of these examples show what can happen when insufficient rest can cause us to make decisions that can impact our lives and the lives of others. God knows the limitations of human capacity and therefore he designed us to require rest and sleep.
     If we do not heed God’s instructions we jeopardize our health and well-being. If you are tired take the time to rejuvenate. Whatever it is it can wait until you can clearly and rationally make a well thought out decision. Don’t let God have to put you flat on your back in a hospital bed before you learn to lie down in the green pastures he has provided.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-filled day. Have a restful weekend. See you on Monday. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Tomorrow's Harvest

Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
     As Americans come to the close of the month long celebration of African American (Black) History it is imperative that we not only remember the devastation of generations of enslaved men, women and children but more importance is to focus on the grace of the journey and the impact on future generations. Some say “what is in the past is past– let it go – stop bringing up old stuff”. While it is true that forgiveness is needed, we must not forget what nor why things happened so that the errors of the past should not be repeated. As an African American I thoroughly believe it is necessary to revisit some things to make sure we do not miss gleaning the important lessons of humanity.
     Frederick Douglass, former slave and crusader for human rights stated –“No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.” In the act of dehumanizing others, we dehumanize ourselves. The apostle Paul put it another way when he wrote today’s scripture reference. It tells us that our choices have consequences – and that includes how we treat others. When we chose to hate, that hate can return to us in the form of consequences that we can never fully prepare for. And remember one seed always multiples when it is sown. Do not plant today the bitter fruit you, your children and grandchildren will have to digest tomorrow.
     As we have opportunity to do good, let us not grow weary in doing so. Plant today what you want to reap later and be careful how you treat others. 
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

What a Ride!!

Psalm 90:10 (ERV) - “We live about 70 years, or, if we are strong, 80 years. But most of them are filled with hard work and pain. Then, suddenly, the years are gone, and we fly away.”
     There is no time like the present to make the most of the life that God provides for us. We should not procrastinate about starting projects or completing tasks. The writer of this Psalm tells us that life with its ups and downs and its capacity to be briefly lengthened carries a definitive end date, therefore we should not waste even a single moment.
     In a few months I will celebrate my 40th graduation year from my undergraduate alma mater, Spelman College. Whew! It seems like just yesterday I was sending in my admissions application. As an impressionable teenager I thought I had all the time in the world and that ‘stuff’ just took too long to happen. Certain events, especially summer and Christmas vacations went on forever. But the older I have gotten the more I realize how quickly time does fly. We get involved in day-to-day activities and when we finally look up years have zoomed by.
     Many have spoken about the tragedy that our cemeteries are full of some of the most unique and potentially successful ideas that never took root. We should strive to drain the total essence from the life given to us. I am not sure who authored this next statement, but I thoroughly try to live by it: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming – WOW – What a ride!!”.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Embrace Correction

Genesis 4:6-7. “And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it”.
      When Cain and Abel presented their offerings to God, scripture reveals that Abel’s gift was accepted yet Cain’s was not. Many have speculated why Cain was rejected. Was it because his offering was not his first or his best? What was his attitude and behavior when he presented his gifts to God? We can no doubt postulate many reasons but one thing is sure; Cain was given opportunity to make right whatever was wrong and he did not. He took the need for ‘correction’ and turned his inadequacy upon his brother Abel.
      This is an example of what to not do! Corrective criticism can be one of our greatest allies when we are seeking to improve our present state. When someone finds fault in what you have done or plan to do, don’t get angry or depressed. Even criticism that comes unsolicited or tainted with mockery can serve a vast purpose in elevating you to higher heights. Take heed at what is told to you. You may not like the message nor the messenger, but get the information and don’t lose the opportunity to fine tune your act. Sometimes great gifts come in ugly packaging.
     Use to your advantage the criticism levied at you. For a knife to have a better cutting edge it must be ground against a rough surface. You cannot sharpen a knife on cotton, but it can be honed into a shiny winnowing cutting tool by simply repeatedly scraping it against a rock. The abrasion of the hard times and the decision to not give up are the tools that will make you sharp and ready for action. God may use your abrasive boss, teacher, spouse, in-law or grumpy neighbor to shape you into the precise tool he needs for his Kingdom. Embrace and rejoice in each new lesson.
   Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Testify!

Mark 8:38(RSV)-“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
     Next month during church service we will mark the founder’s obedience to the call of God as we celebrate our church’s 133rd anniversary with prayer, praise and testimonies. It will be wonderful to hear faithful members speak of the goodness of God with recounts of healings; homes and reconciled relationships. As each person speaks we will all draw strength from their testimonies to face our futures with even brighter expectations and hope.
     It is important for the Body of Christ to testify. It serves several great purposes. First and foremost the acknowledgement upon which it is anchored honors God as a means of giving thanks for what he has done. In sharing the acts or deeds that God provides we let others know that God is always listening and addressing the issues of our hearts. Speaking out about God’s providential care lets the non-believers know that we serve a God who cares about every aspect of our lives. Testimonies record sequentially the works of the Father; which allows us to ‘flip back’ through the pages of our history to refresh and renew our commitment to God and each other.
     Do not be ashamed of your life in Christ or the ways which God orchestrates to bring change. When it is your time, I am sure you want Jesus to stand boldly before the throne of Grace and shout your worthiness to the God of Creation. What might seem trivial or just commonplace to you could be a great testimony for someone struggling to see or move to the next level in their faith. Your words could provide the reassurance they need or the framework of how to address an issue. . Just telling how long you prayed before the answer manifested itself, could give a fellow believer the freedom to trust God’s heart when they cannot see God’s hand. Open up and share your story. We need to hear it.     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Share Victoriously! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Hometown

My Hometown
Posted 2-26-14
Reposted 2-24-17

  Today’s power scripture comes from John 1:46
“And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.”

North, south, east or west; each region believes that it is best.  Geography seems to matter a lot to some people.  They claim one area has the best food while another brags about its cultural base and another of its desirable weather.  As Christ was developing his earthy ministry one of the newcomers commented about the homeland of Christ suggesting that nothing good could be associated with Nazareth.

Do not be ashamed of where you come from or your family’s background no matter how unsophisticated or simple it might seem in comparison to others. Most of us who can trace our family tree back a few generations will find humble beginnings.  After all, Christ came from a lowly station in life to demonstrate to the world that God uses whatever and wherever he chooses to make his purpose known.  Maybe your grandmother could not read, but she could wash and iron and save to make sure her children went to school.  Or maybe college was not the path for dad and he chose military service which forced the family to relocate often.  And so what if incarcerations or unplanned pregnancies or addictions snared members of your family; we are who God says that we are; not what circumstance tries to dictate.

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He used a harlot from Jericho; a concerned traveler from Samaria; a woman at a well; a shepherd boy from Bethlehem and he can use you too. Whether you are from the heights of Cherry Hill, NJ; New Orleans’ 9^th Ward; the streets of south Central LA; the south side of Chicago; the ritzy shores of Southampton or a barrio in Albuquerque, your life is important and the contribution you make to this world is not about where you come from but where you are going! Hurray for your hometown.  Have an awesome weekend.  See you on Monday!

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

Security Blanket

Psalm 105:39 (ERV)-“The Lord spread out his cloud like a blanket.  He used his column of fire to give his people light at night.”
     When there is a little nip in the air and the coolness puts a slight chill in the room; there is nothing quite as comforting as snuggling under the warmth of a blanket. Not too heavy like a quilt or comforter; not too light like a throw or linen sheet; but just the right amount of weight and coverage to chase the chill away.
     God’s love and mercy shrouds us like a soothing blanket. It surrounds our hurts and envelopes our being. When God was leading the children of Israel on their sojourn through the wilderness he provided shade by day and fire by night through the use of a cloud blanket. It covered them from the harshness of the sun as they pilgrimed through the heat each day and then in the evening it would light the sky to pierce the darkness and keep them warm.
     As we live and journey through this life, God has all we need to keep us comfortable, secure, and protected. We may not always know which way to go; what to do, who to trust; or what decisions to make, but one thing we can always rely upon and it is that God’s love will always blanket us and provide for us. Feeling a little chilled? Need some protection from the harshness of everyday life? God is our security blanket and a present help in the time of need.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn