Midpoint

Psalm 138:8 (ERV) – “Lord, I know you will do what you have promised. Lord, your faithful love will last forever. You are the one who made us, so don’t leave us.”

     June 30^th – Wow.. the last day of the sixth month of the year. We have made it to the midpoint of the year and how time has flown.   If you are like me and many others, when the year began you had a laundry list of things you wanted to conquer, complete, eliminate or change.   Recently I was evaluating my “to-do” list and it was refreshing and encouraging to see that I have made a few important ‘check marks’.   Many of my prayers hinged on the promises of God and he is ever faithful to fulfill them in accordance to his will and purpose.

     God made us in his image and placed within us a longing and desire for fellowship with him and a sense of purpose and drive.  As we strive to conquer the next half of this year and see the manifestation of our desires it is reassuring to know that God will do as he has promised.  He is keeping each and every one of our dreams and aspirations alive as we traverse through the upcoming hours, days, weeks and months.  Stay focused on God’s promises for your situation and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge God in all your ways and he will not only direct your steps but will illuminate your path.  

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

The Company We Keep

Proverbs 1:1 (KJV). “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

        An old adage says that ‘birds of a feather flock together’. When we are in close association with people our behaviors are often linked together. If you happen to have a strong personality many may find a desire to associate themselves with you even if you do not particularly agree with many of their actions, attitudes or behaviors. You must take a discerning look at the traits that others portray especially when under pressure. It is easy to hide behind a mask when things are going well; but we often find true traits come to the surface when under stress. We all know in any grouping of people if we are discerning enough we can isolate the comedian, the snitch, the yes-man and the betrayer.

      As God’s children, we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought or ostracize those who are different, but we must be careful of the company that we keep. We are called to witness to the world, but we must be careful that our witness is not tainted by the spoils that others might try to involve us in.  Pray to the Holy Spirit to raise up Godly friends and develop a standard based on Christian teachings from which you will always operate. Do not follow others, instead show others the Christ that you follow; you can never go wrong.

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

Not Your Job!

2 Samuel 6:6-7 – “⁶ And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. ⁷ And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.”

              This scripture is taken from the accounting of what happened when one particular man took on a responsibility that was not his and unfortunately suffered dire consequences because of it.  As King David was having the Ark of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem he made a few administrative mistakes and one of his servants unfortunately had to pay the price.

           We have all experienced bosses or supervisors who have made decisions that others had to suffer for when all they were doing was trying to complete a task.  David had commanded for the Ark to be removed from Baale-judah and taken to Jerusalem on a new cart pulled by oxen.  That was his first mistake.  God had given specific instructions as to whom could carry the ark and how it was to be carried.  Only the tribe of Levi was to handle the Ark and it was not to rest on an ox cart but to be carried on the shoulders of the priests.  David and his fighting men were celebrating, dancing, chanting, singing and playing instruments.  David’s second mistake was that he did not give the Ark, which represented God’s presence, the reverence that it deserved.  He was celebrating more about what the Ark stood for in transferring the importance of Jerusalem now being the religious and political capital than he gave reverence to God’s providence.  

             Sad to say, David’s servant Uzzah became a tragic victim of this string of inconsistencies.  The oxen pulling the cart stumbled causing the Ark of the Covenant to shift.  Fearing that it would be cast to the ground, Uzzah did as probably anyone would have done out of a quick reaction; he put out his hand to catch the Ark and keep it from falling.  God’s command was that only the priestly tribe could handle the Ark and even then they had to move it by securing poles through the rings that were fashioned on each side.  It might seem harsh but God struck Uzzah done immediately and killed him for his actions.  The death of Uzzah was a reminder of the power of God and the importance of following his laws. 

              Someone may command, order, coax, trick, cajole, tease, dare or even ridicule you into doing something that you know is not what God has commanded for you to do. Although they were following orders there are many accountants who wish they had not moved a decimal point; teachers who regret changing grades; coaches who showed favoritism and medical professionals who skirted around proper protocol. Take the high road. Always follow the dictates that God puts into your heart.  Follow his directions and even if the outcome might not be favorable in the sight of worldly position or promotion or achievement; you will garner the favor of God through your obedience.

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

Own Up!

Today’s power scripture comes from Genesis 3:12:  “The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”(ESV)

        When questioned by God about his whereabouts and whether he had eaten of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam quickly threw Eve under the Eden bus.  Although he was the head of the household and responsible for the dwelling place that God had provided for him, Adam did not step up to the plate in many ways.  In my opinion he first failed in that he should have been more in tune with his wife and stopped all that unnecessary banter between her and the cunning snake.  Not that she couldn’t have her own space and quiet reflection time in the garden, but even now in our sin-state, many of us pick up on vibes of when our loved ones are in trouble.  So I am sure that before the ‘fall’ of Adam, he should have been keenly aware of Eve and her well-being.
         Secondly the text tells us that Eve ate of the fruit first and then gave it to Adam.  Adam could have nipped this whole ‘fall-of-man’ thing in the bud if he had ‘manned up’ and put his foot down and not taken the bait.  He might have been able to take Eve before God for forgiveness and we could all now be running through the Emerald City naked as jaybirds with no worries or cares. But nooooooooo! Adam not only ate but then he tried to hide.  He lost his head. How could he so foolishly think that he could hide from the all-mighty, all-seeing and all-knowing God?           Finally, when asked about his situation he pushed the blame onto Eve, the one who only a few verses back he was to cleave to and become as one. He even had the nerve to hint that God was at fault for giving him this woman.  Instead of stepping forward and owning up to his mistake he took two steps back and left her standing there with her fig leaves blowing in the wind.   Let us take a lesson from this example and take responsibility for our actions.  I wonder if God, who is so apt to forgive us of all of our sins, was more disappointed in Adam’s failure to keep his commandment about the consumption of the fruit or about Adam’s betrayal by his lying and scheming?   Let us be upfront and honest with ourselves, with others and most of all with God.  When we have fallen short; messed up; bitten off more than we can chew; or just plain blown it – ‘fess up and own up.  The mature Christian knows that mistakes happen and can only be rectified when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.  Don’t dig a deeper hole by lying or trying to cover it up.  There is no shame in failing only in blaming others and not owning up to the process.  We often learn best and remember the most from the things we don’t get quite right.  Don’t worry…own up!

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

You can view the video of today’s blog at:   http://youtu.be/wjJjjQoaU2E

Perfect Imperfections

Perfect Imperfections

Good morning! Today's power scripture comes from 2 Samuel 9: 7 &13:  “⁷ And David said to him, “Do not fear; for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat at my table always. ¹³ So Mephib′osheth dwelt in Jerusalem; for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.” (RSV)

One ear a little larger than the other? Freckles and blotches scattered about on the skin?  An unruly birthmark?  A crooked smile or a hairline that starts so far back that you have a five-head instead of a forehead?  These are only minor imperfections but for some these imperfections have caused debilitating self-esteem issues.  If you believe that your physical traits are so offset from the norm that it makes you less then acceptable or desirable   - Stop that negative thinking.  Society paints pictures of perfection on the images that are portrayed in media and it is a fallacy.  Even high-priced fashion models utilize touched up and modified photos.  There are no perfect bodies. Everyone has something about themselves they wish to change.  There are things about me that I cannot change any more than I can change the distance between the Earth and the sun.  I am tall, very dark skinned and one of my eyes is larger than the other.  I accept my looks and praise God for he made no mistakes in fashioning me in my mother’s womb.  God is a spirit and we must worship him in spirit and in truth and personally I don’t think he cares whether that worship comes in a thin body or one with a large nose or flat feet; just so it comes in truth and love.

The very traits that we think can hinder us from making great strides along our life’s journey are the very things that if we are not ashamed of and use them to God’s glory, he will make provision for us in ways we could never imagine.  When David was established as King, he sought out any relative of his friend Jonathan to bless.  It happened that Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, crippled as a child, was raised to a place of honor and dignity that was neither hindered nor contingent upon his disability.  The king honored him because of a deep abiding love.  God does not bestow his blessings upon us because of or in spite of our shortcomings; he does it because of his love for us.  So don’t worry what others might think about your bald spot, or the curves that arthritis has placed upon your limbs or the fact that one of your legs is longer than the other.  Moses had a speech impediment; Jacob walked with a limb; Sampson did some of his best work blind as a bat and you can do even greater things than you can imagine when you forget about your imperfections and know that you are perfectly and wonderfully made in the image of God.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Be blessed –

Dr. JoAnn

Turn Back!

Good morning! Today's power scripture comes from Luke 17:15-19:  “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,¹⁶ And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷ And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? ¹⁸ There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.¹⁹ And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”(KJV)

          Of the ten lepers cleansed by Jesus, only one turned back to give thanks and in doing so he was made whole.  The other nine were indeed healed but purely by the grace and mercy of Jesus, despite their ingratitude. The thankful man was not only healed but Jesus made him whole.  Nothing lacking; nothing missing. His wellness was because of his faith.  He got the cake and the icing too. I think I like the fact that God sees my heart and rewards me for my faith which is pleasing to him in comparison to receiving grace gifts where I give nothing to God.  Don’t’ get me wrong.  I LOVE GRACE AND MERCY and if it were not for the diet of grace and mercy that I have been living on so lavishly for the past few years I would surely have wasted away; but I appreciate that God gives me opportunity to show him how much I love him through my faithfulness and thanksgiving.

          Right now you might be going through some tough situations and that so-called light at the end of the tunnel is nothing more than another fast-paced locomotive speeding toward you ready to run you over.   The greener grass seems to never grow on your side of the fence and the silver linings of your dark clouds keep flaking off.  Regardless of these things we must remember that daily God is providing for us and if we take our eyes off of the things that seem to be going wrong, we can channel enough of our consciousness to be thankful for the many things that are going right.  The devil always wants you to shift away from the positive to dwell on the negative.  Don’t’ do it.  It isn’t worth it and it takes you down a rabbit hole of despair and potential depression.  The lepers might have wanted an instant healing, but it happened as they were walking toward the priests – who knows maybe they were so focused on what was wrong and anticipating relief later that they didn’t even realize that their healing was in their walking.  One did…and he turned back and gave thanks.  Don’t be so focused on your problems or what might even seem to be a solution that you miss the healing and the opportunity to turn back and give thanks.

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

Just Right!

This week we are walking down memory lane as I present some favorite blog posts.

Good morning! Today's power scripture comes from Genesis 2:18: Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Don't be in a rush to unite with someone just because you don't want to be alone. Being lonely and alone are two different realities. You can be in the midst of a bustling crowd or in an intimate gathering of people and yet be lonely. You can also be isolated by yourself and be in the best of company. I love my quiet time with myself; I often say that if others like your company you ought to love your own company; and I surely do. Nobody can make me laugh about silly stuff quite like me. Does this mean that I prefer to be alone? - Well yeah, sometimes, but I anticipate with great joy the day that God unites me with a life companion whom I can continue to grow older with. But one thing is for sure, I am not going to rush into any situation just because others have someone and I am by myself.

Some couples are mis-matched because they rushed into situations and now they are just too locked in to even want to do anything but complain, grumble and unfortunately- cheat. The scripture says that God is fashioning someone just right for me and perfecting me just right for someone special. Will he be perfect? Not in the sense that most might evaluate, but he will be perfect for me, with all of my idiosyncrasies and foibles; and I will be perfect for him. My idea of a perfect companion is too tainted by my carnality; so I am looking forward to enjoying what my Creator is preparing for me. Some might think it is a long time coming. And that might be true... nobody but a hermit wants to be alone, but as a famous saying pronounces - "[Good] things come to those who wait ...as long as they know what they are waiting for". (Ralph Waldo Emerson). And I am waiting for a sure thing - God!

 God has already planned the perfect companion just for you. So whether you are a teen new to the dating scene or divorced and jumping back on the merri-go-round again, remember to enjoy life to the fullest as God prepares you and your soul mate to meet. Jesus came that you would have life and life more abundantly - not for you to put your life on hold while kissing every frog that jumps in your path.

Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!

Dr. JoAnn

See this message on YouTube at:  http://youtu.be/WBt2l4VMAaM

Work In Progress

Good morning! Today's power scripture comes from Philippians 1:6 NKJV: - “… 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”.

Unfinished business seems to be the order of the day.  Often we think there aren’t enough hours in the day or days in the week for us to complete some much needed tasks.  The end of the month runs up on us and before we know it we are ready to flip another month over on the old calendar.  Whether we feel we have accomplished enough or that things are lagging behind one thing is sure; God finishes what he starts.

Our purpose in God’s plan is sure and on point and believe it or not; on time.  The good work that God wants to transpire through you will happen and you will be better for it and he will be glorified from it.  God knows all of what is expected and what will happen during our walk with him through the vicissitudes of life and he is eager to watch us participate and progress. 

Our role is simply to trust God; have confidence in ourselves and work out our salvation through the grace and favor that God provides to us each and every day.  God will; but only if we are willing.  God does not always use workers who are qualified; he uses workers who are willing.   Make a commitment today to trust the process and allow God to use you for his glory and he will complete a good thing in your life.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!.  Have a productive weekend.  Happy Father’s day to our wonderful dad blog readers.  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Chosen!

Today’s power scripture comes from 1 Peter 2:9 (RSV) -“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Some branches of the military; fraternal orders and secretive organizations tout the fact that ‘many are called but few are chosen’.  They wear this mantra as a badge of honor with the stipulation that they are ultra-selective in who can join their ranks.  They try hard to make their initiations so difficult that many who sign up or sign on will become discouraged, disgruntled and disenchanted and fall by the wayside.  They are proud to let it be known that ‘not everyone is worthy’ to wear their insignia, logo or uniform.

Well I am so glad that our God is not a respecter of persons and that his Kingdom is available to all who will answer his call.  God uses us to entreat others to want to join the fellowship and it is a good feeling to be surrounded by persons with like minds. We have been chosen; selected by God before we were even fashioned in our mother’s wombs.  We are a royal priesthood; sacred to God and peculiar in that we are sanctified (set apart) from the world yet we embrace the world with love.  We turn the other cheek; we cheerfully give of our last and best; we sow what we don’t have in order to gain what we need; we pray in the spirit and walk not by sight. 

Yes we are peculiar but the most important truth is that we are chosen!.  So the next time life throws its usual blows and critics raise their ugly heads just remember God thinks of you in the highest regards.  He loves you tremendously. Jesus gave his life for you and wants you to have the best that life has to offer.  We are no longer shrouded in the darkness of despair, depression, uncertainty, chaos, loneliness or insufficiency.  We are now in the marvelous light. Speak to those dark places and rebuke their existence in your journey. The glow of the SON is so bright it can scatter any darkness in your life.  Be peculiar….and enjoy your life in the LIGHT!

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

Cross Your I’s and Dot Your T’s

Happy Tuesday. Today’s power scripture comes from Matthew 5:18 (Expanded Bible)
“I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth ·are gone [pass away; disappear], not even·the smallest letter [one jot;one iota;the smallest Greek letter] or the smallest·part [stroke;tittle] of a letter will·be lost [pass away; disappear] until everything has happened [is accomplished/achieved].”

It has been said that as Christians and representatives of the God’s kingdom we might be the only sermon some others may ever hear or the only Bible they might read.  In essence our actions, words and deeds are constantly being observed, evaluated and critiqued.  Some look to us for strength of how to handle difficult situations; others try to figure out how we can maintain such uncanny peace in the midst of turmoil.  Whatever the outside observers see or feel it is imperative that we, as ambassadors of the Most High God, uphold a level of integrity and honor; which means we must be mindful of the ‘details’.

Jesus in his statement as recorded in Matthew declared that not even the smallest increment would be overlooked or unfulfilled. We often exclaim that a project has been thoroughly checked out and that everything is in proper order when we state that every “i” has its dot and every “t” has been properly crossed.  This indicates that everything is in the right place and there is no confusion.  So should it be with the Body of Christ.  We must pay attention to how, when and where we speak so there is no confusion of our intentions.  We must be reasonable in our dress and judicious about the places we visit, and careful of the company that we keep.  What might seem like a triviality could carry volumetric ramifications.  Be wise and pay attention to the details; others might be and we know that God is.

  

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

You Are Not Alone

2 Kings 6:17 (KJV) – “ And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

     I grew up in Gary, Indiana, the home of Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five family.  Over the weekend I was exploring Pandora, the online radio and tuned into a station that featured many of the hits that the famous entertainment family produced.  I listened as the Jackson Five told me  ‘ABC, its easy as 1-2-3; I heard Rebbie tell about the silky moves of the ‘Centipede’; Jermaine told me to ‘Blame It On the Boogie and even youngest sister Janice reminded me to ask those that are constantly pulling on me – ‘What Have You Done for Me Lately?”  But the song that really got my vocal cords vibrating and my foot tapping was Michael’s song – “You Are Not Alone”.

      When the Prophet Elisha warned the king of Israel of an upcoming trap, the opposing king set out to capture and kill Elisha.  He brought many fighting men and chariots and surrounded the place where Elisha and his servant stayed.  When the servant saw the large fighting force, he was terrified but Elisha was not shaken in the least.  He saw in his spirit the multitude of angels that God had positioned for his protection and he prayed and asked God to open the eyes of his servant that he too could be aware that they were not alone. 

      Our God promises to never leave nor forsake us…in essence that means that we are never alone and when we need reinforcements to stand with us; like Elisha, we simply need to pray and ask for discernment of where our allies are; how to rally our troops and what moves to make.  But in it all, we are not to worry, fret or lose heart; for WE ARE NOT ALONE.

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

Make That Call - Flashback

Good morning! Happy Friday!.  Today's power scripture comes from Genesis 33:4:  “⁴ But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” (NKJV)

Today’s scripture text refers to the meeting between two brothers who had been estranged due to deceit, anger and fear.  Jacob had stolen the birthright of his older brother through a conniving scheme cooked up by their mother Rebecca. Once the plot was successful, Esau’s anger grew into a pre-meditated murderous fever.  Jacob left, fleeing for his life.  Now many years later Jacob is returning home and humbly approached his brother hopeful that revenge is still not on the front burner.  To his dismay not only is Esau not intent on killing him, but he is eager to greet him and rekindle the brotherly relationship they once enjoyed. 

In spite of his apprehension and even the report that Esau was accompanied by more than 400 men, Jacob pushed forward to make the reunion a reality.  He knew that it was important in his destiny to return home and reconcile with his brother, no matter the cost.  Consider your own situation. What you are afraid of?  What has you acting apprehensively?   Do you have someone in your family or a close friend who you have avoided because you just did not want to face the unknown of what would happen if you contacted them?  Have you delayed in speaking with people who you were once close to because you have made certain changes in your life of which you believe they would disapprove?  Do you stay away from family gatherings or job outings or church fellowship meetings because you want people to love you the way that you want instead of accepting them for loving you the way that they know how? 

Jacob might not have been totally sure of how he would be received, but he prayed about his decision to return home and he knew that God’s hand was upon him.  You know that God wants there to be harmony amongst his children; therefore any acts of love, reconciliation and forgiveness are surely under his hand of guidance and protection.  You have no need to be afraid.  You just might be surprised that the Esau of your situation is eagerly wishing to see you return.  And if it so happens that you were the one mistreated then take a lesson from Esau and accept willingly and openly those who come back seeking to reconcile.  If you read the text of this initial reunion carefully you will notice that nothing is mentioned about the past, the deceit, or even about forgiveness.  The brothers focused on family and the concerns of the present.  Shallow your pride; kick fear to the curb; pick up the phone and make that call.  Don’t text or email or send a message by carrier pigeon… make it personal - make a call and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your words so that God is glorified, the situation can be rectified and relationships can be fortified. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day!  Have an awesome weekend.  See you on Monday! Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Flashback Thursday - Whose Report Will You Believe?

Good morning! Today's power scripture comes from Numbers 13:30-31  “³⁰But Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” ³¹ Then the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against this people, for they are stronger than we’”

The past few days have been filled with emotional rollercoaster events for many of my close friends and family members. I am sure that if it were not for the stabilizing force of the peace of God it would probably be more than many could bear.   Just this week, we have offered condolences as loved ones have passed away; heard praise reports of new life that is expected; witnessed missionary outreach vicariously as believers traveled to distant lands to help the oppressed; prayed over damaged family relationships; cheered as unexpected money paid past due bills; received medical results that sent shivers down the spine but through it all we saw the hand of God move miraculously in diverse situations.

Moses sent spies to survey the land and to bring back reports of what was to be expected.  Of the spies that checked out the opposition, only Joshua and Caleb came back with reports that lined up with the promise of God.  Sure the land was filled with giants and yes the terrain was something they were not used to traversing. The fight was surely something they were not prepared for, but God had promised them the land.  The other spies buckled under that they saw but Joshua and Caleb came back with a report hot off the presses from God.  EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT…GOD IS GOING TO GIVE US THE LAND.   When the spies returned and presented their reports to the people the verdict was simple…. Whose report do you believe?”  Joshua and Caleb said…”We shall believe the report of the Lord.” 

When the odds seem against you and the cards just don’t appear to be in your favor; take your eyes off of the circumstances and place your focus on the promises of God.  Read through the Bible, find words of encouragement, support, guidance, and instruction that falls in line with what you are facing.  Write them out…. Read them aloud…post them where you can see them.  Make audio notes in your phone and play them back often.  Keep God’s word in front of you. Do things for others which will take your mind off of your own issues and bring joy to those who need you most.  While you are helping them, God will work on you; for you; and yes, in spite of you.   God has a miraculous way of turning frowns upside down; turning cents into dollars; turning rent into mortgage; bus tokens into car keys; and even remote controls into romantic dinners for two.   Tell the devil he is a liar and to take his bad report back to (Hades) where he belongs.  We WILL believe the report (healing, love, peace, prosperity, hope, salvation) of the Lord.

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

Thursday Flashback from June 4, 2014

Face Your Giant

1 Samuel 17:40 – “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”

      Yes, the problem is there.  No, ignoring it will not make it disappear.  Yes, the calls keep coming. No, sending them to voicemail will not make them go away.  Yes, the deadline is approaching.  No, postponing the inevitable is not a solution. 

     In reality, procrastinating, delaying, postponing, putting off and any other term used for not dealing with an issue are equivalent to the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand.  Not seeing, ignoring or wishing (even praying) some things away are not solutions.  God expects us to handle our business and be about his; and in most instances that means we have to face some giants.

Today’s scripture tells how David took what was familiar to him; his staff and his slingshot and he faced the giant warrior Goliath.  He didn’t take a lot of time surveying and studying Goliath, his moves or his strategies. David thought about the victory and what he would receive. David recalled his own past battles and the victorious ways that God triumphed through him.

        Don’t spend your time fretting over the problem; don’t give your power or energy to studying how invincible ‘your giant’ seems to be.  Think on the challenges you faced before and how God delivered you from them; many times without you even being aware that you were in a fight.  Rely on what God has placed in your hand.  Give the glory to God; focus on the victory and go and face your giant.

      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT  (Giant-facing) day!.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Go Tell It!

Joel 1_3 – “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”

       A friend and I chatted the other day about the major changes we see in the way children are bring raised in our modern society in comparison to when we were younger.  We laughed as we talked about one area in particular – “Grown Folk’s Business”. Many children today are exposed to too much.  As a child when we were in family gatherings, when the dinners were over and the conversation turned to what adults discuss, all the children instinctively knew to gather our things and move on to another part of the house or outside to play.  We did not hover over or nestle under our parents when they talked about subjects not for our hearing.
       Just as we knew when it was appropriate to leave the company of adults; we also knew when ‘good stuff’ was being discussed and we lingered around to absorb all the teaching.  My mom was particularly keen on making sure we knew the history of our heritage; so when talk turned to Black History, the prowess and resilience of the African people and the covering and protection of God; we were all ears.
       From those story times, we drew strength and courage and go after the brass rings of life.  As believers we are prompted to relay the teachings to our offspring and all the generations there after.  We are called to make sure our children are told testimonies, traditions and promises. And it is imperative that we emphasize the importance and keeping the flame alive by continuing to pass all of our anointed knowledge to future generations.          We must never be too busy discussing ‘Grown Folk Business” that we forget to speak knowledge to our children, our children’s children and all who will hear.  If we do not fill our children with good teachings and proper training; the void will be filled by something.  They may squirm, giggle or even act bored; but resist the temptation to fall prey to that distraction; read stories to them; share Bible scriptures with them; and explain key concepts of the faith with them.  Go tell it! 
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Blessing, Curse or a Test?

Leviticus 19:11 – “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.

Sunday, after church, I decided to visit a local market to purchase some fruits and veggies. I did manage to locate a nice pineapple, some grapes, pears, bananas and a rather large watermelon.  Happy with my selections I headed to the checkout counter. The store employee rang up my items and when I heard the total l was a bit confused because I knew the watermelon by itself cost more than half of the total.  I asked the employee for the total once again and was told the same amount.  I could only guess that some of my items were on sale and today was indeed my lucky day.   I knew favor had shone on me. 

Upon completion of the sale, I received my change and the receipt.  Usually I stuff both into my wallet and put it back into my purse before leaving the store.  This time however, as I was leaving the store and reviewing the items on the list it came to my attention that I had not been charged for the watermelon.  I first thought to myself:  "Oh this must be my lucky, blessed day.”  “It is not my problem - I asked the employee for the total; my bags are packed; I am just about outside the door.     But before I could gloat over the ‘free’ watermelon my mind came back to me and I knew I had to turn that cart around and go and pay for this neglected item.  I am believing God for too much to have my journey thwarted by an over-sized piece of fruit.

How many times have you been confronted with situations which on the surface appear to be either blessings or curses but under full investigation they might simply be tests of our character?  Like my ‘free’ watermelon; you might find yourself faced with a decision that on the outside seems more like a no-brainer.  Don’t get caught up in the moment.  Exercise sound judgment and remember that somethings may be ‘free’ in the natural world but what impact do they have on us in our spirit walk?

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Happy Birthday to my best friend Edwina Spinks.  Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Jesus Says!!!

Jesus Says!

Luke 8:52-55 - "And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat."

 

     A popular upbeat gospel song's  lyric tells us that -"if Jesus says yes, nobody can say no.". no truer words have been uttered. Today's scripture recalls the story of Jairus' daughter who was deathly ill and In desperation Jairus had sought Jesus' help; but upon arrival at his home they received news that she was dead. In the midst of all the mourning, confusion and chaos Jesus calmly proclaimed that sometimes facts are not truth.  

     Jesus surrounded himself with only a few trusting souls and the miracle of life prevailed.  In our lives we will encounter situations where for all intents and purposes every fact, every body of evidence will point to a certain negative or unwanted outcome. But if we trust our Lord and surround ourselves with like-minded believers who will "touch and agree" - no matter what the obstacle - If Jesus says "YES"- no power on earth or in the demonic spirit realm can say 'no', 

     Don't worry about what the 'facts' say...remember what God's word says.  The medical test report says "stage 3" - Psalm 103 says " by my stripes you are healed", The credit report says you are a bad risk; Psalm 23 reminds us that your head is anointed and your cup overflows. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we shall never be in lack. Stay prayed up; give God praise; walk in his righteousness; show kindness and mercy ; be about God's purpose for your life and watch Jesus say YES!!!!!

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Have a fantastic weekend! See you Monday! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Please keep my cousin Arthur and his team in prayer as they journey today to Haiti on a missionary quest. Also give God praise and thanks for the livelihood of his mother, my Aunt Geraldine, who celebrates her 90th birthday tomorrow. 

Flashback Thursday! - God Did It

GOD DID IT

Today’s power scripture comes from Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

     We see it every day as men and women, many whom have been elevated to be pillars of society, are charged and convicted of crimes that evolved from misguided schemes involving pride. Like a pool of quicksand the trap of deceit that comes from prideful living can paralyze and overtake even the most upright and strident among us. Some people under most circumstances would never rob a bank, yet we see them being convicted of white collar crimes that stem from greed and arrogance.  Those who would boast of their love for family have been caught in the throngs of infidelity all because of pride.

     God teaches us in his word to be mindful of the stealth nature of pride.  It comes upon us slowly and without much fanfare, but then like a crying baby, will not be silenced or placated.  We all have a sense of pride concerning accomplishment hurdles we have crossed and there is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying the fruits of our labor. Where the problem lies is when we take ourselves too seriously and believe that all we have done and accomplished is due to our own efforts, struggle, sacrifice and nature.  We are mere branches of the vine which is Jesus Christ and can do nothing without him as our source.

     When we focus on the reality that God is in control of all of his creation; nothing will cause us to sway from one extreme to another.  We are children of the Most High God and he wants the very best for us.  We do not need to boast and brag about things that really aren’t ours.  We need to take our eyes off of the “stuff” and what “we” have accomplished and re-think that everything is from God, by God, through God and for his glory.  Enjoy the harvest table that God has spread before you but be very careful to remember who gave you the power to get wealth; who made it possible for you to finish your education; who opened employment doors when others were being laid off; who protected you against HIV when you partied just a little too hard: and who kept your mind strong when life beat you down.  It is ok to ‘pop your collar’, just remember who gave you the shirt.

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

Flashback submission from Feb 25, 2014

Use With Caution!

 “1 Peter 4:10 (CEV) –“Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.”

        We all have gifts which God gives and uses to his glory and for his purpose.  Today’s message is short and sweet.  Use your gifts as God has ordained; use them in the service of others.  Peter does not waste time; without must ado he instructs believers to use God-given talents for the betterment of the Kingdom. 

        What are you really good at doing that could be used at your next family gathering; your church? In an outreach ministry? In the service of others?   Are you minimizing the time and effort involved in transforming your walk with God into your life’s journey?  Take a moment and proceed with caution.  Our reaction under stress is a time-proven judgment of our faith and preparedness.

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

Joyful Strength

Nehemiah 8:10 – “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

     Recently a very dear friend was affected adversely by the rain and flooding in Texas.  Like so many others she suffered tremendous loss of property; yet in the midst of all of the tragedy she has remained hopeful and in good spirits.  From the very first night of evacuation through the trauma of scavenging through her belongings after the flood waters receded, she has been a pillar of strength and resilience.  She is a true woman after God’s own heart and knows that while happiness may be fleeting, joy is a permanent state of being for believers.

     Our scripture today reminds us that our joy is steeped in our relationship with God.  Through the building and nurturing of our faith we are able to withstand the bitter and harsh outcomes that accompany tragic trials and setbacks.  When we become victims of circumstance or even of our own or other’s doing, we must remain consistent in our handling of our emotions and the situation.

   Our joy is rooted deeply in the Lord, like a ship with a heavy anchor that is secured on the sea floor.  No matter how the storm above is raging, the ship may be tossed to and fro, but it is held in place by the anchor which secures it.  Jesus is our rock and no matter what comes our way we can rest assured that our anchor will grip the solid rock and in that we can maintain our joy.

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

Past Paralysis

Philippians 3:13 (NIV) – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”

       Paul emphasized the importance of not looking back but focusing on what is ahead.  We must not become paralyzed into inactivity because of pining over past troubles, trials, failures or mishaps.  We all have instances when our plans have fallen short, blown up in our faces or just evaporated like mist in the hot sun; yet we must not allow these setbacks to paralyze us and hinder any hope of future progress. 

       As today’s scripture states, we might not have a total grip on the handle of what we want; we might not have completed the total task or even have a potential finish date in sight; but we must not dwell on what has already passed.  God renews tender mercies each day and we should take advantage of them by living to the fullest.  Don’t be paralyzed by what ‘woulda’, ‘coulda’, or ‘shoulda’.  Stop beating up on yourself about stuff no longer in your control.  Take a firm grip on reality and enjoy what God is unfolding for you in this season.  Forget what is behind and press, press, press for the best that is yet to come!

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