Healing the Heart

Happy Monday!  I pray you had a great weekend.  This week we will look into scripture about God’s healing power. Today we will focus on healing of the heart.

      1 Samuel 1:8 – “Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?”
We have all had instances in our lives when our hearts have been bruised, deceived and even wounded. We have loved and lost; we have opened ourselves up to those who have betrayed our trust and hurt us deeply.  Yes we have all had our hearts hurt. Like rips in fabric, to function properly our hearts must be mended; they must be healed. 
     Hannah’s heart was not only broken because of her barrenness, but the pain of ridicule from Peninnah was more than she could bear.  There are a lot of life lessons we endure and they in themselves carry a weight that we must shoulder, but when ‘insult is added to injury’ and we must suffer through ridicule or hassle from insensitive people, the burden seems to be even more troublesome.  We can often tolerate physical trauma far more successfully than the pains of heartache.  We must turn to God for healing.
     Like Hannah, our sorrow can quickly be turned to gladness when we make our petitions known unto our gracious God and trust him for relief.  He hears our prayers and is just and loving to care for our well-being. Take your broken heart to him; take your cares and place them at the altar.  He wants to hear from you.  Not murmuring and complaining; but confiding in him the pain that troubles you and seeking his wisdom and guidance. 

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

Favor

Psalm 90:17 (NIV ) -“May the favor (beauty) of the Lord our God rest on us;

    establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”

     Favor isn’t’ fair but it sure is fun.  We all know the great sense of wonder that overwhelms us when we know we are standing under the shower of God’s favor. When opportunities arise out of nowhere; when people make us the recipients of random acts of kindness; when we find money in unexpected places or when needed items just happen to be on sale.  Some may say that these are coincidences and that serendipity is at play when it appears that the cards have just fallen in the right place.  But those of us who know that life is not by chance, but that our steps are so ordered and that God is always making provision for us; we know that it is not dumb luck.  We know that God’s favor falls upon us and we are appreciative. So the next time some ‘things’ just seem to fall into place or when you ‘lucked up’ on a good thing… don’t be fooled.  Know that God’s favor and grace are upon his children and that he wants the best for us; even if that might be something as simple as a close parking space becoming available in the pouring rain.  Give God Thanks!

     Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-packed day!  Have a great weekend.  See you on Monday.  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

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 power-filled day.  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Do Your Own Thing!

1 Samuel 17:39- Good News Translation (GNT)
“David strapped Saul's sword over the armor and tried to walk, but he couldn't, because he wasn't used to wearing them. “I can't fight with all this,” he said to Saul. “I'm not used to it.” So he took it all off.”

Television, radio, internet websites or even magazine and newspaper ads often claim that ‘another’ way is the better way. Newer, faster, better, improved…we hear and see these terms added to just about everything in life.  While there can always be areas for improvement, we must not throw out what we know is ‘tried and true’.  When David approached the battle with Goliath, Saul tried to equip him with his own personal armor.  It was great for Saul, fit him perfectly and no doubt had protected him well through many scrimmages; but it was not the best idea for David.  David realized this before it became a problem.

People will always have ideas, suggestions and many of them will make good sense and seem feasible.  But you must rely upon that which God has perfected in you.  David remembered that God had been with him when he fought and conquered the lion and the bear.  He did it with his courage and the simple slingshot with which he practiced for countless hours as he watched his father’s flocks.  Now when the time was right to defend Israel, David relied on what he knew best. 

Think about what lessons you have done over and over again and rely upon the fact that you are now an ‘expert’ at that skill.  Use it to your benefit and the glory of God.  Don’t let others de-value what you know God has made precious in you.  It may not be flashy or extravagant.  David’s slingshot could not compare with metal armor or a shiny sword…but it sure did get the job done.

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

Lean Not!

Judges 21: 25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

     In the days of the Old Testament when the children of Israel were without a king chaos and confusion reigned in the land because every man made decisions based on his own judgments. When we try to govern ourselves totally under man-made laws there are always flaws, discrepancies and injustices.  When we allow Jesus to reside as “King” over our lives we have a sovereign ruler who provides, guides, protects and rules over us with love, grace and mercy.  King Jesus provides us with a system of care that is unmatched by human rulers.

       Man makes decisions often based in and controlled by emotion.  God leads us by sovereign wisdom and love.  In need of making an important decision?  Don’t trust your own understanding – but wholly lean on Jesus.  The first chapter of the book of James reminds us that if we need wisdom to ask God who will provide it liberally.  We must acknowledge God is all things and lean not to our own understanding.  We see things from such a limited and myopic point of view; it is crucial that we seek the wise counsel of the Holy Spirit which dwells within.  He orchestrated the past, operates in the present and knows the future.  Seek God’s answers; be patient and watch how the right choices move into your path. 

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

No Rocket Science Needed

1 Corinthians 12: 22-23 –“²² On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect;”
     Everyone needs a little help now and then and that help can be in many different forms depending on the nature of the problem or concern.  When assistance is warranted, usually the first persons we think about are those most able to assist without much impact on them or their usual lifestyle.  When someone needs shelter it usually isn’t the man in the tent that we think would be the optimal person to help.  We would naturally think about a man in a large home who could offer a room without any strain.  When financial assistance is needed we don’t usually think about the friend who often overdraws their checking account; but rather to the person who shows fiscal stability.   
       We look at things from the external, physical perspective; but God looks beyond our faults and sees our hearts and motivations.  Our scripture tells us that everyone has a special assignment from God and that the fulfillment of this assignment is what brings the greatest honor.  You don’t need to know rocket science or graduate from college at the top of your class or be the sharpest ax in the tool box in order to be an effective member of the body of Christ. All we need are willing hearts and hands for service.  God calls us all to remember the plight of those we have been called to serve.
      Serving in the worship experience is a great way to help build the Kingdom.  So what if you don’t’ have the strongest singing voice; lift praises to God in any key you can reach.  So what if you walk with a slight limp; you can still serve as an usher or greeter to escort nervous newcomers to their seats.  So what if you have a lisp or speech impediment; you can still give great testimony of God’s goodness. Great or small  - all of us are vitally important in the body of Christ and our gifts and skills are needed for the Kingdom. Find a place to serve....someone needs you!                                               

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

Do Not Forget

Psalm 103:2 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.".

          We are to be thankful for all things and give God total praise; especially for things we are unaware of or untapped resources.  When we join certain employment ranks there can be basic benefits such as medical, dental or matching retirement plans; but often the 'fun' things come from the fringe benefits.  These benefits (such as paid vacations or company cars) are sometimes the selling point for many workers to join the company.

            We know when we accept Christ as our personal savior we get salvation and the promise of eternal life plus bonuses are also included. These bonus 'fringe' benefits include an abundant life, healing, rebuking of the devourer, peace of mind and broken yokes. God throws in lots of freebies to us because of his abundant love. Psalm 103 tells us to take notice of ALL of the benefits he provides and give him thanks!  Think about things you thought you had lost and they were recovered; near misses of accidents that could have been devastating; or finding convenient parking when it is pouring rain. God is so good and worthy of praise for healing broken hearts and curing cancer and saving foreclosed homes. But he is also the God of small yet significant miracles each day. Do Not Forget!  

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

Make Me Clap My Hands!

Psalm 95:1-2 (AMP) - “O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation! Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!”

       Ever drive down the street and pull up next to someone who is really enjoying the beat of whatever is playing on their radio or MP3?  Their head is bobbing, hands drumming on the steering wheel and if they are really into it, they may throw a shoulder or two into a ‘bounce’ move that would make Usher or Chris Brown stop and take notice.  Most of us have no problem singing some popular songs to the top of our lungs while we are in the isolation of our cars or our showers; and I invite you to break loose today and sing some praise songs a little louder than usual.  

      Tell God that in the words of John Legend, you will surrender “ALL of Me” to his will and his way.  Kick the devil to the curb and let him know like Beyoncé says, he and all the rest of the goats, can go “to the left, to the left”. Trey Songz admits that God “Knows what best for you”.  Although Nicki Minaj sings about “Touchin, Loving” which may make you feel like a “Natural Woman” only the love of God is real and lasting. 

      So today, take a moment and lift your voice in praise.  God does not care about the quality of your tone or whether you remember all the lyrics or even have the rhythm just right.  He just loves to hear his children vocalize our joy through song.  So while you are “Riding down the freeway” or kicking it at home; stop for a few moments and tune out the world and turn up the volume of your voice and belt out a few numbers to God.  If you can’t remember all of the words to a popular gospel or spiritual or hymn…make up your own song.  Thank God for his love for you.  Thank and praise him for your life and the wonderful people who love and respect you.  Praise him for just being him and the Creator of all that is or ever will be.  Just sing…  Just sing… Just sing!

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a great day.  Be blessed.  La, la, la, la, la, la  Dr. JoAnn

Arrows Away

Psalm 18:14 – “He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.” (NKJV)

Have you ever felt as if you have been pulled to the farthest of your ability to stretch?  Felt as if you have bent over backward so far that you could easily see where you have been? Or how about things being so tight that you could not give another inch?  Well believe it or not those are all good signs. Yes...great signs. It means that you are just about at the point of letting go. Not the kind of letting go where you give up or give out, but the kind of letting go when you give ‘over’.  Give whatever it is over to God.  He has been patiently waiting of you to exhaust yourself to the point where you will now Let Go and Let God!

What do you think all of that sacrifice and torture was about those 2000 years ago?  Why do you think Jesus bore those gruesomely abusive stripes?  Blood was shed and a random paid and you were redeemed.  Time to cash in and God has been waiting.  We must not keep struggling to operate in our own strength or we will be guilty of trying to negate the work of Jesus as the Savior of the world.  We must let God be God and do his wonderful Godly things of never sleeping; always protecting; healing; nurturing; teaching and guiding. Sovereignty requires some really big shoes and you and I can in no way even think about how to begin to fill them.  Let God – Be God.  He is really good at it and although you think you have the best answer let him do his ‘thang’.

An arrow by itself, though sharp and full of potential, has very little power unless it is pulled and positioned.  The greater the pull; the more the tension; the higher the angle; the farther the arrow will fly.  So if you feel like you have been stretched to the limits of your patience, abilities and wits…guess what??? It is time to soar.  God knows just the right amount of tension and resistance for you to bear; he knows where he wants you to land and how much force it will take you to get there… Let God be God and enjoy the flight.

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

Gratitude

Acts 24:3 – “In every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, we accept and acknowledge this with deep appreciation and with all gratitude.”
    The other day I received the most gracious acknowledgement from one of my goddaughters.  It was a welcomed surprise; I was not expecting it because I did not recall giving her anything lately for which she would drop a thank you note into the mail.  It was not a store-bought, pre-printed thank you note to which she would pen her signature – No! --it was a blank note in which she took the time to write out her thoughts.  That in itself was a blessing to me.
     Her words thanked me for something that I take for granted because I do it all the time - pray.  I pray for her and many others constantly; but not too long ago I remember praying spontaneously with her over the phone.  Her note gave me joy to know that she appreciated my prayer gesture; but more important was the fact that she took out the time to drop me a note.  In this day and age with instant messaging and texting it is so easy to do the ‘quick’ thing; but she took the time to purchase the note, write the contents, address and stamp the envelope and mail the message to me.  She was grateful and I too am grateful that my words inspired and her life was enriched by the word of God. I am grateful for all of it.  
     Who do you need to say thanks to?  Who would gather strength and joy from hearing a few kind words of gratitude from you?  Search your heart and make someone feel as special as I felt the other day.  We don’t do things to get thanks; but it sure lifts the spirit when we hear that we are appreciated.  Lift someone’s countenance today; reach out and give thanks.

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

Eternal Flame

Leviticus 6:13- “That fire must always be kept burning on the altar. It must never be allowed to stop burning.”

     “ Staying on task; staying focused; keeping our eyes on the prize”; all of these are familiar phrases we have heard, said and tried to live by.  It is important to keep moving forward and never giving up; but more important is to keep the drive of our conviction; the enthusiasm of our efforts and the fire of our determination fully stoked and ablaze.  
     When things do not go as planned or when we face problems or betrayals or stumbling blocks only the deep rooted fire of our determination can keep us on task until the blockage is removed.  No matter what you are facing take time to stock pile your furnace; pack on extra fuel; collect additional energy sources so when the going gets tough you will be able to keep your fire lit.  How do you stockpile?  Very simply – keep praying; keep praising; keep studying God’s word; keep helping others and most of all keep drawing near to our wonderful Savior, Jesus.


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

Changed Nature

Genesis 7:16 – “All these animals went into the boat in groups of two, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind Noah.”

     This scripture is taken from the story of Noah and the flood.  Noah was given a great assignment from God and in the completion of his assignment we notice that God used animals to help us learn an important lesson.  Scripture tells us that animal pairs of all natures came to the building site of the ark to be loaded in for salvation of the species.  Some were predators, ferocious hunters; while others were meek and vulnerable prey. Whether they were stealthy tigers or timid gazelles, they all arrived to enter into the ark. 
     When God gives you an assignment; he will provide all the resources that you require to fulfill his mission and he will even change their nature to make them accommodating to your needs.  In your presence, people who usually would be in opposition about everything seem to get along.  When you need cooperation you only have to speak with the authority granted to us from God in order to cause calm to reign in a situation.  
     Got a big job to complete?  Don’t worry about the players; just focus on the game plan.  God will cause all the particulars to fall into place.  Even the dog with the biggest bark and the sharpest teeth is no problem when you operate in the fullness of God’s assignment.


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

Plant Good Seed

Ezekiel 17:5– “When he took of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside abundant waters. He set it like a willow twig”

    Each time I visit a local grocery store, county market or road-side stand it is rewarding to see the small business owners display their wares so proudly.  I love to see the vibrant colors and smell the aromas of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits.  As an experimental chef, it is wonderful to mix and match the ingredients to make delicious dishes, desserts and beverages.  None of this would be possible if the farmers had not planted seed early in the sowing season.   In order to have a bountiful harvest the farmers must think in advance about the amount, variety and care of the plants they want to reap; and plant accordingly.

We must also be mindful of the ‘yield’ we want to develop and plant well.  Whether you are seeding into the life of a ministry; planting sound advice and encouragement into the life of a teen; sowing energy into a volunteer project or just placing great new thoughts into the fertile ground of your own creativity; it is important that you plant good seed and put it into fertile ground.  One apple seed can produce a mighty tree, which in turn can produce hundreds of apples each with dozens of seeds capable of producing vast orchards of future trees.  The exponential grown potential is mind-boggling. Your small initial sowing can make a tremendous difference  Make sure your seed counts.  Plant it now and plant it deep!

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

Worthy

Luke 12:6-7-“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. “     

As believers we were bought with a price and that price was paid for by Jesus in his sacrifice on the cross.  There is no tangible amount that can be placed on the salvation of one’s soul but for sure, this priceless gift is beyond all comprehension.

God reminds us through today’s scripture that if he is mindful of the lives and livelihood of the simple sparrows as they dart across the noon-day sky.  If he is aware and caring about these lowly creatures then surely he purposefully longs to make sure our needs are met and our interactions are not based in or guided by fear.

We are made in the image of our conquering king and in his majesty we are joint heirs to the kingdom.  With this in mind it isn’t hard to see why God reminds us that even our hair numbers are counted and that we are worthy of God’s attention.  Let’s walk boldly into any situation that gives God the glory.

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

Divide and Conquer

Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

The focus of the sermon from yesterday’s church service was about our role as conquerors.  We are all too often guilty of giving into what seems like hopeless situations because they seem so insurmountable. It is during these times that God wants us to ‘divide and conquer”. Divide the truth from the facts and realize that everything is not always as it seems. 

     The facts state that the Hebrew boys were thrown into a fire that was stoked so high the soldiers commanded to put them in were consumed by the flames.  The truth is that they walked around in the furnace unhurt and when they exited they did not even smell like smoke.  The facts state that the walls of Jericho were impenetrable; the truth is that with simple words the stones crumbled to the ground.  The facts state that the military-trained soldier Goliath was almost 9 feet tall; the truth is that the shepherd boy David slew him with a simple slingshot and a smooth stone.

     We should look at our lives as a series of opportunities to be conquerors.  Troublesome events are nothing more than options for flexing our spiritual muscles and taking control of the situations.  Jesus has already paid the price; we just need to go in and seal the deal. Don’t give into your fears or back down from what appears to be a stronghold… muster up your courage to give it the ‘1-2’ punch!  We are conquerors.

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

The Gap

Ezekiel 22:30 - "And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none."

    Every day is a good day but today is a special day for me. The first Friday of the month is the day that my praise and worship ministry meets to lift the name of Jesus, share testimonies and honor God through prayer and praise.  We are small in number, but mighty in spirit.  As I reflect back on the ministry’s beginning I am amazed and humbled at how God has used me to ‘stand in the gap’ for others.  Although we physically share a collective space only on the first Friday of the month, the ministry itself reaches far beyond the walls of my small apartment. 

     Through life-coaching sessions where I speak into and pray over the lives of young adults God allows me to share his love with many.  Through my ministry I am privileged to be used by God to do daily devotionals, this blogging outreach and Bible study to show others his love.  It is a true privilege and I could not do it without the support and encouragement of you my faithful readers.  Your financial support, texts and emails of encouragement and simple “Amen” comments all help keep me focused to continue to stand in the gap.  Thank you for helping me stay on task while on the battlefield. 

    Someone needs to hear from you today.  Take a moment and make a call, send a text, ring a doorbell and seed into that life.  You don't even have to think hard about who it might be; even as you are reading this blog I am praying that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you who needs that special touch that only you can provide.

       Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.   Have an awesome weekend and continue standing in the gap for someone else.  You may never know how important your support is but they do and God does!   See you on Monday.  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn 

Patience to Persevere - Flashback Thursday

James 1:2-4 (LB) -“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”

          When we realize that all things are orchestrated and under the control of a loving and powerful God; it is not hard to fathom that some of his methodologies to help us grow and progress will involve stretching us in uncomfortable areas.  These may on the surface appear to range from the pesky little reoccurring annoyances that teach us patience to the more tragically burdening difficulties that produce perseverance and fortitude.

      Regardless of what you are going through, REJOICE and again I say REJOICE. It may not be easy to look for the bright side, but do it…it is worth it.  Think on the hardships of Job, it wasn’t until he stopped pondering about his situation and gave prayers over his annoying friends that he received the full recompense for his loss.  So the next time life’s difficulties bear down upon you do not think about ‘why me?’, but glorify God that he trusts you enough, like Job, to be the purveyor of His will. 

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

Help Me

Job 26:2 – “How hast thou helped him that is without power! How hast thou saved the arm that hath no strength!”

          Yesterday as I exited the freeway in downtown Atlanta a group of young boys were selling iced bottled water at the light. I had a chilled drink in my car that I prepared for the ride so when they motioned from the curbside I shook my head and continued to wait for the light to change. Then a strange thing occurred, one of the boys came across the lane to my window and shook two chilled bottles and was talking...I rolled down the window and before I could offer a polite "no thank you" - he looked into my eyes and said "help me Auntie".  

At that very moment the impatient driver in the car behind me laid on his horn and out of instinct I pushed the gas and rolled forward.   But an even greater instinct surged through me as I saw the young boy race to the curb to avoid the traffic- my protective spirit.   Without much thought I zoomed ahead, found an opening and "busted a U-turn" as I dug into my purse to find some money.  As I approached the underpass I blew my horn and motioned for my "nephew" to break away from the crowd and come to me.  Eagerly he grabbed a cold water and raced to my car.  I asked him if he was the one who called me "Auntie" and he said quietly "yes ma'am ".

I told him he was worth me coming back to see and I gave him a dollar and told him to keep the water. I decreed a blessing over him and then drove off again to "bust another U-turn" so I could continue my journey.   What took less than 5 minutes made a great impact on me.  We are a village and this young "nephew" of mine was out hustling to make some honest money; not like those who months earlier had climbed my balcony and burglarized my apartment.  These working "nephews" needed to know that someone cares enough about their welfare that even if we didn't get it right the first time we are willing to make a U-turn to help.  

Look for opportunities to be a blessing and if you miss it... stop and take the time to listen when others cry out for help and if you have to make a U-turn - realize you are fulfilling a Godly assignment.   

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

And It Appears!

John 2:11 – “This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

     Have you ever thought about someone and the phone rings or a text comes through and it is them?  Ever make a statement or hint about something and low and behold it happens?  Well I am one who does not believe in chance or luck or serendipity.  I believe in Divine Order; in which the steps of the righteous are ordained and ordered by God.  As believers we are on a journey to fulfill our purpose and mission within God’s ultimate kingdom plan; therefore our part is too important to just leave to happenstance. 

      God knows our needs and has already made provision for us to have all the things, circumstances, nuances and people in place to fulfill his plan for our lives.  We are free agents to make decisions but as those ‘paid for with a price’ we love to govern our lives to respond to the desires of our Savior.  What we need is in the atmosphere. We can conquer fear, overcome anxiety, push ahead into new ventures, forgive the unforgivable and a multitude of other things because all that is needed has already been supplied by God - it just needs our faith to cause it to ‘appear’. 

      Speak with power and authority into your situation.  Believe that your needed change has already occurred and walk into the manifestation of what God provided when he formed the worlds millennia ago.  When we speak it … it appears!

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

Suffocation

Mark 4:7 (KJV) - ⁷ And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.”

After Sunday service I had the privilege to share a few thoughts with a wonderful young woman who described how she felt as - ‘suffocating’.  We have all felt that sensation when life was pressing upon us from all sides to the point that we felt as if we could not take an emotional, physical or psychological cleansing breath.

In ministering to this beautiful spirit I relayed to her the analogy of a baby being positioned for birth.   As the internal environment that once provided free floating freedom grows more cramped and we become used to our surroundings – all of a sudden things will become tight.  Like a baby ready to enter the birth canal, things can flip on us. Our world may seem to turn upside down and things that used to be an easy stretch now seem restrictive. 

As the baby prepares for birth the tightness of the birth canal feels just like suffocation.  The narrow, cramped passageway pushes fluid out of the lungs and stimulates the muscles to prepare for life and gravity outside of the womb.  As God prepares to birth us into new projects, new situations, new blessings we too will feel the uneasy tightness that resembles suffocation.   This pressing is necessary to prepare us for life outside of our present situation.  Don’t lose heart. Know that this intense tightness is just an ‘intense hug’ from God as he pushes you into your new world of favor. 

Fill your lungs with the spirit of grace and then prepare to hold on until you come to other side.  Your new experience awaits.  Don’t fight it.  Know that the ‘suffocating’ feeling is your key to a new beginning. 

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