Silent Support

Mark 14:61 – “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

     In keeping with the testing theme we started yesterday, today’s scripture illustrates that ‘silence can often be golden’.  God’s handling of some of our best lessons reflects the role that teachers, instructors and exam proctors play while the test is underway.  When I distribute the examination papers to my students, they are on their own.  As they progress through their test I remain vigilant yet silent.  As we traverse through this life, we will come upon events, people or circumstances that will put us to the test.  During these testing times it is not difficult to see why we might feel a bit isolated or alone. 

    Just like in a typical classroom, the entire atmosphere changes while we are in test mode.  The students enter the room with a sense of urgency and awe.  They keep movement and talking to a minimum; turn off or mute their cell phones and listen carefully to the instructions. When we become astute to the ways of life’s tests; we too will change the atmosphere.  We should talk less about our problems; shut off communication with distractions and listen to the instructions that the Holy Spirit provides.  Like a good teacher, while the students are undergoing testing, God remains ever-present; watchful and silent.

      Don’t be troubled when you are in the midst of a test and you feel a bit isolated or ignored.  God is not daydreaming or forgetful.  He knows all about our issues; motivations and especially our outcomes.  God gives us the opportunity to challenge the ‘status quo” and show him what we have learned.  Make him proud.  Don’t lose your focus; his quietness is just him silently rooting for you.     

    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn 

Testing, testing 1,2,3

Mark 13:11 – “Even when you are arrested and put on trial, don’t worry about what you will say. Say whatever God tells you at the time. It will not really be you speaking. It will be the Holy Spirit”.

       This week started the beginning of preparation for my students.  They are entering the half-way mark for the class and preparing for midterm examinations next week.  I have prepped them of proper studying and recall techniques and prepared them for the rigors of comprehensive test taking; now it is up to them to show me the fruits of their labor.  One of the key elements that I share with them is to rely on and have confidence in what they have already mastered.  When it is time to recall past data, if they have properly studied, it will flow effortlessly if they relax and trust their preparation.

       Each day we are tested and often we might think we are not prepared; but all of our previous lessons that God has guided us through are all that we need for success.  It is for us to rely upon the Holy Spirit to bring to the surface all that we need to triumphantly pass any trial.  Our scripture tells us to not worry but put our trust in God who gives us wisdom for all occasions.  The key for us, just like for my students, is to be prepared and rely upon what God gives as inspiration.  So look forward this week to whatever trials might come your way.  Each one is a proving ground of lessons that God knows you are prepared for as he wants to move you to a higher level.  Have confidence that you have what it takes to make the grade and call upon the Holy Spirit to guide your recall.  You can make high marks every time.

    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn 

Head Up - Shoulders Back

Psalm 34:19 (TLB) – “The good man does not escape all troubles—he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one.”

         Today’s message is short, sweet and to the point….good people sometimes fail.  Do not beat up on yourself when things do not go exactly as you had planned it out in your mind.  It’s not a punishment or an unusual case of Karma; it is what it is.  No one can escape all of their troubles and avoid conflicts forever.  At some point in time we all will fall short and need divine intervention and re-instatement.  It is not hard to think back over our lives and delineate areas we thought were ‘sealed with a kiss’; only to discover that at best the event, circumstance or activity was just the precursor to a lesson learned.  The scripture for today reminds us that no matter how well we seem to be making it; life might throw us a curve ball and it is best that we prepare to respond and not to react.

       The best means for countering an attack is to ward it off in the first place, avoid all activities that can be used to set us up to fail.  But what about daily routines that we cannot avoid? Ask God to guide you into which areas; what people; which circumstances are best suited for the course he has laid out for you to complete.  Go about it diligently and if things do go in a different direction, remember that God is always here to assist in any way possible.  If God gives the direction you truly will not go wrong; some detours may be necessary but stay the course and your destination will still be in sight. 

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Fore!

Isaiah 12:6 – “Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”

      In golf, it is customary for a golfer to give a loud warning shout when a ball may hit other players or spectators.  It is not unusual to hear the word ‘fore’ being shouted by players or others in the group when the ball is in the air if there is any chance of it striking someone.  When these shouts are heard, everyone knows to look up and be aware.  Our scripture today tells of the prophet’s dictate to the faithful to shout out about the goodness of God in their midst and to be aware.  Just like the potential for the ball of a golfer to land in the midst of those in the area; the power of the Most High God lingers around those of us who believe and this power has the ability to strike us with its authority and grace. 

     Shout out and let others know that Jesus is a risen and living Savior.  His power is evident in the atmosphere that surrounds us.  The very air around us is permeated with his love; electrified with his joy; infused with his mercy and saturated with his peace. 

Fore!  Look up and watch as God’s favor streaks through the air all around you,

Fore!  Look up and watch as God’s plans soars above your circumstances.

Fore!  Look up and watch as God’s word changes things on your behalf.

Fore!  Look up and get ready to be hit; for the Holy One is in the midst. 

     God is right in your presence. You are in the very palm of his care. You might not feel the essence of his presence; you might even be feeling a little abandoned or neglected.  Don’t let the evil one’s oppression have you looking down and miss the glory sailing all around you. Look up. Hear the shouts.  Fore!  Fore!  Please hear me that God is so near; his very breath keeps you alive.  His thoughts for you keep you sane and his care for you admonishes the devourer from your life.  Look up and know that God cares for you and he is an ever-present help. 

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Set Christ Free

Blessed Good Friday!  
Galatians 2:20 (KJV) - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

 Today’s scripture reminds us that as true believers of God, we now operate as new creations with Christ living in us.  It is the bold spirit of God within us that allows us to walk in power, authority, dignity and truth.  When we operate in any other fashion, we are keeping Christ in bondage within.  We must set Christ free to move and live through us.  It is through our faith that we can operate in wholeness, joy, peace, and temperance.  It is through our faith that Christ beams from inside of us to bathe all around us with his love through our actions. 

Christ will gently knock and quietly speak; we must respond in like manner.  Christ does not coerce, bride, cajole or puppeteer us into action.  He speaks soothingly to our spirit and we must respond in a fashion that is pleasing to God. Christ gave of himself and only asks that we do the same; give of ourselves.  Submit our lives to God wholly and give to our fellowman unselfishly.  We must set Christ free to be the best that we can be.  I charge us today to find ways to set Christ free… do a random act of kindness today. Give your best without expecting a return and watch Christ live freer in you. 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! 
Celebrate the joy of Resurrection Weekend!!

Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Mediocre Won't Do

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

      In speaking with a friend the other day, we discussed how we need to start dreaming bigger.  In our simple human frailty, anything that we can fathom and then come up with the ways and means to get it done, really isn’t worth wasting a lot of time pursuing.  We are of the mindset that we want to extend our faith to challenge the promises of God given through the words found in today’s scripture.  It states that God has a predetermined set of goals for us.  He isn’t just leading us rough-shod through life with minute by minute emotionally-guided directions.

     Know that he had long thought-out and designed the plans he has for us.  And those plans are great plans for our benefit and his glory.  We are not operating with a road map with a hole in the middle of the page or a compass with a broken spring.  No, if we are wise, we are following the path laid out for us by a creative and loving God.  In these plans he tells us that we will have great benefits and that no harm is to befall us.  Yes, we will have challenges and yes, there will probably be some uphill battles and some downward slippery slopes; but all of that is a part of the process. 

     The key element I want to share with you today is that …these are God’s plans.  So we need to open our minds and clear out the limitations.  We need to think big and far-reaching. If we can get there on our own, what is the need for a miracle-working God?  God wants to show us his magnificent glory; bathe us in his awesome love; support us with his unyielding favor and provide for us with the splendor and majesty of his kingdom.  He cannot give us Kobe steak, Beluga caviar, truffles and exquisite fine dining accompaniments when we are searching for a simple prize in a box of Cracker Jacks.  We must dream big to live big.  And this living is not for the simple sake of material possessions; but to glorify the God who has everything.  How does it look to have the King’s children in pauper’s attire?  God wants us to be the royalty for which Jesus sacrificed himself to make us joint heirs. Now is not the time to be bound and boxed.  Now is the time to think like our God thinks…. Think BIG!! Go for it and watch as God puts the things you need in your path; the people you need in your presence and the advice you need in your ear. 

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Oasis

Genesis 19:22 – “But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar.)” NIV

    Welcome to Wednesday.  Since the introduction of a popular commercial a few years ago, my sons, especial the youngest, and I volley back and forth each Wednesday to see who will be the first to declare – “Guess what day it is? – It’s Hump Day!”  WE often text pictures of camels without any words and the other person knows exactly what we are saying.  Camels have been called the ‘ships of the desert’ because they are able to withstand the harsh conditions and carry provisions across scorching sands until the travelers reach an oasis for relief.

     Today’s scripture references the angel urging Lot and his family to hurry to a place of refuge (an oasis) from the onslaught of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The angel had a sense of urgency because he had orders to fulfil but could not do so until Lot and his family were safe. Lot was first told to escape to the mountains, but he felt he could not physically make the distance in time, so he asked if he could escape to the ‘oasis’ of Zoar.  His request was granted.

      Just when you feel that all hell is breaking loose around you remember that God has camels of escape and Jesus is a bountiful, refreshing oasis.  As we are sheltered in him no harm shall come to us.  The destruction may proceed; the people we trust may let us down; the projects we hoped would materialize may vaporize; the car and house need work; the children go nuts; but all in all, no matter what - God will send a ‘camel’ to usher you to the oasis he has prepared.   Don’t give up or give in.  Get to a place of refreshing and be safe as you regroup and get re-charged.  

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Something Borrowed

Mark 11:2 (ESV): “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it”.
     Jesus was about to start his triumphant ride into Jerusalem when he instructed his disciples to locate and confiscate his mode of transportation. He rode upon a donkey’s colt; being a beast of burden it looked contemptible, not of very good pedigree; and being a colt, never before ridden, was probably rough and untrimmed. Known for their stubborn nature, no doubt this untrained beast was most likely rude and ungovernable and possibly unruly enough to disturb and disgrace the seriousness of the occasion.
     As I read about this part of the Passion Week story I thought about the borrowing of Jesus. I am a firm declarer, as stated in Deuteronomy 15, that I shall be the head and not the tail, the lender and not the borrower. But I had to reconsider some things when I thought about the fact that Jesus was a borrower in a certain sense. Jesus borrowed a child’s lunch to feed a multitude; he went upon the water in a borrowed boat; ate the Passover in a borrowed room; was buried in a borrowed tomb and here we see that he rode on a borrowed colt.
     Some might give a sideways glance when people ask to borrow things. We are so used to our things being mistreated or not returned that we often do not like to lend things out. From the recipient’s point of view, borrowing might be the difference between freedom and captivity. Over the past few years as I have lived and testified about the transformative power of God’s grace on my life, I have been on the receiving end of many things borrowed. Borrowed housing, borrowed technology, borrowed funds and in almost every case, it was God who spoke to the hearts of the givers and did the ‘borrowing’ on my behalf. Whether it was pride or just the fact that I had always been able to take care of myself and my family, I often found it difficult to ask for things; so I truly believed that God allowed or put me into positions of being without until I accepted the reality that my being in the borrower’s seat allowed someone else to be in the giver’s chair. It has been a humbling and soul strengthening experience to be the ‘borrower’. I realized that we are our brother’s keeper and how can we ever experience the joy of giving if there is no one to receive. There can be dignity and humility in being the borrower. Do not be ashamed!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Open For Business

Open For Business

Romans 10:10 -"Yes, we believe in Jesus deep in our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we openly say that we believe in him, and so we are saved."

     The other day I was walking by an establishment which was having a brand new neon "OPEN" sign installed in the front window.  I have always had a 'thing' about neon lighting, so like a deer caught in car headlights I stood staring at the sign. A thought raced through my mind about what we advertise and what we offer.  This shop was bidding customers to come in and once inside the atmosphere was welcoming, calm and friendly.  We have all been enticed to visit places because we have been drawn by their PR and marketing strategies; but once inside we find the places to be junky, tight, unorganized and operated by people more concerned with getting our money than providing quality service. 

    When it comes to our own relationship with Jesus what are we "flashing" in our window and what are we really offering once Jesus comes into our hearts?  Are we advertising something that we cannot deliver? Do we espouse to love the Lord and want him to be with us day-in and day-out; only to venture into places or situations or to speak in such a way that would make Olivia Pope blush.  Our inner being must be accommodating to the Holy Spirit who takes up residence and dwells with us. We must be careful not to promote false advertisement.  We must always reflect our real selves; thus allowing God to work with us to make us even better.  Take a good look at what you are displaying…. Is your neon sign still bright and inviting; or are there dark splotches, flickering bulbs or even worse - no power source?

   Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Lighter Side

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)-  "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

      Recently I was looking through some old DVDs and came upon one that was a collection of old 'Three Stooges' clips.  I chucked for a few moments as I read the descriptions of the high jinks I remembered that had been captured on film. These men gave endless spoofs of comedic discourse throughout my childhood as they played pranks on each other, as well as, got mixed up in many fool hardy schemes.  But no matter the situation or the outcome they provided countless episodes of laughter and escape.

      Daily we must find ways to live on the "lighter" side of life.  We cannot always take ourselves too seriously; for when we do we will often find that we are the only ones who do.  When we try to ride too hard; appear too tough; seem unyielding; or act too pious we lose and forsake the joy that God places in our spirit.  A joyful heart is good medicine.  A good hearty laugh is good for our bones.  It is good to share a smile, a chuckle, a grin or an old fashioned good belly shaking laugh.

      Take the challenge today is find something fun to share.  Call up a friend and remind them of a funny story or event that you both shared and just have a good reminiscing laugh. Don’t take yourself or your position, situation or circumstances too seriously.  When you do you take the fun out of life; and Jesus died to give us victory and joy in our walk on earth.  We cannot always control the journey that we must undertake, but we can be in control of how we react to the things that impinge upon us.  Trust God for the tough stuff then relax and laugh at the devil when he gets frustrated that you don’t get bent out of shape over his devilment.

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose!   Have a great weekend!  Be blessed.  Dr. JoAnn

It's Your Time!

Joshua 3:7- "And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses."

     After the death of Moses, Joshua took on the role of leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. He was faithful in following and serving Moses and capable and courageous for the task, but God knew that was not enough. In order to be truly effective the people needed to "see" that Joshua did not just inherit the position because he was next in line, but because it was his God-ordained and appointed time to be in the lead position. Joshua did not ask God for favor nor did he command the people to listen to, obey and respect him. He simply kept doing what he had been assigned to do and God made the royal decree and backed it up with signs and wonders. 

    It’s Your Time!  You have been faithful, on point, serving and doing God's will; often without recognition, reward or even compensation. You might have even taken some hits because you chose to stand on the side of righteousness; but alas your time is now. God is working right now to exalt you so that those who might doubt will have no recourse.  This is your season... this is your time. All that you have done is not in vain; but don't try to force your hand; let God work on your behalf, if you want to be frustrated put your hands in it -if you want it fixed let God handle it.  Trust God - you have sacrificed and been faithful - it's your time.

    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Hang In There

2 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV)- “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”

         In a few weeks we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday and the joy of Jesus’ triumph over death, hell and the grave.  Many of you are observing Lent sacrifices and are probably counting down to the completion of your period of dedication. Even if you might have slipped a bit along the way or had to modify your fasts to better fit your circumstances, nutritional state or health well-being; you are still on course and God is pleased.  Do not give up now! The closer you get to the finish line, the more fatiguing the journey will become; so this week is the true test.  The devil will throw all types of roadblocks, frustrations, and temptations your way to sway you from the victory ribbon.  He will remind you of when you might have recently stumbled and chide that your completing this mission is tainted. Don’t listen - God gives new mercies each morning so you were renewed in your commitment as you picked yourself up and got back on course.

     The evil one will call you a quitter and remind you of past failures where you came so close  but did not complete the task.  Drown that noise out.  Demonic spirits will whisper in your ear temptations that usually would not shake you at all, but in your weakened state now, like with Jesus, they say a little ‘bread’ won’t hurt. Ignore that babble.  The only voice you need to hear is the soothing sound of the Holy Spirit encouraging your soul to stay the course.  Complete your promise and watch as God honors your sacrifice by enlarging your territory; healing hurts and diseases; rebuilding relationships; opening doors of opportunity; closing traps of entanglement and showering you with prosperity of health, wealth and joy that passes all understanding.  Just a little bit more…  Get your second wind and hang in there. 

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Do not be distracted – stay on your purpose!   Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

God's Love Letter

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 – “Earth and Sky, listen to what I say! Israel, I will teach you. My words will be like gentle rain on tender young plants, or like dew on the grass. Join with me in praising the wonderful name of the Lord our God. The Lord is a mighty rock, and he never does wrong. God can always be trusted to bring justice.”
     Today’s reference scripture comes from the beginning of a song that God gave to Moses with the instructions to teach it to the children of Israel. Each time they sang it they would be reminded of the great works of God and his tender mercies. The poem delineates the course of events that God carved through history to develop them as a people; to watch their numbers multiply; to deliver them from bondage and to set them on a path to the land of promise and provision. The song (poem) is indeed a love letter reminding the reader that through all of the adversity, God hears us. Though we may believe we are alone and forgotten, that God is working behind the scenes. When we are wandering aimlessly and not certain which way to turn, God is our present help in time of need. He is a sheltering cloud when things are too intense and a warming fire when the cold world turns against us.
     The poem give warnings about our behavior and the need to follow God’s instructions. It gives guidance for living a fruitful and purposeful life and shows that even when we mess up God is ever present to pick us up, dust us off and put us back on the right path. Just as the children of Israel were about to stake their claim in the Promised Land, God has certain laws we must also follow to rightfully stake our claim on the dreams, plans and purposes he has entrusted to us. This love letter tells it all and it is just as pertinent today as it was in the time of Moses. God is the same yesterday, today and forever and his love is boundless and his mercy endureth to all generations.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Do Not Be Distracted – stay on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn.

Faithful Tower

Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

     On Friday I received some news from a dear friend that devastated by soul and tried to take the joy from my spirit.  After a tearful emotional first response, I gathered my praise armor and went to battle to fight for my joy so that I could be a faithful and strong support to my friend.  I never lost my fire but the devil tried to use the flood of my own tears to drown out my flame.  After a great praise session and realizing that distractions can come in all forms; I am standing firm with my friend and on full burn. 

     Scripture tells us that there is power in the name of JESUS. The very name of our Lord is a strong tower, a place of refuge, a stronghold, a fortress. When things around you are chaotic and spiraling out of control; and it seems like all that you have ‘up’ is coming ‘down’ – call on the name of JESUS and run into his safety.  Don’t sweat the small stuff (and to our BIG GOD, everything is small stuff).  Call on the Lord Most High, trust, believe and receive the gift of peace. 

    Whatever is going on this week, know that God has a rescue tower with the light blinking brightly –JESUS, JESUS, JESUS! And all are welcome.  Notice that the scripture text says that the righteous RUN in and are safe.  Don’t hesitate; don’t be ashamed or second-guessing.  Break free from whatever is trying to frustrate you by attempting to steal or kill your dream or destroy your livelihood.  Throw down anything (or anyone) that might weigh you down and run and don’t look back.  Jesus waits with open arms.  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Suffer the Children

     Good morning! Today's power scripture comes from Matthew 19:14(NCV) –“ but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children.”
     Across our city many school districts are closed today and the children have a day off from their usual academic activities.  Now that the weather is warmer many of the children will gather in groups at the local playgrounds and enjoy some good old fashioned ‘romping’. 
     When I see the children scurrying around playing in their groups I often think about how the children must have been joyfully and noisily clamoring in their play when Jesus came upon the scene and their attention turned to him.  Just like kids used to run for the ice cream truck I can only imagine how they were in awe of our Savior. 
When we see our children fascinated by the gospel and want to learn more about church, Jesus, the Bible and God, it is important to nurture their curiosity.  They are never too young to learn about God, how special they are in his sight and how much he loves them.   
     There are many distractive and destructive factors that try to hinder the emotional, social and spiritual growth of our children and grandchildren.  Children are steadily bombarded with negative talk, paparazzi newsflashes and hours of unbridled immorality on television.  They can experience school life that is tormented by bullies or be placed in local schools that are struggling to maintain the minimum of state requirements for accreditation. 
     Our children play too many videos games where life is restored by the push of a button; they believe friendships are contingent upon whether they have the right type of phone or popularity is determined by how destructive they can act. All of these things are distractive blockades preventing them from being in the presence of the Lord.  Suffer the little children to come unto Christ. In other words it is our responsibility to our children and to the ‘village’ we support to protect them as we guide them to move closer into the presence of Jesus.    Find a youngster you can help today – encourage them to stay focused and seed into their lives in a tangible way.  The seeds we plant today will provide for our future.

     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 

Enjoy the Journey

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

     Many people never enjoy the fullness of a vacation or get-away because they are so set on looking only at the destination they overlook the wonder of the journey.  Their plane is delayed or the hotel or restaurant has messed up a reservation so the room or table isn’t quite ready.  While these are indeed annoyances, why not look into the deeper meaning of why these ‘journey stoppers’ occur and enjoy the experience.  As we journey on this life path we should not spend too much of our energy on complaining about nuisances that we cannot control.  We have all seen the scenes that irritable complainers cause when things don’t go their way and they explode on the poor salesperson or customer service representative. 

       When life throws a monkey wrench into your operation, stop for a moment and ponder what good could come from the situation.  If God works all things out then this too shall pass without much frustration if we focus on the right things.  Delayed?... use the time to catch up on some reading.  Stuck in a long time?... meet a new friend and strike up a ‘non-complaining’ conversation.  Stuck in traffic?... don’t succumb to road rage and horn blowing….turn up the radio volume and sing to the top of your lungs.  Enjoy the journey… this is the only life path we shall walk on this earth so make the best of it. 

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

Do Not Forget!

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

          In this season of Lent, as we offer sacrifices of all types and conditions, we must continue to 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

Glory Bound

Romans 8:18 – “ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

     “Push”, “Push”, “Bear Down, Breath and Push”.. It has been over 30 years, but I can still hear the doctor, nurses and attendances coaching me through the final stages of the birthing of my first son.  The contractions were unrelenting, the pressure and pain indescribable but ohhhhh the joy of hearing my baby draw his first breath and let out a cooing cry was undeniable.  When they placed it warm, big (nearly 9 pound) body on my chest, I forgot all about the months of nausea, leg cramps, back aches and the other irritables that plague pregnant women. 

    Whatever we go through in this present age; whether we believe we were given the ‘short end the stick’ or dealt a hand of horrible life cards; it is no comparison to the blessed glory that God had set for us.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the brighter side that is to come and focus on that joy.  Remember in the end…WE WIN!!!

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

Righteous Desires

Romans 8:5 – “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

    My mom and aunts often spoke about wise words from my maternal grandmother.  Among her favorite wisdom quotes was for her children to ‘never desire for something so badly that it causes you to deny your character’.  In essence if we think or dwell on anything so profusely that it consumes us to the point where we will do anything to have or get it…it becomes an idol and separates us from our true source, which is God. Conversely, as we think on and abide in the things of the spirit, we are drawn into closer relationship with God.  The bottom line is… what do we have our minds set on? 

     Do we spend too much time wrestling with earthly concerns and not on kingdom aspirations?  Do we tend to worry about the here and now so much we forget God is the author and finisher of everything?  The time we waste dwelling on temporal problems, tangible goods and things that will rust or rot away, we could and should be spending perfecting our love relationship with our Creator.  As we do this, He provides for all of our daily needs and grants the peace that will allow us the freedom to wait and not fret.

     Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven; but to do that our minds must be set on what the Spirit desires. What are your chief desires?  Do you need a mind ‘re’-set?  We all do from time to time.  Our minds must continually be trained to focus on what is good, and lovely and not succumb to the world’s desires. 

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

Attitude Adjustment

Psalm 11:7 – “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.”

When I used to get distracted and fidget in church or anywhere my mom thought I should have better control over myself, she would bend down close to my ear and whisper these very thought provoking and spine chilling words…“sit up, pay attention and act like you have some sense”.  I am certain all of us have either heard these statements or have said them on more than one occasion to our own children.  In essence, whatever was being done was inappropriate and it was time for an attitude adjustment. 

Our God is righteous and he wants his children to be in his image. Our righteousness comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection; but to fully demonstrate our change from the old person to the new creation in Christ we must change our attitudes.  Let’s not be easily distracted by the ‘stuff’ around us, but be conscientious about where we are and how God wants us to act and handle situations.

We must change how we feel about our situation and then we can appreciate why God has us there and what we must do.  So the next time you feel as if your countenance has fallen and you are not paying as close attention as you should… it’s time for an attitude adjustment.

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

Bright Lights

John 1:5 (NIV) – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

        I am convinced that there is no darkness like a pitch black night under a Georgia sky.  On a moonless, overcast night where no light from celestial bodies penetrates through the blackness; there seems to be such vast emptiness that it is difficult to see your hand in front of your face.  The darkness is so pervasive it seems that you can almost carve through it with a knife.

    One very dark night I was driving home from a semi-rural area on the outskirts of town.  I had to use my high beam light setting because regular light just did not seem to illuminate the road well enough and I could barely see anything off on the side.  Deer and other nocturnal animals are deadly dangerous when they amble into the roadway and get mesmerized by the car lights.  The old adage – “deer in the headlights” to depict someone who is physically there but mentally somewhere else is a good analogy of what happens when we rumble around in the dark (sin) and then are thrust into the loving light of Jesus.

      When we are living in sin we are hanging around the fringes of life. God has great things for us and he needs us to get off the side lines and cross over into the blessings he has prepared for us.  Like deer, the longer we linger in the darkness on the sidelines of living, the more blinded we are when we find our way into the Light.   Don’t be like the illusive deer which stand motionless in the middle of their decision; - should it return to the familiarity of the darkness; should it run for unknown territory or remain mesmerized in the middle of the road?

       As I traveled toward my home I noticed that many of the cars that were coming toward me and racing into the blackness of the rural countryside were equipped with high intensity halogen headlights.  They cast a wide beam of light so bright it appears to be blue rather than white.  Jesus is the LIGHT of the world and when we put him first in our lives he will illuminate all that is around us and pierce into the darkness to make our way safe and comfortable.   Don’t get used to having one foot in the dark and the other testing the light.  God wants our whole commitment.  We must consistently ask the Holy Spirit to show us areas where we are too comfortable on the edge of darkness.  Pray for Jesus to shine his Light on those situations and rebuke the sin and its dangers away from our lives.

Every day is a good day.  It is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Be Blessed! This is the Year of Manifestation.  Dr. JoAnn

Walls

1 Samuel 25:15-16(AMP) –”But David’s men were very good to us, and we were not harmed, nor did we miss anything as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields. They were a wall to us night and day, all the time we were with them keeping the sheep.”

What seems to be blocking your path? Your progress? Your development?  We all speak about things that stifle or hinder our promotion or advancement and often refer to them as walls.  We constantly ask God to open windows and doors of opportunity to give us access to what lies beyond the walls.  But for a moment let’s look at walls in a different manner. Do you see walls as barriers or as protectors?  I guess it all depends on which side of the wall you stand. 

As the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, scripture refers to the towering water as ‘walls’ which provided protection for them and doom for the Egyptian army that pursued them.  In today’s scripture we see reference to the protective nature of walls when David’s men aided those in need by serving as a wall by day and by night. In our modern world we see the use of climbing walls to help athletes and those in training develop stamina and strength.  Walls themselves are neither good nor bad; they are inanimate objects that we can either use to our benefit or allow to stifle our advancement. Make the innovative choice to use everything that comes your way to your benefit; good, bad or indifferent.  When we come upon something that appears to halt our forward movement maybe the right move is to chance direction.  Instead of trying to go forward, change your direction…why not go up!.  Up and over!  Look at your obstacles in a different way; as a challenge to help change how you look at things and opening you up to higher heights.  When you hit the wall – look up and get over it!

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