Thursday, June 30, 2016

Uniquely Special

Romans 12:4 -“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function”
     This evening there will be a home-going celebration service for my good friend Harrison who transitioned to be with our Creator. Later this morning I plan to visit with the earthly remains of my good friend Harrison at the mortuary…some call it a ‘viewing’ but I prefer to call it a visit.
     As children of the Most High God we are all created in his image, but as unique and special members of one body we all possess different qualities for different purposes. When I reminisce about our time together over the past 15 years one thing is for sure, Harrison was uniquely special. He was a man of great talent, compassion, thoughtfulness and humor. No matter how a situation presented itself Harrison could find a way to make anyone laugh and enjoy the moment. I am so glad that in our times together we never hesitated to let each other know how we felt. Harrison often teased me but he made it remarkably clear that I was special to him and he cherished the time we spent together. Although his death was so untimely (to us – but not to God) I have no regrets. We left very little unsaid or undone. We dined, we critiqued, we cried, we fussed, we worshipped, we praised, we prayed, we traveled and most of all we laughed and enjoyed a great friendship together.
     Each of us is exceptional in a special way to God and he delights in seeing us use our matchless qualities to enhance the overall body of believers. Harrison was superb at that and I often told him. Take time today to make sure you let those you care about know that they are uniquely special and that the gifts and talents they bring to the body of Christ cannot be brought by anyone else. Have no regrets.
     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

I miss you Harrison, Rest In Peace!

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

No Traps!

Psalm 91:2-3 – “This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. 3 For he rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague.”(TLB)
     God’s promise is that he alone is our refuge; our place of safety. He knows all about our frustrations, trials and temptations. Having issues? Remember He is our God and we must trust him in every aspect of our endeavors. As the saying goes – when you can’t see God’s hand, just trust his heart. Although it might appear that God is distant or ignoring your request for resolution of a situation – know that he is not only on the case, but in his infinite wisdom he is protecting you while you are going through the ordeal.
     With so many schemes, scams and con artists conspiring to do evil, fraudulent acts, my most heartfelt prayer is that God would not allow his children to fall victim to the greed of unscrupulous characters that often prey on the desperate, the elderly or the uninformed.
     God said that he would rescue us from every trap, every snare and every scheme that tries to trap us. I am fully aware that rescue could mean two things. 1). His forewarning could eliminate my ever being ensnared or getting tangled up in treachery or 2) if I am led down a wrong path he provides a way of escape. Either way it goes, I am fully confident that God is going to make sure that in the long run I shall be triumphant.
     Is there a venture you are heading into; a home you wish to purchase; a business you want to start; a legal matter that seems to be going awry – do you feel like the flood waters are rising too quickly - get in the life raft with Jesus and know that he is fully capable of calming the sea. God is able to fowl up the fowler’s snare. We may not have the slightest idea of what the outcome will be; but one thing I am certain of as sure as rain is wet and that is God shall be gloried in it because no matter what the outcome, we are going to give him praise!
     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. Have a GREAT weekend. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Shotgun vs Handgun

Ephesians 5: 15-17- “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God."
     Starting the beginning of this year I added another line to my blog closing statement reminding us to remain focused. With the recent tragedies of militia violence against citizens, the trauma of club shootings; mass homicide-suicide killings the media is replete with story after story of the ills of rapid fire, wide spread artillery. Talk after talk about gun control centers on why gun enthusiasts need to have guns which deliver such wide spread killing power. Who needs an AK-47 to hunt deer? Most hunters like the thrill of stalking their prey and the precision of utilizing minimal gun fire to bring down their prize. They don’t shoot blindly into a crowd of animals and hope to hit some random target with a spray of bullets.
     Likewise we don’t need to try a shotgun, scattering attempt to conquer the tasks that God has positioned before us. We need to focus on our purpose; know our gifts and talents; study to show ourselves approved; take careful aim at the issue and use precision in successfully mastering the undertaking. Have faith in God. Be diligent in pursuing his plans and directives for your life. Live life with a sense of responsibility and make the best use of your 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

      Reminder: First Friday Fellowship this Friday, July 1st @ 6:30pm

Monday, June 27, 2016

Death Where Is Thy Sting?

Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Greetings loyal readers, it is with a saddened heart but a joyous spirit that I greet you this morning. A very dear friend, D. Harrison Boyd, passed away suddenly this past Friday and I have been allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me through the grieving process. I miss my friend tremendously and I know that as inevitable as life itself, grief happens in our midst. Though our hearts may hurt, the joy of the Lord is our strength. Whether we are grieved by the loss of loved one; distraught by the loss of a job; relationship or opportunity; or saddened over lost potential, enthusiasm, hope, or courage; mourning will be comforted. Today’s scripture tells us that mourning over our past sins, regrets, hesitations or disobedience will be comforted when the burdens are lifted. We must focus on the renewing of our situation through the rejuvenation provided by the redeeming blood of Christ. No matter what the obstacle, challenge, difficulty or loss, when we trust Jesus and believe on his word; we will find solace and peace. God knows our beginning and our end and he places us in situations through which we glorify him by our actions. If you are experiencing any type of loss concentrate on comfort that shall come from the renewing of your spirit. The joy that awaits is indescribable and the peace is unsearchable. Cry now if you must; cleanse and let go – the put your energies into walking with God and following his commandments and watch as he uplifts your heart. Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn Thanks to all who braved the intense heat on Saturday and came out to the community yard sale. We will set up again this coming Saturday, July 2nd and prayerfully the weather will be more bearable for browsing. Come and see us at the Rainbow Creek Subdivision, Decatur, 30034. Reminder:: Mark your calendars and set a reminder alert on your phone. This Friday is First Friday Fellowship. 6:30pm

Friday, June 24, 2016

One More Step

Acts 20:24 – “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” 
     Last evening my son Steven and I ventured to Stone Mountain Park and walked the circumference of the base of the mountain which is roughly about 5 miles. We accomplished our venture in about 90 minutes and we both felt exhilarated in our quest. We both enjoy the outdoors and prefer to exercise in the open air rather than inside a gym. About 2 months ago I pulled my right hamstring muscles and was hobbling around for a bit as I coaxed and pampered my leg back into active use. Because it was painful to walk distances I started with about a mile and then over the past few weeks I have graduated up to about 3 miles at each outing. Well yesterday I decided to push the envelope a little and challenge myself to move onward in my quest for physical fitness. 
     As we started on our walk we kept a brisk pace and less than a ½ mile in my leg started to throb a bit. I stretched and continued to push onward. I told myself surely you can do at least 3 miles so don’t get distracted. When the hills came, I gave God praise for helping me get in condition and I encouraged myself to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and take just one more step. Soon the soreness dissipated and the muscles got into rhythm and the miles went back. My only aim was to finish the course and complete the task I had before me. The beginning might have been a bit rough but by the end my son and I were chatting away and enjoying the breeze and even contemplating what our next fitness outing would encompass.
     All God wants us to do is to do our best to complete the task before us. Trust that he has prepared us for what lies ahead and that we just have to dig down deep and take one step at a time. Soon the time, the distance, the projects, the classwork, the therapies, the chores and the race will be completed. Take it a step at a time and keep going. Don’t worry about the challenges or oppositions; keep pressing on. Each hill we encountered might have been a strain but the benefit to our muscular and cardiovascular systems and overall health is immeasurable. You have what it takes to make it and it just takes you to resolve in your mind that you must keep moving. 
     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! Have a great weekend; see you on Monday!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Those of you in the metro-Atlanta area we are having a community yard/garage sale on tomorrow (Saturday, June 25th 8:00am – 4:00pm) Rainbow Creek subdivision. 
Rainbow Drive between Wesley Chapel and Columbia Drive, Decatur 30034.   Look for the red and white signs.   - Everything from furniture to fashions. ( I have lots of nice full-figure items that I can no longer wear - come and check us out and tell a friend)


Thursday, June 23, 2016

Flashback Thursday - Healing the Mind!

Psalm 16:7 (ERV) – “I praise the Lord because he taught me well. Even at night he put his instructions deep inside my mind.” 
     Can’t shake a reoccurring thought? No matter what you try to do, the same old musings keep bubbling to the surface. It is as annoying as having a certain song stuck in your head that you keep humming no matter how much you try to ignore it. Our minds are the true battlefields of life’s struggles. We fight not against flesh and blood, but against our own misguided thoughts; against negative stigmas; against principalities and rulers of darkness that keep dropping tidbits of negative seed into our minds.
     When our stress levels impinge against our abilities to ward off bad contemplations, we must trust God to lift the ramblings from our consciousness. God delivers us from the snares of our enemies and frees our minds to give us peace. When we keep troublesome thoughts circulating in our heads they can affect our sleeping, eating and socialization. God who neither slumbers nor sleeps is our advocate for renewing our minds.k God and although he knows our thoughts before we think them, tell him what is disturbing you. Present to him the thoughts that are troubling you and watch as God’s mercy and grace give you a new look on life. Cast your cares upon the Lord and be of good courage; be patient and every time a troubling thought seems to want to rear its ugly head, simply call on the name of Jesus and chase it as far as east is from the west.     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-filled day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn



Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Skin Deep Beauty

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
     Although today’s scripture refers to the female gender the sentiments covers males as well. When we see people, who have beautiful exteriors but whose attitudes and behaviors are less than desirable, we often chant the mantra – “Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly is to the bone. And also there is the familiar jaunt that “God does not like ugly and he ain’t too keen on superficial pretty either.” The sentiments expressed are simple… good looks, anatomic beauty, and physical attractiveness that harbor deceptive behaviors, fake attitudes and egotistical conducts are not pleasing to God.
     It is God who designs us through the deposition of genetic material from our parents; but our bodies are merely earth-suits used to navigate through this physical world. God looks not at the outer man but at the inner heart and spirit. We all want to look good and be attractive. We all have flaws that we wish to change; but if we spend all of our efforts and place more concern on the outer physical wrappings and allow our inner man to waste way or to become ‘ugly’, then we are truly doomed for destruction.     Make up, beauty treatments, time at the gym, pumping iron, jogging, manicures, pedicures, hair weaves, haircuts, hair dying, facial scrubs, eyebrow arching, hair waxing, yada, yada, yada… we must make sure we spend as much time fixing up our spirit as we do in ‘fixing up’ our appearance. Give more attention to bible study, meditation, prayer, praise, listening to sermons, reading historical teachings and Christian literature. A shiny apple with a rotten core ends up in the trash.     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


Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Work in Progress

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”.
    Hard to believe that we are fast approaching the last week of the sixth month of this year. My how time has flown by and it 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! Don’t get distracted – stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, June 20, 2016

Only a Scratch!

Psalm 147:3 – “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
    I visited the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church yesterday and Pastor Raphael Warnock told of a member who was involved in an incident where he was cut off in traffic at a freeway exit. This caused the church member to careen over the embankment. Onlookers who stopped thought for sure that the person in the car had perished, but the gentleman exited the car with only a deep scratch. Surely it was only God – surely, surely. Only God! From the look of the accident and the sight of the vehicle it could have only been God who protected him from certain death. Although it was already miraculous that he lived, God could have allowed him to walk away completely injury-free; but the scar from the scratch will serve as a reminder of God’s love and protection. 
     Look at your life– what do your scars remind you of? Don’t think on the incidents or the tragedies that might have produced the scars, but think on the God who saved you, set you free, gave you another chance, forgave and repositioned you. God left you with mere scratches where you could have been maimed – so wear the scars with pride; they are your evidence that God loves you and will always be there to protect and heal. 
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t get distracted – stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Friday, June 17, 2016

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.”
     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! Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Devilish Ways

John 6:70 (KJV) – “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?”
     Claim all the victories now… walk in favor with your head up …don’t worry about the devilish people or situations you encounter each day. Remember that in your daily walk if you don’t met the devil head on , then you might be walking in the same direction he is going. 
    Jesus did not pick his disciples haphazardly nor did he just select the twelve first come –first serve.  After much prayer he started to assemble his team. He knew beforehand that Judas Iscariot was a bad seed, yet he allowed him into the ranks. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Jesus was not naïve or foolish to have Judas in his inner circle. There was purpose and plan and Judas played an important role in helping the other disciples and followers of Christ see the magnitude and depth of God’s grace and mercy. 
     Use the harsh, unsavory, down-right abrasive people in your life just like fine sand paper. The more they rub up against you and go against your grain the smoother and more polished and beautiful you become. God knows and allows only the right amount of pressure to be applied to you to bring out your best. So don’t focus on the devils in your life…they will always be there…keep an eye on them but let your concentration be placed on the wonders and awe of God. 
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Whose Report Will You Believe?

Numbers 13:30-31 “But 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. 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’”
     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! Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn



Tuesday, June 14, 2016

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! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, June 13, 2016

Our Comforter

Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.”
    This weekend marked a time of great emotional angst. While the week was satiated with birthday celebrations and announcements of new births and job promotions; it ended with the home-going celebration of a good friend and news of senseless slaughter of patrons in a Florida night spot.
    Of course we cannot control the ups and downs of life; nor can we convince the hands of time to stand still while we gather our wits about us; but what we can do is to know and believe that God is in control. We might not understand untimely deaths, unbridled tragedies or many of the ‘whys’ of life, but we must draw strength, courage and power to face our challenges from the Holy Spirit which dwells within us. It is natural to feel grief and we are blessed as we mourn; but the comfort that comes is not due to the flow of tears or the release of anxiety – it comes directly from the Father.
    Live life; do not be afraid to grab all the gusto it provides and when the up side of the mountain turned into the down swing that plummets to the valley know that the Holy Spirit, our Paraclete, our Comforter is there and we shall be comforted.
    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

Friday, June 10, 2016

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”. 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. Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Have an awesome weekend!  Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Flashback Thursday - Blessing, Curse or a Test?

Here is a previous post that I think is worth revisiting...

Leviticus 19:11 – “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.
    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: “It is not my problem - I asked the employee for the total; my bags are packed; I am just about outside the door. Oh this must be my lucky, blessed day.” 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. Don't be distracted - stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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! Happy Birthday to my sistah Edwina Spinks! Don’t’ be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

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! Don’t be distracted – stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, June 6, 2016

Jesus Says 'Yes'

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 ever 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!!!!
     Please keep my cousin Arthur and his team in prayer as they continue their missionary journey in Haiti. Also give God praise and thanks for the livelihood of his mother, my Aunt Geraldine, (Gerri, Tee) Houser who celebrates her 91st birthday today.
    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

Friday, June 3, 2016

It's Our Anniversary

     Today’s First Friday Fellowship marks the 4th anniversary of our Praise and Worship Ministry.  God has blessed us to remain a focused group of believers who enjoy gathering to study his word and give him praise. Special thanks to my ‘little sister’ Letia Banks who opened her restaurant to me when I first started in 2012 and gave us a spiritual home for over a year from which to build the ministry.   Thank you to all who started with me and supported and encouraged me to keep going in spite of location changes, bad weather, and technical glitches.   
     If you have ever started something from scratch because God has given you an assignment but not a lot of instruction; then you know what joy it is to see it grow when your prayers have been fulfilled and you are leading it in the right direction.  Some have come and gone and others are yet to attend their first meeting but regardless of whether your physical presence has been in our midst, I appreciate your prayers, love and financial support.  I am not ashamed to say that First Friday Fellowship is good ground for your seed offerings and although we are small in number our outreach ministries have assisted many causes.  We have supported the Hagar’s House Woman’s Shelter; Gilgal Recovery Home and the Flint, Michigan bottled water drive. (http://www.smarttchoice.org/Support-Us.html)
Thank you God for your faithfulness!

Be blessed and give God praise!!!

Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, June 2, 2016

The Least

Job 29:12 - “I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help.”
     I am so proud of my cousin, Deacon Arthur Houser, Jr., as he and his team are leaving on a missionary quest back to Haiti.  This is his third trip and each time he states how vital each return visit is to the lives of those living there.  Many changes have come about but they are slow in progression and often not enough to keep up with the staggering number of people still displaced.  These dedicated missionaries have their hands on the ‘gospel plow’ and are spreading the good news about Jesus through works and not just words. 
     Please keep him and his peacekeepers in your prayers.  They are taking lots of supplies but more importantly they are taking hope, faith and love to the people who are still suffering so much for so long.  Each time you can turn on the tap for fresh water; flush a toilet; open a cabinet and select something to eat or just look in a closet and claim you have nothing to wear – remember the widows and orphans, the displaced and the downhearted in Haiti and in so many other parts of the world.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn


Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The Greater Good

Genesis 50:20 (NIV) -”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
     Why me? Why now? Why like this? We have all had these very questions and many more pre-pity party thoughts course through our consciousness when we are in uncomfortable situations. “Why am I the one who has to always experience the hard life? Can’t anything ever come easily for me? Just when I am about to make things happen, then this comes along. Why now? Why me? Why? Why? Why?” The answer is easy but the reality of the answer is as difficult as nuclear physics. The answer is: because God ordained it to be so. Now to wrap one’s head around that concept is where the tedious journey of trusting God comes into play. To tell someone that their life is as it is because God willed it; takes a whole lot of faith. But here is the process in a nutshell:
*God is omniscient (all knowing)
*God is omnipresent (everywhere at the same time)
*God is omnipotent (all powerful
*God is sovereign – He will do what he wants to, how he wants to; with whom it wants to where he wants to
*God knows all about you, the hairs on your head, the breaths in your body, the tears you have shed and the desires of your heart
*God has a plan for you; one of peace and not of evil
*God orders your steps.
*But most of all, God is pure love.
     So lets’ review the facts. If you take into consideration that God knows everything; he is everywhere; he is the ultimate power source and crown that with the fact that everything he does is to accomplish his holy and righteous will, then it only makes sense that in his loving wisdom even the ‘crazy’ stuff we endure is all a part of this plan. If he gave it to you, then he knows you can go through it and come out on the other side not smelling like smoke. He entrusted you to shoulder the hard stuff because you have what it takes to prove that you serve a loving God. There are others around you who don’t have the ability to ‘save’ themselves or to better their situations without your influence, guidance or just your example.
     When evil is plotted against you, God is not asleep letting someone take advantage of his children. No, to the contrary - God is fully aware and already assigning angels, intermediaries, supporters and cheerleaders to embrace you. So no matter what your boss, non-support paying ex-spouse; argumentative neighbor or jealous friend may have lined up for you…don’t get angry and all bent out of shape. Simply keep serving; keep praising; keep bringing your “A” game and watch God turn it all around not just to rectify you…but to save many and to glorify himself.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn