Stay In The Light

John 3:20-21(NRSV) –“20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
     As a fan of old time Dracula movies I remember the drama that spanned the screen when the hero would come to rescue the damsel in distress by snatching down the tattered window curtains which allowed the sunlight to pour into the vampire’s dark chamber. As the light pierced the room, Dracula would winch in pain, withdraw from this stance and flee in bat form to escape the light.
     Evil likes to lurk in darkness and do its dirty deeds undercover. When we invite Jesus into our lives his bright light illuminates and dispels the dark areas of our hearts. As the “Light of the World” Jesus’ presence is all that is needed to expose the ungodly things that try to captivate us. When in doubt or feeling down the best answer is Jesus. Darkness tries to make it seem as if life is hopeless or pointless; don’t be fooled. Jesus died and rose again in victory just for us and in doing so secured our place in the light. Stay in the light!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a peaceful GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Get to Steppin'

Habakkuk 2:2. "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. . . "
     In response to Habakkuk's inquiry God commands that he write the vision (plan) and make it plain so that it can be easily understood. Soon we will enter the last quarter of 2016 and all of the prayers and petitions have been placed before God. We have cried, promised, bargained and pledged. We have thanked, praised and honored. Our petitions before God have been varied and many. God does hear and answer prayer. Are you listening? Many times his solution is a 'plan'. Our God is capable of instant miracles but in his wisdom and for our greater good he may desire that we stop all of the petitioning and set the plan into action. No more talk – time to nail it down; pick up the tools and get going.
    Whatever you have been stirring and stirring on the stove, it is time to put it on a plate and serve it up. No more ‘analysis paralysis’ where we study what we are going to do so long that we do nothing at all. As Martin Lawrence’s character on his sitcom used to say – “get to stepping”. The time is now. Trust God... it shall come to fruition.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a peaceful GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Suffering for Sanctification

1 Peter 1:6-7 – “6 In this you rejoice,[a] even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
     In recent conversations with friends I noticed that many are in seasons of trial; some with associated suffering. As citizens of this world we undergo periods of tribulation which we sum up to be ‘par for the course’ or more easily stated as ‘just life’. But then again sometimes we enter a trial that brings with it a measure of suffering. It is during this time that our resolve is truly tested and our faith is put to the fire. Peter reminds us through today’s scripture to not focus on the issues that rise up and burden us; for they are there for a purpose. We must always keep our gaze on the outcome which has already been routed in Jesus. To test their worth, precious metals are proven by fire; so much more precious are we to God that our fiery trials come not to harm us, but to burn away impurities and draw us closer to him. Just keep saying – “This too shall pass and God will be glorified!”
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stayfocused on your purpose. Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Mopped Up In Praise

Psalm 71:8 - 8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.”
     Sunday I had a very full day and when I finally made it home I was ravenous. I had all the fixings for a great salad so I went to work searching through my pantry for the final toppings when I inadvertently knocked a liter bottle of Sprite soda onto the floor. As fate would have it the bottle’s carbonation caused it to explode and sweet, sticky soda sprayed all over the floor and shot many feet across the room. After picking up the bottle to stop the gushing liquid, my first inclination was to just leave everything there, eat my salad to calm the rumbling in my stomach and clean up the mess later after I had quenched my hunger. I did grumble a bit, but then I just laughed and started giving God praise. I had just attended two back-to-back worship services and now the bad karmic forces wanted to try to distract me from my inspired mood. I caught that monkey by the tail and refused to succumb.
     I realized this distraction was only trying to kill my joy so I turned the tables. I began to sing praise songs as I got a towel and attempted to mop up the mess. Then I decided to take control of the distraction - I got out my bucket, my old fashioned mop, some floor cleanser and my yellow rubber gloves. I ran hot water to fill my bucket as I moved furniture and rugs, prepared to mop not only the kitchen floor but the entire downstairs of my home; including the bathroom and laundry room.
     The more I sang and gave God praise the harder I worked. The harder I worked the more I sweat. The more I sweat the more toxins were being removed from my body. I had started a 40 day detox just a few days ago and what could have been a sullen time of grumbling turned into a wonderful 30-minute exercise time. When I finished, the house smelled clean, I felt accomplished and the salad tasted even better. Everything can be a time of praise when you look for the greater good. When life gives you lemons – make lemonade; when life gives you lemon-flavored soda – get out your praise mop.
     Every day is 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

Suffer the Children – Preserve Our Future

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.”

     How our children and grandchildren see themselves and dream of what they want to be is critical. Please let it be important on your ‘to-do’ list to help reinforce to our young ones just how special they are.  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.  The closer they may want to get to Jesus, the more they are isolated by these trappings.  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 GREAT day!  Make it a great day for a child.  Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

If Unique Is What You Seek

Psalm 139:14 (ESV) – “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Why do we try so hard to be like everyone else?  We strive to keep up with the Joneses; to wear the same labels on our clothes; drive cars that are known by numbers instead of names; walk alike; talk alike and even chew gum alike. We look at rail thin models and social misfits to try to decide how we should dress.  We listen to emaciated anorexics to decide how we should eat.  We listen to those beat down by life and holding diplomas from the school of hard knocks to tell us how to organize our lives and teach our children.

We come into this world as originals but we work so hard to be carbon copies. God made us in his image and placed within our mothers’ wombs the capacity incubate original individuals capable of thinking, learning and being the very best of what God designed within our DNA.  Don’t hurt God’s heart by denying the wonderful creation he made you to be.  So what if your ears are a bit large; your eyes too squinty; voice too scratchy or feet too wide!  So what if you don’t have legs like JLo or swagger like Denzel or President Obama; muscles like Serena Williams or a smile like Idris Elba!  We all have some physical flaws that we wish we could change, but those very things are what make us so special.  Give God thanks for the special traits which you possess that stand you out in a crowd.  Do not be ashamed of your skin color, height, weight, hair texture or the lack of hair.  Be proud if you walk with a limp or have a slight lisp or stutter a bit - celebrate being you.  Celebrate being special.  Celebrate being unique.

     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! Enjoy the weekend – see you on Monday! Dr. JoAnn

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”

     I am sure you have seen bumper stickers or plaques that proclaim – “Be patient… God hasn’t finished with me yet!”  This is true for all of us no matter how rooted in the Word or steeped in church activities we might be.  As they say, “God loves us just the way we are; but he loves us too much to leave us this way”. As followers of Christ we must constantly strive to follow his commandments and live according to his directives.  We must love, honor and cherish all that Jesus proclaimed as holy and in doing so we will be holy. God has a greater purpose for our lives than we most likely could ever really phantom.  When we worship God in spirit and in truth, we open ourselves up to be bombarded by his best and in doing so God will fix the areas that need attention and change the areas that need total renewal. 

     As we maneuver this life it is wonderful and reassuring to know that God is constantly monitoring our progress and lighting a path along our journey.  He wants us to succeed; to be in good health; to have peace that passes all understanding and to be an example to the world. 

     When you make mis-steps, mistakes and miscalculations; do not beat up on yourself too harshly.  God is fully aware of our shortcomings; what things tempt us; and the best ways to handle disappointments. He knows how to soothe our anxieties; and helps us to live through our inhibitions.  We are wonderfully and fearfully made and praise our Most High God that we are still a great work in progress.

    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

For all of you starting our “Fall Detox” venture today– Welcome and best regards.  You have made a great step toward a more healthy existence. Take it a day at a time!

“. . . or Happy?”

Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.!”

      We have all been in situations where we have been falsely accused or misunderstood or just plain lied upon or about.  We have been under pressure to go along with the crowd or ignore the obvious and pushed to follow the mundane. What sets us apart is that spirit within us that teaches, guides and comforts us as we make the ‘right’ decisions.  As my wise 90 year old aunt, Gerri, says – “do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” 

     There will be some occasions when we have to serve as the peacemaker; and in taking on this role, we might have to swallow bites that we did not even want to taste.

     As a peacemaker we are called upon to look beyond the obvious and see things through the eyes of Christ.  As a peacemaker we must not dwell on the egotism of proving a point; stating who has the facts right; or raising the flag of superiority. As a peacemaker we become more and more Christ-like as we strive to live agreeably with others and elevate their thinking to see the good in every situation.  Peacemakers may never get their thought across to prove a point; but the way we live our lives speaks volumes of our faith in God to handle our affairs.  We don’t need to always be proven ‘right’; we would rather be happy and know that God is pleased with our actions. 

     Today strive to serve as the peacemaker in your group, at your job, in your home or while riding in your car.  For example if you arrive at a stop sign at the same time as another driver… you might have the right of way but if they seem anxious to race ahead, allow them to go. You might be in the right but a collision that could result is not worth the loss of your peace.

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

Eagle-Minded

Eagle –Minded

Isaiah 40:31 – “but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

    Once upon a time a young eaglet fell from its lofty nest which was on a rock ledge overlooking a farm yard. The eagle landed near the hen house where dozens of baby chicks and the mother hens were brooding about.  The young eagle, displaced from its home, grew up among the chickens.  Day in and day out he watched the behavior of the chickens and mimicked them but always know there was something very different about himself.  Time passed and it was obvious that this bird was not like the others. The chickens had small feet but he had talons; the chickens had short stubby wings but he had rows and rows of angled feathers; the chickens had clumsy beaks but his beak was sharp and curved.

     One day a fox got into the yard and all of the birds starting scattering.  The chickens ran around awkwardly, flapping their wings and making feeble attempts to fly away as they ran more than they flew.  The young eaglet also ran around trying to not be captured by the fox, but with all of the commotion and flapping the turbulence of the wind got under his wings and he was lifted high into the air.  It was at that moment that the eagle realized although he had been in the company of chickens, he belonged above the captured existence of domesticated birds.  He was born to be free, powerful and majestic. 

     Are you feeling uncomfortable in your environment? Got an itch to move, relocate, and quit the mundane? Tired of running with the same old crowd; doing the same old thing; listening to the same old chatter? Feeling stifled and trapped?  Maybe you are running with chickens when you supposed to be soaring with eagles. Remember you are the company that you keep… might be time to explore new territory. Stop pecking at the ground below and set your sight on the sky above. Be the eagle you were born to be. 

Every dagfy 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

Just Get Through It

Genesis 24:12 - “Lord, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “give me success

today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

Today is a great day to accomplish at least one thing that you have put on the back burner or set completely off of the stove.  It is time to get it fired up again and start it cooking.  Today is a great day to not worry about what resources you do not have; or the limitations of time; or even speculation about whether you can really do it or not.  Today is the day to just get through it.  Ask God for success for whatever venture you seek to complete and watch him outdo himself as he pushes the throttle to accelerate you - full steam ahead. 

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

Happy Birthday William!!!

Hang Tough

Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for [c]doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]!”
     Today’s scripture tells us that those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. We all face injustice from time to time but there are some people who are constantly under the throws of mistreatment. We are blessed in our country to have a justice system which (when operated correctly by lawful people) allows us to have freedom to express ourselves and to praise and worship our God openly. It is not a perfect system but we all must work to make it better. 

     When we are under false assumptions or persecution because we want to help others who may not look like us, believe, act or worship like us; we must remember that God’s justice shall reign supreme. When we are pushed or threatened to act in ways which contradict what our moral compass tells us is right; we must remember that God’s justice shall reign supreme. The Kingdom of heaven has total jurisdiction over all of creation and no man-made laws can counter the judgement that God will dole out to those who stifle his children.

     Continue doing what is right, not in your own eyes, but follow the commandments of God and adhere to the teachings of Christ. You can never go wrong, even if the world tries to malign or harass you; even if you are wrongly judged and persecuted, remember that vengeance belongs to God and he is faithful to those who trust him.
     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. Enjoy the weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Speak Health

Proverbs 18:21(NIV)- “The tongue has the power of life and death,

    and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

    There are some simple things that God tells us to do that if we follow them our way of life is so much better. We are instructed to get adequate rest; to resist temptation; to avoid gossip and to love each other.  Avoiding tempting situations would surely lower our stress levels and we probably would be able to rest and sleep better and not be so grouchy; and that might help us treat each other better.  Most important is that we speak and proclaim positive situations over our lives.

     Healing begins with the proclamation of good health.  If you are experiencing pain, it is honest to say that your head or body hurts, but stop telling yourself that you “have a headache”. One phrase is just a statement of a fact – your head might hurt – the other statement is proclaiming something over your life - “I have a headache” will become your permanent reality.    Speak power over the issues that concern you.  Proclaim victory over fear and nervousness and walk in the authority that Jesus’ blood grants to all of us.

     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

Comfort Cometh

Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

      As inevitable as life itself, grief happens in our midst.  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 burden of sin is 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 – then 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

Mercy Reigns

Matthew 5:7 – “⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!”

     Today’s scripture tells us that spiritual prosperity and joyful satisfaction awaits us when we demonstrate mercy.  Our God is a merciful Father who withholds from us the rightful judging ‘end’ to many of the wrongful actions we have often committed.  He shows us mercy and grace like the two sides of a coin.  We must do the same in our dealings with others. 

     Think about a situation or circumstance where you hold the power to make the choice to show someone mercy.  Make a decision today to exercise your right to help them.  What will it take?  Will it really set you back or make life more difficult for you?  Chances are many of the simple acts of assisting someone else in actuality will not only aid them; but benefit us as well.  Forgive a debt; erase an error from your memory bank; extend a deadline.  Whatever it might take to show mercy – do that today and watch as God’s blessings flow back upon you.

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

We Are One!

Romans 12:4-5(NLV) – “4 Our bodies are made up of many parts. None of these parts have the same use. 5 There are many people who belong to Christ. And yet, we are one body which is Christ’s. We are all different but we depend on each other.”
     No matter what our role is in the Body of Christ, we all play a vital part in the successful progression of God’s kingdom. Not everyone is selected to be a heart, or lung or brain or what we might consider to be a ‘vital’ part of the body; some of us might be designated to serve as pinkie toes or eyelashes. But we are all extremely important in the body. If you doubt that - think about the last time you stubbed your toe or had an eyelash fall into your eye. They will remind you that no matter how small they are, they are significant and the rest of the body will wait until you pay attention to them. (smiles).
     Yesterday we remembered the fatal day 15 years ago when blatant acts of terrorism stunned our nation as planes were turned into bombs in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. We still honor the victims, members of our first response teams, and all of the families affected by this tragedy. We are all members of one body and when one part is in pain, we all hurt.
     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

Interested in participating in my next DETOX?  I am starting on Sept. 22nd.  You can do an abbreviated 21-day detox or go all the way with me on the 40-day detox.  Details are available soon on my website at www.smarttchoice.org .  click the DETOX tab!

Chameleons

Joshua 9:1

      The fifth kingdom that came to assault the children of Israel in the 9^th chapter of Joshua was that of the Hivites.  They were a sneaky group of vipers.  They had a brotherhood which reached far and wide.  One of their coalitions was the men of Gibeon who later deceived Joshua and the leaders into signing a peace treaty.  The Hivites in our lives can be chameleons showing us one face yet being of another nature.  We know them too well once they are revealed but God wants us to be on guard for their craftiness before they can wreak havoc in our lives.

     There are some telltale signs that we can look for which will help us uncover their motives.  Beware of fast-talkers, double-talkers; those who are easily upset.  Be careful when people talk too much about other people’s affairs; they mask being concerned about you but will probably spill their guts to others about your issues.  Be wary of braggarts and name-droppers; if their worth is based on what they have and who they know; unless they are dropping the name of Jesus and bragging about a Godly testimony, steer clear.  Want a sure fire test…let a chameleon get caught off guard and watch them change right before your eyes.

     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.  Enjoy your weekend.  See you on Monday!  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Cantankerous

Joshua 9:1

     A fourth kingdom that came to assault the children of Israel in the 9^th chapter of Joshua was that of the mountain dwelling Jebusites.  They had a foot-hold on their territory and through many scrimmages could never be dislodged from around Jerusalem.  These hillbillies were a cantankerous crew who often pitched battles against Joshua and caused God to bring judgement on the nation of Israel.

     We all know them, the unruly, argumentative, die-hards who won’t come, won’t go, won’t vote, won’t contribute, won’t leave, won’t stay but will complain about any and everything.  Cantankerous blood flows through their veins like the milk and honey that flowed through the promise land.  Be aware of their nature. They are often knowledgeable but have little to contribute.  They will waste your time by getting your hopes up then letting you down when they don’t follow through.  You might as well have done it yourself in the first place and not have gotten riled up. Save yourself the heartache, realize they will probably never truly help and if they do it will be very minimal. Don’t get vexed or irritated – they are just doing what they do. So you do what you have been purposed by God to accomplish and keep it moving!

     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 

Drain You Dry

Joshua 9_1
     Today is part three of our study of the 9th chapter of Joshua. A third kingdom that came to assault the children of Israel was that of the Perizzites, who were insidiously, and infectiously parasitic in nature. Their origin is chiefly unknown but they are persistent in the generational history of region. Their sly maneuvers included being peace-seeking ranchers, farmers, and workers of the land where they engaged the Israelites in parasitic form. Slowly and seductively they drained them of devotion to God and led them into idolatry.
     Be careful of people who latch on to you and drain you of your time, resources and energy. They will not come at you with a full-fledged frontal attack like the Hittites who love to push your buttons, but they will seductively engage you to distract you from doing what you need to accomplish as they drain you dry to suit their needs. Using flattery or other forms of obsequiousness, they may even convince you that your helping them is a Christian underpinning and that to stop assisting them would be ungodly. 
      Every parasite that attaches itself to a victim never fastens where it can be easily detected and detached, but shelters itself in a place that is often hard to reach. Somehow you know something about them is not quite right, but you can’t put your finger on it…listen to the Holy Spirit…he is giving you warning to separate yourself from that negativity. Parasites will never leave, as long as you are alive for them to draw from; they will drain you until you have nothing left to offer them and they never replenish your needs, no matter how they may ‘talk’ about their concern for you. We wise – God has a purpose and plan for you and you need all of your energy to be the best that you can be for your journey.
     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

Smooth As Silk

     Today is part two of our study of the 9^th chapter of Joshua.  Another kingdom that came to assault the children of Israel was that of the Canaanites, who were a sophisticated lot. Credited with the development of the written alphabet these people used their influential charms to infiltrate and influence the Hebrew children.  They were divisive and subtle in their approach as they intermarried and influenced the Israelites to follow their pagan practices and abandon the teachings of God.
     Be aware of those around you who use sly methods to influence your decisions or sway you from your purpose.  They may use flattery, intimidation or try to confuse issues to make you believe you are not making good choices when you follow what God wants you to do.  They may be smooth talkers with get-rich-quick schemes or fast-talkers who try to use double talk or fancy language to confuse or scam you.
     Remember the teachings of God and listen to the urging of the Holy Spirit.  If it does not sit right with your spirit; know that God is telling you to be aware of those who might misuse you. 
     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 

Devilish Ways

During our September First Friday Fellowship gathering we discussed passages out of the 9^th chapter of Joshua.  After a successful venture in Ai, the Israelites became the target of surrounding kings; five of which mounted a combined assault against them.  This week I will share how to recognize five characteristics what will try to hamper your conquering your promised achievements, promotions, progress, etc.  
     One of the kingdoms that came to assault the Israelites were specialists in metal working (Hittites).  They were an abrasive people, often harsh and unscrupulously devilish.  Today's power scripture comes from 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.  When you are affronted with brash people, don’t let them push your buttons, get you off your game plan or distract you from your calling.  Recognize them for who they are and then 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 purposed.  Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn 

Physical Healing

2 Kings 20:5 – “Go back and speak to Hezekiah, the leader of my people.  Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord the God of your ancestor David, says: I heard your prayer and I saw your tears, so I will heal you.”

    Hezekiah had been very ill – ill unto death.  He was not ready to die nor did he want to remain in his chronic condition; therefore he prayed and carried out to the Lord and reminded God of all that he had purposed to do.  In hearing the cries of his servant, God not only healed Hezekiah of his ailment but he granted him an additional 15 years of life.

     If your body or the physical frame of someone you love is under the siege of a disease, infection, or physical trauma; do as Hezekiah did.  Make your petition unto the Lord.  You might not be at death’s door; but anything that brings trauma to your physical body affects the mental state of being and leeches onto the soul.

     When we are in pain and distress we cannot reason adequately or do our best performance.  It is imperative that we seek God’s favor and mercy as he is willing to manifest these healings for our relief.  In the time of Hezekiah the blood of Jesus had not been shed but now by his stripes (Jesus’s afflictions) we are healed.  NOT going to be healed or COULD be healed – but we ARE healed.  Claim your victory in Christ.  Turn your face to the wall and seek God’s favor for walking in divine health and well-being.  It’s yours… it has been paid for with a price.  Keep your body temple clean of impurities (infidelity, fornication, drug use); nourish your body temple with proper diet and daily feed it the Bread of Life and the Living Water of Jesus.

   Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a power.  Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend; see you on Monday.  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Healing Our Souls from People Pleasing

Throw Back Thursday - Healing Our Souls from People Pleasing

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) – “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”

     Everyone likes to be appreciated and loved. It is not atypical for someone to desire to be in good standing with family, friends, co-workers and other people in general.  None of us can deny that at some point or another it felt good when we heard someone say complimentary things about us because of something we did or accomplished.  The warning comes when we do activities or acts of kindness just to get the applause and cheers of the crowd. 

    Healing needs to occur when we seek to get accolades from people and soon learn that those cheers are hollow and short-lived. When the hurt and disappointments of empty compliments ravage our souls, we must seek to abandon activities that pump up our emotions yet leave our souls deflated.   Even Jesus knew what it was like to be loved and adored with shouts of praise at the beginning of the week; only to be spat upon, hit and cursed by week’s end. How quickly cheers of ‘Hosanna’,’ Hosanna’ turned to ‘crucify him’,’ crucify him’.

     We were created to praise and glorify God and in doing so our actions may lead others to appreciate our efforts; however that should never be our primary motivation. God looks at our hearts and judges our incentives. Today focus on why you do certain actions. Study your motivations and evaluate if you do things because you have genuine empathy for the situation or is it just routine, mundane and what others expect you to do as a people pleaser.

      If helping others is not deeply rooted in God’s grace and mercy the Holy Spirit will reveal this to you and will guide you in how to turn from being a people pleaser to a man or woman after God’s own heart.

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