Tuesday, February 28, 2017

All For One

1 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV) - “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
     Now that football season is officially over and the champions have been triumphantly cheered, many sports fans will turn their attentions to the next challenge of athletic prowess - basketball. This happens to be my sport of choice. In my youth I enjoyed playing on our school’s intramural team, now I get total satisfaction off the court as a spectator. Regardless of whether you are an armchair coach or a weekend player one thing is noted basketball, like life, is fast-paced and cannot be successful without teamwork. While there may be a few star players whose skills set them apart from the rest, no one person can win a game. The greatest players need assists and strong rebounders to help them set-up and make their shots.
     As Christians we find this same team work is needed to help us navigate through life’s playing field. God has set up the tournament; our Savior Jesus has already shown us the best plays and they are written down in a special play book (The Holy Bible) so that we can have easy access to them. The Holy Spirit is our daily coach and other believers are our team mates. We must rely upon each other to avoid injuries; to outwit the underhanded dirty plays of the enemy team and come out on top. Our success may depend upon us being in the foreground making the all-important lay-ups or it might mean that for certain plays we do not get our hands on the ball but put them up to guard against the wiles of the oppressing forces. Don’t worry if you feel sidetracked or delayed. Sometimes we have to fake one direction to actually go in another or we have to stop dead in our tracks and pass the play on to another who is free to keep the action going.
     Whatever station you are in life right now, whether running full press for a sure shot or taking your chance from outside the 3-point line or maybe you have been fouled and standing at the free throw line trying to make up for lost ground; know that you have a team running right beside you ready to help. And also don’t forget about those on the bench…getting rested up, prayed up and anointed to come back in and take us all on to victory. No man is an island. Don’t think you have to go it alone. If you are feeling isolated pray for God to raise up a team that can help you sharpen your skills and get the most out of this game called life.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT. Play victoriously. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, February 27, 2017

Do Your Own Thing

Happy Monday!  I pray you had a great weekend. 
1 Samuel 17:39- “David strapped Saul's sword over the armor and tried to walk, but he couldn't, because he wasn't used to wearing them. “I can't fight with all this,” he said to Saul. “I'm not used to it.” So he took it all off.”
Television, radio, internet websites or even magazine and newspaper ads often claim that ‘another’ way is the better way. Newer, faster, better, improved…we hear and see these terms added to just about everything in life.  While there can always be areas for improvement, we must not throw out what we know is ‘tried and true’.  
When David approached the battle with Goliath, Saul tried to equip him with his own personal armor.  It was great for Saul, fit him perfectly and no doubt had protected him well through many scrimmages; but it was not the best idea for David.  David realized this before it became a problem.
People will always have ideas, suggestions and many of them will make good sense and seem feasible.  But you must rely upon that which God has perfected in you.  David remembered that God had been with him when he fought and conquered the lion and the bear.  He did it with his courage and the simple slingshot with which he practiced for countless hours as he watched his father’s flocks.  Now when the time was right to defend Israel, David relied on what he knew best.
Think about what lessons you have done over and over again and rely upon the fact that you are now an ‘expert’ at that skill.  Use it to your benefit and the glory of God.  Don’t let others de-value what you know God has made precious in you.  It may not be flashy or extravagant.  David’s slingshot could not compare with metal armor or a shiny sword…but it sure did get the job done.
 Every day is a good day;  it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Act Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn


Friday, February 24, 2017

My Hometown



John 1:46 - “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.”
     North, south, east or west; each region believes that it is best. Geography seems to matter a lot to some people. They claim one area has the best food while another brags about its cultural base and another of its desirable weather. As Christ was developing his earthy ministry one of the newcomers commented about the homeland of Christ suggesting that nothing good could be associated with Nazareth.
     Do not be ashamed of where you come from or your family’s background no matter how unsophisticated or simple it might seem in comparison to others. Most of us who can trace our family tree back a few generations will find humble beginnings. After all, Christ came from a lowly station in life to demonstrate to the world that God uses whatever and wherever he chooses to make his purpose known. Maybe your grandmother could not read, but she could wash and iron and save to make sure her children went to school. Or maybe college was not the path for dad and he chose military service which forced the family to relocate often. And so what if incarcerations or unplanned pregnancies or addictions snared members of your family; we are who God says that we are; not what circumstance tries to dictate.
     God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He used a harlot from Jericho; a concerned traveler from Samaria; a woman at a well; a shepherd boy from Bethlehem and he can use you too. Whether you are from the heights of Cherry Hill, NJ; New Orleans’ 9th Ward; the streets of south Central LA; the south side of Chicago; the ritzy shores of Southampton or a barrio in Albuquerque, your life is important and the contribution you make to this world is not about where you come from but where you are going! Hurray for your hometown.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT. Live Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, February 23, 2017

No Fear

1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
     Over the past week our neighborhood has experienced a few break-in where burglars have kicked in doors and stolen hard earned goods from the homes of my neighbors. It of course has left a sense of urgency amongst the residents as we discuss ways to secure our homes against such attacks, but also it has brought to our minds that the best defense against evil is the offense of love and prayer.
     When these offenders choose to perpetrate crimes there is really little we can do about it. It has often been said that if someone really wants to steal your car or break into our home they will do it. Our best thought is not so much about worrying over the likelihood of an occurrence but to do the best we can to safeguard ourselves and put our trust in God for his protection.
     Like many of my neighbors I am exploring ways to be more secure but my first reaction was to give God praise for his protection. We never know what criminal element is watching as we go forth in our day, but we do know that we have a God who sits high yet looks low as his eyes canvas the horizon. He is everywhere at all times and ever knowledgeable about all things. My prayers were for thanksgiving. First that my neighbors were not home when the intruders came so that there was not conflict or potential loss of life and secondly for guarding my home against assault. We cannot and must not live in fear. God’s perfect love is our shield.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live Fearlessly and Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Peeking vs Seeking

Jeremiah 29:13 (CEV) – “When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me.”
     “Stop using the refrigerator for an air conditioner”, I used to say to my oldest son, when as a teenager he stood in front of the open appliance trying to locate a snack. He would never move any items but would simply open the door and stare into the contents as if he believed what he wanted would maneuver itself to the front and jump into his hands.
     In the scripture for today, God tells us that he is available, willing and ready to be found but our looking must be conscientiously done. We must seek God with fervor, diligence and commitment. We can’t just scrap along the surface with premeditated prayers, closed-mouthed praise and time-limited worship. We cannot put God in a box and expect that every time we need him, he will pop-up like a Jack-in-the-box and respond methodically. We must seek, hunt, pursue, search, inquire, and go after our relationship with God with gusto and enthusiasm.
     Even in our carnal thinking we place more value on things that we have to pursue. Things that are ‘free’ or easy to acquire are often not as treasured or cherished. We say that we get what we pay for. Well if we think this about leather versus pleather; perfume versus cologne or prime rib versus hamburger; then it is not too far-fetched to see how the original God that we serve deserves our undivided and uncompromised attention. Give God your best; seek him with your whole heart; love him with your total being and watch him make himself more visible and tangible in your life.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Testify!


Mark 8:38 (RSV) - "For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”  

     This past Sunday, during church service we marked our obedience to the call of God as we celebrated our sixth church anniversary with prayer, praise and testimonies. It was wonderful to hear faithful members speak of the goodness of God with recounts of healings; homes and reconciled relationships. As each person spoke we all drew strength from their testimonies to face our futures with even brighter expectations and hope.
      It is important for the Body of Christ to testify. It serves several great purposes. First and foremost the acknowledgement upon which it is anchored honors God as a means of giving thanks for what he has done. In sharing the acts or deeds that God provides we let others know that God is always listening and addressing the issues of our hearts. Speaking out about God’s providential care lets the non-believers know that we serve a God who cares about every aspect of our lives. Testimonies record sequentially the works of the Father; which allows us to ‘flip back’ through the pages of our history to refresh and renew our commitment to God and each other.
      Do not be ashamed of your life in Christ or the ways which God orchestrates to bring change. When it is your time, I am sure you want Jesus to stand boldly before the throne of Grace and shout your worthiness to the God of Creation. What might seem trivial or just commonplace to you could be a great testimony for someone struggling to see or move to the next level in their faith. Your words could provide the reassurance they need or the framework of how to address an issue. Just telling how long you prayed before the answer manifested itself, could give a fellow believer the freedom to trust God’s heart when they cannot see God’s hand. Open up and share your story. We need to hear it.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Share Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, February 20, 2017

On My Mind

Psalm 40:3 (TLB) -- “He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in him.”

        Ever have a song stuck in your head? And repeatedly throughout the day you find yourself singing, uttering or whistling that tune. You might even try to stop thinking about it and push it out of your head; but there it is… and once again you find yourself mouthing the words. Well I am sure I am not the only one who has been under the influence of a catchy tune. This is the same type of influence we need to garner when it comes to God’s word. We need to practice keeping praises about this goodness in our mouths and on the tips of our tongues. It is beneficial to memorize scripture so we can recall it when situations require a blessed WORD from God.       It is always wonderful to repeat phrases and scriptures to empower ourselves when we face daily obstacles that can chip away at us. When customer service fails to meet our expectations, and a poorly trained clerk treats us unprofessionally we can rewind in our minds the scripture from Mark 8:33 – “Get thee behind me Satan”. When your teenager fumbles around trying to tell about the dent in your car it’s time to recall Psalm 101:7 “He who works deceit shall not dwell in my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.”
      If the boss has a wild hair up his or her nose and has forgotten that you serve a powerful God, time to utter the words of Jesus from John 19:11 - “You would have no power at all over me unless it were given to you from above. So those who brought me to you have the greater sin.” The Bible holds a power scripture to fit every situation and occasion. Start learning key phrases. Let them bring you peace and satisfaction.


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


Friday, February 17, 2017

Embrace Correction


TGIF!! Today’s power scripture comes from Genesis 4:6-7. “And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it”.     When Cain and Abel presented their offerings to God, scripture reveals that Abel’s gift was accepted yet Cain’s was not. Many have speculated why Cain was rejected. Was it because his offering was not his first or his best? What was his attitude and behavior when he presented his gifts to God? We can no doubt postulate many reasons but one thing is sure; Cain was given opportunity to make right whatever was wrong and he did not.He took the need for ‘correction’ and turned his inadequacy upon his brother Abel.
     This is an example of what to not do! Corrective criticism can be one of our greatest allies when we are seeking to improve our present state. When someone finds fault in what you have done or plan to do, don’t get angry or depressed. Even criticism that comes unsolicited or tainted with mockery can serve a vast purpose in elevating you to higher heights. Take heed at what is told to you. You may not like the message nor the messenger, but get the information and don’t lose the opportunity to fine tune your act. Sometimes great gifts come in ugly packaging.     Use to your advantage the criticism levied at you. For a knife to have a better cutting edge it must be ground against a rough surface. You cannot sharpen a knife on cotton, but it can be honed into a shiny winnowing cutting tool by simply repeatedly scraping it against a rock. The abrasion of the hard times and the decision to not give up are the tools that will make you sharp and ready for action. God may use your abrasive boss, teacher, spouse, in-law or grumpy neighbor to shape you into the precise tool he needs for his Kingdom. Embrace and rejoice in each new lesson.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT. Be blessed! Live Victoriously! Have a great weekend. See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn



Thursday, February 16, 2017

Shun Revenge

Romans 12:19 - “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but [a]leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.´(NAS)
     Some say that revenge is a dish best served cold. But the Bible tells us to avoid the temptation of seeking revenge. At some point in time, we have all been wronged in some manner. Whether we were the butt of a prank; cheated by a friend or the victim of identity theft and fraud; once we find or figure out how we have been duped the next thought is usually about how we can get back at the culprits.
     Jesus in his treatment of Judas Iscariot gives us a good example of how to react when we are treated in less than honorable ways. Although he was fully aware of the schemes and motivations of Judas, Jesus still permitted him to remain as one of the inner circle of disciples. He had a purpose to fulfill. We waste precious time and energy worrying and working on how to get back at perpetrators and soon we find that the people whom we seek vengeance upon have gone on with their lives and do not even have a shred of regret or remorse for what they have done.
     “Can’t nobody do me like Jesus, can’t nobody do me like the Lord.” This is often said about how just trusting in Christ can heal a grieving heart or make a life more tolerable just by being under the mantle of Christ. I’d like to do another arrangement on this ole familiar tune. When it comes to vengeance and satisfaction – “Can’t nobody get them like Jesus; can’t nobody get them like the Lord.”
     Stay focused on what God has in your destiny. Stay on your plan; work your ministry; study for your classes; advance on your job; love your family; care for your elders; and let God handle those who have the nerve to mistreat you.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Walk Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Master Key

Isaiah 22:22 (ERV)- “I will put the key to David’s house around his neck. If he opens a door, no one will be able to close it. If he closes a door, no one will be able to open it.”
     The other day I was cleaning out an old jewelry box and came upon an oddly shaped key. It looks like an old brass skeletal key but it is flattened and has odd markings. I do like to collect odd metal pieces to make jewelry, but I didn’t remember where I got this unique key from or why it wasn’t with my other collectibles. I thought about what it might have once fit; what type of door or special lock it opened. My mind took an adventurous turn and I even thought that perhaps it was a ‘Master’ key that could open or secure many different locks.
     When Jesus left this world after his resurrection he promised the gift of the Holy Spirit that would always abide with and within true believers. We are so blessed that the Holy Spirit not only guides us, but provides us with the ‘Master’ keys to so many situations. His loving care, comforting ways and protective nature are evident in how he opens fortuitous doors we don’t even see and closes off areas that might be limiting or dangerous. He warns us about distractions and detours that could throw us off track. His keys are priceless and specific. His keys are uniquely fashioned for us and when we do not use them properly or misplace them, he is not angry but quick to help us retrieve what is lost.
     Our God is the Master and his keys help us to maneuver the course of life as we listen to the instructions, directions, warnings, guides and helps provided by the life that Jesus lived and the influence of the Holy Spirit. The keys come in many dimensions. Sometimes the keys come as thoughts when we are studying; dreams when were are meditating; conversations when we are listening and visions when we are praying. God gives us the keys to open great new ventures and keys to lock down and lock out predatory things that try to devour our progress. We must be diligent for when he places these keys within our grasp and to use them wisely. Do not let important keys lay dormant, get rusty or fall into the wrong hands.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live Victoriously! Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Fear vs Love

I want to extend special Valentine birthday greetings to my brother, Stanley Smartt.  "Happy Natal Day Big Bro!" 

1 John 4:18 (HCSB) – “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.”
     News reports of events circulating around the globe create an atmosphere of hopelessness, doubt and fear; fear of terrorism; fear of abandonment; fear of loss; and fear of the unknown. Our country has experienced drastic changes due to our new administration; poor decisions lead to speculation and prejudicial treatment. Severe weather patterns have caused many to be without the basic necessities of heat; light and food. The global economy, stock markets, missile nuclear testing and fluctuating financial trends foster precedents unbridled fear.
     Fear is a tool of the evil one and will appear without warning or invitation. We have to be mindful that fear creeps in and hangs around waiting for a vulnerable place to slide into our consciousness. It will try to make itself at home whenever we take our eyes off of the true ‘love’ that God proves.
     When we look into the eyes of our problems; we stare into nothingness and lose focus of the love that God has for us. Don’t give problems that much attention. Our scripture tells us that fear cannot and will not abide where there is love. God is love; perfect love; and where God is -fear cannot be. Fear tries to intimidate and instigate our emotions to work against us. Every bump in the night becomes an intruder; every low tone becomes a whisper against us; every slight pain is malignant and like every other lie of the devil it can be chased away just by the mention of the name of Jesus.
    Do not let fear, which is False Evidence Appearing Real, linger. When it tries to creep in and take over speak out against it. Give God the glory and usher in the courage that the Holy Spirit brings. Take courage in the form of love. Love yourself and take courage in your God-given ability to call out fear and take its power away. Don’t be afraid to try, to do, to advance, to fail, to get back up and try again, to explore, to stand up for yourself, to listen, to learn, to be all that you can be. Love will conquer all.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! On this Valentine’s Day let LOVE Victoriuosly and squelch fear. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, February 13, 2017

God's Way

Ephesians 2:10  - “1For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
     Any time we ask – “What on earth am I here for?” the Bible answers ‘to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do?  God created us for a prearranged mission.  We are conscripts; not merely volunteers in this life journey.  WE don’t get to decide our calling and it is a mistake to truy to duplicate someone else’s calling.  All of us are called to do god’s work God’s way. 
     How do you know what your calling is? 1) Work with your spiritual gifts. Ask and let God show you through your deepest desires and core competencies where you are best suited to serve. 2) Submit to godly leadership for guidance. 3) Commit your abilities and resources to building up your local church.  4) Develop a servant spirit.  Start serving and God will reveal your gifts to you.

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Enjoy the beginning of a wonderful week.  Serve Victoriously!  Be Blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Friday, February 10, 2017

Small Encounters

Luke 9:6 – “So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.”
    Last week I was honored to bring the message of hope at the Vesper Service at my aunt’s retirement community. This coming Sunday I am blessed to be asked to deliver the sermon at my own church.  Whenever we can share the good news of Christ with others we should consider it a privilege and do whatever is necessary to make it happen.  We can never know how our message might impact the lives of others.
     I recall a story I read a while ago about a man who was walking to church one night and saw four boys hanging out on a street corner.  He decided to invite them to go with him and they did.  They went back again the following Sunday and eventually these four boys became the nucleus of the Sunday school class that the gentleman began to teach. 
     Years later some of the man’s friends decided to throw him a surprise birthday party and decided to invite the four boys to send special letters to be presented to their old teacher.  Their letters were real eye openers.  One boy had become a missionary to China, one was president of the US Federal Reserve, one was the private secretary to President Herbert Hoover and the fourth was- President Hoover himself.
     Sometimes our small encounters are God-encounters that take place when we are busy with other things or on our way to somewhere else.  If we are not prepared or aware, we will miss a real blessing, a chance to grow and an opportunity to put God’s interest ahead of our own.  This weekend you might not be invited to preach from a pulpit, but you can surely share the word of God, a simple scripture or word of encouragement with a friend, a family member, or a stranger as you wait in line.

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Enjoy your weekend.  See you on Monday.  Share the Word Victoriously!  Be Blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Get More Sleep

Psalm 127:2 – “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves. He gives his beloved sleep.”
     Illness, stress, family problems, job demands, etc., can rob us of sleep. If we constantly run on low battery power it will show up in our attitudes, our relationships and our performance. The Bibles says (1) “’He gives his beloved sleep” ; (2) I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8) and (3) “When you lie down, you will not be afraid, yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. (Prov 3:24)
Sleep is an act of trust; when you go to sleep the world is in God’s hands, not yours. And it will get along very well (even if you aren’t awake to control things). When you awaken the next morning, God will give you the grace you need for the new day.
     Ever tried to pray when you were suffering from sleep deficit? It is hard to do. Before Elijah was able to spend prolonged time in prayer the angel of the Lord made him take not one, but two long naps. Contrast that with the disciples in Gethsemane who couldn’t pray because they kept falling asleep. It is hard to think, feel and act like Jesus when you lack sleep. That is why the Psalmist says – “He gives His beloved sleep.” Maybe the most spiritual thing we can do is to get to bed earlier and wake up refreshed so we are ready to fulfill God’s purpose for our day.
     Every day is a good day. It is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Rejuvenate Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Bright Lights

John 1:5 (NIV) – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
     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! Live Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Faithful Cheerleaders

John 2:5 (ESV) - “ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.
    This scripture comes from St. John’s Gospel depiction of the first public miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was so resolved that he could handle the situation that she boldly made the proclamation to the servants to ‘do whatever he instructs you to do’. Jesus had not made wine appear out of nowhere before nor had he done any miracle for that matter, but his mom had such faith in him that she knew her son would handle the issue and that the celebratory family would not be embarrassed.
    I was thinking about all of the people in my life who had such support and faith in me that they, without hesitation, knew that whatever the task, I could handle it. I remember Corean Burns who started calling me Dr. JoAnn when I still had years to go before completing my doctorate. And Edith Abrams who urged me to give teaching a try. I can still hear the promptings of Kimberly Corbitt who saw ministry in me decades before I took my first seminary course. These people spoke into my life and often at times when I needed to hear that I could do it. They often provided me with the impetus to grasp for that second wind and to push across the finish line. Many of them may not have ever known just how vital that smile, hug, inspirational call or card impacted my ability to hold on and stay strong.
    We need to practice supporting one another even when we don’t actually foresee how things may turn out. God has the ultimate plan and the playbook strategies are all outlined and in the midst of it all everyone can use a great cheering squad. My charge to you today is ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your memory someone who could use a little pat on the back today; an impromptu phone call or even a surprise lunch visit and do your part to make today special for them. You could be the very reason someone’s whole day can be readjusted for success. Think about the last time someone spoke into your life at just the right time and how great it made you feel - Pass it on!
    Every day is a good day. It is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Act Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Monday, February 6, 2017

Chosen by the Best

John 15:16(ESV) – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
     Yesterday I watched as the Atlanta Falcons played against the new England Patriots in the 51st Super Bowl game in Houston, Texas. Of course my loyalties are with my team, the Green Bay Packers, but since the home team made it to the final showdown I did cheer them on. The best teams from each conference showed up to show off their talents, skills and training. Through the process of elimination they have risen to the top to be called the ‘best’. Each team is made up of individual players who through draft selection, trades or other methods were selected to make up the team roster.
     We have been chosen, selected, and hand-picked to live the life that God has ordained. The ups and downs, ins and outs, peaks and valleys are all a part of the assignment that God has entrusted to us; empowered us to complete and constantly monitors us to give the provisions that we need to be successful.
      When life presents challenges to us that just seem insurmountable, it is refreshing to remember that God is in control and that he has not fallen asleep at the wheel. He is fully knowledgeable about our every circumstance and if we continue to trust him and lean upon his Holy name, we will defeat all the snares of the enemy and overcome the obstacles that stand in our path. The road may not be easy and often it seems that others have a better time than we do, but do not be dismayed – God is so on top of our situation and he loves us so much. Remember, when you can’t see God’s hand, and you are uncertain about his plan, trust in his heart. He is awesome, magnificent, sovereign and good!
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Friday, February 3, 2017

Accepting Yourself

Matthew 22:39 – “...‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
     Only by loving yourself in a healthy way, can you love others the way God intended. When you don’t love yourself you live in insecurity; and you keep looking to others for approval. When you don’t get it, your self-worth shrivels. As a result, you live far beneath your potential. You are the only person you can’t get away from, so unless you learn to accept yourself, you’ll be miserable. Stop and think about the last time you were around somebody you dint enjoy being with – how did it feel?
     Whether good or bad, you project onto others the thoughts and feelings you have about yourself. So if you want people to think well of you, have a good opinion of yourself – one that’s based on God’s will and nurtured buy the right relationships. No question, the Bible cautions us about having an overinflated opinion of ourselves. But don’t go to the other extreme! Living with continual self-rejection is an open invitation to Satan, who is always ‘sneaking around to find someone to attack.’ Don’t play into his hands!
     Paul writes: “Nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature”. That means the good qualities you do possess, are evidence that God is at work in your life. So be sure to acknowledge them. The Bible says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Instead of focusing on your flaws and feeling bad about yourself, recognize the ‘treasure’ of God’s presence, power, and potential that lives with you, and building on it.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Have a great weekend; see you on Monday! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Something Else

Ephesians 2:7 - “ In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
    What you’re going through right now is important, because God is weighing it in the light of your future. God doesn’t measure us in terms of our present condition or comfort level. No, He has a far greater plan in mind. ‘God knew [us] before he made the world, and he chose [us] to be like his Son. Imagine that! One day we will be just like Jesus; doesn’t that blow your mind?
    In the coming ages God is going to put us on display and say. “Look at My workmanship. Can you believe that I made these glorified creature from clay? When I first scooped them off the ground they wouldn’t hold water. But I worked with them, molded them and raised them up until they held relationships, and ministries, and concepts and jobs. What you heard about them is true. They were a disgrace and a disaster, but My grace was sufficient. Now they will sit with me, ruling and reigning forever!
     When it comes to performing the impossible, Houdini and PT Barnum were amateurs. Could they have parted the Red Sea, put the sun on hold for 24 hours, turned water into wine, resurrected the dead, and done it all with such style? Well guess what? That same God is at work in your life. That’s because He plans to show you off some day. Incredible as it may sound, when God gets through with you, you’ll be something else.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn



Wednesday, February 1, 2017

We Were Chosen

Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,”
     Before you were born, God already had a plan for your life. “We were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with…his will. The Living Bible puts it this way – “All things happen just as he decided long go.” Notice it says ‘’all things’. That includes the things you want to run from! When Jonah tried to run from God and go to Tarshish, God said, “No way, my plan is in place. If I let you escape I wouldn’t be God. If I have to I’ll send a storm, rock your boat and put your life on hold in order to accomplish my purpose.”
When Jonah could go no lower he prayed and God answered him, just in time to go and preach in Ninevah, his original destination. You can go the easy way or the hard way, but you’ll go. The Psalmist said. “Your way... is in the sanctuary. . . Your way was sin the sea [storm]. The choice is yours.
     Understand this: you have been picked for a purpose; God has too much invested in you to let you get away with things. If you have to come on a stretcher when He calls you’ll come. If you have to leave behind a relationship, or an addiction or a personal agenda, you’ll come. And you’ll know its God, because you’ll be willing to leave behind those things which now mean nothing, in order to live for those things which now mean everything.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn