Feeling Threatened?

Acts 4:29–30 -“29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
     Do you feel like you’re under attack today? For the next two blogs I want to share 4 things the Apostles did when they were threatened by the authorities for doing what God told them to do.
     (1) They brought God into the picture. “Lord, behold their threatening” (Act 4:29). Have you talked to the Lord about your issue yet? If it’s not big enough to be a prayer it’s too small to be a burden! God should be the first person you discuss it with, not the last. Prayer is the door through which He enters your situation, but you have to invite Him in.
     (2) They prayed for greater faith. “Lord…grant unto thy servants…boldness” (Acts 4:29). It’s unrealistic to expect that all our questions will be answered right away and all our fears disappear. Fear and faith will always be at work in our lives. If we want to be overcomers, we must learn to starve our fear and feed our faith. (See Romans 10:17)
     Talk to God today about what is making you anxious or uncomfortable or even fearful. He knows your heart and wants to calm you. Reach out to him today.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Excerpts from the “Word for you Today” 9-16-2009

Open for Business

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

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

    When it comes to our own relationship with Jesus what are we "flashing" in our window and what are we offering once Jesus comes into our heart? Let us always be mindful of how we portray ourselves  and the God that we represent.  

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

God Will Make A Way

Genesis 4:25 – “Eve gave birth to another son and named him Seth (Meaning ‘Granted’”
     In one sweep of jealousy Eve’s dreams lay bleeding on the ground, her older son a criminal on the run, her younger son murdered in the prime of life. She’s supposed to be the mother of all living things and now all she has is a corpse and a killer. Can you identify with her? Have you said –“Lord this is not what You promised?’ If that’s where you are today – God will make a way. 
      Look what he did for His people in the wilderness. “He led them forth by the right way. God knows what he’s doing! Everything in your life may seem to be falling apart, when in reality you’re just in one of those ‘” but God situations”. When he enters the picture, everything changes!
     When Cain killed Abel, God’s plan for Eve was delayed - - - but not destroyed! And in spite of what you are going through right now, everything God has promised you will be fulfilled.
     When Cain killed Abel God’s plan for Eve was delayed. God moved in Eve’s life and gave her another son called Seth. Eve realized that if God says it, He will do it. Satan may try to put up roadblocks but he can’t prevent it from happening. Your blessing may not come in the way you thought it should or through the person you thought it would, but if God said it - rest assured He’ll make a way.

Continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Unknown Protection

Job 1:10 (NIV) – “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.”
     God’s protection is always with and around us, even when we least suspect it. One of my mentees shared with me yesterday how profoundly aware she realized this when after an entire year God showed his loving care through a simple phone call.
     Last summer, while exercising at the park her car was vandalized and many of her possessions were stolen including her purse with important identification. Others in the park were also affected and one person in particular was panicking because she felt so for her safety since the thieves now had her address from her driver’s license that she considered purchasing a weapon for protection. While my mentee was upset about the ordeal she tried to calm the other victim by assuring her that God is the only protection she really needs and to trust him to keep the perpetrators from her home.
     Fast forward more than a year later, my mentee gets a call that the police were going through collected items and someone recognized her picture on her license and called her to say that all this time her personal data had been discarded by the thieves and collected and was in a secured area for over a year. She chose not to worry about the possibility of what could have happened to her because she trusted God and all along he was keeping her and shielding her.
     God is guarding your heart and mine right now from seen and unseen dangers. This world we live in is vulgar and tumultuous to say the least, but we need not fret or regret …. We must trust and believe that God has his hands all over, around, under and over us.
     Continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

No Deaf Ear

Psalm 116:1-2 (NOV) – “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”
      My siblings and I often joke about the fact that our 95 year young father has the uncanny ability to have what we call ‘selective hearing’. At times he seems to have difficulty acknowledging when we address him and at other times makes comments about conversations that are taking place on the other side of the room. It seems when he isn’t feeling like being in the position of having to respond, he will turn a deaf ear.
      The psalmist tell us in these verses that our Lord is responsive to our calls. He hears us and addresses our issues but more importantly he turns his ear to us. He gives us his undivided attention. He makes us a priority as he figuratively tunes out the rest of the noise and pin points on what we are saying.
      It is always a good feeling of support when you are making an inquiry or voicing a concern and the person you are speaking with actually turns and faces you and looks you in the eye as you share your comments. From their stance you are probably pretty sure that they are paying attention to what you are saying and that it is important to hear you out.
      Our God always listens and he hears our cries. Don’t be dismayed or put off when non-believers proclaim that God’s silence means that he isn’t listening. Keep your prayer life open and active. Call upon him as long as you live. He is not deaf nor is he ignoring you. He hears and he wisely responds in his own best timing.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

God Likes the Way He Made You

Psalm 139:15 – “My frame was not hidden form you when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought in the depths of the earth.”

      Have you ever asked God, “Why did you make me this way?”  Sometimes the things that are worse faults, God will use to His greatest glory:  Romans 9:20 says - “But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to him that formed it, why have you made me this?”

     Jesus died so that we might enjoy our life in abundance and to the fullest until it overflows.  You are not going to enjoy your life if you don’t enjoy yourself.  Be satisfied with yourself, and celebrate the unique way God made you.  We all have certain things that we wish to change – hair color, hair length, even body shape, and feeling better about ourselves when we make such changes are fine, but when we become obsessed and beat up on ourselves because of innate qualities that God has blessed us with, then we are denying the greatest gift that God has given to us – our uniqueness.  Enjoy and cherish those thin legs (preaching to the choir); those big ears and that sloped forehead – We are perfect in God’s sight.

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

Live to Serve God

Mark 10:5 - "For even the Son of Man came not be have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."   
       As the potter forms clay into vessels, some for honorable use and some for menial use, so God forms us to serve His purpose. Regardless of how our position in life may look to others, we are all formed to serve the Lord in some way.
     If God made you to be a helper, then help with all your heart. If you enjoy cleaning houses for people, then do so as if you are cleaning the Lord’s house. If you want to stay home with your children instead of earning extra income, don’t worry that God has called others to paying positions outside the home. Do whatever the Lord puts in your heart to do – and enjoy fulfilling your God-given purpose.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Eyes on God

Psalm 16:8 – “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
     It is not hard at all to lose our focus or concentration when the world around us seems to spin chaotically out of sorts. Because staying in tune with our God-directed purpose is of paramount importance; it is not difficult to imagine how important it is to work diligently to get back on target and to maintain a grip on working toward the things that God has aligned for us to do.
     So how do we ignore the nuisances, distractions and chaos that bombards us without ceasing? How do we get beyond the nagging, frustrating things that try to slow our progress and steal our joy? Simply put - we must keep our eyes always on the Lord. When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water to meet Jesus in the waves, he was fine until he took his eyes off of the Master and looked at the pillars of water that surrounded him. At that moment he started to sink.
     When we keep our eyes on the Lord we do so by reading his Word, studying his ways, and living out the example that he set. Of course we will not and probably cannot achieve this all of the time. There will be instances when we are pulled away but God reassures us in his Word that he will restore us and bring us back to him. No matter what the ordeal, as we keep our eyes on God we shall be victorious.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Now You See It Now You Don't

Deuteronomy 4:19 - “And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.”
     Well today is the special day that millions around the world have anticipated for decades. Our first total solar eclipse in our life-times (hasn’t occurred in over 99 years) and its direct path will sweep diagonally across the United States later this afternoon. There are many wonders in, on and above our Earth and all have been put into place by our wonderful Creator God.
     While it is an awesome display of celestial physics and a great applause will surely come with the festivities as eclipse parties are being hosted around the world; let us not put so much emphasis on the creation that we overshadow the Creator. Just as the moon in this brief moment seems to overshadow the sun, in reality the vastness and power of the sun are only briefly blocked because of the nearness of the moon. The power and awe of our God might seem distance at times only because lesser things might appear to be closer at hand….but do not be dismayed… just as the moon is a simple rock that can only reflect the light of the sun, the trivial things in life are a mere reflection of the greatness that God has for us.
     Enjoy the day and the awesome display that God is sharing with us; but remember it is just a fleeting mirage. (P.S. Do not look directly into the sun unless you have Special Eclipse glasses – dark shades and other gimmicks WILL NOT WORK. Don’t chance permanently damaging your retinas.)
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

He Knows

Matthew 6:31 – 32 – “31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”
     Recently a very dear mentee reminded me of today’s Bible passage which speaks about the provisioning love of God. Today’s scripture highlights the fact that no matter what it is -God knows our needs. As Psalm100 reminds us, ‘it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves. We belong to God; he has our steps ordered, he has a plan for our lives which is designed to prosper us and glorify him and; he has given us a way of escape when things get too harsh and he forgives us of our wrongdoings. He is all-knowing; everywhere at all times and he is all loving. What more can we ask? Don’t worry about anything.
     Everything is in Divine Order and God knows our needs before we can even imagine them because he is the one who sets us on our life path’s journey. He is the author of our story and believe me he knows every plot, twist and turn. Trust God today to meet your needs and provide for your destiny. Worry not; faint not, just believe and trust in the process.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Have an awesome weekend. See you on Monday. Get ready to see the solar eclipse. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Love

John 15: 12.  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

 

Everyone wants and needs to feel loved and appreciated. It is a satisfying feeling to know that someone cares about your well-being and that they have your best interest at heart.  There are many among us who do not get regular expressions of love or care.  They may not have spouses, close associations or family and they rely upon the kindness of strangers to give them the compassion of human warmth.  For some the exchange of hugs and greetings during the Sunday worship service may be the only form of human contact they receive during the week other than a handshake or a pat on the back. 

    Today’s scripture reminds us to love each other as Christ loved.  His love was bound in compassion, comfort, provision, discipline, laughter and support.  He physically dwelt among those ostracized by society and considered the least desirable.  He touched the infirmed, the possessed and the depraved.  He fed the hungry and cured the ill.  Today take a moment to personally touch the life of someone.  Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to or to bring into your path the person who needs the type of love that only you can give. Then step up to the plate and have the courage to love boldly.  It might involve helping a stranger, feeding a homeless person, visiting with an elderly shut-in; or simply calling to check on a neighbor.

 

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day.

Dr. JoAnn

Enjoy the Journey

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.”
     Many people never enjoy the fullness of a vacation or get-away because they are so set on looking only at the destination they overlook the wonder of the journey. Their plane is delayed or the hotel or restaurant has messed up a reservation so the room or table isn’t quite ready. While these are indeed annoyances, why not look into the deeper meaning of why these ‘journey stoppers’ occur and enjoy the experience. 
      As we journey on this life path we should not spend too much of our energy on complaining about nuisances that we cannot control. We have all seen the scenes that irritable complainers cause when things don’t go their way and they explode on the poor salesperson or customer service representative.
     When life throws a monkey wrench into your operation, stop for a moment and ponder what good could come from the situation. If God works all things out then this too shall pass without much frustration if we focus on the right things. Delayed?... use the time to catch up on some reading. Stuck in a long line?... meet a new friend and strike up a ‘non-complaining’ conversation. Stuck in traffic?... don’t succumb to road rage and horn blowing….turn up the radio volume and sing to the top of your lungs. Enjoy the journey… this is the only life path we shall walk on this earth so make the best of it.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

No Mistakes

Ephesians 2:10 (ERV) - “God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.”
     The other day I was visiting my new grandson, CJ (Charles Jr.) and as I was praying over him and pronouncing God’s blessings over his life I was reminded of how God tells us that before we are knit together in our mother’s wombs he has wonderful plans for us. I am so excited about watching him grow and develop; see his life unfold before him in the majesty of God’s grace.
     While it seems that the world is going to ‘Hades-in-a-handbasket’, as Christians we should be excited about each new day and the promises that it brings. Count all things as joy for God has made us what we are. CJ is just a week old but I see the glimmer of expectation in his squinty little eyes; I feel the power of conviction in the grasp of his tiny hands and I know that God’s breath of hope surges through is perfectly healthy body. God makes no mistakes. Enjoy your life. Live it to the fullest.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Protect Your Investments

Proverbs 2:8 – “For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

      Over the weekend my girlfriend drove out of state to drop my godson off for his first year of college.  While gathering things from the college’s local Walmart to stock his provisions they landed at the checkout counter of a cashier with a severely negative outlook on life.  Her entire conversation while handling their transaction was on the low points of students going off to college and wasting their parents’ money.  She spewed venom about the things she supposedly witnessed as students came back into the store after the parents had returned home and brought back the purchased dorm items to get cash to spend.  She ranted and raved on and on about the ills of what encapsulated her narrow viewpoint. 

     My girlfriend tried to make the best of the situation by offering positive outlooks and telling the cashier that not all students are ‘trying to get over’ but that many see college as a chance to make a difference in their lives.  It was pointless and toward the end my girlfriend reminded her son that no matter what ‘evil’ is spoken over, around or to him that we are not what others say or will for our lives.  We are a royal priesthood and God guards our lives with his promises.  Bravo girlie…  She has invested a life-time of praise, prayer, worship, and lessons into her son’s life and God is faithfully guarding him. 

     Don’t worry about the naysayers, the hatemongers, negative souls who try to spill their bitterness onto you.  Store up (invest) in your own positive stance.  Read God’s word and pull from it the promises he has outlined for those that trust him.  He will guard your heart and your mind.  Speak a positive affirmation over yourself every day and repeat it throughout the day to guard your situation and protect your investments.

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

Eternal Flame

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

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

Changed Nature

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

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

Plant Good Seed

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

      Each time I visit a local farmer’s market, small county store or road-side stand it is rewarding to see the small business owners display their wares so proudly. I love to see the vibrant colors and smell the aromas of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits. As an experimental chef, it is wonderful to mix and match the ingredients to make delicious dishes, desserts and beverages. None of this would be possible if the farmers had not planted seed early in the sowing season. In order to have a bountiful harvest the farmers must think in advance about the amount, variety and care of the plants they want to reap; and plant accordingly.
      We must also be mindful of the ‘yield’ we want to develop and plant well. Whether you are seeding into the life of a ministry; planting sound advice and encouragement into the life of a teen; sowing energy into a volunteer project or just placing great new thoughts into the fertile ground of your own creativity; it is important that you plant good seed and put it into fertile ground. 
       One apple seed can produce a mighty tree, which in turn can produce hundreds of apples each with dozens of seeds capable of producing vast orchards of future trees. The exponential grown potential is mind-boggling. Your small initial sowing can make a tremendous difference. Make sure your seed counts. Plant it now and plant it deep!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Divide and Conquer

Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
     The focus of today's scripture is about our role as conquerors. We are all too often guilty of giving into what seems like hopeless situations because they seem so insurmountable. It is during these times that God wants us to ‘divide and conquer”. Divide the truth from the facts and realize that everything is not always as it seems.
     The facts state that the Hebrew boys were thrown into a fire that was stoked so high the soldiers commanded to put them in were consumed by the flames. The truth is that they walked around in the furnace unhurt and when they exited they did not even smell like smoke. 
   The facts state that the walls of Jericho were impenetrable; the truth is that with simple words the stones crumbled to the ground. 
   The facts state that the military-trained soldier Goliath was almost 9 feet tall; the truth is that the shepherd boy David slew him with a simple slingshot and a smooth stone.
     We should look at our lives as a series of opportunities to be conquerors. Troublesome events are nothing more than options for flexing our spiritual muscles and taking control of the situations. Jesus has already paid the price; we just need to go in and seal the deal. Don’t give into your fears or back down from what appears to be a stronghold… muster up your courage to give it the ‘1-2’ punch! We are conquerors.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

The Gap

Ezekiel 22:30 – “And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.”
     This past Friday was a special day for me. The first Friday of each month is the day that my praise and worship ministry meets to lift the name of Jesus, share testimonies and honor God through prayer and praise. We are small in number, but mighty in spirit. As I reflect back on the ministry’s beginning (five years ago) I am amazed and humbled at how God has used me to ‘stand in the gap’ for others. Although we physically share a collective space only on the first Friday of the month, the ministry itself reaches far beyond the walls of my home.
     Through life-coaching sessions where I speak into and pray over the lives of young adults God allows me to share his love with many. Through my ministry I am privileged to be used by God to do daily devotionals, this blogging outreach and Bible study to show others his love. It is a true privilege and I could not do it without the support and encouragement of you my faithful readers. Your financial support, texts, emails of encouragement and simple “Amen” comments all help keep me focused to continue to stand in the gap. You are awesome.  Thank you for helping me stay focused on the battlefield. Continue standing in the gap for someone else. You may never know how important your support is but they do and God does!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

And It Appears

John 2:11 – “This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
     Have you ever thought about someone and the phone rings or a text comes through and it is them? Ever make a statement or hint about something and low and behold it happens? Well I am one who does not believe in chance or luck or serendipity. I believe in Divine Order; in which the steps of the righteous are ordained and ordered by God. As believers we are on a journey to fulfill our purpose and mission within God’s ultimate kingdom plan; therefore our part is too important to just leave to happenstance.
       God knows our needs and has already made provision for us to have all the things, circumstances, nuances and people in place to fulfill his plan for our lives. We are free agents to make decisions but as those ‘paid for with a price’ we love to govern our lives to respond to the desires of our Savior. What we need is in the atmosphere. We can conquer fear, overcome anxiety, push ahead into new ventures, forgive the unforgivable and a multitude other things; because all that is needed has already been supplied by God - it just needs f our faith to cause it to ‘appear’.
     Speak with power and authority into your situation. Believe that your needed change has already occurred and walk into the manifestation of what God provided when he formed the worlds millennia ago. When we speak it … it appears!
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Enjoy the weekend. See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Suffocation

Mark 4:7 (KJV) - 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.”
We have all felt that sensation when life was pressing upon us from all sides to the point that we felt as if we could not take an emotional, physical or psychological cleansing breath.
     Think of the analogy of a baby being positioned for birth. As the internal environment that once provided free floating freedom grows more cramped and we become used to our surroundings – all of a sudden things will become tight. Like a baby ready to enter the birth canal, things can flip on us. Our world may seem to turn upside down and things that used to be an easy stretch now seem restrictive.
     As the baby prepares for birth the tightness of the birth canal feels just like suffocation. The narrow, cramped passageway pushes fluid out of the lungs and stimulates the muscles to prepare for life and gravity outside of the womb. As God prepares to birth us into new projects, new situations, new blessings we too will feel the uneasy tightness that resembles suffocation. This pressing is necessary to prepare us for life outside of our present situation. Don’t lose heart. Know that this intense tightness is just an ‘intense hug’ from God as he pushes you into your new world of favor.
     Fill your lungs with the spirit of grace and then prepare to hold on until you come to other side. Your new experience awaits. Don’t fight it. Know that the ‘suffocating’ feeling is your key to a new beginning.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Winds of Change

Genesis 8:1 – “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. “(NIV)
     If you get a chance to sit in your car when you go through a ‘drive-through’ car wash you will notice a few regular steps. First stubborn stains, caked-on dirt and grime are pre-treated to remove difficult-to-clean items. Then the lathering takes place. When the scrubbing is done the rinse cycle washes away the debris and finally the air jets blow the residual water from the vehicle before it exits the cleaning station.
     Life has a way to plastering us with grime that dulls our polish and can corrode our existence. God often has to work on our stubbornness to remove the negative things that might be stuck on us. He then washes us clean and purifies us through his living water. These steps are then followed by the refreshing winds that he uses to dry us in preparation for his final polishing.     
     Don’t think that because the rains come into your life that God is not in the plan. As a matter of fact he is prepping you for greater works as he cleanses off that which is not needed. So as the waters rise don’t worry the winds will soon follow. And these winds might even seem devastating at first. It might feel as if you are going from the frying pan into the fire, but rest assured there is a divine purpose and the high-gloss finish you will end up with will make you shine even more for God’s glory.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Rise Above

Genesis 7:19 – “The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered (NASB).”
     In keeping with this week’s theme of water, today’s scripture tells about the great flood which prevailed upon the earth in the time of Noah. As man’s sin became outrageous God ‘rebooted’ the entire global system by causing a great washing to come upon the face of the earth. Noah, his family and the selected animals survived the watery doom by riding out the storms in an ark of safety.
      God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ are our arks of salvation that lift us above the mountains of trouble, doubt, discouragement, chaos, depression and anxiety. Whenever you encounter obstacles that try to hinder your path, use the rising waters of salvation to lift you above whatever the issues are so that you can clear the obstructions and prevail.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn