Worry Not

Phillipians 4:6 -7a.   "Don't  worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. then you will experience God's peace which exceeds anything we can underustand."

     Worry accomplishes nothing; don't waste your time on negative experiences - focus on God ...give him praise even when you don't understand - and keep pushing!!  Often our own minds can be our worse enemy when it cooks up plots to scenarios that don't or won't exist.  We have all taken a little bit of real data and then run a series of "what ifs" in our minds before the original thought could even settle. 

     Our imaginations can run wild with just a little piece of information; so resist the temptation to blow things out of context and proportion.  A little setback is just that – little. Do not let it turn into a major obstacle just by thinking (willing) it to be so. Everything in our lives happens for a reason. Give God praise and room to operate by being open, prayerful, and trusting in his promises. Everything will work out -don't worry. 

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! have a power packed weekend. See you on Monday!  Dr. JoAnn 

Spirit Living

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV) – “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
     We often hear and read that we must live in ‘spirit and in truth’; but what does that really mean? When you are going about your day and encountering your fellowman do not be fooled to believe that your interaction only responds on a physical level?
     Life on earth with fellow human beings is more than handshakes, hugs, exchanges of eye glimpses and verbal pleasantries. We are spirit beings, with conscious souls that occupy physical bodies; therefore we know that our interactions with each other must be on a higher plane.
When you walk into a room you often can ‘sense’ the climate there – and I am not referring to the temperature in the room, but the air is charged with the energy of the room occupants. What aura are you displaying when you make contact with others?
     What we think about - we act upon. Before that action can take place, energy has to be generated…what energy do you give off most often? Let us operate with a calm, deliberately positive spirit that patterns the will of God and the examples of Christ. Change the atmosphere wherever you go by just ‘being’ the positive energy there.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Flashback - "You are Loved"

• Romans 8:35,37

• Good morning! The power scripture for today comes from the new King James version of Romans 8:35 and 37.  "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ -shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril  or sword?  Yet and all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us"

• No matter what you're going through right now or how things appear or even how you feel know that your emotional state, your finances, your job, your health, are all under the watchful eye and caring control of the love of God. People may try to elevate themselves by putting you down or demoralizing your intent or situation but they are clueless about the God we serve.  Do not be burdened by these cares- don't be tricked or sidetracked .  Jesus has conquered it all.  He proved his supreme love for us even before he volunteered to go to the cross. Our Lord's love cannot be measured. There are no standards by which we can compare the bounty of God's tremendous care for us.  We must through faith believe that no matter what, God's love can and will pierce through all strongholds,all temptations, all setbacks, all bondages and all persecutions so that we will be winners for His glory!  At least 3 times today remind yourself (aloud) that "GOD loves me" and tell at least one person today that they are loved. Enjoy a victoriously lovely day!   Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn.    P.S.  "You are loved"

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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 to 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. You are unique and wonderful and marvelous…. You are the image of God! Now run and tell that!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Suffer for Sancitification

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 conservations 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 victoriously GREAT day! 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. "
     As a follow up to Wednesday’s blog about getting through stalled projects…today’s scripture tells that 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 2017 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 victoriously GREAT day! Have an awesome weekend.  See you on Monday.  Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Thank you for your continual prayers and support as I enter today into the final 'Intensive' phase of my seminary training in preparation for Ordination.  

New Life

John 3:16 (NIV) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

     I'm not much of a television watcher and I very rarely ever turn the TV on in the morning but yesterday I was drawn to watch Good Morning America. I tuned in at a time when they were celebrating the five year life anniversary for a co-host Robin who received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from her sister. They also featured the story of a young eight-year-old boy who received a transplant from a total stranger through Match.com. They met for the first time on the show. He said to her "thank you for saving my life."
     Immediately I was overwhelmed as were all the people watching in the studio, and even more so, my thoughts raced to thanking Jesus for saving my life.
     Our lives on planet Earth are so short. Time flies by so quickly; years roll by with the blink of an eye. The reality of it all is that each day we take a step closer to our own mortality. I am always so grateful that when this fleeting life is over God has given us eternal life through our belief in Jesus Christ. And just like this young boy who at death’s door received life from a bone marrow transplant, we receive the hope of a new life through the blood of Jesus. Rejoice with me today and give God thankful praise for his salvation plan and that he designed it just for us.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! 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 what we traditionally call ‘hump day’ and it 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 victoriously GREAT day!  Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Waning Phase!

I was in my prayer room in my house yesterday morning just watching the sun bathe my cul-de-sac when I looked at some plants that are by my mailbox.  They are a mixture of seasonal varieties which grow and bloom at different times during the year.  As I sat I could not help but admire their sheer beauty.  

One cluster of foliage really grabbed my attention.  In the late spring I remember their buds piercing through the ground and the green stalks reaching  skyward as they yearned for sun and moisture. By Midsummer they were in full bloom with gorgeous flowers that wrapped themselves in the breeze and brought such an aromatic fragrance. But now in their waning time their leaves are getting pale and spotted - the blooms have fallen off-  yet there is an awesome beauty as their contrasting gold and brown leaves push against the backdrop of the surrounding plants.  Even in their waning times they are awesome displays of God Splendor. 

As I push through various projects and different phases of my life and watch the ebb and flow of events, I think how similar it is to these planted beauties. Some things are in full bloom and vibrant while there are other things that are in that point of coming to a final stop. But even in the ceasing of its season there is still beauty. Do not look upon those things in your life that are slowing down, aging or changing as losing "luster" but look at the different type of beauty that it possesses in this phase.   God is awesome ...everything he creates no matter what phase of life it is in - is wonderful.  Appreciate those things which are moving to a "final end" not just in  remembering what used to be , but how nice they still are in their new phase.   (This goes for people too!!)   Give God praise. 

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

It's Your Time!

Joshua 3:7- "And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses."
     After the death of Moses, Joshua took on the role of leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. He was faithful in following and serving Moses and capable and courageous for the task, but God knew that was not enough. In order to be truly effective the people needed to "see" that Joshua did not just inherit the position because he was next in line, but because it was his God-ordained and appointed time to be in the lead position. Joshua did not ask God for favor nor did he command the people to listen to, obey and respect him. He simply kept doing what he had been assigned to do and God made the royal decree and backed it up with signs and wonders.
     It’s Your Time! You have been faithful, on point, serving and doing God's will; often without recognition, reward or even compensation. You might have even taken some hits because you chose to stand on the side of righteousness; but alas your time is now. God is working right now to exalt you so that those who might doubt will have no recourse. This is your season... this is your time. All that you have done is not in vain; but don't try to force your hand; let God work on your behalf, if you want to be frustrated put your hands in it -if you want it fixed let God handle it. Trust God - you have sacrificed and been faithful - it's your time.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live victoriously! Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Death Where Is Thy Sting?

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 – the put your energies into walking with God and following his commandments and watch as he uplifts your heart.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Out of Darkness

John 12:46 -"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."     It is 'clean-up time' for those of us coming from under the effects of Hurricane Irma. When the storm started its trek coming toward the Metro-Atlanta area on Monday afternoon many of us were buckled in and ready to ride out the weather. Most had adequate food, water and other supplies to carry them through road and store closures. As the rains poured and the winds howled, my 'Old Ship of Zion" held fast - though the lights flickered a few times and my digital clocks blinked in a new rhythm - I had no major or even minor issues. If it were not for the pounding of the rain on my house, I would hardly know that there was anything going on outside. I watched television, talked on the phone, surfed the internet, cooked , cleaned and read. I was truly blessed because many within walking distance lost power and remained in the dark for 72 hours. Their bills were paid, their home wiring was not faulty; yet they remained in the dark. Transformers, circuits, power lines and other electrical conduits commandeered control of their lives.
       Life can give such blows to us also. We can have our ducks all in a row; plans adequately made; provisions stock piled and yet things outside of our control can take over and change the flow of our existence. As darkness consumed their houses, many lost food supplies as frozen items thawed and had to be discarded. Some things that we believed were properly preserved and that would be with us for awhile might be lost within a short period of time due to circumstances of darkness that creeps upon us.
      Jesus reminds us that he is the true light and that belief in him removes the uncertainty of darkness. As we continue to help others who have been bombarded by the savageness of the storm or the mere inconvenience of the darkness; let us be thankful that we have a light that never diminishes....never goes out.... and puts darkness to flight. Jesus is our light and our salvation - whom then shall we fear.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously great day. Be blessed. Dr. JoAnn

Mercy Reigns

Matthew 5:7 – “7 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!”
     Yesterday I attended two morning worship services and as things happen in the spirit, both pastors referenced the 5th chapter of Matthew and the teachings of Christ known as the Beatitudes. This week we will focus on these special blessings of God.
     Today’s scripture tells us that spiritual prosperity and joyful satisfaction awaits us when we demonstrate mercy. Our God is a merciful Father how 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 a blessed 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 victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

" . . . 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 92 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 peacefully, victoriously GREAT day! 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).
     A really gifted preacher once said that “no matter what your role…do it unto God. He stated that if you can’t be the expensive fabric that makes up the suit or the delicate silk that makes up the lining…be the strong thread that holds it together… “
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed – Dr. JoAnn

Go Home

Luke 15:18 – “I will arise and go to my father’”
     After spending all of his money, losing all of his fake friends and ending up in a pig trough, the prodigal son came to his senses and decided to return home, even if it meant to be a servant. Of course we know that when he did return his father was so delighted that he lavished him with hugs, gifts and a throw-back jam party.
     God loves you and wants to renew your relationship with him. Don’t wallow in past mistakes or fear of the unknown. Trust your heart and know that God wants the best for you. Don’t worry about things you cannot change or about a past that might hold skeletons. Look around at your surroundings – if they are not becoming of what you dream for yourself; what your parents sacrificed to help you establish; what you worked hard to accomplish – then shake that dust off and GO HOME!. Go back to what nurtured you. Go back to what sustained you. God is waiting for your return. He never leaves or forsakes…so you can rest assured that he is anticipating your return. You don’t have to try to reconcile anything with God – GO HOME. The prodigal son left the pig sty but he didn’t try to recoup the money he squandered. He just went home and you can too. A simple prayer is all it takes – “Lord, I want to come home – restore me” - watch how quickly total surrender will whisk you back to a place of support and love.
     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! Be blessed Dr. JoAnn

Unselfish Love

Philippians 4:4 – “Let everyone see that you are unselfish.”
     One of my consulting assignments gives me the privilege to observe caretakers working with individuals with variant levels of developmental disabilities. Most of their clients are mentally disabled and have crippling physical abnormalities which require assistance with normal daily activities that we take for granted – feeding, hygiene, clothing and walking.
     Often society believes that we should detach ourselves emotionally when working with the severely retarded or extremely disabled individuals. They are often considered ‘vegetables’ and treated like objects to be regularly fed, turned and bathed. But I have observed the staff to sing, play, laugh and love their charges in a way that is so endearing that love permeates the homes where they live.
     Love, God’s love means giving to those who seem to have little or nothing to give back. It challenges the innate selfishness in each of us and goes against our grain; but it is love in its highest form. You may not interact on a regular basis with individuals who are helplessly dependent upon you, but think about your own vulnerabilities and give God praise for the times when you needed someone to act on your behalf when you could not do so for yourself. Did a supervisor or co-worker speak up for you when you might have been falsely accused? Did a family member or friend pay a bill that kept you from being in the dark or without vital services? Did someone offer a ride when your transportation options were limited?
     All of us have experienced being in a point of needing unselfish love – remember that feeling and lavish it on someone today.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed Dr. JoAnn

Nip It!

James 3:5 -"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. "

     I was reading through an old journal when I came upon an interesting prayer request.  It simply read - "I pray for God to reveal and heal fractures (trauma) in my life."  The key to the request was for God to "reveal".   

Certainly there are things that impact our lives that we are fully aware of. We know and acknowledge pain, hurt, disappointment and frustrations. And we ask God to heal our hearts.. soothe our minds...And rest our spirits.  We can often feel the drama associated with such events but what about those things that impact us on such sub-levels that we may not be aware of their impact right away.  

     The smallest chink in the armor can become a weak point and will undermine it's ability to protect the body. The smallest little chip in the windshield can lead eventually to a devastating crack that can be dangerous for the driver. What does not seem evident to us at first might be detrimental to us later on - so our prayer today is for God to reveal and heal the small things that can lead to bigger things later.  We may not be aware of it but God knows. What we laugh off on the conscious level - our subconscious may be holding onto it and harboring ill will.  Who we try to ignore actually might be getting under our skin. God can reveal and heal.  Ask him today! 

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

Show Consideration

Romans 15_2 – “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” (NLT)
     In every group there is at least one ‘different’ person. Usually these individuals have emotional hang-ups, deep insecurities, irritating mannerisms and poor social skills. God brings them into our lives for their benefit – and ours. Yes, they are an opportunity to grow in grace. We must love them as brothers and sisters and treat them with dignity. In a real family, acceptance is not based on the fact that you belong to each other.  Romans 12:10 tell us to be devoted to each other like a loving family and to excel in showing respect.
      We all have quirks and annoying traits. Yes you too! But love is not based on compatibility. The basis for our fellowship is our relationship to God: we’re family.  The key is to try and understand where people are coming from. When you know what they’ve been through, you’ll be more understanding. Instead of talking about how far they still have to go, you’ll realize how far they have come in spite of their hurts. 
      Another part of showing consideration is not downplaying other people’s doubts. Just because you don’t’ fear something doesn’t make it an invalid feeling. People need a safe place to share their struggles – without being judged. Only in the safe environment of acceptance will people open up and share their deepest needs. Confidentiality does not mean keeping silent. It just means that what is shared in your group needs to stay in your group; and that your group needs to deal with it and not gossip about it to others. Show consideration for those who are ‘different’ and need to express themselves. Be a contentious ear and a loving heart.
     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” 11-18-2009

Holy Hold

Happy Labor Day!

1 Timothy 4:15 – “Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.”
     Many of us want to see instant success when we begin a project. But the best things in life come in process as we develop and go through progressions of change, growth and even setbacks.
     A pilot plotted a flight pattern and received word from the control tower saying…”You are cleared for 5,000 feet.” When the pilot ascended to that height he had to hold there for further instructions. Next came the words…”You are cleared for 10,000 feet.” Gradually the controller took him level by level to 35,000 feet where he was cleared to fly to his destination. It took patience and faith in the controller who was monitoring the skies for the pilot to eventually get on his way and find smooth sailing in the open skies.
     God wants us to trust him like that. Instead we often want to go straight to ‘35,000 feet’ in one thrust. God sees the end from the beginning and He has already mapped out our journey. He knows that if we rise too quickly there are dangers that we can’t see from our vantage point but he has full vision of everything. We must trust him to get us to our destination. God’s plan for our lives can’t be rushed. When we try to move too quickly we end up in a tug-of-war with Him and we will lose every time.
     God will let us fly low for a while to practice in a place where our weaknesses can be worked on and not be detrimental to us. As our gifts develop and our mistakes won’t affect too many others, then he elevates us to higher heights. If God has put you on ‘Holy Hold’ don’t get discouraged or disappointed. Know that he is having you hover for a while as he works on you because he loves you and wants what is best for you. Soon you will soar again.
      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” 9-20-2009

Feeling Threatened – part 2

Acts 4:31 -“ When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.”
     Today we conclude our look at what to do when we feel threatened. Yesterday we focused on 1) Bringing God into the picture first and 2) praying for greater faith. Now we must 3) expect God to intervene. The disciples asked God to stretch out your hand to heal and protect. (Acts 4:30). They had been through a terrible storm with Jesus so they knew what He could do: “About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water.” (Matthew 14:25) Whether it is in the harshness of the noon day or the terror that strikes at the midnight hour, God still works overtime. He is available 24/7 and all we need to do is call on Him.
     4) The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). This is the key. They stayed energized and directed by the Spirit of God and we must too. It is OK to use our gifts and talents and networking, etc., as long as we lean only on God and realize that it is from his hand alone that our provision comes.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Have a safe and fun Labor Day Holiday weekend. See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

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