Healing the Heart

1 Samuel 1:8 – “Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?”
     We have all had instances in our lives when our hearts have been bruised, deceived and even wounded. We have loved and lost; we have opened ourselves up to those who have betrayed our trust and hurt us deeply. Yes we have all had our hearts hurt. Like rips in fabric, to function properly our hearts must be mended; they must be healed.
     In our scripture today Hannah’s heart was not only broken because of her barrenness, but the pain of ridicule from Peninnah was more than she could bear. There are a lot of life lessons we endure and they in themselves carry a weight that we must shoulder, but when ‘insult is added to injury’ and we must suffer through ridicule or hassle from insensitive people, the burden seems to be even more troublesome. We can often tolerate physical trauma far more successfully than the pains of heartache. We must turn to God for healing.
     Like Hannah, our sorrow can quickly be turned to gladness when we make our petitions known unto our gracious God and trust him for relief. He hears our prayers and is just and loving to care for our well-being. Take your broken heart to him; take your cares and place them at the altar. He wants to hear from you. Not murmuring and complaining; but confiding in him the pain that troubles you and seeking his wisdom and guidance.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Have an awesome weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Forgive and Keep Moving!

Matthew 6:12 – “Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. (ERV)     Forgiveness is so important..not for them but for us. It is an act of self-love when we don't allow unforgiveness to penetrate us and harden us or trick us into acting outside of our Christ-like character. Those who do unexpected acts of disloyalty or uncanny behavior against us are acting in their character, but we must not counter that with similar actions...that would be outside the character of Christ which we strive to emulate. We must forgive and keep it moving... to linger will only make us keep rehearsing in our heads what happened and allow negative thoughts to be replanted....No - forgive and move on with the assignment God has for us. It will not only make us stronger but indeed wiser! Love them, but leave them.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Peaceful Promise

Isaiah 26:3 – “God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.”
     As Jesus prepared for his transition to the cross he began preparing his disciples and praying over them. In the scriptures recorded in John 14:16-27 he told them that although he would be leaving, they would not be left hopeless because he would leave them with his peace and that the Heavenly Father would send the Holy Spirit so that they would not be left comfortless. Jesus’ words were true then and they are true today. He has not left us nor forsaken us for his peace abides with us.
     Today's scripture reminds us that this peace which passes all understanding is generously poured out upon those who trust God. When we fret and worry about circumstances and allow the angst of life to distract us from our Provider, Jehovah Jireh, then we tell God that we don’t trust him, his ability to help us or his love to care for us. Show God that you do rely upon his sovereignty and that you trust in his holiness; do not give way to the anxieties that bombard you. Just relax and enjoy God’s peaceful promise. Trust God and watch as his peace washes over you like a flood.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Acceptable Offerings

Amos 5: 22-23 – “Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them, though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs, I will not listen to the music of your harps.”     What a pity it would be to get all dressed up for a party, wrap up a nice present, start singing celebratory songs only to have the special guest clamp their hands over their ears, refuse to accept your gift and prefer that you not remain in their presence. Well that is what God does when our fellowship is not genuine. No one likes to be ‘played up to’ or placated through vain ceremony. We all want expressions of love and respect to be sincere.
     So remember that while we can smile and pretend and display what appears to be authentic demonstrations of love toward others; we cannot fool God who looks at the human heart and the motivations for our actions. Be straight with him, if you are hurting, disappointed, ashamed, or confused, tell him and ask for his guidance to alleviate those feelings. If you are frustrated, challenged or angry, do as David did and go before his presence with sincerity and watch the Holy Spirit shepherd you into the right thinking that will make your worship experience valid and real. Offer unto God your very best and he will accept it.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Find Out!

Ephesians 5:17 – “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
    We have heard it said that ‘ignorance is bliss’ and that you can’t be blamed for what you do not know. Don’t be foolish when it comes to the will of God for your life; not just this mortal life but our eternal purpose. God warns us to not be wasteful of the precious time we are allotted while here on earth. This world is not our only assignment; we are destined for eternal life with him when we accept the gift of salvation and we must know and acknowledge our purpose within God’s kingdom.
     Like many, I used to say ‘why am I here?’ – what is my purpose; especially after so many of my dear friends have died and passed on from this mortal existence? I wondered what my destiny was and instead of asking vague questions out into the atmosphere, I point-blank directed my questions to the God of creation. “Why was I so wonderfully and fearfully made? And although there was no airplane writing in the sky or big billboard plastered on the side of a building to proclaim my answer…he made himself crystal clear. I asked and he answered me in a special way and he will do the same for you.
     Your purpose may remain the same but don’t be fooled if your assignments change as you grow in your relationship with God. Just as workers get more responsibility as they progress through the workings of a company- more will be added and some things taken away as God advances and uses you for his will. Embrace the challenges and above all – find out what you are supposed to be doing and do it.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

A Little Dab

Ephesians 6: 16 – “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
     Years ago a television commercial of a popular hair ointment claimed that you didn’t need much of the product in order to get the desired effect. It said that ‘just a little dab will do’. This is true with our faith walk with God. He does not require that we have a boat load of faith in order to please him, but he does want us to exercise that which we do have. Today’s scripture reminds us that when we are faced with a problem of any size we are to brace up with our shield of faith.
    If you think about a shield it is not used as an offensive weapon but as a defensive tool against attack. Remember the battle is not yours but the Lord’s, so you have but to show up and stand up in faith. Put your faith in front of you and stand behind its protection. It only takes a dab.
     When trials come at you back-to-back, like attacking arrows, raise your shield and speak the words of God against the onslaught. Remind yourself that God is in control and that the victory has already been won through the blood of Jesus. Don’t be afraid that you can’t fight against such an awesome foe…we serve a BIG God and his might and power are awesome. Stand with your shield of faith and tell your problem who your God is and watch as he buffers you and keeps you safe.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Enjoy the weekend.  See you on Monday! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Are you really listening?

Acts 16:3-15 -"13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message."
     Lydia went to a ‘sister circle’ down at the river to listen to the good words that were being shared by Paul. She was there because she heard there was something worth listening to and being a smart and entrepreneurial woman of means she was keen enough to know that something good was being said.
     The key to this scripture is that God opened her “hearing” by touching her heart. No matter how in-tune we may be... no matter how on top of our game we may believe we are- we can all benefit from the opening of our spirit and increasing of our understanding that comes from submitting to God.
     Lydia knew she needed to yield to the power of God and in doing so God lifted her to higher heights and secured her in deeper depths!!!
     We must be ready to really hear what God has for us by not thinking we have a handle on the situation - even when things seem to be under control... Lydia was rich, positioned and influential but she was also wise enough to listen and God caused her to really “hear”.
     Every day is a good day; it’s up to us to make it a Great day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Turn A Deaf Ear

Mark 5:35-36 - "While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead, " they said, "Why bother the teacher anymore?"   Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him,"Don't be afraid; just believe."
     Last night I had the joy of attending an annual revival service at a friend’s church and the revivalist prompted us to understand that we must always evaluate our progress under the guidance of God’s process.     We always want to go steadily from step 1 to step 2 to step 3 and so forth; some seasons God will give us step1 then lead us to step 1A and then to step 1B and step 1C may be a stall out before he allows us to go to step 2...
    So when and while we are progressing God will challenge us to be patient in the process. Life, unknown circumstances and even our long-suffering God will provide “slow-down” and crawl situations. And when this happens don’t worry yourself or listen to naysayers... turn a deaf ear... stand by faith .... and know that God only wants you to trust and believe!!!
     Stand firm... don’t run away... keep praising!! Keep praying... be patient with the process. Don’t listen to your own self doubt...squelch it...ignore it... keep believing.., even if the situation seems dead... if God promised it-he will bring it about!!!     Every day is a good day; it’s up to us to make it a Great day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Arrows Away

Arrows Away
Psalm 18:14 – “He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.” (NKJV)

Have you ever felt as if you have been pulled to the farthest of your ability to stretch?  Felt as if you have bent over backward so far that you could easily see where you have been? Or how about things being so tight that you could not give another inch?  Well believe it or not those are all good signs. Yes...great signs. It means that you are just about at the point of letting go. Not the kind of letting go where you give up or give out, but the kind of letting go when you give ‘over’.  Give whatever it is over to God.  He has been patiently waiting of you to exhaust yourself to the point where you will now Let Go and Let God!

What do you think all of that sacrifice and torture was about those 2000 years ago?  Why do you think Jesus bore those gruesomely abusive stripes?  Blood was shed and a ransom paid and you were redeemed.  Time to cash in and God has been waiting.  We must not keep strfuggling to operate in our own strength or we will be guilty of trying to negate the work of Jesus as the Savior of the world.  We must let God be God and do his wonderful Godly things of never sleeping; always protecting; healing; nurturing; teaching and guiding. Sovereignty requires some really big shoes and you and I can in no way even think about how to begin to fill them.  Let God – Be God.  He is really good at it and although you think you have the best answer let him do his ‘thang’.

An arrow by itself, though sharp and full of potential, has very little power unless it is pulled and positioned.  The greater the pull; the more the tension; the higher the angle; the farther the arrow will fly.  So if you feel like you have been stretched to the limits of your patience, abilities and wits…guess what??? It is time to soar.  God knows just the right amount of tension and resistance for you to bear; he knows where he wants you to land and how much force it will take you to get there… Let God be God and enjoy the flight.

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

Thank You!

Today's blog is short and sweet... I am so grateful for the love of God expressed through the lives and livelihood of my wonderful friends and family. Yesterday they showed up and showed out as Rise Church Atlanta, under the inspired leadership of Rev. Rowena Silvera Beck hosted the Installation Services for me as I accepted the role as Senior Pastor of HORIZON Church. Thank you so much for all who were in attendance and for the many well-wishers from around the country whose love and support still overwhelms me. To God be the Glory!!

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

No Pests Allowed

Malachi 3:11 – “I will not let pests destroy your crops. All your grapevines will produce grapes.” This is what the Lord All-Powerful said.”
     One of the things that keeps Georgia so lush and beautiful is the possibility of daily sporadic rain. Not only do these showers bring out the best in the local flora but there is always the onslaught of outside pests that think they have a right to invade our residences. Yes you know what I mean, ants, spiders, silverfish and even water bugs try to find their pesky little ways into our living spaces.
     My oldest son started a job working for an environmentally safe exterminator company specializing in mosquito abatement. He often talks about his ventures into yards where the brush has grown tall and not only is there the potential for mosquitoes but he as to be aware of other pests. If any of you have ever experienced a spider bite or the sting of a red ant you know it is paramount to avoid them at all cost. So while the rains can serve to spawn such beauty in the flowering trees and multicolored bushes they also can bring irritating events.
     There are events in our lives which can on one hand bring us great joy but we must be mindful that along with the apparent elation can also come some unforeseen annoyances.
     God warns us to be ever vigilant and to prepare for such occurrences. It is wise to monitor our surroundings; the places we inhabit and the visitors we allow to invade our personal spaces. As we stay focused on what God desires he will guide us, protect us and when needed exterminate for us the bothersome things that try to invade our spaces. So this weekend take the time to get into the small crawl spaces of your life and flush out the vexatious beings that have invaded where they do not belong. Phony companions, “frienemies” and fake smiling faces all need to be eliminated for you to stay focused on your purpose. Don’t be afraid to tell them to ‘get out’ and ‘stay out’.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Enjoy the weekend – see you on Monday. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Worthy

Luke 12:6-7-“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. “
     As believers we were bought with a price and that price was paid for by Jesus in his sacrifice on the cross. There is no tangible amount that can be placed on the salvation of one’s soul but for sure, this priceless gift is beyond all comprehension.
     God reminds us through today’s scripture that if he is mindful of the lives and livelihood of the simple sparrows as they dart across the noon-day sky. If he is aware and caring about these lowly creatures then surely he purposefully longs to make sure our needs are met and our interactions are not based in or guided by fear.
     We are made in the image of our conquering king and in his majesty we are joint heirs to the kingdom. With this in mind it isn’t hard to see why God reminds us that even our hair numbers are counted and that we are worthy of God’s attention. Let’s walk boldly into any situation that gives God the glory.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Rekindle Gratitude

Acts 24:3 – “In every way and in every place, most excellent Felix, we accept and acknowledge this with deep appreciation and with all gratitude.”
     As we raise our children one of the first phrases we instill into them is the expression ‘thank you’. We teach them to show good manners by saying thanks when they are given things, compliments or shown kind deeds. We know that it is good manners to say thank you immediately upon receipt of something; but what a wonderful impact the words have when they are revisited after the fact.
     Yes I am thankful when you open a door for me and I am grateful when you remember my birthday and I respond quickly with acknowledgement of my thankfulness. But think for a moment about someone who did something that set the ball rolling for you a while back and now you just need to revisit that thanks. Who picked you up when your car left you stranded? Who slid a few bucks into your palm when you needed it most? Sure you said thanks then, but why not remember them again and let them know you still remember their random act of kindness.
      Who do you need to say thanks to? Who would gather strength and joy from hearing a few kind words of gratitude from you? Search your heart and make someone feel as special as you felt when they first helped you. We don’t do things to get thanks; but it sure lifts the spirit when we hear that we are appreciated and it has even greater affect when the thanks lingers over an extended period of time. Lift someone’s countenance today; reach out, remind them why you appreciate them and give thanks (again).
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Winning Mindset

Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
     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 hot that 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 shouts 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 knocked him off of his “A” game 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 GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. 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 the 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 GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Reconnect and Rekindle

Philippians 2:28 – “ I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.”     Over the past few weeks I have been cleaning out storage bins from my attic and discovering boxes and albums full of pictures. Many of the pictures are aged and some of those images have faded so much so that the people and places are indistinguishable. However there are many shots that instantly draw back to memory fun, funny and even fanatical times. I started to wonder what many of these people are presently doing, who is still alive and where they might be living. I like the wonder of social media and how many programs like Face Book can be great search engines to reconnect and rekindle old relationships.
     If there is someone that you miss and they keep coming up in your spirit do not be dismayed. God is so awesome and he loves reunions. He wants us to be reunited - for that is the core of the redemption story. When Adam sinned and put a great divide between mankind and God, Jesus came to bridge that gap. Ask the Holy Spirit to work on your behalf and then trust, wait and believe. This weekend start the ball rolling to close the gap on a special relationship what has gone dormant for some time. Reach out and reunite with whomever the Holy Spirit brings to your heart and mind. Your spirit will rejoice for it.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Have an awesome weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Healing Herbs

Genesis 1:29 – “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth...”
     Most mornings I start off my day with a veggie/fruit smoothie. I like spinach, carrots, bananas, strawberries, kale and assorted spices and herbs. The other day I was reading a small pamphlet about healing foods spoken about in the Bible. I read a few passages and realized that all things God created are for our use; we must learn their properties and proper usage. Even poison ivy serves a purpose.
     As discerning souls we have a wide variety of plants that God has provided for our well-being and bountiful health. It is only in modern times that medical science has recognized the existence and important of vitamins, but one of the reasons the diet of biblical times was so healthy is because it was loaded with all of the important nutrients – no processed meats, sugars or chemically created and deep fried snacks. Ancient people may not have known all the chemical symbols or equations that make up the nutrients but when they followed the laws and commands of God about eating they remained healthy.
     Search the scriptures for clues about any ailment you might be experiencing. No need to reach up on the drug store shelf and consume mass doses of drugs with 10 syllable names; instead reach for your Bible and find God’s cures for your aches and pains. Cinnamon, fennel, cumin and cayenne can do wonders for your digestion. Anise, lentils, paprika and red peppers aid in circulation. Have a headache that might be caused by tension? – Nothing like chamomile tea to sooth those nerves.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a healthier day! Be blessed! Rev. 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 of other things because all that is needed has already been supplied by God - it just needs 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 GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. 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.”
     After teaching Bible study last evening, I stopped at a local restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat and I had the opportunity to share a few thoughts with a wonderful young woman who described how she felt as - ‘suffocating’. 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.
     In ministering to this beautiful spirit I relayed to her 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 GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

When Healing Hurts

Numbers 12:13-14 - 3 So Moses prayed to the Lord, “God, please heal her from this sickness!” 14 The Lord answered Moses, “If her father spit in her face, she would be shamed for seven days. So put her outside the camp for seven days. After that she can come back into the camp.”
     Over the weekend I shared the message that sometimes the healing process can be almost as painful as the affliction or hurt. Let me share the Old Testament story of 3 siblings and how God used them to teach us lessons about emotional and physical hurt and the healing that accompanies both.
     Miriam and Aaron were whispering about Moses behind his back and thought they had gotten away with their murmuring; but God heard it and brought their indiscretions out into the light. As punishment Miriam was stricken with leprosy. Moses, although the victim of emotional hurt, prayed for her healing and she did receive it but with a banishment. Her physical healing came with a bit of emotional hurt and isolation.
     We have all experienced the pain that healing can bring. Whether it is the pesky itch of a healing scab that forms over a scar or the pain that comes later as sore muscles and joints reestablish themselves from a fall or overwork. And who hasn’t fallen asleep in an awkward position and awaken to find that a hand or limb has ‘gone numb’ and the revitalization feels like ‘pins and needles’ as it comes back to life.
     When life’s problems arise, and yes they will come, it is not for us to fret or lose hope, but to seek solutions through Christ and then prepare for the healing and restoration. Both of which can be sometimes hurtful. As God heals your physical, emotional or spiritual pain be aware that some healing will be a little uncomfortable but that does not mean that it will not be whole or effective. God does not do anything half-way; his promises are sure, so do not lose heart if the ‘way back’ seems difficult. Sometimes the restoration from a problem may seem like more punishment itself, but rest assured if God sent it, in the long run it will make you better than before. Hang in there.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

God's Timing

Genesis 21:2  (NIV) – “Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.”

     We have all said it… some phrase that let others know we plan to do something but not immediately.  We tell them – “In a minute”, “hold on”, “ I’ll get back with you” and although no specific time is given it is generally known that at some point the issue or response will be completed.  

     When we enter an establishment expecting service we are often satisfied by a simple head nod or gesture from the salesperson, maître’ d, or clerk that our presence has been noted and soon our needs will be met. 

     Why then do we get anxious with God about his timing of events, blessings or prayer answers?  Why do we seem to trust that men will do right by us when we make requests known and we will usually patiently wait our turn; but when it comes to God we want to put him on the ‘clock’.  We pray and then expect as soon as we open our eyes or get up off of our knees or finish the final ‘AMEN’ we expect – waa-laa – for the answer to appear immediately.  Yes, God is capable and powerful enough to make anything happen in the blink of an eye, but he is also loving enough and wise enough to know that most of our requests should be tempered with time.  Not our ‘chronos’ time; but his ‘Kairos’ time. 

     My mantra is very simple – “Relax, everything is in Divine Order”.  Not only does this mean that the events are unfolding as God has ordained; but also it encompasses the fact that the timing is also under his wise control.  When we get anxious and cannot always see the steps of God’s divine order progressing; we must trust God’s heart and be patient.  His timing is perfect.

      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Have an awesome weekend.  Be blessed and bless a church service with your presence this 1^st Sunday weekend.  See you on Monday.  Rev. 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 of other things because all that is needed has already been supplied by God - it just needs for 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 GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Show Greatness

Psalm 90:16 –“Show your servants the wonderful things you do. Show your greatness to their children.”     For many children around the country, school is about to begin next week. Soon the stores will be scattered with picked over back-to-school supplies; school buses will jam up the traffic and of course we will soon all the darlings in their new school clothes (or uniforms) prancing down the street.
     Reach out and help a parent prepare their offspring for the new academic year. Help make going back special by helping a child feel good about themselves. If there is a struggling parent, volunteer to buy a pack of new underwear or pay for a trip to the barber shop. Take a young teen to get her nails done or purchase some fun stickers to decorate a plain notebook in a special way. It does not take much to inspire, but show your goodness and God will make your efforts go a long way.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn