Key to the Road Map

_{John 16:13(ISV)  “ Yet when the Spirit of Truth comes, he’ll guide you into all truth. He won’t speak on his own accord, but he’ll speak whatever he hears and will declare to you the things that are to come.”}

     _{In these days of global access and GPS, we often do not have a need to actually look at and try to decipher a printed map.  One of the main objectives of studying a map is to find locations, estimate distances and to chart routes from point A to point B.  The map itself is usually a bird’s eye view to the terrain with different signs and symbols of varying shapes and sizes}

       _{To one who has studied maps for a while, these symbols are second nature, but to a newcomer to map reading, it can be quite confusing and of little use. Somewhere on every map, usually tucked away in a corner is what is known as the ‘key’ or 'legend'.  These are the instructions which help us decipher the map and discover its hidden secrets.}  

             Many of the lessons that Jesus teaches us have hidden meanings that the world can never figure out no matter how hard they try. But Jesus provides assistance to his followers by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus tells us that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that through our association with him we are able to have access to the Father.  Through the glorification of Jesus by his death, burial and resurrection, we have been granted the presence of the Holy Spirit which lives within us as our present help and comfort. 
     When you are feeling uncertain and not sure of what your journey will entail; do not stay in confusion- that is not what God wants.  Use the resource that is as close as a whisper, a thought or a bent knee.  Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to all truth about your concerns and he will be sure to speak that which comes directly from God on your behalf.  He will show you Jesus in all of his glory in whatever situation you are facing.  

     The Holy Spirit is your ‘key’ to using the road map (lessons of the life of Jesus) to have victory in moving from point A to point B.  Unlike GPS units which can malfunction in certain ‘dead zones’ or weather conditions; the map that Jesus provides and the keys that the Holy Spirit gives are sure each and every time.  Ask for the guidance you need and faithfully follow the clues you are given to reach your ultimate goal in Jesus. 

        _{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}

Stay on the Right Track

Acts 16:19a- “19 When the men who owned the servant girl saw this, they realized that they could no longer use her to make money.”     Yesterday I wrote about the young woman who was possessed by a demon spirit which could tell of the future. Paul rebuked this spirit and it left her. Today’s message focuses on the aftermath of her freedom. This young girl was the possession of more than one man and they used her to make money. They had no regard for any torment that she might have suffered because of her ‘gift’ nor did they value her as a person, but rather as a commodity to be used for their financial gain.     Are you in a situation where your boss makes unnecessary and unfair rules to govern over you with an iron fist? Does it seem that you have to almost give up of your entire self in order to keep your job or to maintain a certain relationship; or to fit into a particular crowd? Do those who claim to have your best interests at heart seem to lull over the fact that you might be in a desperate or compromising situation and therefore must succumb to their governing in order to stay afloat? God tell us from this passage that relief is near.
     It is amazing how the devil will try to throw you off balance. When things get frustrating there are always those who search unknown methods for getting answers.  I don’t malign those who rely on horoscope readings to plan their lives – it seems fruitless to me but I will tell you that to delve into the arena of the occult can be unfulfilling and dangerous. The young girl might have been looking for answers and she found it in the faith Paul had to deliver her. 
      When you are looking for answers don’t’ relay on horoscopes, tarot cards, psychic readings and fortune tellers. There are true prophets in the land, but there are many more false prophets and those that use demonic means to appear righteous. Guard your soul and protect yourself by just trusting and waiting on God. His word is sure and he never charges you $5.99 per minute to get his advice.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Recognize the True Source

Acts 16:17-18– “17 She started following Paul and the rest of us around. She kept shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God! They are telling you how you can be saved!” 18 She continued doing this for many days. This bothered Paul, so he turned and said to the spirit, “By the power of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” Immediately, the spirit came out.”     This passage comes from a very familiar bible text recalling the interaction between Paul, Silas and a young girl possessed with the ability to tell the future. The ability to see and announce the future is relegated to those who are gifted with prophesy from God; the unrighteous use these gifts to fool the masses and set them up for destruction. She was possessed by an evil spirit who caused her to appear to be helpful and doing the ‘right thing’. This young girl was the servant (possession) of men who used her abilities to make money. For days the young girl followed Paul and Silas making proclamations; that although they were true; they were not coming from a righteous source. When Paul had enough, he turned and rebuked the spirit in the name of Jesus and it had no choice but to leave her.      When the devil sees that you are on point about your walk with God and doing his work, he will send wolves disguised in sheep’s clothing to be in your midst. They may appear to be harmless and even helpful, but their ultimate goal is your destruction. Some of the smiling faces and helpful agents around you who seem to possess good news for you may not have the true GOOD NEWS (the gospel) in them at all. They know the right words to use; they get close enough to you to learn of your needs and challenges and then they stroke you with enough icing to make you believe that their cake is good; but it is poison.
        Paul and Silas heard this young girl, under the influence of an evil spirit, say all matter of factual things about their ministry; but they did not fall for the flattery. Be aware of how the devil will use those closest to you to do his dirty work and even they might believe that what they are doing is good. If you read the text carefully you find that Paul did not speak against the young girl; nor did he chastise her; but he forcibly spoke directly to the evil that was attached to her. 
     When God gives insight about the true actions of people around you; don’t get mad at them; they are only being used to try to sway your journey. Many of them; just like the young girl; may not have control of their own lives; they may be under the rule of past frustrations, hurts and disappointments. They become willing candidates to hurt others because they have been hurt. Recognize the true source and call it out. When you speak up and protect God’s calling on your life he will honor you by dismissing evil from your presence.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Careful Wishes

John 15:7 (NRSV): “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
     We have heard it under many circumstances; “be careful what you wish for – you might just get it.” I don’t know too many people who don’t want their wishes to come true. We would like to believe that what we truly desire will manifest itself, just because we believe. The real issue is not in the manifestation of the desire, but in the desire itself. What is it that you are really wishing for and wanting to have happen?
     This means that our asking should therefore be in harmony with what God has purposed for us. As we ask for revelation, clarity, forgiveness, etc., these things are in alignment with what God wants for us along our life’s journey, so he is apt to bring those desires to fruition. If our wishes are for things that are detrimental or distractions to our walk with him, he loves us so much, he will not make them a part of our reality or he will withhold them until we mature or progress to a place where we can handle them properly.
     Every parent wants and prepares their child to be independent and able to exercise their freedom, but we would never give car keys to an 10-year old, even if they were tall enough to reach the peddles and see over the steering wheel. No matter how much experience they have driving a car using their video game they are not ready to handle a real automobile. So they can wish all they want but as responsible adults we know what is best. God hears your wishes and he knows what is best; so make sure you are careful about your wishes. Wishes show God your maturity level and how many more lessons you might need to repeat before you can move on to a higher level of responsibility.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Don't Hesitate

1 Samuel 17:48: “ So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.”
     Once David had analyzed the problem (Goliath); figured out the reward ( riches, honor and a beautiful woman); and came up with a battle plan (5 smooth stones and a slingshot), he did not hesitate to confront the issue head on. Goliath made light of his young adversary and mockingly walked slowly toward him as he taunted David with curses. This did not sway David in the least. He knew his objective and he ran into his destiny. Today is the last day of the first month of the new year and we can already note how quickly time is flying by. Do not let opportunities to slay the giant, pressing issues in your life pass by. Time waits for no one. It keeps marching on whether we are prepared for the future or not.
     Let’s not waste precious time procrastinating and hesitating under the guise that we are thoroughly analyzing the problem. While it is beneficial, just like David, to have a battle plan in place. It is never advantageous to repetitiously rehearse and never carry out the real act. David knew that time was of the essence and that God’s protection and grace were upon him at that very hour. God does not do for one what he is not willing to do for others. Whatever is on your heart. Fill out that application; make that phone call; shut down that repressive relationship; start the ball rolling to open your own business; learn to sew; stop smoking; join a fitness group…..just do it!!!
       My college friends and I loved to play Bid Whist and one of our favorite taunts was to tell a player who was slow to act…”study long...study wrong”. In essence, take a good look, sum up the situation, map out your strategy and play your hand, don’t hesitate. Strike while the iron is hot. Go for it.
     Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Do Not Forget!

Psalm 103:2 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits".     In this season of Thanksgiving we must give God total praise; especially for things we are unaware of or untapped resources. When we join certain employment ranks there can be basic benefits such as medical, dental or matching retirement plans; but often the 'fun' things come from the fringe benefits. These benefits (such as paid vacations or company cars) are sometimes the selling point for many workers to join the company.
     We know when we accept Christ as our personal savior we get salvation and the promise of eternal life plus bonuses are also included. These bonus 'fringe' benefits include an abundant life, healing, rebuking of the devourer, peace of mind and broken yokes. God throws in lots of freebies to us because of his abundant love. Psalm 103 tells us to take notice of ALL of the benefits he provides and give him thanks! Think about things you thought you had lost and they were recovered; near misses of accidents that could have been devastating; or finding convenient parking when it is pouring rain. 
     God is so good and worthy of praise for healing broken hearts and curing cancer and saving foreclosed homes. But he is also the God of small yet significant miracles each day. Do Not Forget! 
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
Relax... Everything Is In Divine Order!

Sharing the "Welcome"

Happy Thanksgiving! God’s blessings and grace to you and yours as family and friends gather today to share special memories and create new ones. 

        As caring people we don’t really need a special day set aside to give thanks or to remember our God and those who have been good to us; but it is always a great occasion to eat some great food. Many people are out working today in soup kitchens and in homeless shelters to cook and deliver meals to those who otherwise might be not have a balanced meal or be in the company of people who wish them well. 

      Many die-hard shoppers are getting geared up to prepare for Gray Thursday and Black Friday and all the other colorful days leading up to Christmas as they shop for special gifts for orphaned children, elderly shut-ins and poor families that are struggling to stay on the radar. This time of year puts many of us in the giving spirit and we are willing to donate blankets and coats to help warm chilled bodies and dolls and bikes to children who can only dream of what it is like to have new toys. Today I want to share with you my thoughts about something many of us might take for granted – Sharing the Welcome!
     There are some of us who have a really hard time allowing others to help them. We have no problem extending ourselves to go the extra mile to make sure that needs we see unfulfilled get taken care of and often without any fanfare or need for acknowledgement. We have no problem being a blessing to others; but when the shoe is on the other foot we block the blessings that others could gain from helping us by not allowing them to be able to say “you are welcome!”
     It is a good feeling to know that someone’s life has been made better because of something we have done; but when we cause them to forfeit their opportunity to have that same good feeling it borders on even being a bit selfish. There could be many reasons why many of us shy away from allowing others to help us when we enjoy so much the benefits of giving. What are your reasons? Is it pride? Could it be that we just never really thought about the hurt we could cause when we turn down the big or little things that others try to give. Stop for a moment and think about it. To you it might be that you are saying - “Oh.. that is ok, you don’t have to do that… I appreciate it, but no.” The words seem as if you are merely turning down a good gesture, but to the person who is offering themselves to you, it could come across as a personal rejection. Allow them to be able to hear someone else say “Thank you” and then they can say - “You are welcome!”
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT WELCOMING day. Be blessed. Happy Thanksgiving! I love and appreciate my blog family! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Quit Playing!

Psalm 39:8 (NCV)– “Save me from all my sins. Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.””
   When I relay some off-the-wall information to one of my good girlfriends about any outlandish action or deed that I have learned about, she will often quip "quit playing". She tells me in essence to stop trying to trick her mind and give it data that just can't possibly be true. We usually laugh it off because whatever it is that I am telling her is usually something funny that I have seen on some television show where they have caught someone doing something so foolish it is not hard to see why they were caught. 
      I remember telling her about the man who attempted to steal an ATM machine by tying a chain around it to his truck bumper (not the pickup truck, but the bumper) and sped off. Well needless to say the police found him at home with his bumper-less truck parked in the driveway because they easily traced the license plate that was still attached to the bumper - what an idiot! She hollered "quit playing" and we both laughed out loud.
    The devil will do foolish things in attempts to thwart the plans of God. One of his often tried plots is to whisper ludicrous suggestions and taunts to you. He will use foolish statements that talk about your trials, stumbles, fall and failures. He will constantly rehearse ideas of things you have attempted that might have fallen through or relationships that turned sour. He will use people close to you to torment you with “I told you so” and other babbles that will distract you. 
      Do not let it sway you or throw you off schedule. When these foolish statements come your way…do like my girlfriend does and shout “quit playing” and laugh it off. “Quit playing” is a cynical way of expressing to the devil that you just can’t believe how stupid he is for trying to come between you and what God has ordained for your life. It reminds him that his foolishness is not going to affect you because you know what he is saying is madness. He is a liar and the father of all lies. When you place whatever the devil says up against the Word of God it loses all of its power and turns to dust. So shake it off from the beginning and do not let it take root.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. 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.
    Now is 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 day, your week, your month, your year... 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! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Spiritual Understanding

Colossians 1:9 – “Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray: that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need.”
    This past  week and throughout the weekend I was inundated with multiple assignments and ‘things’ that needed to be attended to, participated in or just looked after. Whether I was assisting friends, attending services, shopping for loved ones, answering distress calls or just standing in the gap as a prayer partner – these past days have proven to be quite exhilarating. While my physical body was often fatigued from the skipped meals and lack of sleep, my mind and spirit soared to greater heights as I found myself progressing forward in the ministerial work God is laying out before me.
     I am sensing the spiritual understanding that today’s scripture speaks about. I give God praise for his faithfulness and I offer thanks to you my supportive readers. I know your prayers avail much because I feel them guiding me to newly revealed truths. Thank you for praying for me, my ministry and my greater understanding of the “path”. I pray for your uplifted countenance and for God’s plan and purpose for your life to become clearer and more resolute. As we pray for one another, God honors our supplication by granting wisdom to conquer all that presents itself as obstacles or challenges. And as a great friend says - “And so it is”!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Genesis 9:13 (AMP) “I set My bow [rainbow] in the cloud, and it shall be a token or sign of a covenant or solemn pledge between Me and the earth.”     Over the past few weeks we have experienced frequent sudden downpours where the heavens just seem to open and we are quickly drenched with a torrential rain. These sudden squalls have brought cold winds and of course worsening traffic. Each time we are blessed with these showers I am reminded of the wonder that must have overtaken Noah when he and his family saw rain for the first time.
     The bible story recounts how the upheaval of the sinful world caused God to refresh and renew the planet through Noah’s family as they rode out the storm in the ark. Along with his family, Noah and key flora and fauna survivors witnessed God’s rainbow promise to never destroy the world again by flood.
     Every time I witness a rainbow in the heavens I remember that God keeps his promises and I am rejuvenated and overcome with awe as I watch the color patterns lace the sky in splendor. God made a solemn, unconditional oath to protect us; just as he promised that whosoever believeth in Jesus should not perish, but would have ever lasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. Isn’t it gratifying and wonderful to know that God wants us to have abundant life and that he showers us with love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and favor. Then he reminds us with daily little glimpses of his promises by giving us signs and wonders. Look around you today and take note of the small yet wonderful signs God gives to remind us that he loves us.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Give from the Heart!

2 Corinthians 9:6-  “tRemember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously

As we enter this season of thanksgiving we must be open, resourceful and mindful of the many ways and opportunities God will present to us to be ambassadors of his good will.  We do things not just because there will be a reward to reap but because it is truly the nature of God- ultimately loving!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a great day! Be blessed! Rev.Dr. JoAnn

Leading Lady

Judges 4:4 – “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.”      Those of us in the south have been bombarded over the past week with voter propaganda, smear campaigns and just plain old fashioned rhetoric over election tampering and the results of the races for governor in both Florida and Georgia. We know each candidate wanted to put their best foot forward; but it seemed as if the only way they could do that was to try to trip others. Now that the madness for the most part has been settled at the polls, now the real battle begins.      The gubernatorial race has come down to a jockeying for position as voter fraud and ‘sore loser’ allegations have flooded the airways. Whether one, the other or neither was your person of choice or if you don’t live within a 1000 miles of Georgia, we are all affected by this soon to be decided outcome. In this globally connected world that we live in, the issues of one certainly do affect the livelihood of others.     Today’s scripture tells about the prophet Deborah who became a prominent judge for Israel. Considering the time in which she lived, many may be astonished to learn of her role and the history that was laid out because of her actions. As a strong advocate for justice and the courage that surpassed many of the men under her rule, Deborah spearheaded a God-ordained attack against Israel’s oppressors. The ensuing victory lead to a forty year reign of peace.     Here in Georgia we do not know the outcome between these two candidates, but to those who may scoff because they believe this job is too much for a woman to handle – Atlanta and other prominent cities have had and currently have women in high political office and gender should not be an issue of competence. Let’s look not at gender, but at her ability to lead.     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Keep praying for justice and fairness. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Keep Love First

Daniel 6:22 -"My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
     Life can be vicious; people can set traps for us; rules can be unfair and even in innocence we can get caught up and thrown to the lions. Daniel was the victim of one of the most historically famous cases of haters orchestrating a set-up. Jealousy, envy, insecurity, ignorance, low self-esteem and just being plain mean are all potential motivators for haters to stop handling their business and start messing in yours. 
      Don't be surprised if you get hit from out of "nowhere" with an attack that could throw you for a loop. But DON'T get thrown off your game! Keep love in your heart. Most haters will never attack you right out; they try to weaken your resolve and cause you to cave in, then throw you to the lions. They will gossip, hurt your feelings, stretch the truth to its outer limits, bring up old hash and anything to shake your resolve. Do like Daniel and keep focused on your Godly purpose. Keep your heart pure. No one is perfect; but your haters will not allow you to have faults. 
     It is not written in the bible that Daniel protested or fought back or even put up a struggle when they escorted him to the lion's den. You can't fight organized evil in your own strength- so don't try... just stand with God and let him do the fighting. Keep love first and foremost in your actions. Resist the urge to 'give them a piece of your mind' or to show them they "messed with the wrong one". To your haters it will seem like they got the upper hand and that you are 'weak'.... But they just don't know God will shut the mouths of the destructive forces they thought would undermine you. The lions of isolation, gossip, divorce, debt, abuse, un-/under-employment, and anything that can devour us can be shut down and ineffective. Instead of consuming us, God will use these very things to cushion us as he works out our escape plan and destroys our haters. Stay loving. It is not easy; but each time you do the next trial gets easier until eventually you will do just like Daniel and not even get flustered when you see your haters coming,
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day!  Have a good weekend. See you Monday. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Leave Some

Leviticus 19:10 -"It is the same with your grape crop—don’t strip every last piece of fruit from the vines, and don’t pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and for those traveling through, for I am Jehovah your God."     The blessing of having enough, and even better than that, the blessing of having more than enough carries with it instructions to share with others. God blesses us in many ways and magnitudes. God tells us that when he blesses our bounty, we are not to collect and hoard what he has allowed to increase. Some of our lives overflow in areas that are rather easy to share. If you are blessed to be financially comfortable it might not be taxing to contribute money to charitable causes, If you have talents that can be shared- that is wonderful and many may benefit from your inspirational singing, dancing, speaking, sewing, and artistry, These can be great areas to express altruism; where the giver bestows upon the receiver. 
     Many have and need to be blessed through these kind acts of sharing. But God tells us in this scripture that it is helpful to not bundle up all you have and then dole it out in increments to open hands; but to allow opportunities for those who are able and willing to "work" for the blessing of your overflow.     In essence God is blessing them through you, not because of you. This system allows the gleaner to appreciate the harvest, have pride in their work, and stops the devil from twisting helpful acts into areas of scorn. It never fails that the devil can turn altruistic gestures into scenarios of "look what I did for you" if we are not careful. The scripture tells us that when we provide opportunities for others to gain, we may never know who they are, their state of being; whether they are passing through our lives or will be regular fixtures of our destinies. The main point is that -no relevance is given to who you will help so there can be no prejudice. Help someone by giving them an opportunity to do a good work through you. Don't know what to do or how to proceed? Ask God- he is awesome in providing opportunities for us to be more like him.     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

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HOPE

Job 11:18 - "And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety."
     Well the elections are over and the votes have been tallied. Some might protest the outcomes and others are still celebrating. Even in the midst of victory when we are bombarded with negative thoughts and constant examples of how things can go wrong, it isn't difficult to understand why many may lose confidence and courage in the many processes of life.
     Regardless of the outcome we know that our hope in God is surely worth it. One of the greatest motivators for sustaining confidence is to re-evaluate where you are and giving thanks for where you are going. Planning for the future requires hope. Hope reminds us that there is something worth working toward; fighting through; and praying for. 
      Hope tells us to keep moving even when our bodies are weary, our minds are baffled and our souls are discouraged. Hope keeps us striving, even though circumstances keep changing. Hope dictates a pattern of courage that is unrivaled Hope is the glue that holds our dreams together as we connect the puzzle pieces that will form the picture of our destiny. Never let hope slip away, diminish or fade. Keep encouraging yourself. Read your Bible daily for inspiration. Pray continually and guard your heart and mind against anything that wants you to maintain the 'status quo'.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

God is on the throne!

Daniel 10:19 - “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong. When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”     
     Well I don’t know about many of you, but I am so glad this day has finally arrived. I have grown weary of endless slanderous ads; impractical commercials and the constant barrage of news stories of one-upmanship that has been the driving force of the current election cycle. Today the final balloting will take place and along with many amendments that are on the ticket; the next Governors in many states will be determined.
     I voted during the ‘early voting opportunity and like a difficult pregnancy; the birthing may be traumatic but one can’t stay pregnant forever; it all must come to some type of end. Regardless of whether you voted for who you believe is the best thing since sliced bread or thought you only chose the lesser of evils…soon it will be over but more importantly…do not be dismayed and of course do not be afraid of what the future holds. Someone less than what we might imagine may sit in the oval office, but we know who sits on the THRONE.       Whether it is Herod or Nebuchadnezzar we have no worries. We are overcomers and we fear the authority of no man. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess. And if those in power forget who is really in charge, they better ask somebody. Moses can testify about Pharaoh; Elijah can speak about Jezebel and we all know what happened to Saul.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Be Responsible!

Galatians 6:5 (KJV)-“For every man shall beaer his own burden.”
     For many of us this is the eve of some very important elections. The rhetoric, back-biting, name-calling and negative campaigning will be at a fever pitch today as the final push for candidates comes to a head. Over the past few years we have lived through terrible storms, school shootings, police beatings, political sabotage, infidelous destruction of relationships - in the aftermath of so many selfish events two poignant points arise in the future of all who seek justice – Responsibility and Faith. The ways and the means by which we have grown more like Christ has been guided by the measure of faith given to each of us. It is our responsibility to nurture and strengthen that faith to spurn us on to greater heights and deeper depths.
    Each of us must bear the joy and pain that comes with the responsibilities we share. We are our brother’s keeper. We are responsible for the upbringing of all youth, for it does take a village to help them achieve. We are responsible for the health of our community and the comfort of our elders. We are responsible for our attitudes and our behaviors. Just as Christ bore the burdens of a sin-sick world to grant us the opportunity for eternal life; we must fulfill our charge to aid others to help make their lives better. Who are you responsible for; who depends on you to keep your promises? What burdens do you bear that aid those in need? Do not despair if your obligations seem overwhelming? If God has entrusted you to take on these duties, he will provide what you need to complete your tasks. Stand up and complete your responsibilities – your reward will be great. If you have not done so already….get out and vote. Let your voice be known and your support the candidate that will serve the greater good with responsibility and faith.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Blessings of Faith

Romans 5:2 (NLT) – “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory”.
      The other day a girlfriend and I were praying and she mentioned how thankful she was that in her walk with God, she is learning to hear and follow him more faithfully. Incidents with her car and her living environment have caused her to develop, not a sense of urgency, but an aura of calm and trust. While we are to do all in our power to handle life’s ups and down’s, the clue is “within our power”. We can shoulder the vicissitudes of life so much better when we realize that the true battles belong to the Lord and to be patient and allow the blessings of faith to take a foothold.
     I often reminisce about times when I would try to make sure we had every ‘I’ dotted, ‘t’ crossed and ‘j’ hooked; but now I go with ‘the flow’ so much it is often unreal just how I manage to get anything done. But I know it is not me, but the Holy Spirit that dwells within that guides, directions, and gears my actions to make sure I have the most success in the activities that God ordains.
     Listen to the still small voice that gingerly leads and then follow the urging that motivate you to do the ‘righteous’ thing! You can never go wrong when you trust God and walk on although you do not always know the exact path. Trust God to be a lamp upon your feet and that as you journey forth, he will light each step just as you need to know where to put your foot. First you have to faithfully take that step….and trust that when you are ready to plant your foot - God will have secure ground to support it.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Have an inspiring weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Getting to Know You!

Happy 60th Birthday to my cousin Arthur Houser, Jr. and post-mortem salutations to my friend Harrison Boyd who would have celebrated 54 years today. Rest in Peace my friend.

Ephesians 1:17 - “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

      While in the grocery store checkout line yesterday, I noticed the tabloids that filled the shelves with gossip, innuendo and slander. Each person was telling stories of how they felt betrayed because after the time spent with their partner they realized that they really did not know them at all. Soon came the arguments, distrust, and then finally affairs, break ups and divorces.
     Many of the problems these couples face are due to the fact that they really did not take the time to get to know each other before they became too emotionally involved. Before they understood the idiosyncrasies and nuances that could irritate them, they become intimately tied.
      God is faithful and he desires an intimate relationship with his creation; therefore he takes the time to reveal himself to us in ways that we can grasp and understand. His majesty and glory are demonstrated in the very physical world that we live in. The grandeur of mountain ranges, the beauty of autumn sunsets, the complexity of clouds and the awesome power of a waterfall. His amazing love and grace are demonstrated through us and we can only gain this through his revelation as we spend time with him. No one would consider a friend to be ‘close’ or a BFF if they never spoke, interacted, hung-out or learned what each other liked, disliked or believed.
      So it is with God; we must spend quality time with him and he will reveal himself to us in marvelous ways. Have you spoken to him today? If you have not or even if you have had an extensive time with him in prayer already, as soon as you finish reading this blog give him a shout-out. He is listening and ready to take your relationship to another level.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn