Psalm 127:2 – “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves. He gives his beloved sleep.”
Illness, stress, family problems, job demands, etc., can rob us of sleep. If we constantly run on low battery power it will show up in our attitudes, our relationships and our performance. The Bibles says (1) “’He gives his beloved sleep” ; (2) I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8) and (3) “When you lie down, you will not be afraid, yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. (Prov 3:24)
Sleep is an act of trust; when you go to sleep the world is in God’s hands, not yours. And it will get along very well (even if you aren’t awake to control things). When you awaken the next morning, God will give you the grace you need for the new day.
Ever tried to pray when you were suffering from sleep deficit? It is hard to do. Before Elijah was able to spend prolonged time in prayer the angel of the Lord made him take not one, but two long naps. Contrast that with the disciples in Gethsemane who couldn’t pray because they kept falling asleep. It is hard to think, feel and act like Jesus when you lack sleep. That is why the Psalmist says – “He gives His beloved sleep.” Maybe the most spiritual thing we can do is to get to bed earlier and wake up refreshed so we are ready to fulfill God’s purpose for our day.
Every day is a good day. It is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Rejuvenate Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Bright Lights
John 1:5 (NIV) – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
One very dark night I was driving home from a semi-rural area on the outskirts of town. I had to use my high beam light setting because regular light just did not seem to illuminate the road well enough and I could barely see anything off on the side.
Deer and other nocturnal animals are deadly dangerous when they amble into the roadway and get mesmerized by the car lights. The old adage – “deer in the headlights” to depict someone who is physically there but mentally somewhere else is a good analogy of what happens when we rumble around in the dark (sin) and then are thrust into the loving light of Jesus.
When we are living in sin we are hanging around the fringes of life. God has great things for us and he needs us to get off the side lines and cross over into the blessings he has prepared for us. Like deer, the longer we linger in the darkness on the sidelines of living, the more blinded we are when we find our way into the Light. Don’t be like the illusive deer which stand motionless in the middle of their decision; - should it return to the familiarity of the darkness; should it run for unknown territory or remain mesmerized in the middle of the road?
As I traveled toward my home I noticed that many of the cars that were coming toward me and racing into the blackness of the rural countryside were equipped with high intensity halogen headlights. They cast a wide beam of light so bright it appears to be blue rather than white. Jesus is the LIGHT of the world and when we put him first in our lives he will illuminate all that is around us and pierce into the darkness to make our way safe and comfortable. Don’t get used to having one foot in the dark and the other testing the light. God wants our whole commitment. We must consistently ask the Holy Spirit to show us areas where we are too comfortable on the edge of darkness. Pray for Jesus to shine his Light on those situations and rebuke the sin and its dangers away from our lives.
Every day is a good day. It is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn
One very dark night I was driving home from a semi-rural area on the outskirts of town. I had to use my high beam light setting because regular light just did not seem to illuminate the road well enough and I could barely see anything off on the side.
Deer and other nocturnal animals are deadly dangerous when they amble into the roadway and get mesmerized by the car lights. The old adage – “deer in the headlights” to depict someone who is physically there but mentally somewhere else is a good analogy of what happens when we rumble around in the dark (sin) and then are thrust into the loving light of Jesus.
When we are living in sin we are hanging around the fringes of life. God has great things for us and he needs us to get off the side lines and cross over into the blessings he has prepared for us. Like deer, the longer we linger in the darkness on the sidelines of living, the more blinded we are when we find our way into the Light. Don’t be like the illusive deer which stand motionless in the middle of their decision; - should it return to the familiarity of the darkness; should it run for unknown territory or remain mesmerized in the middle of the road?
As I traveled toward my home I noticed that many of the cars that were coming toward me and racing into the blackness of the rural countryside were equipped with high intensity halogen headlights. They cast a wide beam of light so bright it appears to be blue rather than white. Jesus is the LIGHT of the world and when we put him first in our lives he will illuminate all that is around us and pierce into the darkness to make our way safe and comfortable. Don’t get used to having one foot in the dark and the other testing the light. God wants our whole commitment. We must consistently ask the Holy Spirit to show us areas where we are too comfortable on the edge of darkness. Pray for Jesus to shine his Light on those situations and rebuke the sin and its dangers away from our lives.
Every day is a good day. It is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Faithful Cheerleaders
John 2:5 (ESV) - “ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.
This scripture comes from St. John’s Gospel depiction of the first public miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was so resolved that he could handle the situation that she boldly made the proclamation to the servants to ‘do whatever he instructs you to do’. Jesus had not made wine appear out of nowhere before nor had he done any miracle for that matter, but his mom had such faith in him that she knew her son would handle the issue and that the celebratory family would not be embarrassed.
I was thinking about all of the people in my life who had such support and faith in me that they, without hesitation, knew that whatever the task, I could handle it. I remember Corean Burns who started calling me Dr. JoAnn when I still had years to go before completing my doctorate. And Edith Abrams who urged me to give teaching a try. I can still hear the promptings of Kimberly Corbitt who saw ministry in me decades before I took my first seminary course. These people spoke into my life and often at times when I needed to hear that I could do it. They often provided me with the impetus to grasp for that second wind and to push across the finish line. Many of them may not have ever known just how vital that smile, hug, inspirational call or card impacted my ability to hold on and stay strong.
We need to practice supporting one another even when we don’t actually foresee how things may turn out. God has the ultimate plan and the playbook strategies are all outlined and in the midst of it all everyone can use a great cheering squad. My charge to you today is ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your memory someone who could use a little pat on the back today; an impromptu phone call or even a surprise lunch visit and do your part to make today special for them. You could be the very reason someone’s whole day can be readjusted for success. Think about the last time someone spoke into your life at just the right time and how great it made you feel - Pass it on!
Every day is a good day. It is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Act Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn
This scripture comes from St. John’s Gospel depiction of the first public miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was so resolved that he could handle the situation that she boldly made the proclamation to the servants to ‘do whatever he instructs you to do’. Jesus had not made wine appear out of nowhere before nor had he done any miracle for that matter, but his mom had such faith in him that she knew her son would handle the issue and that the celebratory family would not be embarrassed.
I was thinking about all of the people in my life who had such support and faith in me that they, without hesitation, knew that whatever the task, I could handle it. I remember Corean Burns who started calling me Dr. JoAnn when I still had years to go before completing my doctorate. And Edith Abrams who urged me to give teaching a try. I can still hear the promptings of Kimberly Corbitt who saw ministry in me decades before I took my first seminary course. These people spoke into my life and often at times when I needed to hear that I could do it. They often provided me with the impetus to grasp for that second wind and to push across the finish line. Many of them may not have ever known just how vital that smile, hug, inspirational call or card impacted my ability to hold on and stay strong.
We need to practice supporting one another even when we don’t actually foresee how things may turn out. God has the ultimate plan and the playbook strategies are all outlined and in the midst of it all everyone can use a great cheering squad. My charge to you today is ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your memory someone who could use a little pat on the back today; an impromptu phone call or even a surprise lunch visit and do your part to make today special for them. You could be the very reason someone’s whole day can be readjusted for success. Think about the last time someone spoke into your life at just the right time and how great it made you feel - Pass it on!
Every day is a good day. It is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Act Victoriously! Be Blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Monday, February 6, 2017
Chosen by the Best
John 15:16(ESV) – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Yesterday I watched as the Atlanta Falcons played against the new England Patriots in the 51st Super Bowl game in Houston, Texas. Of course my loyalties are with my team, the Green Bay Packers, but since the home team made it to the final showdown I did cheer them on. The best teams from each conference showed up to show off their talents, skills and training. Through the process of elimination they have risen to the top to be called the ‘best’. Each team is made up of individual players who through draft selection, trades or other methods were selected to make up the team roster.
We have been chosen, selected, and hand-picked to live the life that God has ordained. The ups and downs, ins and outs, peaks and valleys are all a part of the assignment that God has entrusted to us; empowered us to complete and constantly monitors us to give the provisions that we need to be successful.
When life presents challenges to us that just seem insurmountable, it is refreshing to remember that God is in control and that he has not fallen asleep at the wheel. He is fully knowledgeable about our every circumstance and if we continue to trust him and lean upon his Holy name, we will defeat all the snares of the enemy and overcome the obstacles that stand in our path. The road may not be easy and often it seems that others have a better time than we do, but do not be dismayed – God is so on top of our situation and he loves us so much. Remember, when you can’t see God’s hand, and you are uncertain about his plan, trust in his heart. He is awesome, magnificent, sovereign and good!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Yesterday I watched as the Atlanta Falcons played against the new England Patriots in the 51st Super Bowl game in Houston, Texas. Of course my loyalties are with my team, the Green Bay Packers, but since the home team made it to the final showdown I did cheer them on. The best teams from each conference showed up to show off their talents, skills and training. Through the process of elimination they have risen to the top to be called the ‘best’. Each team is made up of individual players who through draft selection, trades or other methods were selected to make up the team roster.
We have been chosen, selected, and hand-picked to live the life that God has ordained. The ups and downs, ins and outs, peaks and valleys are all a part of the assignment that God has entrusted to us; empowered us to complete and constantly monitors us to give the provisions that we need to be successful.
When life presents challenges to us that just seem insurmountable, it is refreshing to remember that God is in control and that he has not fallen asleep at the wheel. He is fully knowledgeable about our every circumstance and if we continue to trust him and lean upon his Holy name, we will defeat all the snares of the enemy and overcome the obstacles that stand in our path. The road may not be easy and often it seems that others have a better time than we do, but do not be dismayed – God is so on top of our situation and he loves us so much. Remember, when you can’t see God’s hand, and you are uncertain about his plan, trust in his heart. He is awesome, magnificent, sovereign and good!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live Victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Friday, February 3, 2017
Accepting Yourself
Matthew 22:39 – “...‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Only by loving yourself in a healthy way, can you love others the way God intended. When you don’t love yourself you live in insecurity; and you keep looking to others for approval. When you don’t get it, your self-worth shrivels. As a result, you live far beneath your potential. You are the only person you can’t get away from, so unless you learn to accept yourself, you’ll be miserable. Stop and think about the last time you were around somebody you dint enjoy being with – how did it feel?
Whether good or bad, you project onto others the thoughts and feelings you have about yourself. So if you want people to think well of you, have a good opinion of yourself – one that’s based on God’s will and nurtured buy the right relationships. No question, the Bible cautions us about having an overinflated opinion of ourselves. But don’t go to the other extreme! Living with continual self-rejection is an open invitation to Satan, who is always ‘sneaking around to find someone to attack.’ Don’t play into his hands!
Paul writes: “Nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature”. That means the good qualities you do possess, are evidence that God is at work in your life. So be sure to acknowledge them. The Bible says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Instead of focusing on your flaws and feeling bad about yourself, recognize the ‘treasure’ of God’s presence, power, and potential that lives with you, and building on it.
Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Have a great weekend; see you on Monday! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Only by loving yourself in a healthy way, can you love others the way God intended. When you don’t love yourself you live in insecurity; and you keep looking to others for approval. When you don’t get it, your self-worth shrivels. As a result, you live far beneath your potential. You are the only person you can’t get away from, so unless you learn to accept yourself, you’ll be miserable. Stop and think about the last time you were around somebody you dint enjoy being with – how did it feel?
Whether good or bad, you project onto others the thoughts and feelings you have about yourself. So if you want people to think well of you, have a good opinion of yourself – one that’s based on God’s will and nurtured buy the right relationships. No question, the Bible cautions us about having an overinflated opinion of ourselves. But don’t go to the other extreme! Living with continual self-rejection is an open invitation to Satan, who is always ‘sneaking around to find someone to attack.’ Don’t play into his hands!
Paul writes: “Nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature”. That means the good qualities you do possess, are evidence that God is at work in your life. So be sure to acknowledge them. The Bible says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Instead of focusing on your flaws and feeling bad about yourself, recognize the ‘treasure’ of God’s presence, power, and potential that lives with you, and building on it.
Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Have a great weekend; see you on Monday! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Something Else
Ephesians 2:7 - “ In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
What you’re going through right now is important, because God is weighing it in the light of your future. God doesn’t measure us in terms of our present condition or comfort level. No, He has a far greater plan in mind. ‘God knew [us] before he made the world, and he chose [us] to be like his Son. Imagine that! One day we will be just like Jesus; doesn’t that blow your mind?
In the coming ages God is going to put us on display and say. “Look at My workmanship. Can you believe that I made these glorified creature from clay? When I first scooped them off the ground they wouldn’t hold water. But I worked with them, molded them and raised them up until they held relationships, and ministries, and concepts and jobs. What you heard about them is true. They were a disgrace and a disaster, but My grace was sufficient. Now they will sit with me, ruling and reigning forever!
When it comes to performing the impossible, Houdini and PT Barnum were amateurs. Could they have parted the Red Sea, put the sun on hold for 24 hours, turned water into wine, resurrected the dead, and done it all with such style? Well guess what? That same God is at work in your life. That’s because He plans to show you off some day. Incredible as it may sound, when God gets through with you, you’ll be something else.
Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
What you’re going through right now is important, because God is weighing it in the light of your future. God doesn’t measure us in terms of our present condition or comfort level. No, He has a far greater plan in mind. ‘God knew [us] before he made the world, and he chose [us] to be like his Son. Imagine that! One day we will be just like Jesus; doesn’t that blow your mind?
In the coming ages God is going to put us on display and say. “Look at My workmanship. Can you believe that I made these glorified creature from clay? When I first scooped them off the ground they wouldn’t hold water. But I worked with them, molded them and raised them up until they held relationships, and ministries, and concepts and jobs. What you heard about them is true. They were a disgrace and a disaster, but My grace was sufficient. Now they will sit with me, ruling and reigning forever!
When it comes to performing the impossible, Houdini and PT Barnum were amateurs. Could they have parted the Red Sea, put the sun on hold for 24 hours, turned water into wine, resurrected the dead, and done it all with such style? Well guess what? That same God is at work in your life. That’s because He plans to show you off some day. Incredible as it may sound, when God gets through with you, you’ll be something else.
Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
We Were Chosen
Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,”
Before you were born, God already had a plan for your life. “We were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with…his will. The Living Bible puts it this way – “All things happen just as he decided long go.” Notice it says ‘’all things’. That includes the things you want to run from! When Jonah tried to run from God and go to Tarshish, God said, “No way, my plan is in place. If I let you escape I wouldn’t be God. If I have to I’ll send a storm, rock your boat and put your life on hold in order to accomplish my purpose.”
When Jonah could go no lower he prayed and God answered him, just in time to go and preach in Ninevah, his original destination. You can go the easy way or the hard way, but you’ll go. The Psalmist said. “Your way... is in the sanctuary. . . Your way was sin the sea [storm]. The choice is yours.
Understand this: you have been picked for a purpose; God has too much invested in you to let you get away with things. If you have to come on a stretcher when He calls you’ll come. If you have to leave behind a relationship, or an addiction or a personal agenda, you’ll come. And you’ll know its God, because you’ll be willing to leave behind those things which now mean nothing, in order to live for those things which now mean everything.
Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
Before you were born, God already had a plan for your life. “We were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with…his will. The Living Bible puts it this way – “All things happen just as he decided long go.” Notice it says ‘’all things’. That includes the things you want to run from! When Jonah tried to run from God and go to Tarshish, God said, “No way, my plan is in place. If I let you escape I wouldn’t be God. If I have to I’ll send a storm, rock your boat and put your life on hold in order to accomplish my purpose.”
When Jonah could go no lower he prayed and God answered him, just in time to go and preach in Ninevah, his original destination. You can go the easy way or the hard way, but you’ll go. The Psalmist said. “Your way... is in the sanctuary. . . Your way was sin the sea [storm]. The choice is yours.
Understand this: you have been picked for a purpose; God has too much invested in you to let you get away with things. If you have to come on a stretcher when He calls you’ll come. If you have to leave behind a relationship, or an addiction or a personal agenda, you’ll come. And you’ll know its God, because you’ll be willing to leave behind those things which now mean nothing, in order to live for those things which now mean everything.
Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Live victoriously! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn
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