Do It Right The First Time

Jonah 3:1(NIV) – “When the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ² “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

It took a storm; being thrown overboard; time inside the belly of a fish and finally being vomited out on shore for Jonah to get the picture that when God has a job for you it is best to do it right the first time.  Jonah was given a specific assignment and instead of doing as God requested; he took it upon himself to change God’s mind.  Needless to say, as the scripture for today proves, he finally came to his senses and when the instructions came to him a second time, he obeyed.

When God gives you a task to complete; a person to interact with; a destination to visit or even a simple phone call to make – DO IT!.  When given a directive from the Creator it is not a chore – it is a privilege.  God created everything from nothing and surely can make any task that he requires complete itself without our help; but he trusts us enough to get us involved for our own best interest.  Reevaluate something that you know is on your must-do agenda and find a way to prioritize it back to the top of your list.  Keep God’s business on the forefront.  Is it time to offer an apology? Do you need to return something that you have kept too long?  Need to talk with someone on the behalf of another?  Do you need to request more time to settle an issue?  Don’t procrastinate another day.  Don’t get swallowed up in the moment and end up in the dark.  Let’s not let God have to tell us twice.  Any of you faithful readers who are parents know how frustrating it is to have to tell your children more than once to follow your instructions. Let’s strive to do it right the first time. 

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

Wizard Warning!!

Isaiah 8:19

The people will say, “Go to the fortunetellers and wizards who mumble and chirp like birds. Ask them what to do.” But I say, “Shouldn’t people go to their God for help? Why go to the dead to get help for the living?”

With all of the chaos and uncertainty that is prevailing in society today, many are seeking answers and solutions from sources outside of God’s wisdom.  Driving down many city streets there are dozens of marquees touting the services of Fortune Tellers and Tarot Card Readers; all promising to be able to deliver inspired, ‘spiritual’ insight into any problem presented.  Whether the inquiry is about love, prosperity, career choice, or seeking lottery numbers, the gullible are taken in and cheated because of their desperation to find ways to cope with the uncertainty of life.

Do not be fooled; tarot cards, tea leaf reading; horoscopes and fortune telling are all sides of the same coin – Not Trusting  God.  One of the most poignant lessons found in scripture is the fact the God only moves by his timing; not by our whines, complaints, pleads or bargaining; and surely not through the use of agents who operate against his will. Some may believe that it is harmless to pursue such practices; but God is very straight forward in his edits of whom we should seek when we are in need of answers.  Why go to the dead (Confucius, Mohammed, Bubbha) when we serve a living Lord?  Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to the right sources…then patiently wait on the Lord and be of good courage.  Do not be anxious and run ahead of God… be patient and all that you need to know shall be revealed to you.  

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

Silent Support

Mark 14:61 – “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

       In keeping with the testing theme we started yesterday, today’s scripture illustrates that ‘silence can often be golden’.  God’s handling of some of our best lessons reflects the role that teachers, instructors and exam proctors play while the test is underway.  When I distribute the examination papers to my students, they are on their own.  As they progress through their test I remain vigilant yet silent.  As we traverse through this life, we will come upon events, people or circumstances that will put us to the test.  During these testing times it is not difficult to see why we might feel a bit isolated or alone. 

       Just like in a typical classroom, the entire atmosphere changes while we are in test mode.  The students enter the room with a sense of urgency and awe.  They keep movement and talking to a minimum; turn off or mute their cell phones and listen carefully to the instructions. When we become astute to the ways of life’s tests; we too will change the atmosphere.  We should talk less about our problems; shut off communication with distractions and listen to the instructions that the Holy Spirit provides.  Like a good teacher, while the students are undergoing testing, God remains ever-present; watchful and silent.

      Don’t be troubled when you are in the midst of a test and you feel a bit isolated or ignored.  God is not daydreaming or forgetful.  He knows all about our issues; motivations and especially our outcomes.  God gives us the opportunity to challenge the ‘status quo” and show him what we have learned.  Make him proud.  Don’t lose your focus; his quietness is just him silently rooting for you.     

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

Testing, testing, 1,2,3

Mark 13:11 – “Even when you are arrested and put on trial, don’t worry about what you will say. Say whatever God tells you at the time. It will not really be you speaking. It will be the Holy Spirit”.

       This week started the beginning of the ‘end’ for my students.  They have traversed long and hard throughout the semester and now it is time for the proverbial rubber to hit the road; it is finals week.  I have prepped them of proper studying and recall techniques and prepared them for the rigors of comprehensive test taking; now it is up to them to show me the fruits of their labor.  One of the key elements that I share with them is to rely on and have confidence in what they have already mastered.  When it is time to recall past data, if they have properly studied, it will flow effortlessly if they relax and trust their preparation.

       Each day we are tested and often we might think we are not prepared; but all of our previous lessons that God has guided us through are all that we need for success.  It is for us to rely upon the Holy Spirit to bring to the surface all that we need to triumphantly pass any trial.  Our scripture tells us to not worry but put our trust in God who gives us wisdom for all occasions.  The key for us, just like for my students, is to be prepared and rely upon what God gives as inspiration.  So look forward this week to whatever trials might come your way.  Each one is a proving ground of lessons that God knows you are prepared for as he wants to move you to a higher level.  Have confidence that you have what it takes to make the grade and call upon the Holy Spirit to guide your recall.  You can make high marks every time.

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

Totally Connected

Romans 8:38-39 (KJV) – “³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

      This has been an emotionally charged week.  A childhood friend passed away, several news reports told about bizarre and tragic train and automobile fatal accidents; recalls of usually reliable food items and even wild animals roaming the streets of major metropolitan cities.  What is going on? Well whatever the cause or the effect, we can rest assured that no matter what - we are in the loving care of our God.  Nothing new or old; foreign or domestic; seen or unseen can separate us from the love of God.  Nothing we can do or fail to do will disconnect us from the powerful arms of our Creator.  God is all love and every motive he portrays is steeped in love. 

      As we approach the weekend I charge each of us to look around and see the beauty of God’s love for us in the very simple things in life.  God is an awesome provider; a wonderful comfort in the time of sorrow; a protective hand when dangers abound and a Father who lavishes his love through mercy and grace.  Life is full of ups and downs but know that God in his loving nature has our best in mind at all times. Enjoy all that life has to offer; no matter how things appear on the surface; know that God is in control and we are never out of his loving grasp.

      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  Have a gratitude-filled weekend.  See you on Monday.  Be blessed!.   Dr. JoAnn

Divine Provision

Psalm 23:5a (NKJV) – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

It is a reassuring thought and a certifiable truth that God provides for us in ways that are indisputable and immeasurable.  When we have conflicts of interest or challenges that present more stress than we feel we can bear, God shows up and instead of changing the circumstances; alleviating the pressure or even rescuing us from the calamity; he will simply provide for us. In a trial, with enemies all around, God prepares a table. In this divine provision we find peace in the midst of turmoil. We might scoff at the solution that God provides; we want the suffering to end; the pain to dissipate; the conflict to cease; but God allows us to remain where we are to build our character; increase our faith; or grow our resolve. 

Look around the next time you feel painted into a corner; or that life has thrown you a curve ball and see that while in the midst of your fiery furnace God has a table prepared just for you.  Take your eyes off of your problem and look around for the spread that God has made available for you during this season.  Don’t focus on the problem, but on God’s provision.

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

Go On Up Higher!

Exodus 19:20 - (ESV) – “ The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.”

        Wednesdays have been marked as “Hump Day” among the Monday through Friday work group who mark the day as the mid-point of the struggle to get to the fun and relaxation of the weekend.  “Hump Day” has many images from friendly talking camels to mountaineers scampering up the side of a tortuously steep hill.  Whatever image pops into mind one thing we must never overlook is that while the mountain may have its challenges; guess who dwells in the midst of the mountain.  God is ubiquitous and is everywhere at the same time; but as the scripture reveals God ‘goes’ and ‘comes’ in his spirit to places where we can interact with him on a personal level.  Jesus wrapped himself in human flesh and dwelt among us on Earth; the Holy Spirit encapsulates himself into our being to dwell within us. 

      So the next time you struggle with having to do ‘hard’ things or ‘frustrating’ tasks that seem to just be like pushing a boulder uphill; keep in mind who is waiting for you at the summit; cheering for you all along the way; giving you strength to endure; guiding and encouraging your every step and keeping the predators at bay.  Keep focused on the uphill climb for you are elevating yourself above the mush and mire below to Go On Up Higher.

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