Auld Lang Syne

Happy New Year’s Eve and Happy 8th Birthday to my beautiful granddaughter, Kamari Alicia Gaither.
     Philippians 3:13- “No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
     When we transition from the old year into the New Year it has been customary to do the familiar countdown – 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 –shouting “HAPPY NEW YEAR”. We blow our whistles, rattle our noise makers, hug and kiss even perfect strangers and those in secular setting will fake through a verse or two of "Auld Lang Syne". Many of us may be in religious or family setting where we usher in the New Year on our knees in prayer and praise. Some will swing into the New Year in grand style at lavish parties, while many may follow the haps from around the world in the comfort of their homes via television broadcasts and live streaming.
     Regardless of where you are one thing is for certain when the clock strikes midnight many will see this New Year as a new opportunity to salute and say farewell to the old and prepare to conquer new ground. The saying Auld Lang Syne is from a Scot traditional folk song and loosely translated into English says "for (the sake of) old times".
     For the sake of old times, we remember the people, the places, the events, the challenges and the triumphs that the old year presented. For the sake of old times we remember and relish the lessons we were taught and the impact those lessons will have on where are now to go. To truly cherish old times does not mean that we wallow in the old, or try to remain in its grasp, but we appreciate the old by forging new paths rooted and grounded in what the old had to offer.
     Now it is it time to forget the old; not the essence of the lessons, but forget in the sense that now we must turn it loose and grab hold of the new. Like a trapeze artist in motion, use the old as a catapult to thrust forward to catch the new. To some it may be just another day on the calendar; just another sunrise on the horizon or just another shift at work; but those who know that every day God grants brand new mercies, this new day of the New Year is special for many reasons. Like the Sankofa bird, look back upon the past for what it has brought but keep your feet and momentum pointed forward as your move into your new destiny. 
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Step by Step

Proverbs 20:24 – “The Lord guides our steps, and we never know where he will lead us.”
     As I entered my prayer room, which we serenely call the ‘chapel’ my eyes caught the “Footsteps” writing I have posted on one of the walls. I have heard it and read it many, many times but this morning I read again and the Holy Spirit really reminded me of how much God does love us and when the hard times in our lives rush upon us, he gently lifts us in his arms and carries us onward. As I read the last few lines I knew this morning I wanted to share with you the steadfast love of God. No matter what you are going through; whether you are in the beginning of a trial, in the midst of the storm or bruised and battered from just completing a soul-stirring battle – know that God never leaves us alone…he holds, carries, protects and loves us dearly.
      Think back on your own footsteps and give God praise for his loving, supportive and ever-present arms. Find ways this weekend to show God’s love back to him and to others around you. Be appreciative of how he has carried you through ups and downs and be grateful for even the most uncertain times. God loves us step-by-step.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Have a worshipful weekend. See you on Monday! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Blow Wind Blow

Psalm 1:4 – “The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.”
     The other day my friend had the nerve to share with me a video of her holiday visit from the Caribbean where a swift, balmy breeze was whipping through the area. Here in Atlanta we were experiencing a gloomy overcast day so needless to say I was living vicariously through her decription of how wonderful the wind felt.
    As I watched the video it was amazing to see the tall palm trees bow to the majesty of the invisible force that pushed their fronds to and fro. As the wind canvased the area it was evident that anything that was not properly secured was in for a tossing.
     When the cleansing winds of life sweep through our lives we should do two types of evaluations. One – to see which things need to be nailed down and the other – to see which things we need to allow to blow away. God sends all types of winds into our lives – some to cool, some to sweep, some to stir, some to blow down and some to blow away. There are some things, people and circumstances that we need to cherish more; we need to pay more attention to securing them more tightly and honoring their worth. And there are some things that we are holding on to and cherishing that really need to be loosed and allowed to leave. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and he will make it evident which things fit into which category. Blow Wind Blow.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

 

Gains and Losses

Mark 8:36 –“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
     The last few days have been filled with merriment, family events, church activities, holiday concerts and of course football games. The competition between teams focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of those combatting. Game commentators tell of various statistics which denote wins, loses and current standings. The gains and losses over the season keeps the teams jockeying for positions of field advantage and playing options. As teams win they gain higher rankings which puts them into more competitive slots as they approach the final showdown – the Superbowl.
     In our life walk we too face challenges where there will be gains and losses. At some interactions we will lose ground, even when we give our best efforts and others will be great wins. Some days we can handle the competition which comes against our faith trying to throw us off track; and other days it is a real scrimmage to beat back the frustrations, challenges and temptations. But in the long isn’t it great to know that the final showdown has already been won. 
     The final victory has been gained through the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Born of a virgin, living a mortal existence, sharing in our sorrows and teaching us Godly ways; Jesus makes sure that our gains are not just earthy advances, but that our souls are on track for eternal glory. Give God praise for our victory in Christ.
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Unto Us!

Isaiah 9:6 - “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
    God gave us the greatest gift in the form of his son, Jesus Christ. I am so appreciative of the gifts of support, friendship and love that I receive from you my faithful readers. May the Prince of Peace bring joy to you today and always! His birth set in motion the redemption of mankind back into fellowship with God... what a wonder!      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT, GRATEFUL day! I pray you have a Merry Christmas and that the joy of the Lord be with you and all you hold dear! Be blessed. Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

Luke 10:33 – “But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.”
     Today’s scripture snippet is from the tale of the stranger who was traveling and became the victim of senseless violence and left for dead. Many passed along the way and did not want to get involved in helping; but one lone Samaritan took care of the man and not only tended to his immediate needs but also provided for his continued care.
      Many of us are traveling this Christmas, whether across country or just across town to visit with loved ones and friends. Regardless of the route, the journey’s length or destination my prayer today is for your safe sojourn and that God’s traveling mercies be with you going and coming. Too many are anxious to get last minute things accomplished; tempers might flair and patience is worn thin; so be careful and know that God’s angels travel with you. 

       Look for opportunities to be a Good Samaritan to someone in need. While you are out and about be the hand of God by doing some random acts of kindness. The reason for the season is Jesus Christ and he is love. Help return a shopping cart to the store; give up a place in line to someone obviously struggling with time; keep a little spare change in your pocket to drop into the Salvation Army red bucket as you enter or leave the local merchants; take a baked good to your precinct police or fire department. 'Tis the season to be jolly but more so to show love.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Thoughtful Hearts

Psalm 19_14 – “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
     Yesterday I referred this same scripture in regards to the words that we audibly speak and the impact they may have on others. Today we will focus on the second aspect - that which percolates in our hearts. We might be clever, shrew or ‘politically correct’ enough to not say everything that is on our minds; but what about the thoughts themselves.
      The scripture tells about the ‘meditations’ of our hearts. When we meditate on something, we rehearse it over and over again. We dwell in its essence and draw from and put into it power. It is a churning, a kneading and a nurturing process. That which we meditate on draws our attention into itself. This can be very powerful if our thoughts are as Paul says in Philippians 4:8- true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report and virtue. But if we are harboring ill-will, envy, jealousy, malice, stubbornness, criticism or hatred; then these will brew, get stronger and take over. 
     Let us be mindful, careful and guarded about the thoughts we meditate on. If negatives pop into your head; quickly push them out and replace them with praise for God and loving ideas. If you have to repeat the process over and over again – GREAT – each time to push out a negative and pull in worship for God, the stronger you fortify your faith and resolve.
      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to a make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn