People Pleasing

Today’s power scripture comes from Galatians 1:10 (NLT)
“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”
    Everyone likes to be appreciated and loved. It is not atypical for someone to desire to be in good standing with family, friends, co-workers and other people in general. None of us can deny that at some point or another it felt good when we heard someone say complimentary things about us because of something we did or accomplished. The warning comes when we do activities or acts of kindness just to get the applause and cheers of the crowd. When we seek to get accolades from man, we soon learn that those cheers are hollow and short-lived. Even Jesus knew what it was like to be loved and adored with shouts of praise at the beginning of the week; only to be spat upon, hit and cursed by week’s end. How quickly cheers of ‘Hosanna’,’ Hosanna’ turned to ‘crucify him’,’ crucify him’.
    We were created to love and glorify God and in doing so our actions may lead others to appreciate our efforts; however that should never be our primary motivation. God looks at our hearts and judges our incentives. Today focus on why you do certain actions. Study your motivations and evaluate if you do things because you have genuine empathy for the situation or is it just routine, mundane and what others expect you to do as a people pleaser. If helping others is not deeply rooted in God’s grace and mercy the Holy Spirit will reveal this to you and will guide you in how to turn from being a people pleaser to a man or woman after God’s own heart.
    Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT power-filled day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Favor Isn't Fair!

Psalm 90:17 (NIV ) - “May the favor (beauty) of the Lord our God rest on us;establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
     Favor isn’t’ fair but it sure is fun. We all know the great sense of wonder that overwhelms us when we know we are standing under the shower of God’s favor. When opportunities arise out of nowhere; when people make us the recipients of random acts of kindness; when we find money in unexpected places or when needed items just happen to be on sale. Some may say that these are coincidences and that serendipity is at play when it appears that the cards have just fallen in the right place. But those of us who know that life is not by chance, but that our steps are so ordered and that God is always making provision for us; we know that it is not dumb luck. 

      We know that God’s favor falls upon us and we are appreciative. So the next time some ‘things’ just seem to fall into place or when you ‘lucked up’ on a good thing… don’t be fooled. Know that God’s favor and grace are upon his children and that he wants the best for us; even if that might be something as simple as a close parking space becoming available in the pouring rain. Give God Thanks!.

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

Be About God's Business

Proverbs 19:3 -“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
     Are you sitting on a ground-breaking new concept for a business or know a better way to organize and get things done? Are you working to make ends meet but not really satisfied with what you do? Do you have a longing to stop working for someone else and do your ’own thing’? Or maybe you are already in business but not experiencing the success or joy that ought to match your level of hard work? If any of these describe your present state of existence then it is time for you to stop dreaming about what it could be like to be a successful entrepreneur and be about God’s business. 
     Whatever your idea or concept, give it to God and trust him wholly. He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will and establish you in ways you could never imagine. Success God’s way is inevitable and long-term. 
 When you try to make things happen, even good things will not be sustained if they are outside of the will of God for your life. Brilliant ideas, careful planning and hard work will avail some progress but if you want to see the windows of heaven open to pour out unlimited blessings then it is time to align your thoughts with him. Take that innovative plan off of the back burner; pull that great idea off the top shelf; revamp that dusty business plan and take them to the Master in prayer.
     Every day is a good day, it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Why Not You?

1 Samuel 16:10-11 (New Living Translation) - “In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have? There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”
     Not Jesse, nor his other sons, not even Samuel would have guessed that the person the Lord was selecting to be the next king would be the least of the family. David was the youngest and the most easily forgotten and overlooked. When Samuel first arrived to ‘interview’ Jesse’s family, David was not even invited to be a part of the celebration not to mention to be included in the running. When have you felt that you were the least likely candidate to be selected? Have you not attempted to even try because you felt you were not worthy or that your credentials were not impressive enough? Maybe you felt you did not have the right education or training or that your experience did not measure up. Like David maybe others have overlooked you because they felt you were insignificant… too young… too immature…to unseasoned…to rough around the edges. But don’t be fooled. God does not look at the same attributes that man deems to be important. God looks at the heart.
     If you feel inspired to do something…do it. That urging is the influence of the Holy Spirit to get you up and moving forward. He knows your abilities more so than you can ever imagine. Remember right now in our present state, God is here but at the same time he is also existing in our future. He knows what we are capable of becoming. So don’t’ let the naysayers of today stop you from launching out on the great future that is ahead for you. Don’t worry if they start the party without you. Just like in David’s case, they can do nothing until the honored guest arrives. And that is you. Why not you?
       Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn

Do It With Zeal!

Ezra 7:23 – “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, or wrath will come upon the realm of the king and his heirs.”     As we wind down the week we are all thinking about ways to relax and rejuvenate. It might have been an ultra-busy time for you or it could a week of ‘business-as-usual; but whatever the course of the week has been do not let your enthusiasm and energy fire go too low as you approach your weekend activities. Usually we spend time with family and friends; tend to household chores and visit our places of worship over the weekend. We should give as much energy as possible to these areas as we give to our workplace and school activities. Be as zealous with our significant others, children and church members as we are with our bosses, clients and instructors. We need to give our best efforts to make sure they are supported, happy and appreciated and in return we too shall be blessed. We cannot pour perfume on others without a little getting on us too. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the needed ‘zeal’ to stay in the game and let others know how important they are to you.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Have a fabulous weekend. See you on Monday. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

The Joy of Patience

        James 1:2-4: “[Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”

       As I reflect over the words of the text I could not help but chuckle to myself that in looking back over the hardships and frustrations many endure with layoffs, under-employment, furloughs and the government shut-down of the past month.  We have all experienced troubled times and probably can testify in accordance with today’s scripture that by now we must have the strength of Sampson. It seems whimsical but indeed these words from the brother of Jesus are so true.  When we realize that all things are orchestrated and under the control of a loving and powerful God; it is not hard to fathom that some of his methodologies to help us grow and progress will involve stretching us in uncomfortable areas.  These may on the surface appear to range from the pesky little reoccurring annoyances that teach us patience to the more tragically burdening difficulties that produce perseverance and fortitude.

      Regardless of what you are going through, REJOICE and again I say REJOICE. It may not be easy to look for the bright side, but do it…it is worth it.  Think on the hardships of Job, it wasn’t until he stopped pondering about his situation and gave prayers over his annoying friends that he received the full recompense for his loss.  So the next time life’s difficulties bear down upon you do not think about ‘why me?’, but glorify God that he trusts you enough, like Job, to be the purveyor of His will.  

      Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed patient day!   Be blessed Rev. Dr.  JoAnn

Do Something!

Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”
     We have all heard sermons, read devotions and probably done personal bible study about this scripture. The key to the understanding of this verse is that it is an ‘action’ text. Asking, searching and knocking all require movement and action on our part. We cannot sit back, pray, hope and wait; thinking that things will just fall into place because we are good and faithful. The scripture reminds us that there is action needed to see the fruition of things we want to see come true.
     We can sit around and look pitiful or we can ask for help. We can wait for opportunity to call our names or we can hunt it down and tackle it. Whatever outcome is desired, some action is needed. Don’t live your life as the victim of circumstance; allowing life to just happen to you and then claiming it was all a part of God’s will. Stop lying on God and start going after all that he has provided. Do something and watch manifestations unfold.
     Every day is a good day it is up to us to make it a GREAT Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn