Exit- This Way!

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.”

           

            Fire Marshalls do routine inspections of buildings and facilities and look for records of emergency evacuation plans.  Schools and businesses are required to practice fire and emergency drills.  Hospitals and health care facilities must know how to transport non-ambulatory patients in care of fire, flood, or any life-threatening assault.  All of these actions require that personnel responsible must know the layout of the building; they must have an action plan in place and they must practice the plan so that when or if an emergency does arise, they will not be unorganized, panicked or ineffective in securing the lives of those under their care and their own safety.

            God gives us many instructions in his word of what we need to do to live productive and safe lives.  He gives warnings and precepts about fear, pre-marital sex; infidelity, greed, covetousness, and even laziness.  If we follow these guidelines we are more likely to steer clear of many ills and dangers. But God knows our nature and therefore he also has some added assistance -in case of emergency.  When temptation or testing or just the vicissitudes of life bear too hard upon us, God does factor in plans for our ‘escape’.  Just like the lit signs above doorways, these EXITs are strategically placed to make sure that we not only see them, but that we can use them in times of need.  The only way to make the best use of these EXITs  is of course  to 1) know that they exist;  2) know where they are;  and 3) know where they lead.

            God’s plan for us includes EXITs to help us escape from areas that are too taxing upon us to allow for our success.  Before you might fold under a certain pressure or succumb to a temptation that could ruin your life or set you back tremendously, these little EXITs  light up and if you are wise you will “Exit – stage right” and use the opportunity to regroup.    Don’t’ be ashamed to bow out for a moment and get your head on straight; it is better to run than to burn.

         You are out with friends and want just one more ‘little’ drink to cap the night off; but somehow the bartender just can’t seem to make it just the right way and you keep sending it back….take that EXIT.  You meet someone and there is just somethingggggg about them that you can’t quite put your finger on, but red flags start waving and bells go off in your head….take that EXIT.  You feel like just skipping out on work early or going someplace you really don’t need to visit and you can’t find your car keys right away or you keep fumbling and dropping them…take that EXIT.  Like the song from the Color Purple – “God is trying to tell you something”.  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day.  2015 is the Year of Manifestation. Be blessed!  Dr. JoAnn

Hebrews  (ERV)- "These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath.So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours."

    As we move into this year I joyfully remind us that we are so blessed to serve a God who not only loves us but always keeps his word. Remember his promises and rest assured that he is working in front and behind the scenes to bring every good work together for our greater good. Of course his ways are so much higher than ours and his thoughts more divine; so we may never actually follow his line of reasoning or thoroughly understand his actions. It is key for us to trust him.  

       I am not sure to whom the credit goes but I have often heard it said that "when you can not see God's hand, trust God's heart".  In essence, we may not see how things are unfolding or how our prayers are being answered but our hope and trust are anchored in the fact that God is good; God is love; God rewards those who diligently seek him; God wants great things for his children; God is powerful and is a provider. There many, many more wonderful traits of God but just these few I listed gives assurance that our All-powerful Father loves his children (us) and wants the best for us; and is able to grant it.  

       God is not capable or culpable of lying. His word is sure. So put away any fears, frustrations, anxieties, doubts or uncertainties and TRUST God.  You may not see results right away but like any good gardener once you plant a seed (asking in prayer) you don't go back every day and dig the seed up to see if it is growing; you trust that the soil is right, the seed is good and you wait for the sprout.  But even then when the little plant emerges from the top soil you don't pluck it out. You leave it, fertilize and water it and the most important thing is you keep the weeds around it from choking it out. Get rid of the weeds of 'impatience', 'doubt', and 'distraction'.  God has got you and your prayers in mind. Trust him!  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. 2015 is The Year of Manifestation! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn

Relax... Everything Is In Divine Order!

1 Chronicles 17:20   - “O Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”

 

        We have to be very careful about what we allow to impact us; especially things that come in through our ears.  The design of the ear is for stereophonic perception of what enters into our ear canals. We hear and are able to locate the magnitude, intensity, and direction of sound. What bombards us impinges upon us; and takes on many forms before we actually get to the point of deciphering what is heard. Our anatomy is designed to take sound waves and transform them into mechanical, chemical and eventually electrical energy.  

        Unlike our mouths which have lips or our eyes which have lids to close off any unwanted entrance; our ears are passageways open to the external environment. We can try to ignore certain sounds and even focus on other things to try to draw our attention away from things we do not want to hear, but the reality of it is that there is the opportunity for things to enter our ear gate.

       Of even more importance is that we must be aware of how what we hear affects us; our well-being and emotional state.  There is a direct correlation between what we hear and how we feel.  When we hear tragic news we often carry the sadness upon us.  When we hear jovial music we might even get into the beat by rocking and moving to the groove.  When we hear sounds that are too loud or traumatic we often jump with surprise and our hearts will race. When soothing sounds of ocean waves or birds singing in the morning caresses us, we may take on a serene feeling of splendor. 

   Be careful what you allow to enter into your ear gate.  Be cautious about the music  or people you listen to and television shows you watch; even if you only have the boob tube on for company while you do other activities, your ears are still open.  Be aware of the music, conversations and even street sounds that you permit to consistently penetrate you through your auditory canal.  Constant discussions of terrorism, infidelity, misogyny, adultery and murder can wear on the soul.   Reality shows, night-time dramas and even some television evangelists and boot-leg preachers will clamber for your precious ear time to fill it with garbage.  Be aware that some preachers were called; some just went.  Be mindful of what is really being said to you and over you.  And be a watchful ear for what is bombarding your children and your family.  If in doubt – ask the Holy Spirit for discernment and believe me when irrational or ungodly things try to come your way; they will irritate you so much you will know without a shadow of doubt that they need to be dispelled.  Guard your ear gate and protect your spirit. Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day. 2015 is the Year of Manifestation! Be blessed! 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. 

    2015 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 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. See you Monday! Dr. JoAnn

Relax... Everything Is In Divine Order!