Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Claim Your Tree Do Your Work!



Claim Your Tree Do Your Work!
Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon, Author:
DrJasmine RGordon Ministry Soul Care Healing



 These pictures were taken in the Fall, November 10, 2015
       
Genesis 2:8-10; John 15:1-2; Psalm 1:3
These three trees are right in front of my house and they are side by side just as they are in the picture. One morning as I glanced at them I could not help but notice the big difference between them. While I had seen them before the difference did not grab my attention but this time it did. Right away a number of life lessons began to flood my thoughts. These three trees are the same kind of trees and just a few feet apart. Tree one on your extreme left is completely bare of leaves. Tree two in the middle is partially bare for it still has half of its leaves which have changed color. Tree number three on your extreme right has all of its leaves that are green. However, just a few have begun to turn yellow.

For a good while I stood observing these trees and could not help but wonder what the possible reasons might be for the differences. I am truly puzzled! As you can see they are all in the open air and exposed to the same amount of sunlight. Do they receive from the ground equal amount of nutrients? Do they need the same amount of nutrients? Is there any particular thing that any one of the trees need that it is not receiving? Are the needs of each tree adequately met? From my observation I cannot possible answer these questions.

Which of these trees describe you or any area of your life spiritually, personally, professionally, or socially? How could you use these three trees as a self reflection lesson?

Which of these trees describe your personal relationship with God? How/why?
Which of these trees describe your professional life? How and why?
Which of these trees describe your personal life? How and why?
Which of these trees describe your life with your spouse? How and why?
Which of these trees describe your life with your child/children? How and why?
Which of these trees describe your life with your parents? How and why?
Which of these trees describe your life with your friends? How and why?
Which of these trees describe how you care for your body? How and why?
Which of these trees describe your relationship with your neighbors? How & Why?

Trees in the Scripture:
Genesis 2:8-10, “The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers.…” In this Scripture I observe that a relationship between man and the trees is established by God Himself.

Jesus says, I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it, so that it may bear more fruit,” (John15:1-2).
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bears forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper,” (Psalm 1:3). In the above two Scriptures man is compared to a tree.

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Pursue Excellence

Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon: Pursue Excellence!

Fifteen years ago I was honored: Atlanta Journal Constitution Honor Teacher Finalist 2002. From a group of 273 outstanding educators/teachers from across all school districts only four [4] were identified as the “best of the best”. Wow, I was one of those four! Thank you God for gifts and graces and the passion to pursue excellence! I was a fourth grade teacher then and also an adjunct college professor while at the same time facilitating professional development training with teachers in the school district.

 www.drgordoneducation.org

Monday, May 8, 2017

Finding Jesus




Finding Jesus
Author: Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10)

Thought: Am I waiting at the wrong place yet expecting for Jesus to show up? Jesus specifically said that they should go to Galilee where they would find him. God is true to His Word. He does not say one thing when He means another. Are you waiting for God in a place of your own choice instead of the place He instructed? If you really want to “see” God you will have to go to the place he named. What is preventing you from going to the place God specifically, intentionally and clearly named? God has a reason and a plan which will benefit you and will bring glory to His name. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” (Jeremiah 29:11). Can you trust God’s plan for you? His plan for you is specifically designed to prosper you, give you hope, and to give you a future. God knows the details of the plan. Do you? Not knowing the full details of the plan can be intimidating. God sometimes does not reveal the full details of His plan for us but since He is Truth we should trust Him and believe His Word.

The fact that Jesus told them to go to Galilee is clear that they were somewhere else. Are you in God’s will? If you are, it could be that He is calling you to another level. What is God has another task for you or another focus? Have you thought about another lesson to be learned or another perspective from which to view clearly that which is in your consideration? God could be enlarging your territory.  The fact is that in life we are often afraid of the unknown and are reluctant to embark on new ventures. We must trust God to do as He has promised.

Know the voice of God so that you will be sure He is the one who is speaking to you. “My sheep listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me …” (John 10:27). Jesus told Peter, “But Jesus immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid,” (Matthew 14:27).

Why did Jesus want to meet them in Galilee? Galilee was a familiar place for the disciples as well as Jesus. Where were they at that moment? Certainly not in Galilee! Did Jesus tell them to wait in Galilee for him? Yes He did. “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee,” (Matthew 26:32). Jesus followed through on His promise and we are expected to follow through on ours. His grace is sufficient to sustain us as we carry out the will of God for our lives.
 Personal Reflection:
 http://www.drgordonministries.org/ 

Thursday, April 27, 2017

God Requires Obedience



God Requires Obedience
Author: Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon
“Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning.” However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them,” (Exodus 16:19-20.

Thought: God requires obedience! God does not contradict Himself. His Word is final! When God gives us an instruction, He expects us to trust and obey Him. “All things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose, (Romans 8:28). The children of Israel disobeyed God’s instruction and He did not let them get away with their rebellion. God expressed His displeasure with the children of Israel by causing the Manna to be infested with maggots. There are some things that God permits to take place in our lives for His glory and to bring honor to his name. There are other times things happen in our lives due to our disobedience to God. Our God is faithful towards us and always forgiving. It is God’s desire that we obey His instructions for our benefit and His glory. Amen. Be blessed.
  
Personal Reflection:
God, today I will examine my commitment to you and improve where I have fallen short.