My Divine Notes

February 6, 2011 Isaiah 58:9 You will call out to me for help. And I will answer you. You will cry out. And I will say, 'Here I am.' As a believer, I never take it for granted when God places people or circumstances in my path. I immediately stopped what I was doing when the following message caught my eye on one of my favorite social media sites: “Anyone out there feel lonely?" Yes. I fought a life-long battle with loneliness until I made that God-connection almost five years ago. I responded saying that I knew exactly how lonely feels - even under the best of circumstances. In my case, I have always had a supportive family, friends, hobbies and a job that I love. I always tried to do the right things like making a difference in my community, volunteering and caring for others. I have a good life. But living a "perfect" or good life without knowing God plunged me into silent desperation, which led to painful loneliness even when I was with a room...

February 13, 2011 Psalm 146:4 (GW) When they breathe their last breath, they return to the ground. On that day their plans come to an end. While waiting to visit my Mom in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) last week someone “coded.” That's hospital jargon for died. The staff didn’t allow us into the unit until they had removed the deceased person. There is something so sacred about death – it’s the moment when your history on the earth stops and you move into eternity. I deal with illness and death in my ministry, but I can honestly say that this experience truly touched me because my own Mother was in the ICU. A month earlier, my sister was also critically ill, and I faced the reality that I would be broken-hearted if anything happened to her. I encourage you to fix any family or friendship ties that are strained due to anger, bitterness and any other negative emotions that break relationships apart. Over the years, our family lost some of the closeness we shared as key member...

February 10, 2011 Ecclesiastes 9:10 (GW) Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it with {all} your might, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you're going. Last month I attended the funeral of a loving wife/mother/sister and daughter who was three years younger. It was apparent that she had served God well based on the testimony of family and friends. We can’t assume that we all the time we need to accomplish God’s work and/or fill-in-the-blank with those things that really make a difference in your life. We must be strategic with the use of the time we have on earth. All of us have God-given gifts and abilities that are meant to impact those around us. Those gifts go to the grave with us if they aren’t used. I recently asked friends on FaceBook and Twitter what is one thing they plan to do for God this year. Sam plans to keep supporting her church’s mission work in Guatemala; Steve plans to write and record a Christian music so...

January 30, 2011 Psalm 23:1-6 (GW) 1 A psalm by David. The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters. 3 He renews my soul. He guides me along the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name. 4 Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm. Your rod and your staff give me courage. 5 You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. 6 Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the LORD'S house for days without end. I was touched by yet another of the sermons of Dr. Charles Stanley, my spiritual “grandfather.” His preaching has helped me mature in my Christian walk. It’s no surprise that I was taken off guard when I had my first valley experience after I rededicated my life to Christ almost five years ago. I'll share my notes from his “The Va...