My Divine Notes

May 25, 2011 1 Corinthians 3:18 Don't fool yourselves. Suppose some of you think you are wise by the standards of the world. Then you should become a "fool" so that you can become wise. 19 The wisdom of this world is foolish in God's eyes. It is written, "God catches wise people in their own tricks."— (Job 5:13) 20 It is also written, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise don't amount to anything."— (Psalm 94:11) By the world’s standards, I was a very wise mother, friend, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, worker, volunteer and all the roles of my daily life. Those closest to me could count on me because I have always taken time to listen and care deeply. I also always want to make sure all sides of a situation are considered before making choices or decisions. I want to understand both sides of a story. Those traits are God’s gifts to me, but I didn’t know how to use them. Goodness, kindness, intuitiveness, experience or other po...

May 22, 2011 This was the prayer of the early church, after its leader, Jesus Christ was crucified and the apostles were persecuted.   Acts 4: 29 “ Lord, pay attention to their threats now, and allow us to speak your word boldly. 30 Show your power by healing, performing miracles, and doing amazing things through the power and the name of your holy servant Jesus. I was moved by a sermon preached today by Andy Stanley, the son of Dr. Charles Stanley, on the early church. I’m sharing my notes because I was stirred by God to step up to the plate like the early Christians who were courageous enough to proclaim the saving freedom of Christ. Their message survived because it was from God! I was really convicted when Andy asked, “What do you pray for? Think about how we pray in America – can God take our prayers seriously?” He went on to say that most of us pray in a very shallow way, for example: ‘Oh God, please bless and protect me.’   How many of us pray for safety, a bless...

May 15, 2011 Luke 9:62   But Jesus told him, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Distracted Christian living leaves me frazzled. My carnal side has a hard time following Christ and giving up the busy-ness and plans of my lives. I know. I’ve just had a weekend full of distractions even though I had planned to spend quality time with the Lord. Quiet time with God before the day starts is essential for me, but I am going to be honest and admit that this has not been happening lately. I love the Bible and I spend quality time immersed in it. But even though I love the word, nothing compares to time spent with God. Spending time with God means that I come to know his heart.   I also get to share my life, my struggles and my love for him. That’s also when I intercede for others and get answers (or not) to the things in my heart. A relationship with God takes time, effort and the desire to walk the wa...

Written Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010 Ephesians 6:10-17 (The Voice New Testament) 10 Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. 1 1 Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. 12 We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon-princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places. 13 And this is way you need to be head-to-toe in the full armor of God : so you can resist during these evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground. 14 Yes, stand—truth banded around your waist, righteousness as your chest plate, 15 and feet protected in preparation to proclaim the good news of peace . 16 Don’t forget to raise the shield of truth above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked...

5/11/2011 Psalm 63:7 You have been my help. In the shadow of your wings, I sing joyfully. ♥ Life is so much easier and sweeter when we realize that God has a hand in all the amazing things that happen in our lives and in the lives of our family. Today I had a conversation with an acquaintance that made me realize how beautiful it is to be aware and acknowledge that God takes care of all the details of my life. She told me how her son keeps getting the right college financial aid package year after year and she can’t explain it. She marveled at what “luck” he has had. I replied, "I call that the grace of God." She replied, "It's what it is. I don't know." For it’s by God’s hand that circumstances benefit our lives – after all he works all things together for our good. How amazing it would be if this person opened her eyes to see that God has her son under the shadow of his wings.

My mom's health has been declining lately, so I think it's important that she reads how I feel about her now. Over the years, our family has struggled in many ways, as all of us do. But God has a way of bringing all of us back together. I am so glad that He gave me the ability to appreciate the great things about my mother and not dwell on the past. If you are struggling with your family, give it to God and remember that your family didn't get to choose you either. Exodus 20:12 (Contemporary English Version) Respect your father and your mother, and you will live a long time in the land I am giving you. Leviticus 19:3 (New Century Version) “You must respect your mother and father, and you must keep my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.” Proverbs 1:8 (Amplified Bible) My son, hear the instruction of your father; reject not nor forsake the teaching of your mother. Proverbs 6:20 (New International Version, ©2011) My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsak...

May 4, 2011 Colossians 3:14 (New King James Version) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:14 (GOD’S WORD Translation)Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly. Colossians 3:14 (New Century Version) Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14 (New International Reader's Version) And over all of those good things put on love. Love holds them all together perfectly as if they were one. I never know how the Spirit of God is going to inspire me to write these Divine Notes, but I’ve learned to leave it in God’s hands. Lately, I’ve been thinking that I wanted to write to inspire unbelievers to see the sweet side of living in the power of a God who is real and oh, so personal. I have that chance now. This morning I opened a card from a former co-worker and dear friend who recently retired. She was writing to thank me for putting togeth...

May 3, 2011 Romans 11:33 God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge are so deep that it is impossible to explain his decisions or to understand his ways. Deep in the valley or high on the mountaintop, one thing is certain: God is in control of each and every moment. Capture and savor glimpses of God in daily life, so you can overcome struggles of sin or disobedience. As the writer Oswald Chambers said, we can’t live a consistent Christian life if we live for the moments when we are in deep communion with the Holy Spirit. There are some days… Today was one of those days when I wondered why I am on the walk, if I’m never going to overcome the things that trap and keep me captive. But then I look to the God whose heart I love, and I find peace because he really does know me. He knows my struggles, he knows my joys and he knows that I intend to stay connected to him. I can’t explain his extravagant love and grace, but I know his wisdom has touched me and one thing is sure: He knows me. ♥...

May 2, 2011 Ecclesiastes 3: 1 Everything has its own time, and there is a specific time for every activity under heaven: 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. The speech that rocked the world last night has been in my heart and mind since I sat at the edge of my chair waiting to hear it. There’s a surreal feel to it all, how can we celebrate cruelty just after we celebrated a royal wedding: love and hate? Someone said that there will be ‘one more evil person rotting in hell.’ If that was the case, what hope would we all have? What could King David base his hope on since he not only took a man’s wife, but he had the man killed and then married the man’s widow. That’s low to go, but obviously redeemable in God’s eyes. Honestly, I don’t know the answers, but I do know this: There is a compassionate God who is waiting to take his sinful creations into his arms and to let them know that they are loved unconditionally regardless of what they've do...