My Divine Notes

July 9, 2011 Proverbs 23:29-35 (GW) 29 Who has trouble? Who has misery? Who has quarrels? Who has a complaint? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30 Those who drink glass after glass of wine and mix it with everything. 31 Do not look at wine because it is red, because it sparkles in the cup, because it goes down smoothly. 32 Later it bites like a snake and strikes like a poisonous snake. 33 Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mouth will say embarrassing things. 34 You will be like someone lying down in the middle of the sea or like someone lying down on top of a ship's mast, saying, 35 “They strike me, but I feel no pain. They beat me, but I'm not aware of it. Whenever I wake up, I'm going to look for another drink.” I cannot imagine drinking a giant alcoholic beverage and then stumbling out of a restaurant -> aided by a walker. I witnessed an elderly person do that recently and it got me to thinking of my experience. If you’ve ever had...

August 24, 2011 Matthew 5:3 (MSG) You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. A good, good cry cleanses the soul. Ever have one of those days when you cry out to God realizing that you have no excuses and you don’t know what else to do? It’s a humbling experience to go before God when we’re at the end of our rope and still trying to justify our actions. It’s hard to know what to say, but God brings the remembrance of shortcomings into our minds. Waves of tears and excuses tumble out of our mouths yet it only takes humble confession before Almighty God to get clarity in our lives. Once that God-given clarity sets in, all that haze and darkness reveals itself. Try humbling yourself before God. Watch him wipe off the self-imposed layers of sin and whatever keeps you from using or touching the gifts he placed in your heart. Less of you is good.

Monday, August 15, 2011 Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Strength. I gain my strength from the Lord, from his promises and from his love. Today at dusk upon entering the grocery store, I saw a big, bright summer moon partially hidden behind the tall suburban skyscrapers of my neighborhood. It was huge and red, and it made me smile. J I was amazed at its uniqueness, it took my breath away. I motioned for my favorite store greeter to step out with me to see the vision, and he, along with another passerby, stopped to enjoy the view. Just like that moon was partially hidden from my sight; I know that while I can’t see God, I can count on his presence and his hope. Perhaps it took a giant red moon for the Lord to get my attention. It was his way of letting me know that he knows the contents of my heart. He is aware of the story of my life, and he will help me hang on when I feel like letting go . I will enjoy and appreciate the bright reminders t...

Matthew 6:9-13 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. It’s never too late to make everlasting memories. I’ve been reflecting on the last six months, and how precious each day is for my Mom, who is at the end of her earthly life. The goal is now to care and not to cure her. Time spent with her is very special. We’ve celebrated her birthday, and I try to spend quality time just letting her know how much I love her and making her comfortable. My college-age daughter has been in town this summer. We started praying the Lord’s Prayer with Mom when she could speak. Now she simply makes a muffled noise or is silent. Several times we...

July 21, 2011   Matthew 6:34 (GW) Jesus said,   “So don't ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This Scripture rocks my brain. I’m one of those creative strategists who attempts to control life even when I know better because God has curtailed that tendency.   Can’t even begin to tell you how many moments, situations and opportunities have slipped through my hands because I was racing ahead to the next steps, imaginations or plans instead of savoring the moments that make memories. I quote this Scripture in my ministries all the time, so I’m taking it to heart that it jumped out at me during a time when I’m in somewhat humble obedience. You see, I am learning to be in the moment when I am with my terminally-ill mother. For the first time, I don’t have a schedule of things I must get done or meetings/events to attend – all my extra time is spent with her. I’ve learned to open the shades and w...

August 5, 2011 Hebrews 4:12 (GW) God's word is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet. God's word judges a person's thoughts and intentions. I’m sharing notes from a sermon preached by Dr. Charles Stanley, ( intouch.org ) who is my radio/TV pastor. I love him yet I don’t even know him. But God works through him to help me in powerful ways. I struggle with discernment – I have my entire life especially before I was walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual discernment means we have the capacity to judge and distinguish God’s will. It’s a gift from God. Many people settle for good when God has the best planned for them. We cannot live on the edge of right and wrong and expect God’s best. Do we see things as they are instead of how we want them to be?   Spiritual Discernment means we can: Live in the will of God , which brings us pe...