My Divine Notes

John 16:32a Be aware that a time is coming when you will be scattered like seeds. In this Scripture, Jesus warns the Disciples that they will be on their own after he finishes his Earthly mission. He chose these men and spent three years sharing his heart. But it  wasn't  meant to be forever. They would have to receive the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the one who would teach them what they needed to know to fulfill God’s plan. This meant that they had to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, to accept His power and the ministries that God planned for each one. Do you depend on others to increase your faith; to be there to remind you that God exists when your world falls apart; or when things are somber?  There’s a place for community and having people pray, but at the end of the day do you go directly to God? Do you have that relationship with the Lord, so that you know He will hold your hand through the fiery trials of life? Do you need the com...

1 Peter 2:2 Be like newborn babies, crying out for spiritual milk that will help you grow into salvation 3 if you have tasted and found the Lord to be good. I love living in a diverse eclectic, urban neighborhood on one of the most iconic streets in my town. At least 12 or more houses of worship of all types coexist with tall concrete buildings, stores, schools, one single-family home, multi-family dwellings and funeral homes are located in a two-block area. My block is bound by a Lutheran and a Methodist church. I’m sure they are wonderful congregations. The Lutheran pastor is a kind man who invited me to visit the church when I sent him a note thanking him because the church bells always seem to ring at the right time.  I've  visited the Methodist Church on the opposite side of the block and they are fine folks.  But today, I take issue with their ADVERTISING sign: Love God. Make Friends. Serve Others. I no longer believe that I have to go to church t...

1 Peter 2:5 (NLT) And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests.   Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.   Several years ago I took a detour to care for a very special elderly lady on Sundays. At the time, I missed going to church and my Sunday school class. But as months passed, my time with the Lord became more personal, more intense and very special. I learned compassion and  care-giving  while taking care of my special friend, who had just lost her husband of many years. My primary role was to be her spiritual rock. We prayed. I listened. We watched birds bathe in the garden’s fountain. I decorated the family Christmas tree while she shared memories. For eight months, I learned how to care and minister. And, I grew my spiritual wings – those things that mattered to God for me. Once I had Sundays free, I realized that I could not re...

Matthew 15:7 You are hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he said about you: 8 'These people show honor to me with words, but their hearts are far from me. One thing that was clear with Jesus during his earthly ministry, he didn’t have a problem challenging the religious people of his day. He saw through their traditions and empty words. In the same way, he sees through our words, hearts and traditions. Going to the front of the pew at a church, revival meeting (or in the comfort of your own home while watching TV) and declaring that you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior doesn’t guarantee that you are saved any more than a person who claims that they are saved just because they are good and live life doing good deeds.  Many people head to church or watch TV on Sunday mornings looking for something they just can’t find. More and more people are voicing dissatisfaction with “churchianity” as they struggle to find meaning in their lives. I know because I’ve lived on both sides...