My Divine Notes

Written March 21, 2012 Ephesians 1:19 (GW) You will also know the unlimited greatness of his power as it works with might and strength for us, the believers. A few days ago, I realized that God answers my most pressing questions in such a loving way so that I can understand. He reduced me to grateful tears. It was such a tender moment. It was an unexpected moment that opened my eyes to his love. I had been wrestling with a situation for a while. Those who have children understand how kids can be relentless in their pursuit of things they really want. That describes my relationship with the Lord. There are a few wishes I have that are not becoming reality. God knows my history, my desires and my gifting. He desires that I understand and accept things about myself, so that I can move on. In responding to me, He set the record straight so that I understood the benefits of his decision. I was unable to struggle because he touched the very core of who I am. You see, only God kno...

Proverbs 19:3 We are ruined by our own stupidity, though we blame the Lord. I am so glad that I finally told the Lord that I could not do life on my own. Since I was a child, I recall having an independent spirit and wanting to do things on my own. The same spirit continued throughout my life, I wanted to do things on my own and my way. So I left God out. Of course, when things went wrong, I’d blame God. I didn’t even know God, but I still blamed him. My family loved God, so it’s not like I didn’t know he existed. As I look back, I realize how God carried me through all the messes, doubts and pain I encountered, which I blamed on Him. Knowing God hasn’t made me perfect, but it has made me more in tune with myself and I also have more compassion for others. It also makes me more sensitive when I encounter people who don’t believe in God or people who believe in little gods who need answers to their questions. Regardless of how “perfect” our lives are and how much we study, rese...

Daniel 3:14 The king said to them, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, is what I heard about you true? Don't you serve my gods? Don't you worship the gold statue I set up? 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king. They said, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to talk about this anymore…” I’m sharing a nugget that’s been in my heart in order to encourage you. This word came to me during a Beth Moore Bible study on the Book of Daniel. Daniel had initially influenced the king to promote his tres amigos . In this chapter, we learn that the three friends are threatened with death because they don’t worship the king. Daniel wasn’t around to plead their case or help them this time. They had to step up on their own and take a stand. I’ve been on both sides of the aisle – I’ve watched church from afar and criticized it - and I’ve also been a part of the church circle. I was part of a powerful group of women who studied the Bible and worshipped together ...

Colossians 3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Old habits hang around like dirty clothes. You know you have to wash them, but sometimes they just pile up. The Lord has been challenging me to go to the next level of obedience and maturity in my walk with him. I’ve changed quite a bit, I’m not who I used to be, but I’m not where God wants me to be. I have a responsibility as someone who loves the Lord to walk the talk. Today I was challenged to drop my tendency to get offended. I was pleasantly surprised when I recognized that I was about to fall into my old habit of wanting to take the high road because I’m always right. Offense opens the doors to making irrational decisions, in the heat of the moment, which you will often re...

2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. I’m in a season of sorrow as I watch my mother slowly start to leave her earthly body. She’s in hospice care. Other key people in my life are also facing serious health issues, and I’ve also had to deal with the “thorns” that I battle. I am taking care of myself by sharing my burdens with the Lord and with the people who are closest to me. In short, I’m doing all I can humanly do to remain in God’s peace. And most days, I’m amazed at the joy in my heart regardless of my circumstances. But some days it’s hard… I feel helpless when Mom’s in pain and I watch her suffer but not complain. All I can do is reassure her that the staff is doing all they can to keep her comfortable and that I love her. And then I cry and my heart breaks and that’s when I feel deep sorrow. I remind myself that Jesus wept (John 11:35...

When it hurts to care – Psalm 31:7 Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. One of God’s gifts to me is the ability to care about and pray for those who are ill. But right now, my mother is at the end of her life, and another key person in my life recently received bad health news. I also follow the Facebook journey of a courageous 12-year old girl, Jessie Rees ,  who suffered from two inoperable brain tumors. She passed away a few days ago. I am sad. But it’s interesting that in my sadness, I’ve come to appreciate how God works my faith steps. Before I decided that God’s purpose for me was greater than my own purpose, I had a hard time being close to people because it hurt that they might die or leave me. God opened my understanding (and healed me) so that I could come to terms with that and step into the gifts of compassion he planned for me. I started to feel that familiar hu...

These tips are for me to ponder because I have to work on improving my relationships all the time . I'm so imperfect... In my case, I know that the love of Christ helps me honor others even when I don't like them or agree with them. I know it's possible to make our personal opinions known in a loving, courteous and respectful way. Twitter Tip #1 for Christians : We're all measured by what we post on Twitter. Remember that we are to represent Christ first . Twitter Tip #2 for Christians : If you use Christian in your Twitter or FaceBook bio, remember it's not about you. Don't embarrass the Lord...or the rest of us... Twitter Tip #3 for Christians : If you must use street language, poke fun at others and say rude things, please don’t include Christian in your bio. Twitter Tip #4 for Christians : Don't use Christian or wisdom in your name or bio if you are going to promote secular "wisdom" or make statements that con...