Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged does God hear me?, is God there? prayers unanswered, Julie B Cosgrove, Where did you find God today, worn on April 15, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Are you tired of praying? Do you feel as if your heart-felt requests are hitting the ceiling and shattering–tinkling back down upon you like millions of shimmery shards of crystal?
Listen to this awesome testimony behind Tenth Avenue North’s song, “I’m Worn”. Then hear the song.
GOD is there. He wants to give you rest if you would just trust…. find Him today right where He has always been–a breath away.
It is not so much that God is deaf to our requests, but that we are deaf to His answers.
Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged church. fellowship, competition, Jesus wins, Julie B Cosgrove, Where did you find God today, who wins on April 7, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Today was our church’s annual Kick Ball Sunday. After church services, young and old gathered on two teams – The Apostles and the Disciples – for some fun. It was not your average game. The ages ranged from 5 to 75.
Both teams rooted each other on and applauded plays that were well done. They also consoled players who were struck out or missed a catch.
Adults slooowwwed down as little legs puttered as fast as they could to get to the base in time, and then shook their hands or gave them a pat on the back for the effort.
Teens were more than understanding and kind to the senior players.
I’m not sure who won- wait! Yes, I am. Everyone did.
The object was fellowship and sportsmanship, not who could beat who. It was all laughter and fun with mild horsing around. Sure, there was some competition and, for the most part, the rules of the game were not bent too out of shape. But all in all, everyone came away with heads held high.
Should that not be an example for the church in general? When it comes to our talents, we all are on the winning team. Each should be applauded for their efforts and consoled when they slip a bit or miss the ball. We are there to fellowship and bolster each other, and have a bit of laughs and fun as well. Yes, we should strive for excellence. But, there is enough hey-look at-me, whose-the-king- of-the-mountain competition out in the world. Let’s not bring it through the church doors. We are all precious in His sight.
It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Philippians 3:12 God’s Word
Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged God's hands, hands, Julie B Cosgrove, praying on April 4, 2013| Leave a Comment »
You probably learned this the prayer idea in Sunday School- but it is a good reminder how to pray.
You don’t have to look far and wide for this formula. It is right there in your two hands clasped together.
Start with the Thumb. It is nearest to you so pray for those who are closest to you. CS Lewis said that praying for those we love is a “sweet duty”. Pray for not only illnesses but their spiritual growth, thank God for their blessings and for brining them into your life.
Then the pointing finger. Pray for all who teach and heal. Pray for teachers, doctors, nurses, EMT and ministers. Pray that they will have the discernment and wisdom in their practices, and that all they do will help to point people to Jesus.
Next, your middle finger- the tallest one. Pray for our leaders- whether you voted for them or not! Pray for your boss and for your church leaders as well.
Then the ring finger. Did you know it was the weakest of all our fingers? Pray for those who are in sorrow, trouble or pain that God may give them comfort and strength.
Finally, the pinkie finger. The smallest finger is for us. End your prayers with your own thanksgivings and needs.
Then give God the glory who created your hands. Pray you will be His hands on earth.
for more on praying- consider my book: P.R.A.Y.I.N.G: Bringing Power and Purpose to your Prayers. Just click on the writings tab and then the book.
Posted in Biblical, Christian, tagged foolishness to men, fools for Christ, God's wisdom, Where did you find God today on April 1, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Happy April Fool’s Day.Posted in Biblical, Christian, Devotional, tagged Christ died for you, cross, Good Friday, humbled Himself, took on our sins on March 29, 2013| 2 Comments »
![thumbnail[2]](https://wheredidyoufindgodtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/thumbnail2.jpg)
Remember – what He did today for You…and being found in the appearance of a man, he humbled himself; and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8-9
He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” I Peter 2:24
Posted in Christian, Devotional, Life Experiences, tagged Easter, He is Risen, Julie B Cosgrove, Were You There? Good Friday, Where did you find God today on March 27, 2013| Leave a Comment »
When I was growing up there were a series of children’s books called You Are There – years later a few became TV movies. They took kids back to historic events and embedded them in the moment.
The next four days of Holy Week are often overshadowed by the preparations for Easter. But without them, there would be no reason to celebrate Easter, would there? There is an old hymn –Were You There? that brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it.
Thursday – Will you sit in the Upper Room and be shocked when Jesus bathes your feet, and then claims the bread and wine are Him? Will you shake your head in disbelief when Judas leaves the table.
Will you stay awake one hour and pray Thursday night into Friday morning as your Lord requested in the Garden?
Friday– will you picture yourself in the crowd as they shout for Barabbas to be spared. Will you weep silent tears when you see the crown of thorns trickle blood down His brow and watch as He skins his knees on the rocks carrying the cross? Will you see His muscles ripple under sting of the Roman whip?
Will you hold Mary as she watches her son die the most excruciating death possible and sink to your knees when Jesus asks God to forgive us all. Will you smell the sweat and blood mingled with the bitter vinegar on the sponge, and then hear the clank of the ivory lots as the soldiers gamble for his robe and sneer at him?
Saturday – as you rush around getting the last ingredients you need for the Easter meal, iron the Easter dress, mow the grass for the Easter Egg Hunt, or clean and decorate the church and plant the flowers…
will you take a moment to remember the disciples as they huddled in sorrow, fear and disbelief in the Upper Room too bewildered and ashamed to pray, waiting for the soldiers to come, drag them away and crucify them as well?
Then come Easter morning, you may be even more ready to rejoice and proclaim the greatest miracle of all –
HALELLUJAH- THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!
Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged cross, Empty Cross, feel God surround you, Julie B Cosgrove, Kerrvilee, Where did you find God today on March 25, 2013| Leave a Comment »
It stands silently overlooking a city in the Texas Hill Country. A simple symbol of faith for any who want to make the trek up the cedar and mesquite faced mound to pray in the meditative garden at the base. Some come with hope, others with curiosity. Some with faith clasped inside, others seeking it.
Come, walk or drive up the hill and watch this massive “Empty Cross” grow in dimension. Stand inside of it and realize how big God is and how tiny your worries, doubts and anxieties are once surrounded by His towering, loving presence.
Many have been showered with mysterious sparkling dust, others have received healing here, or have seen and photographed the bizarre lights that seem to bounce in and penetrate the garden.
Located off I10 in Kerrville, this 77 foot sculpture is chilling to witness.
Even if you a cannot pilgrim here, the power of this testimony to Christ can still impact you.Close your eyes and picture yourself in the middle at the base, surrounded by God’s power, love and strength. Be shletered in the shadow of His mercy. Feel His warmth in the rays that penetrate the steel, sense His Holy Spirit in the breeze that kisses your cheeks, and plant your feet on His sure foundation.
www.thecomingkingfoundation.org .
At His crucifixion,they cried, “Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” (Mark 15:32)
But, instead Jesus conquered the cross on which He hung, then defeated death and rose again. To Thomas and to each of us He says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed .” (John 20:29)
Posted in Christian, tagged at the feet of Jesus, Julie B Cosgrove, lay it down, Palm Sunday, Where did you find God today on March 23, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, when according to the Gospel of John, people laid palms at the feet of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. But why?
Have you ever been to a wedding where the flower girl strews pedals before the bride enters? It is an ancient custom to cover the ground for someone important so they will not get dirty. It is to show respect. It was especially done for kings. The Gospels of Mark and Matthew also mentions people laid their clothes down, similar to the act by Sir Walter Raleigh to the queen centuries later when he whisked off his jacket to cover a mud puddle so she wouldn’t dirty her shoes. That is where rolling out the red carpet comes from as well.
If you had been there on that glorious day, what would you have laid down for Jesus as He passed by your way?
We are told we need to lay our burdens at the foot of the cross. But what else will we lay down for Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? The answer: everything, because it is His. We are just stewards.
Tomorrow after you wave palm branches at church or wear crosses woven out of them on your lapel, consider what you can lay at his feet. Lay something new down each day between now and Easter morning. It will make celebrating His resurrection even more spectacular if you do.
Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged God in the middle, Julie B Cosgrove, sign, sin, Where did you find God today on March 19, 2013| 2 Comments »
She was driving down the road, saw this sign and could barely hold her cell phone still long enough to take the picture while she roared with laughter. She texted me- “Why would I rent sin? I don’t even want to borrow it!”
My fellow Christian writer from Canada sent this to me and I asked her permission to use it. Evidently someone didn’t know how to spell. They left out the “g” in the word sign.
What happens when we leave out the “g”? Same thing. If we do not have God in the cetner of our lives, the “i” takes over and we resort back to our sinful nature. But with the G in the middle, we become a sign for all who are seeking something more.
Oh, and the rent part? Well, are we not really His– as is all creation? We are just the caretakers while on this earth.
Signs are supposed to point to something. When people look at you today as they go about their busi-ness, will they see the “g” in the middle, or not?
Posted in Christian, Devotional, tagged bound by slavery, freedom in Christ, St APtrick, Where did you find God today on March 17, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Blessed St. Patrick’s Day. The patron saint of Ireland, he is best known as being the pied piper of snakes- driving them all from the Emerald Isles.
But, he was so very much more. He was first and foremost an amazing missionary born in the late 4th century.
He was born into a Roman high society family who lived in England. His grandfather was a priest and his mother was a relative of another later to be saint, Martin of Tours. But Patrick, though surrounded by Christianity, was not really taught the Bible, nor did he become educated.
He was captured by pirates when he was 16 and enslaved for six years in Ireland. But during that time, God touched his heart and he accepted Christ. He stated that prayer was the only thing that helped him survive. In his prayers he kept having visions of the pagans of Ireland as slaves needing to be freed by the blood of Christ.
But when he was freed, he didn’t rush off to save the Irish. He went to a French monastery and studied and prayed and prepared for his God-given mission before spending the next forty years walking Ireland and telling people about his Savior.
Patrick developed the Celtic cross by taking Irish pagan druid symbols and transforming them into the symbol of faith – a symbol now universally associated with the Irish folk themselves.
Today, millions of children and teens are still enslaved throughout the world. Some are forced to be soldiers, others sex toys. Many just endure horrible labor conditions with no regard to their well being. But they are loved by the same God who reached out to Patrick. Pray for them.
Is something enslaving you right now? Let Christ reach in and touch your heart. Then, like the wise Patrick, let Him prepare you in His time with what you need to tell others your story – the story of freedom. Let His love transform your old ways into the ways of the Cross. That is where you can find God today.
St Patrick’s prayer –
I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me for ever. By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan river; His death on Cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spicèd tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming at the day of doom;* I bind unto myself today.
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name, The strong Name of the Trinity; By invocation of the same. The Three in One, and One in Three, Of Whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Where Did You Find God Today? 