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America – PRAY

May 2, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

pray for our nation          National Day of Prayer

                    May 2, 2013

            and hereafter, pray every day.

Our country needs us on our knees – it is our best position of strength and our strongest defense.

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn:Grant that we and all people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.                                    Book of Common Prayer pg 142

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At a Bunco Game

April 30, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Picture twelve women.  Old, young, widowed, married, jobless, executives.  Some in T-shirts, others in business casual. Some laden with jewelry, others bare wristed. Some knew one or two others, but no one knew everyone, except our  hostess. The only common denominator is that we know the hostess who invited them over for an evening of too much food and a friendly game of Bunco.

After all the tempting food aromas filled the room as people brought their dish to share, the initial chatting died down. Then our hostess asked us all to bow our heads for the blessing.

In the silence of twelve bowed heads, the Holy Spirit filled the room. By the time we said, “Amen”, He had threaded us together like pearls bound by and unbreakable bond of faith. All different denominations, all different walks of life, many different personalities and tastes.

But one in the Spirit.

A sneak peek of Heaven.

then I’ll give them a united heart, placing a new spirit within them… Ezekiel 11:19

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In the Waddle of Doves

April 25, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????I hung a bird feeder on the little tree outside my apartment patio. The landscape beyond it slopes down towards the next unit of apartments below. Today, while my coffee is dripping, I watch as doves waddle up the knoll towards the feeder. No hurry. No worry.

Did they know the squirrel had been there picking through for the sunflower seeds, and in the process, had scattered enough seed on the ground for them to fill their little bellies?

Even though it was a cold, wet morning– up they came. I imagined them smacking their lips in anticipation, if they had lips. They were that sure there would be seed waiting for them.  Quietly and calmly they approached, as if knowing just what they needed to stave off the chill of the day lay on the ground–waiting only for them.

Am I that way with God’s blessings? Do I patiently approach the throne, trusting He has cast them in His perfect timing? Do I have the faith of the turtle doves, and the wisdom, to detect His favor towards me? Or am I rushing up the hill, panting, out of breath. Do I get there at the wrong time, become anxious, then ask God, “Where are You? Why haven’t You answered my prayer?”

He has – it may be in process, as a squirrel who has just leapt out of my sight to scatter the seeds of faith and hope I need to make it through the chill of the day. Manna to sustain me through whatever comes my way. God always provides.

Take a lesson from the doves. Watch today with calm anticipation to  see how He acts in your life. Then in faith, waddle peacefully towards it, confident it is there, especially for you.

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Not in a Store

April 21, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

I was talking to a sales clerk over the phone. As a church secretary, I had called to see if they carried some supplies we needed.  At the end of the conversation the clerk replied, “Boy, it was sure nice to talk to someone from a church who is decent.”

WHAT??? I sucked in my breath. Are not all people who are associated with churches decent? Scripture tell us to treat everyone with love, kindness and dignity. I mean, isn’t that Christianity 101?

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:8

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????The clerk told me it is a standard joke when venting to each other in the break room over a rude customer. Let me guess, they were from a church, right?

He told me the rudest, most demanding people are ministers and their staff. They treat clerks like low-life and demand they get breaks, freebies and special treatment because they are non-profit and /or represent God.  One lady before my call had come in to the store with a “Jesus Loves You” T-shirt on, and used abusive language to a clerk. She was loud and derogatory enough for the whole store to hear, she belittled the poor employee saying they were all idiots, nothing but thieves who try to trick you into spending your hard-earned money, and she’d pray for them because they were all going to hell. All the guy had asked for was her store discount card so he could verify if she qualified for a rebate offer.

I asked a friend of mine who is in retail about this and they just nodded. Yep,  they get the same treatment. Church representatives are the most “un-Christian” people they encounter on a daily basis.

No wonder non believers call us hypocrites!

Are you as shocked as I am?

Then re-blog this and tell your friends.

Dear brothers and sisters, who are we representing to the world?  The next time you walk in or call a store and you are representing a ministry, act the way Jesus would.  Please!

Posted in Biblical, Christian, Life Experiences | 1 Comment »

Saved a Place

April 18, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

Fifty years later, it still crawls into the back of my emotions and stings me. Memories loom into my brain of being the last person to be picked on the team, or being shunned from the cafeteria table of giggling girls to eat alone. Being the brunt of cruel jokes in  junior high because I was smart, and the subject of gossip in the college dorm because I was a Christian who wouldn’t sleep around or drink. Never fitting in.

I was at a women’s conference manning a table for Women at Risk- the  missionaries for women rescued from human trafficking (see Help a Woman Find God tab). We were in a large meeting hall where rounds tables had been set for lunch. Everyone flowed in form the meeting, chatting and laughing. As I helped a few ladies buy jewelry and handbags made by the rescued women, I saw the tables were filling up. Women came up to them and said, “Come on. I saved you a place.”  They each scurried off giggling, showing their friends what they had purchased.  I was fully prepared to grab a plate and eat behind my booth – alone again.

Then, a  lady I hadn’t seen in a while came up. “We have saved you a place. Won’t you please sit with us?”  Those old feelings dispelled like a popped water balloon. When I got to the table, it was all smiles and “so good to see you”,”glad you joined us” responses.

Jesus told His disciples, and He tells us today, that He is preparing a place for us in Heaven. Each believer who confesses His name is accepted at the table of The Lamb.  One day we will all be allowed to feast on His presence for eternity.

dining togetherAt that meeting, I saw a glimpse of how glorious that will be. As a woman of God, I am accepted by my sisters in Christ. So are you. We are all foreigners in a strange land bound by a love the world cannot understand. There is a place for you right here beside us. Won’t you come join us?

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Worn Out Asking

April 15, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

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.

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Kickin’ It for Jesus

April 7, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

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.kickball_clipart_169213952_std

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

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Hand-le with Prayer

April 4, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

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.Praying hands_

 

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.

 

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In the wisdom of foolishness

April 1, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. I Corinthians 4:10

 

 

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Happy April Fool’s Day.

Join me (and millions of others) in being foolish for Christ.

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In a Moment on a Hill

March 29, 2013 by juliebcosgrove

thumbnail[2]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

fall to your knees and be thankful.

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