“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

The small child whined to her mother in the grocery store checkout line. She twisted back and forth, her head titled up to her meet her mother’s face. “But, Mommy. I neeeed that candy bar.”

The mother’s lips curled into a smirk. “Do you really need it?”

How often do we come to our Father in Heaven and plead for what we think we need, confusing it with a want? Just like that child, we plead for the “desires of our hearts.” After all, doesn’t it state in the Psalms that is what God will do? (Psalm 37:4) Didn’t Jesus say he’d grant anything we asked for in His name? (John 14:13-14)

Ah, there is the catch—in His name. When the desires of our hearts match that of Jesus’ then we can ask in His name (like-minded with Him) and it will be granted. What did Jesus ask for? To do His Father’s will and be a witness of obedience to His disciples. Jesus asked for strength and endurance to complete the task God gave Him. And He wanted us, His followers, to be with Him in Heaven.

God will satisfy our needs just as He does the lilies of the field and the sparrows. It doesn’t necessarily mean He will wave a magic wand to end all of our problems, heal our loved one’s cancer, or find us that high-paying job so we can afford a boat, a new car or a dream vacation. If the desire of your heart is to do God’s will, you can rest assured God will supply everything you need to accomplish it. And what is God’s will for us? Paul spells it out in I Thessalonians 5:16-18:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

We can rejoice no matter the circumstances when we are confident that God will satisfy our needs and has our best interests at heart, just like the mom in the grocery store. God wants the best for us, and often that means not giving us everything we want.

Father God, help us discern what we need and what we want. Teach us above everything else, if we align our desires with Your will, then we can have confidence You will supply all we need. Steer us away from the wants that may harm us or turn us from You. Let Your Son Jesus be our example and Your Spirit be our guide. Amen.

Action Point: Make two columns and write your needs on one side and your wants on the other. Do all of your wants honor God? Do you Trust God to satisfy your needs?

By Julie Cosgrove
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Our Heart’s Desires

The Desires of the Heart

Our Heart and our Treasure

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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25

This is my verse. So many times in my life it has spoken to me.

There was a time I over-worried about my appearance and what others thought. I was so self-conscious I imagined the giggled whispers. I chose fashion over comfort in an effort to fit in. I’d stare into the mirror and be jealous that this style didn’t look as good on me as it did on so-and-so. I would peer into my closet claiming I had nothing to wear. “Or about your body, what you wear.”

Sometimes I have wondered how I would squelch the echo in my refrigerator when payday was ten days away. Other days, food occupied my every thought. I’ve tried every new fad or program in an effort to battle the bulges. Meal planning became a demigod. Guilt flavoured every chew. “Do not worry about what you will eat and drink.”

And of course, life can be filled with worry. Will my job last? Will my child return to the faith? Will my husband love me again? Will I ever find happiness? When will the chaos settle down?

Jesus has the answer. Himself. Once we begin to grasp the concept that He is in control (when we trust Him) then the worry sloughs off. Life becomes more than our doubts, more than our material possessions, and more than our desire to be accepted. Our perspective shifts. We take our focus off ourselves and put it on the One who knows, and loves, us. And that is more than enough.

Father, help me to see the bigger picture — the one of you holding it all together. You promise that there is nothing I can go through that you do not already know about and can give me the resources to handle. Dispel my worry and let me trust in you. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

 https://wheredidyoufindgodtoday.com/

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“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is, and was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Read that verse again, and this time let it soak deeply into your soul. Doesn’t it bring you comfort?

Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last. God is saying He is the beginning and the end—of your day, every day and also of your life. I have heard it said that we should sandwich our day in prayer. This means we invite Christ into our lives the moment our eyes pop awake, and then ask Him to bless and keep us as we close them. Another saying often depicted on plaques and in cross-stitch patterns states, “A life knotted in prayer at both ends won’t unravel.” Begin and end your day with God.

There are days I try to jump start on my own without inviting my Lord into them. There are nights I cast my worries upon my pillow instead of onto Him. But the days I start and end with acknowledging God in my life seem to go better. Not that bad things don’t happen on those days, but their impact on me is not as devastating. I find that once I invite my Lord into my day, I am more aware of Him being with me throughout it. He was there a heartbeat ago, He is here now, and He will be there a few breaths from now. Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end, and every time in between.

My Lord, spur in me the desire and discipline to make You my first and my last thought each day. I know when I let you into my life I become more aware of Your presence, Your love and Your guidance. Teach me to praise when I arise and thank You when I retire for the night. And in between, remind me I can rely on You to be there, always. Amen.

Thought: For the next week, consciously make an effort to pray as soon as you wake up and then again right before you go to sleep. See if your attitude becomes more joyful and positive

By Julie Cosgrove
used by permission

FURTHER READING

In Spite of the Circumstances

Praise Him

Jesus, the End!

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There are many posts, blogs, articles and thoughts about the New Year. Make a resolution or not. Turn over a new leaf. Find a meaningful word. What is our focus?

If it is on us, then perhaps it is why we seem to fall short each year. After all, Paul reminds us that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

I once heard that both SIN and PRIDE have “I” in the middle. In today’s “me-ism”  world of selfies and all-about-me introverted thinking, our society suffers from too much of a focus on ourselves and not others. Whether we meet our goals or not, the focus is still the same…it is on us. How quickly that can absorb us, right?

In contrast, the Christian is supposed to strive to be more other-focused. Paul also told the Philippians, and tells us –

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!  (2:3-8)

Perhaps, instead of focusing on how we should change, become more aware, adjust our weight, habits, etc. we need to shift our focus to the Cross. Not rely on our own strength, or even ask God to give us strength, but for Him to be our strength. May we choose to be other-orientated and open to being used to His glory. Let God set the path, and be pliable enough to be molded in the way He wishes so we can be His hands and feet in this world and point others to Him, not ourselves

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

https://wheredidyoufindgodtoday.com/

FURTHER READING

• Where is Your Focus?
• It’s All about Your Focus
• Focus  by Roy Lessin
• Focus by Gail Rodgers

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“Don’t be anxious about your life, what you eat, or drink or wear.” Matthew 6:25

In the book of 1 Kings, God tells Elijah, his faithful prophet, that there will be a huge drought. Then He commands him to go live by a brook—not a deep river like the Jordan or a giant lake like Galilee, but a puny stream surely to dry up without rain. It was like saying, “I am going to bring about a great calamity and I want you to sit in the middle of it.”

Yet Elijah trusted and obeyed.

When I became a widow, I felt like I was stuck living by a drying-up brook. My husband had been the primary breadwinner and I was a self-employed freelance writer. In tough economic times, he left me with very little as far as a nest egg. Each month, as the house sat on the market, I watched the brook—my checking account—become drier and drier. But, I took  Matthew 6:25 to heart. “Don’t be anxious about your life, what you eat, or drink or wear.”

God sent Elijah ravens to feed him bread every day until the rains came. He provided daily manna to the Hebrews in the wilderness. I can honestly say God has provided my daily bread since my husband left this earth in 2010. It would take a novel larger that Moby Dick to relay all the creative ways He’s sent another raven just when I needed it. At last, the soft rain is falling, my financial brook is rising, and my faith has never been so strong.

Dearest Lord, You are our provider. All comes from You and through You. Thank You for caring enough about me to give me my daily needs—and occasionally my wants, too. Most of all, thank You for Your Son who gave all for me. Amen.

Take Action:  Write down three to five things you “need” (not want) right now. Be bold enough to pray for God to meet your needs. Fold the paper and tape it to the back of the calendar page for December. At the end of this year, see how many needs God has provided, replaced with something better, or proven it was not what you needed after all.

By Julie Cosgrove
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Living One Day at a Time
• The Worry-Free God
• The Lord will Provide

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The Strap

“Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm…” Isaiah 32:2

Years ago there was a movie about a mega tornado. The couple tried to outrun it, but finding they couldn’t, instead wrapped a leather strap around a pipe anchored deep in the ground and held onto it for dear life. As the tornado passed over them, they were able to peer into the calm, peaceful center. Both stared in awe at the inner beauty and tranquility as the straps held tight and saved them.

To me, this scene describes the Christian life. We don’t have to try and run from the situation barreling down upon us. That rarely works, does it? Isaiah 32, talks of the kings God will send to reign over the turmoil in the lives of His people. Today, we have direct access to the King of Kings. Though the storms rage in our lives, we can anchor ourselves to God’s truth and love as found in Scripture. We can grab onto the strap called faith and secure it to Christ, our foundation. His steadfast love can help us weather anything that comes along, as long as we cling to Him.

As in the movie, in the midst of the turmoil, we may glimpse an inner peace and calm in the center of all the chaos. We might actually, for a brief time, witness the majesty of His power and the beauty of His purpose. It is a time to take a breath and, in awe, realize God is with us, no matter what. He truly is our refuge and strength in the midst of trouble, as the psalmist says.

Dearest Lord, let us strap ourselves to you. Anchor us in faith and help us to cling to your love, no matter what swirls around us. And in the midst of it all, be our refuge and allow us to glimpse your majesty and purpose to bolster us and encourage us to hold on. May it bring us peace. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

From: https://wheredidyoufindgodtoday.com/

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

RELATED READING

• Cling to the Lord
• Hope Stronger Than Hurt   Do you know Jesus is right there with you.  Cling to him and He’ll bring you out in due time.
• 8 Verses to Remember that God is Fighting for You

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“O taste and see that the Lord is good!” Psalm 34:8

This verse had always confused me until I saw something in a restaurant. A mom carved off a very small piece of her meat and put it in her toddler’s mouth. The tiny eyes widened as a smile spread across the little girl’s lips.

The mom nodded. “See? Good.”

Toddlers taste everything. They judge what is good and bad by how it reacts on their tongues. Are we any different? How many of us have asked someone to taste what we are cooking to “see if it is good”?  Even though smell and taste are intertwined, we describe food as yummy or yucky more by its taste than its smell, appearance or texture.

So, why should we not taste and see that God is good?

And how good is He? The yummiest thing ever. Better than gooey caramel, a chocolate candy bar, or a fresh-from-the-oven bread. Better than lobster dripping in butter, chowder on a cold night, or ice cream…well, anytime.

Jesus often used food as a conduit to fellowship. One of his miracles involved multiplying a simple lunch of fish and bread. It wasn’t until He served the disciples fish that they recognized him on the beach after the resurrection. At the Last Supper, He said the bread represented His body and the wine His blood and commanded us to remember Him whenever we broke bread together.

Recently, I had not been physically able to attend church in months. A person from the congregation brought me a small, tasteless wafer from the communion service. That way I could be “a part” of the community of believers that had gathered at the altar table. As it dissolved on my tongue, it truly was the best thing I’d ever tasted. I instantly felt the connection of the Cross…vertically to God and horizontally to the people in my church.

I could almost picture God smile and say, “See? Good.”

Yes, Lord. I have tasted Your goodness and now I see. Let me always hunger and thirst for Your righteousness and for the fellowship with others who believe. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

RELATED READING

Taste and See the Lord is Good by Veda Lucas

Taste and See  by Kathy Cheek

Taste and See  by Charles Spurgeon

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“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”  Proverbs 15:3

God sees more than the outward actions. He peers into the heart. We can’t hide our motives from Him. His eyes pierce the surface and penetrate into the soul.

How many times have we thought or said, “Oh, I’m sure they meant well,” when we weren’t sure that was the case? Motives and agendas are often hidden. The reasons behind people’s acts can be misinterpreted. We may not see the truth of others actions due to our prejudices, our own guilt, or our anger. Or we may be blinded by false trust, gullibility, and naivety.

Others may, in turn, misjudge us. We try our best to do what is right, but flub it, and then get criticized. Maybe we become a scapegoat for someone who doesn’t want to own up to their own mistakes and finds it easier to point to us as the source of their problems. God sees that as well.

Of course, if we do something wrong, there is no hiding that from our Lord either, is there? When Achan sinned and stole plunder from the Canaanites, Joshua called him out on it: “Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me” (Joshua 7:19).

By confessing, we honor God and acknowledge that His eyes never miss anything. That He sees all — the good and the bad, the honorable and the wicked. And when we do falter, even if we tried our best, He sees that as well, even when others don’t.

Dearest Lord, let us always honor You foremost. If we do something wrong, let us not try and hide it from You. If someone wrongs us, let us be comforted by the fact that You see all, and when our plans fail, may we find comfort in the fact that You know our intentions even before we act. In your son, Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by permission

FURTHER READING

• God Sees You
• God Sees, He Knows
• What God Sees

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“When you enter the land and plant any kind of fruit tree, regard its fruit as forbidden. For three years you are to consider it forbidden; it must not be eaten. In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, an offering of praise to the Lord. But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:23-25

We live in a microwave world. People want instant gratification. Kids right out of college want the corner office with a view and the big paycheck. I see newbie writers convinced their work will be a bestseller… that is, until they join a critique group or submit it to an editor. Any seasoned author knows writing the first draft is only one-fifth of the work. It takes time and effort to develop it into a product ready for the market.

I think some Christians are too anxious to bear their fruit before it is ready. They don’t want to go through the hard work God has in store to prune, weed, and grow them. So they offer a pre-ripe, sour fruit to the world and then wonder why people scrunch their noses and back away.

Now, that is not to say God cannot use them. Of course He can. He uses all of us right where we are in our spiritual journey. But His timing is purposeful. If our spiritual skin has not thickened, we may get easily bruised and our fruit may be less attractive. The full sweetness may have not developed.

I know I have jumped the gun before He had fully prepared me for a mission. Perhaps you have as well. It may not take five years, but we all should wait until the time is ripe instead of rushing ahead of His schedule. That way, He will have fully prepared us to give Him glory, and the harvest of new souls won for Christ will be increased.

Father God, Creator of all. Help us to yield to Your timing before we bear fruit. Guide us by Your Spirit to maturity even though it may take longer and we may have to work harder. Keep us patient in the process and let us not become discouraged as we wait to see what wondrous things You will do through us. In Christ’s name. Amen.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by permission

FURTHER READING

• The Measure of Maturity
• Developing Spiritual Maturity
• Maturity Hurts

The post Take Time to Ripen appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.”   1 Corinthians 7:17

Not only are pastors or priests “called” by God to serve. Every Christian is. That may sound daunting, and you might shake your head with hand to heart and think, “I’m not sure God has ever called me.” But, my friend, He most certainly has.

God meets us where we are in life, and when we accept Him as Savior, He can use us no matter how unholy, inept, or unworthy we feel. There have been times I have doubted I am making a difference. I don’t see throngs of people coming to Christ through my devotionals. But God reminded me that He has called me to write about Him. What happens after that is not within my realm of influence or power. It is in His.

When we obediently use the talents God has given us — be it having extreme patience with small children, being a superb organizer, having a strong back, or a soft heart — He takes that offering and uses it to His glory to call others to Him. If you think back, I bet one or two people were instrumental in bringing you to the realization you needed Jesus in your heart. They may not have been famous, but they lovingly exemplified what Jesus meant in their lives and that made all the difference.

Dearest Lord, You have called each of us, with our unique experiences, gifts, and talents, to draw others to You. Help us step outside of our inferiority and, out of gratitude for all You have done for us, offer ourselves to Your service. Amen.

What is the unique way that you shine for Jesus? If you are not sure what your specific calling entails, ask God to specifically show you. Then be open to His answer. It may surprise you.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

https://wheredidyoufindgodtoday.com/

FURTHER READING

• Called to Follow Him
• He Equips the Called
• Bear Much Fruit
• Serving and Supporting

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The post Called appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways”. Proverbs 4:26

I don’t recall why, but I when I was around four-years-old,  I decided to run away from home. Problem: I wasn’t allowed to cross the street.  So I trudged around the block with my little pink suitcase in one hand and my stuffed lion under my arm. Within twenty minutes I had circled the block and ended up back at home in tears.

What made me recall this incident I won’t  reveal how many decades later? While preparing to give a talk to some churchwomen, I found these children’s letters to God online. This one in particular spoke a deep truth.

“You don’t have to worry about me. I always look both ways.” (DEAN)

As a small child, I had strict boundaries and knew the rules. It appears Dean does as well. As long as he looks both ways before crossing the street, nothing bad will happen to him, right?

If only life was so easy. As adults we get used to weighing the odds and making all the decisions. We set the rules. We decide our actions. We plot our course. Problem is, we can’t predict the future.

Sometimes we assume the way is clear. We quickly glance first then head out. WHAM – life hits us unexpectedly. Didn’t see that coming. Didn’t detect it, hear it, smell it, or even fathom it.  A tornado siren sounds one minute and your whole life ripped apart the next. The phone rings. A routine blood test comes back with bad news. A pink slip lands on your desk.

But after the shell shock, we may realize that someone was watching out for us. Something prepared us in ways we never knew. A hand held on and yanked us out of the way, or drew us closer.

A  quiet thought, steadfast rule, or profound statement embedded in our subconscious begins to acts as a lifeline. We cling to it. Such as  Romans 8:28 or Philippians 4:6-7 or Psalm 121:3-8.

Or my mother’s admonition to never cross the street alone.

Perhaps we adults need to be more childlike and go back to the basics.  Ask permission. Seek guidance. Wouldn’t it be more wise to look again–just in case–instead of being so sure of ourselves as little Dean is? Maybe we need to grab Daddy’s hand more often, no matter how big we feel we are.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

https://wheredidyoufindgodtoday.com/

FURTHER READING

Prayer for God to Make a Way

A Prayer to Stay on God’s Path

The Path of Life

Staying on God’s Path

The post Do You Look Both Ways? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“To this John replied,

“A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” John 3:27

A three year-old child grabbed the toy and screamed, “Mine!”

Her Sunday school teacher gave her a stern look. “Sarah, did you bring that from home or does it belong to the church?” “It belongs here. But it’s still mine.” Tearfully, she pouted and turned away, the toy tight against her torso.

As I observed this scene, I asked myself if I slip into the same attitude when it comes to what God have given me. Whether it is a small denomination bill from my purse handed to the beggar on the street, or the check I place in the offering plate, the meal I share with friends from my cupboard, or my talent in writing or speaking…it has been gifted to me by my gracious Lord, the creator of all.

I may think I have “earned my pay,” but God gives me each sunrise-day to go to work and the physical and mental ability to do my job. He forgives my sins, having paid for them on the cross. He lovingly blesses me with more than I deserve. Am I willing to freely share my time and treasures, or do I cling to them and claim it is all mine?

Dearest Lord, may we always remember that all is Yours to give or take away. Thank You that You provide so much for us. Keep us from being greedy like a three year old clutching Your blessings to our chests and crying, “Mine.” Help us to peel our fingers away and offer it back to You to use to Your glory, be it our money, our time, or our talents. Amen.

Thought: Is there something you are clinging to, claiming it is rightfully yours? Will you give it to God and trust Him to tell you what to do with it?

By Julie Cosgrove
used be permission

FURTHER READING

•  How to Get a Grip
• God Loves Me the Same on Good Days and Bad Days
• Cling to the Lord

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