Author: Annette Coffey

When I was 45 I had a massive stroke and lost the ability to speak for seven years. Damage from the stroke has made it difficult to understand me and hard to pronounce some words. So I do not speak much, but that is why I started writing books and my blog. I have so much I want to share and tell with people.

Sickness

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“When he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.’” John 11:4

We all have trials and sickness and we have no control over it. We have been given authority to command the enemy to get his hands off of us. But what if nothing seems to work? Do you still trust God? He can have many reasons why things progress as they do. He could be strengthening us. Like he did Job when he challenged him. It made him a better man. Or I know firsthand that nearly dying will cause you to rethink your lifestyle. I have talked to other people besides myself and they tend to draw closer to God once you realize that you were not living right and causing yourself destruction with your life choices that can be selfish and prideful. The awesome thing is that God is always in control and he knows what’s best. Doctors can be confused why a patient doesn’t get better when they are doing everything right. Then things can turn around all at once and make a miraculous recovery. They may die when we don’t understand why they weren’t healed. Maybe their work on earth was finished and God is ready to reward them for a life well lived. We do have to die one day so that we can enjoy an eternity with him in heaven. I don’t think anyone gets to paradise and doesn’t want to be there no matter how much their family and friends want them here. Some people have died and had a near death experience that they can share to encourage others. Trials are a part of life so embrace them and see what God is trying to do in your life.

The Work of The Lord

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“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters , stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor for the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Ever since forever Jesus has been the light of the world. When he came to earth as the son of God he shined that light for all to see. But there was still darkness in the world. There will always be darkness in this broken world but it is getting darker all the time. Sin is still sin and the sins of today are not much different than thousands of years ago. Pride and ego and selfishness still cause people to do things to better their lives or so they see it that way. The Israelites served other gods that they did not know and even sacrificed their children to satisfy these gods. What kind of god would expect you to sacrifice your own children to make them happy. God may have asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on an altar but he would have never let him succeed in doing it. He wanted to see if Abraham would trust him, and he did. But he also promised that he would be the father of a tribe of people that would be as great as the stars in the sky and they were. He always keeps his promises. Today people are still sacrificing their children to their gods. The god of convenience and selfishness. Things haven’t changed much. The Pharisees didn’t believe Jesus was God’s son and that God sent him to this world because they liked being looked up to as the religious authorities and they couldn’t give that up. They made their own rules and they liked it that way. People haven’t wanted a god who would tell them what to do even if it was better for them. People like to do what they please. If God says marriage is between one man and one woman then they want it their way. So they redefine marriage to suit themselves. A person can be anything they want to be. They can make their own reality. It’s no wonder that people are so confused and depressed because there is no absolute truth in our world. The darkness in this world will continue to get darker all the time. There will come a day when the darkness is so strong that try as we can they just won’t listen anymore and then Jesus will return and our work will cease. But until that day we need to be that city on the hill that shines their light brightly.

The Kingdom

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“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” Colossians 1:13

“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1

We have been raised with Christ. Because he defeated the enemy and the grave when he gave everything for us. We have been set free. We no longer belong to this world we have become aliens and are just here temporarily. We have a new home, a heavenly home. Do we really believe that? It has already been done. I like to imagine what it will be like one day. I love the song and the movie but it is truly exciting to think about perfection. Although I don’t think I can truly imagine it. Although I have read many books about near death experiences and what they experienced. I think about all my relatives that I know. Let alone all those that passed before me. I can’t help but be so excited for what they are experiencing. Sure I miss them but I don’t grieve over them. Heck they wouldn’t want me to. That is why we don’t feel like we belong and people just don’t understand us. But remember, we don’t belong. We have been set apart, a peculiar people, we are here to shine the light of Christ dwelling within us. We have been called to bring others into the kingdom of God. To share the good news of a great hope that is available to all. That is why we must stay here for a while and can’t just go home. The godhead doesn’t need our help and could do it themselves but it is actually a privilege that helps to perfect us on our journey. It is actually bonding us together with our brothers and sisters in Christ who we will one day spend eternity with. We need to keep our focus where it belongs. We are now royalty and we need to behave more like it and our Father the King every day. We are like ambassadors who have been sent with the highest rank we could have below Christ himself. But since he no longer lives on earth we get that honor. We need to take that responsibility seriously. We are now royalty no longer here to serve ourselves but him who we serve. That is why we have laid our life down for him. There shouldn’t be anything that he has asked us to do that we wouldn’t do. I am very proud of the cross of Christ and proud to be his daughter. It may be uncomfortable to speak out at times but it would be very rewarding. It is pretty cool to share and have people agree with you and get excited about it. It really is exciting news and not everyone thinks you’re nuts. If they do I just feel really sorry for what they are missing out on not embarrassed.

Where Is Your Heart?

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“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

God knows your heart. No matter how good you are at hiding your true identity from the world you can’t hide from God. He knew you before he ever formed you in your mother’s womb. And he still made you just as you are and he loves you just as you are. Boy I know things about myself I wouldn’t want anyone knowing. I’m sure we all do. But we are all imperfect people. The other day I heard someone say that they could tell you the true picture of your heart by looking at your checking account or your debit account. You put your money where your mind is. How do you spend your time. We can have all the best intentions but when the rubber meets the road it’s what we do that counts. Do I spend my time on myself, others, or God? Every minute matters because you can’t make any more time than we all have. Have you ever known someone who does 90% of the work load all by themselves while others just get by with the basics of life like eating and sleeping. They say 10% of people do 90% of the tasks while 90% of the people only do 10%. Their time is theirs and theirs alone to squander how ever they want. But do you want to know the sad truth, God helps the 10% do so much more than others because he knows their heart and the 90% he takes time away from because they aren’t using it wisely. So many things we do are not necessarily wrong or sinning but they aren’t really beneficial for us or Gods kingdom. He asks us or commands us to do so many things but are we doing them or not doing them as the case may be. For instance I think I need to stop thinking bad thoughts about what others are or are not doing and look more at myself. I know God wishes people wouldn’t do certain things but he is perfect and he has given them their choice to do as they please. It’s called free will and we all have it. I am far from perfect and we all are, but spend a little time looking how you spend your time tomorrow and maybe you will agree with me that you could make some better choices.

Light

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“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Hallelujah and Amen! Isn’t it great to know that God has your back and will never let you down. In the very beginning God was as the trinity. Jesus is the light of the world and God is also a very bright light. In fact we cannot see God while there is sin in our lives because his glory is so amazing that we would burn up. When we get to heaven there will not be any need for the sun, candles, flashlights, or light bulbs because God’s glory radiates out so bright that it will be day light forever because we won’t need rest or sleep because our bodies will be perfect. When I was young my family loved to go camping and at night we would build a huge bonfire and sit around telling funny stories. It was dark all around but our area was like daytime. Have you ever lit a match in pitch dark and you could see that bright flame far away. We all have the Holy Spirits light burning inside us when we know God and have accepted him into our lives. We are to share that light with the rest of the world. A small church is like a small fire and when you get a bunch of Christian’s together it could burn a forest down. God created everything and evil started with his creation and he controls all he has made. So Satan may think he has a chance but we win in the end. There will only be perfection in heaven forever with no death, pain, or tears ever again. This is so good to dwell on because you can’t help but be so encouraged.

Servant

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“rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Jesus is just what we are supposed to look like. We are the only Jesus many people will see because they are oblivious to Gods workings. Jesus was made in man’s likeness but he did not act like man does but how his Father does. He needed the strength and wisdom to do it from above. He was in every way a servant. A servant says, what can I do for you. How can I make your day better. how can I show you love and respect. Looking to others needs before our needs. That does not mean you don’t take care of yourself or even love yourself for who God made you to be. But we should treat others special. Sometimes this can be hard. But God is always willing to give us the grace, strength, and wisdom to do just that. It doesn’t have to cost money all the time. A smile or a compliment or even a helping hand. But we can also help meet someone’s needs for food and shelter. Also meeting their emotional needs. Comforting them when they are hurting. Being understanding when they are short and unkind. We shouldn’t say, why bother. They don’t deserve it or they are too far gone. They don’t want to help themselves why should I. Too much trouble. Nobody is too far gone for God to give up. Nothing is impossible for God. People may give up on themselves because that is where Satan wants them. But God gives everyone a brand new day to try again and as long as we’re alive there’s always hope. Tomorrow could be awesome if we try. Only God knows what we’re capable of. Good people can have bad days that totally take them down nobody is free of trials. The strongest of Christian’s can say why bother. But they know where their strength comes from. God keeps pulling people from the slimy pit every day. Today is a great day to fight for a great tomorrow.

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“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always strive to do what is good for each other and everybody else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Our actions are being watched by others around us. Most people probably know if you profess to being a Christian. They are wanting to see if you are different. Our actions speak louder than our words. Do we react with anger, a bad attitude, or sarcasm. Do we complain and grumble. You may just think that is normal but if you are a Christian those are sins. We are to love all others better than ourselves and we should be humble and calm. Treating others with love and respect. You only have one chance to say and do the right thing. Once you react it’s done. you are no different than me, people feel that you are no different and they aren’t interested in Christianity. If you look deep into every one you interact with there is something good in them. They were made on purpose in the image of their maker and they are important to God. We shouldn’t say or do anything to hurt them. Words are so important and they have the power of life or death. They are also somebody’s sister, brother, son or daughter and they matter. Even when they say or do something we don’t like or even hurt you ,you shouldn’t try to hurt them back. Try to find a purpose in their life just waiting to come out and encourage them in it.

The Wonder of God

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“When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalms 8:3-4

God is so amazing and powerful. There is nothing that he does not know. Even the very thoughts of all mankind. Even though we have many silly thoughts. He created everything that ever was. The stars in the sky to the fish in the oceans. I just got back from a cruise and as massive as that ship was, I couldn’t help but think of oceans, lakes, ponds, and streams all over the world and all the millions of different kinds of fish it took to fill them. That’s just fish and not plants, animals and foods. I also went to the aquarium museum and took my grandson with to see all the different fish. This place is huge and they cover so many different fish but still that’s only a small portion of all there is. But we had so much fun looking at such different and unique and strange fish. There were otters that were fascinated by wheels on strollers to my wheelchair. Tiny sea horses that danced around in the water. Weird and funny looking fish. From microscopic to huge whales and sea monsters. My grandson loved the rescued turtles that had special needs that they had to adapt to. His brother had special needs so it was interesting to him. Then there is food and I love so many different foods. My motto is variety is the spice of life. I could eat something different every meal and never get tired of anything. Fresh foods that grow in nature are the best because God thought of everything. We just complimented what was already there with spices and recipes. I was always interested in the space program and the amazing things man was able to do (with Gods help by the way). I enjoyed the movie documenting the women who used their mathematical abilities to solve so many problems and hurdles for the space program. Back when women were supposed to only be good for making babies and dinners. God still loves people best of all and the other stuff was just for us to enjoy.

Great Power

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“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being ,…”. Ephesians 3:16

Jesus told his disciples that it was better for them if he left them to return to his Father. They didn’t understand why he had to leave but we know in hindsight that he overcame death, hell and the grave that day when he went to the cross. A better gift no one could give. Then when he overcame death and rose again great power was achieved. The Holy Spirit now dwells within us and gives us so much power. That same power resided in Jesus and he did so many miracles. Healing many and feeding thousands with a few scraps. He even spoke to the angry seas to be still. He knew that he just had to speak a word and he believed that better than anyone. He tells us that if we ask believing and not doubting that we have what we ask. We have been given the authority to do that. The more you pray believing the more you will believe because God loves to answer bold prayers with bold answers. There is no holding you back when you see just what God will do. I’m reading a book about miracles that would totally amaze you through very simple and very unlikely people throughout history. He will use anyone. He likes to use foolish things to astound the wise. He gives strength, wisdom, and comfort. We can’t really do it on our own, at least not well. And isn’t it great to know we don’t have to. He is always be there with us. He will never leave us. When you see with spiritual eyes and not just actual eyes so much is going on and available to us. So live boldly and see what God can do.

Pray Without Ceasing

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving , present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Have you ever thought of being anxious as sinning? If you should do something and you don’t do it, it is sin. God has told us to pray always. If we don’t ask then we don’t get. We should trust that if we ask he hears us and will answer. Not always exactly what we want, but what is best. I find myself lately asking a lot of things that I used to never think of asking. But if I’m thinking about it or upset about it I need to address it. From wisdom to healing to help for someone I care about. It doesn’t matter what but why. God is the only one who can help and I know he is willing so why not ask. As a child we never hesitated to ask our parents what we wanted. So many things were not really good or necessary but we wanted them so we asked. God is the perfect Father and will always take care of us. His are always the best answers even if it may not seem like it. Our thinking is not perfect and we shouldn’t rely upon ourselves. He is right on time with the best answers even though sometimes they are delayed. Life is hard and not always easy but in the end we can see Gods wisdom. I’ve gotten things that I didn’t know I needed when I just trusted in his Devine wisdom. He will always answer prayers that aren’t spoken when we can’t pray or don’t know how to pray or are resting in his peace. He does know our needs all the time. Then we have to be thankful. Someone said that we aren’t thankful because we think we are entitled to things. No matter how simple or even if you don’t need it or want it, you should be thankful that your needs, not always your wants, are met. This time of year spend more time thinking about what you have and a little more time being grateful and then let that become a habit.