Category: his presence

Presence of God

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“Then Moses said to him, ‘If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Exodus 33:15

The presence of God is one of our most amazing gifts. If you have ever felt God with you all throughout your day you will never want to be without it. Knowing that you are not alone and that someone is there who loves you more than everyone and has the wisdom and power to make your life better is so comforting. When a mountain stands in my way and I start to worry, I know God’s got it under control. When problems arise I know I can talk to him and know he listens. When I am frustrated by my abilities, he gives me strength and wisdom to overcome. I can feel his wisdom, strength and joy all around me. I never want to be in charge because God does know me better than me. My way is not always the best way. Something I’ve come to realize is that people with different challenges such as birth defects, accidents, strokes, different handicaps and autism were given an extra dose of Gods presence to accomplish great and mighty things. He uses the weak to amaze the wise. I met someone with a handicap from birth who has learned to do great things and people like this can greatly touch lives for the glory of God. They may just be trying to get by day by day but their lives matter to others. Some have angels sent to them from God to let them know how much they matter and to give them strength. When you can’t do many things you rely on God and his presence spurs you on. Some day all of God’s children will be in the presence of God forever and what a great day that will be.

Gods Presence

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“The Lord replied, “ My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

The wonderful thing about God is he will never leave us. He is always watching over us and he is in control because he knows everything that is going to happen and the thoughts and intentions of all people. He sent his Son to die for our sins so we could live with him forever. The more you spend time in his words and talking to him the more you feel his presence. When you have the joy of the Lord in your life you can handle whatever comes your way because he brings contentment that this world can’t give. The blood of Jesus Christ bought our freedom and has overcome all that the enemy tries to bring in our lives. But, greater is he who is in us than he that is in this world. Things and people can’t give lasting contentment only God can. He gives everything we need. Do you need more wisdom, peace, strength, power, or pretty much anything. Just tell him what you need and he comes through for you. He is not a genie granting your every desire because maybe some things just aren’t good for you or what is best for you. But he works for the good of those who love him and have his purposes and his will as their desires. Being used to further his kingdom should be your priority. Things that matter for eternity and not just temporary enjoyment. He has given us everything w need to make this a great life. Strength, wisdom, power to do great and exciting things to better our world. God wants you to have enjoyment but living for him can bring enjoyment and fulfillment.

Greed

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 14:15

Have you ever really watched all those ads that we are forced to watch throughout our day. If you don’t have everything they say you won’t be happy. There is new stuff every day. That new brand of shoes, that new gadget to cook with, or a new car. Jesus has already given us everything we need. But what might we be missing. I was a realtor at one time and I’ll never forget the day I went to a house of a hoarder. I had never even heard of it before but as I walked through room after room of stuff piled to the ceiling and just narrow paths throughout I couldn’t imagine how they could find anything in that chaos. They obviously believed the lies that say whoever died with the most toys won. Because they definitely had the most toys I ever saw. I now have one small room and hardly anything but I could not be happier. First of all I don’t have to worry about losing anything or having it stolen. People are way more important than possessions. I realize that more every day. The most important is Jesus. He has given me a joy in my heart that makes no sense. But it gets me through anything. I remember a family member that just had to have the best deals. Even if it was something that she didn’t need. If it was a really good deal it was a must. People have so many reasons why they have to have more. Keeping up with the ‘Jones’s. But have you ever met someone who has lots of stuff but is truly miserable. People can hide behind their money. Trying to make others believe they have it all. What we really need is to fill that void inside our heart that is without God. They will try anything to fill the hole but nothing but God will truly satisfy. Drugs, alcohol, things and status will not fill it. Some really poor countries have some truly happy people with nothing but their families. They might struggle to eat and keep a roof over their heads but they get by. Ten years from now will that possession be important. The only thing that matters in the end is what you will spend eternity doing. Do you know?

Cinderella

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

I have always been drawn to the Cinderella story, but what girl hasn’t. The movies where the unlikeliest girl finds her Prince Charming and lives happily ever after. To bad fairy tales are just dreams. Well we all have a Prince Charming that wants to give us everything we can imagine. A full and an exciting life. People just can’t fathom that Christianity could be anything but hard work and giving so much up. They don’t want to give up the crumbs they have right now for the unknown. I want what I want. But what if you could have so very much more? Most stroke victims have memory issues and brain fog. When I first came to after my stroke I had nothing. I could not move, speak, or even open my mouth. I was locked in. But I did still have my mind. I prayed that I would not lose that. Anything else I could live without. I slowly did get a lot back but accepted the losses. But living in a nursing home forever? That took a lot of time to accept. But it is now my home and my safe place with people who love me. But I have gotten to know my Prince Charming and he has overwhelmed me. Just when I start thinking things are good. They get so much better. He likes to do that. He has promised to do more than I could ever imagine, so he does. My life gets more fulfilling every day. I wake up excited. Ok what’s today, Lord? I do keep my part done, but you couldn’t keep me from spending time with him because it’s the best part of my day. Just talking about anything and everything. When you really know someone you can just spend a lot of time with them. He knows the things that are important to me and it might not be much. But it’s always more than I expect. So I do have my happily ever after.

What about you?

Family

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers.” Acts 1:14 NIV

“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” Acts 2:44 NIV

Once you become a Christian it is important to feed your soul. Read the Bible and pray. But one thing is very important. Now you are a member of a very elite and important family. You are a member of the family of God. Continually be around others who are part of this family. People who believe as you believe. Don’t try to do life on your own. You will only feel empty and alone. The world is a tough place and we need all the help we can get. There are others just like you who are lost, lonely, scared, confused, and struggling. Together you will be complete and fulfilled. When we come together as family we can lift each other up. Where two or three of you (Gods family) come together, I am there with you. Although the Lord is always with us, having other family members around us is like armor against the enemy. We are stronger together and harder for the enemy to tear down. A three strand cord of us and our father is strong and will deter our enemies. When you are alone you are weaker and the enemy can come against you easier. When you are around others you learn to love and support them. Be open and transparent, others have the same struggles you do. This is a form of bonding that draws you together. It is very hard to betray someone you have grown to love and respect, and can relate to. Someone with similar struggles and fears. With a common goal of furthering the kingdom (the family). You are on the same team fighting for the same things. You lean on each other, family takes care of their own. You grow more when you are around others who are seeking God’s will for their lives. It is important to sing praises and enjoy each other. The presence of God is so empowering. Never take it for granted.

Do you seek out other Christians to bond with?

The Present

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV

I have felt such complete peace lately. I always start my days by thanking God for another day, the air in my lungs, and the love of Jesus in my heart. He is already ahead of me. He has already planned this day perfectly for me in advance. Everything whether good or bad is all planned for my good. I have agreed to rejoice and be glad in it. It is an attitude we get to choose. This day is a present just for me from God. That is why it is called the present. I lay in bed thinking of who might be taking care of me today. I wonder what’s for breakfast. I feel like a child on Christmas morning. I’m excited because I am spending the day with my very best friend, God. I thank him for breakfast even before it gets here and ask him to bless it. The food has been good lately. If I don’t prefer something i just don’t eat it. I know for lunch and dinner I get bean burritos and chicken strips a lot but hey I like them. When I do have other meals I really enjoy them. Last night was pasta with sausage and peppers and it was really good. Throughout the day my mind stays on him. I love to listen to praise and worship music. It drowns out so much noise. I play word games to help strengthen my brain. Alzheimer’s runs in my family so it keeps me sharp. I will catch myself singing along to the songs and my focus returns to him. I love reading books and Christian books are best. It’s homework for my writing but it helps a lot. Some are just for pleasure. Whenever someone comes in my room I’ll catch them singing along with my music. It’s funny how many Christians work here. But their job is serving and it is not for everyone. I can’t do a lot of things but I sure enjoy doing all I can. I’ve gotten involved in the prayer ministry and love praying for needs. Lately there have been so many needs but God answers so many. I shouldn’t be surprised because my God can do anything. I’m excited and it just makes me bolder.

What will you do with this brand new day?

When You Need Prayer

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“…you do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:2-3 NIV

Whenever you need something come before God. Even though he knows our needs before we ask does not mean that we do not need to ask. The Lord loves to answer our prayers when we ask. If it is important to you it is important to God. Don’t think you are bothering God, or that it is too petty to take before God. Everything you tend to worry about, or get anxious about is important to give to God. It is important to be specific about what you need. Tell God what’s wrong but you don’t need to tell him how to fix it. He may not do things exactly how you see them as being done. He knows us because he designed us. He knows exactly what is best for us. Just because he does not answer immediately just the way you think he should does not mean he’s not listening. He will always answer. In his time, in his way, and always what is best for the person involved. If it’s not for my best, I don’t want it. I trust him. I don’t always understand why someone is not healed, or dies when I had been praying for them. Like when my grandson died just before his fourth birthday. I had prayed for him to be healed every day, but he died. Sure it would have been great if he had been healed. But was that the best thing for him? Or was that the best thing for me? Sure I miss him and my daughter misses him but so many things tell me he is better off. He is in heaven in a perfect body with No pain forever. All his Tay-Sachs friends are with him and they’re all perfect . His grandfather, who always wanted grandkids but died before any were born , and his great grandpa are with him. He’s with Jesus. There is something I have learned about prayer. I always ask God if I can be a part of what he is doing in the world. I want to make a positive impact on the world. He showed me I can do that by praying. Praying puts me in miracle territory. When ever you pray for needs you get to be apart of the miracle when those needs are met. In my prayer life I have seen so many prayers answered in such unique and special ways. Just recently a friend and minister from camp was on his death bed with covid19. On a ventilator and unconcious. Drs we’re giving up. But two weeks later he’s up and walking with a walker. This has brought boldness to my prayers. When I see great answers I get excited and pray for more. It is a privilege to come before God and see him answer.

Do you know someone who needs prayer today?

So Much More

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“But because of his great love for us, God, which is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,”. Ephesians 2: 4-6

Oh they love us! Jesus paid it all, just for us. He went into the pit of hell for every sin ever committed, his suffering we will never really realize. But he did it gladly for each and every one of his children. We may not acknowledge it but he hopes we will. When he raised his son back to life and seated him on the throne next to him to rule and reign forever we were included. You see the horrible debt was paid. Grace was extended to everyone who will accept it. It is not something we do but what he did for us. God looks at those who have accepted that grace with new eyes. He sees us as white as snow. We are heirs to his kingdom just like his son. We need to wrap ourselves around that thought. I can only imagine this throne room. As I say the Lord’s Prayer, as I like to say it each morning. I picture what it must be like. Oh, it would make an awesome scene from a movie. I can see the intense glow radiating in that room, all that glory must be overwhelming. I know when Jesus was transfigured here on earth it blew the disciples away. But also imagine everyone worshipping before them saints and angels all bowing down in humble adoration. This is my God. He wants me to come into his presence. Do you feel what an awesome privilege that is. We’re talking King of kings the one supreme God. Maker of everything. Oh I so want all he has for me. I love being in his presence. I can sit in my room with worship music drowning out all the nursing home noise and it’s just me and God. I listen to each song visualizing each word and I can’t help but cry tears of joy. This world we live in is not our home. We are destined for a much greater life. Oh we have 70-90 years here if we are lucky but what awaits us is just hard to imagine. This morning the pastor of our church tried to help us see how this short little visit to earth is. He described a fish being tugged out of the water. Flopping around on dry land and choking for air. It is not meant to be here, nor are we. We can do the best we can but sin comes and we keep flopping around. I kept hearing the song “This world is not my home”, my treasures are laid out somewhere beyond the blue. Someone else said it’s like taking a camping trip because we are roughing it. No mansions like heaven, and life gets messy at times. We go through different tests that cause us to grow. Now even though it’s camping I want s’mores, fishing, beautiful mountain grandeur and cool pine breezes. In other words I want a full and abundant life. Well I believe God does want that for me too. But I also believe you have to go after it. Go after his presence. It takes work but I’m in. The more time I give to him. The better it gets. I find my priorities really changing. It’s available and we are meant to have it.

Don’t you want it too.