Category: Truth

The Puzzle

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

God showed me that life is one extremely large puzzle that He is putting together. Every piece is lovingly placed where he knows is best for us. Only he knows what is best for us. He knows everyone he has ever made over thousands of years. He places other people in our lives just when we need them.

I can look back over my life and see where people have come into my life at just the right moment that I truly needed them. Just before my stroke I had strayed away from the Lord and was living”my” life my way on my own. After my stroke God sent a beautiful woman that I highly respected to me. I was hurting mentally from the recent stroke. God sent her to read the Bible to me and pray for me. It was a very big turning point in my life. I saw how much I need God and began reading every day on my own and twelve plus years later I wouldn’t miss a morning.

I have learned so much about the Lord and his ways over those years. The more I know him the more I want to know. I went to live in Phoenix at a nursing home with rehab to work at getting my life back. It was a difficult move but God placed me there with wonderful people who had great influence on my life.

I have learned how to serve them and influence others with God’s love. He has shown me that my handicap is not stopping me from making a difference in the world.

He once told me “Bloom where you are planted” and that is what I have done. In my time here he has helped me to write three wonderful books that honor him. Because I can’t make money or have much money. I have been able to give my books to others and bless them.

Now he is moving me to another part of his puzzle. Back to the town I lived in at the time of the stroke. My previous business partner offered me his home to live in and it benefits both of us. He has always been a father figure to me and mine has passed on. We need each other right now. His wife died a year ago and he is lonely. It gives both the opportunity to be needed I can be there for him and watch out for some of his needs and he can be there for me. Living together is like family again. I love him dearly and want the best for him.

That is what being part of God’s puzzle is all about. You never know when a new or old friend is coming into your life at just the right moment for just the right time. Anyone you come in contact with might be God’s special puzzle piece.

I have been reading lately about faith. Faith is doing what God has for your life even if you don’t know how it will work out.

Jesus Our Savior

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“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,”Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will bring great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

It has been hundreds of years since the Lord spoke to his people. Even if you were Jewish and knew all about the prophecies of a coming king. You had probably given up hope, but an angel appears to shepherds. Ordinary guys like you and me just doing an ordinary job. Late at night, it was probably quite dark, cold, and quiet and along comes an angel. That in itself was quite unexpected. I can understand their fear.

To us that would be like a UFO landing in our yard. Then the glory of the Lord shone around them. Worthiness had to be on their minds. “What are you telling me for?, I am nobody special.” I am just a shepherd with all my flaws and sins.” Yet they had to see him. This was a once in a lifetime event to tell people all about for years.

They rushed to Bethlehem to find this new born king. When they found him they were flooded with joy. Could our Lord come in any more humble of way. Just a perfect simple little baby to young struggling parents that were probably wondering how they ended up being the parents of a king.

How could they raise this kid properly. But with anything God calls us to do. God equips us to do it well. Jesus grew up in a struggling family full of brothers and sisters. Living a life just like you and me. This helped him understand what you and I go through.

Our Savior was just like you and me. But he was perfect. He did it all willingly just so he could be part of a family with those of us who accept him. A family that will live happily ever after.

Following Jesus

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“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24. NIV

What does it take to be a follower of Jesus?

Jesus never said it would be easy or that many would make it to heaven. Actually he said that the road to heaven was narrow and few would find it. Most people don’t make it. Do you want to be part of the crowd? If they don’t make it then that’s probably not the way to go.

Sure the free gift of Christ is eternal life. Accept him and you are on your way. If it’s that easy then why can’t everyone get there? If you read God’s words there is more.

Love your neighbor as yourself. One of the greatest commandments. Do you love everyone you meet? Do you prioritize people, wanting to be around a certain people more than others. Do you shun some people that don’t come up to your standards.

If someone was in need of help would you give them the help they need no matter who they were. What about a homeless, or handicapped, or sickly person. Loving your neighbor can sometimes be difficult. I like myself pretty much all the time. But can I love others all the time?

“If you love me keep my commandments.” John 14:15 NIV

Do you keep all the commandments? Do you even know them? There are a lot of commandments to keep. This is starting to sound like a commitment. I guarantee the more you commit the more you get back. Not just life eternal but, abundant life forever with him. Since I started serving him and following him wholeheartedly my life has gone from ok to amazing. The blessings just keep flowing my way. I still have difficult times, but they seem to come further and further apart.

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2. NIV

“”Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”Matthew 7:19. NIV

Are you producing fruit in your life? What are fruits? Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Are these showing up in your life? Some off the time? What can we do to see these happen more often?

God’s word has all the answers if you look.

There is so much more to being a follower than saying I’m a Christian. Truly following Jesus is more than just a commitment. You need to get to know him. You need to have a relationship with him. He will give you all the help you need if you will just ask him.

A Cheerful Giver

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“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. NIV

This is the time of year for giving. The reason for this is simple. It all started thousands of years ago. In a small town in Bethlehem. God sent his one and only son as a tiny baby to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. He was a descendent of King David and many other important people. God spent many years building a family line that he could make his very own. This was a very important family. One he would be with forever.

This was the very first gift the gift of eternal life. He loved us so much that he gave up his only son for us….

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him shall have everlasting life.” John 3:16. NIV

So that we all could be with him forever. The gift that gave life. Because of this gift we should also have the heart of our father and choose to be a giver. For it truly is greater to give than receive. Science has proven what God knew all along. Giving produces joy in our hearts. The more we give the happier we feel. All of God’s ways really are for our best.

So give with all your heart and give all year long. It is the best way to keep joy in you life. Make it a way of life. The best thing you can give away is a smile. It is free and reaps the best results. As you give it away you will get o back. It is hard to be mean to someone giving you a smile.

Give to people everywhere you go. Give compliments and caring words. Show interest in others. These are all inexpensive ways to give. There are always reasons to give financially too. The more you give the more you receive. It’s the law of sowing and reaping.

The law often of sowing and reaping says if you sow kindness you will receive kindness, or if you sow discord you will receive discord. The more you give financially the more you will be blessed financially. You cannot outgive God just try.

So be a cheerful giver and your life will be full and overflowing.

Keep Your Eye On Eternity

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Keep thinking of where you will be forever when this brief life is over. If you accepted Christ as your King and serve Him only, he îs preparing a wonderful place for you in His kingdom. There life will be perfect, like you could never imagine. No more pain or sorrow because we will have perfect bodies. Young forever and ever. That’s more than our minds can fathom. Let me give an example of the opposite.

Imagine you are falling in a black hole. So dark it’s like you are wrapped in darkness. You keep falling because there is no bottom to this whole. You are burning up but your body is never consumed. You can hear screams and cries that make your stomach turn. The smell is awful like that of sulfur. It’s so strong that you are overcome and your eyes are burning. Well that’s just a taste of hell and it lasts forever and ever and ever.
You don’t want to go to a place like that. No one does but the road to heaven is very narrow and few persevere till the end. On the other hand the road to hell is wide and many end up there even some who thought they were saved. It is easy to end up there.. There will not be comradery in hell, it is utter isolation.
Be careful little eyes what you see.be careful little ears what you hear, touch, taste, feel. These are all ways you can fall from grace. As Christians there is nothing we can’t do but all things are not good for us. It’s true He will never leave you nor forsake you. But he can not keep you from walking away from Him. He has given us free will because he wants us to want to do all we can for him.
If you truly love Him you will be like Him. Loving and serving others because He loves them more than you do. You will hurt inside for someone you know who is heading for hell. Many may know God but even demons know him and flee. You will know them by their fruit. It’s what comes out of a man’s heart that counts to God. He knows all our thoughts and deeds nothing is secret from Him.
He knows if we have turned bitter by not forgiving others. If you don’t forgive them Jesus cannot forgive you. You must obey his commands, but do you know them? Do you read His word daily. Those who persevere till the end and don’t grow tired of doing good will be rewarded. No one says it will be easy. You need to lay down your life and follow Him, no turning back, no turning back.
Don’t let pride destroy you. The enemy will try to deceive you into believing that you always deserve more than you have. More money no matter how you get it. More love- That man loves you more than your husband and will make you happy. You deserve whatever you want so just charge it. We can get in so much trouble if you listen to the enemy. God knows just what we need and will give it to us.
If Jesus wouldn’t do it, don’t do it. Treasure every minute that you have on this earth. Remember it counts for eternity . The more you give the more you receive here and on the other side. Don’t do it just for what you can get, but because you love God’s people like he does. He wants you to enjoy this lîfe as best you can.

Keeping your Joy

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We all go through times that it seems difficult to have peace. When things happen that rock your world and just moving forward seems to be impossible. But look to God He is here to make the impossible possible.
The first and most important truth is you are in charge of your emotions. No one else and nothing else can decide for you how you feel. So you need to tell yourself the first moment you open your eyes. “This is the day you have made just for me. I Will rejoice and be exceedingly glad in it.
That is before any other emotions set in like how you feel, what the weather is like, or before speaking to others. I like to wake up early enough to spend time in prayer with the Lord going over my day and what I need the spirit’s help with. Or concerns I may have. That way they’re out of the way and I can begin on good footing.
Things you need to remember in advance: This is a day that God has all planned out for you even before you were born. Whatever happens good or bad God will work it out for your best. Just keep smiling and showing that smile to everyone else. As long as we stay in a positive cheerful mood the spirit in us will bring on the peace we need.
As soon as worry or stress try to sneak in go to the Lord in pray and lay down your concerns. If you have a confrontation with someone, pray. Amazingly the very best thing you can do with difficult people is pray for them, I learned this by accident when a client of mine was the most negative, disagreeable and unreasonable person I had ever met. I found myself asking God what can I do to change her opinion. God said “You can’t but I can, just leave it in prayer for me”. Things began to change.
Being angry or arguing is a waste of my breath because only God can change people. Remember he made them too. God has my back and he will always give me the right thing to say if I am listening.
Just keep smiling and do things to bring his presence. Read the word, listen to praise music, read a Christian book, spend time encouraging others. Do these before you lose control if you are getting stressed and rushed say a quick pray and change your focus or just breathe.
Remember God has given you the Holy Spirit to help you to control your emotions. He is way ahead of you as the days moves forward and does have all you need. Tell yourself if you are unsure of what actions to take. “What would Jesus do?”
The more you read the word, the more you will read his commands and awesome promises he has for you. You will also begin to see God’s personality. The Bible is the true word of God, inspired. One thing I settled in my mind long ago was. “This is Gods word. I believe every word and that settles it. As I read I learn what I believe and go from there. I don’t decide if I believe or not. It’s true so I believe.

Enjoy all God has for you. He has gone ought of his way to make this world we live in  everything we would enjoy. Don’t miss just all he has done.  Appreciate what he saw as very good.

In the Eyes of God

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(Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to post this Sunday)
We need to start seeing ourselves as God sees us. Not as we see ourselves or as the world around us sees us. We may have been told by a parent that we would never amount to anything. Maybe you were abused as a child and began to think we deserved it somehow. Maybe you were bullied in school by other classmates. Abused mentally or physically by a spouse. This is an imperfect world we live in and there are no perfect people.. But we have a God who is perfect. 
He loves you even more than you will ever know. Before you were born he knew and loved you. A perfect love and unconditionally. He knew your days and all he had planned for you to become. He made you just how he designed you and you were perfect.
God is Lord of Lords and King of kings. That makes you a son or daughter of THE KING. You are highly favored. He loves you so much he had his one and only son come to earth to live and die on a cross,(what pain and humiliation). If we believe in him and ask him to forgive our sins he does. He wipes the slate clean and now we are seen just as Christ through God’s eyes. 
We are spotless, just as if we were perfect, even though we are not. He wants the very best for us, just trust in him. When he was resurrected he sent the Holy Spirit to live in us. We now have him with us night and day. Everything we need for a perfect life lives in us. We can do all things through him. Since he is a loving and giving father we want to do all we can to be just like our dad. So he will smile at us.
Reading his word is important because if we love him we will keep his commands. How will we know them to keep them if we never hear them? You can read and read and always hear something new and valuable. Because we want to be good doesn’t mean that we always will be. That sinner is still deep inside of us. We don’t always do what we want to.
Not to fear. Just come to God and let him know you are sorry for those wrongs and that you don’t want to do them again. The slate gets erased again. You are still his little angel in his eyes. But you have to mean it totally in your heart. When you are tempted to sin there is always a way out if you look the Spirit will help you to resist the temptation. That is what he is there for. He will remind you of God’s word.
Whenever you are in need for Anything call on God. He’s there 24/7. There is no reason to spend your days worrying or fretting. He wants you to have all your needs met. In this world there will be suffering, but God is always with his children. No one and nothing can tear you away from his loving embrace.
‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans’ 8:28. NIV
So remember you were called by our King to be his favored child. He loves and cares for you. What our King wants he gets. So live like his kids. 

In the eyes of God

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

We need to start seeing ourselves as God sees us. Not as we see ourselves or as the world around us sees us. We may have been told by a parent that we would never amount to anything. Maybe you were abused as a child and began to think you deserved it somehow. Maybe you were bullied in school by other classmates. Abused mentally or physically by a spouse. This is an imperfect world we live in and there are no perfect people.. But we have a God who is perfect. 
He loves you even more than you will ever know. Before you were born he knew and loved you. A perfect love and unconditionally. He knew your days and all he had planned for you to become. He made you just how he designed you and you were perfect.
God is Lord of Lords and King of kings. That makes you a son or daughter of THE KING. You are highly favored. He loves you so much he had his one and only son come to earth to live and die on a cross, (what pain and humiliation). If we believe in him and ask him to forgive our sins he does. He wipes the slate clean and now we are seen just as Christ through God’s eyes. 
We are spotless, just as if we were perfect, even though we are not. He wants the very best for us, just trust in him. When he was resurrected he sent the Holy Spirit to live in us. We now have him with us night and day. Everything we need for a perfect life lives in us. We can do all things through him. Since he is a loving and giving father we want to do all we can to be just like our dad. So he will smile at us.
Reading his word is important because if we love him we will keep his commands. How will we know them to keep them if we never hear them? You can read and read and always hear something new and valuable. Because we want to be good doesn’t mean that we always will be. That sinner is still deep inside of us. We don’t always do what we want to.
Not to fear. Just come to God and let him know you are sorry for those wrongs and that you don’t want to do them again. The slate gets erased again. You are still his little angel in his eyes. But you have to mean it totally in your heart. When you are tempted to sin there is always a way out if you look the Spirit will help you to resist the temptation. That is what he is there for. He will remind you of God’s word.
Whenever you are in need of anything call on God. He’s there 24/7. There is no reason to spend your days worrying or fretting. He wants you to have all your needs met. In this world there will be suffering, but God is always with his children. No one and nothing can tear you away from his loving embrace.
‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans’ 8:28. NIV
So remember you were called by our King to be his favored child. He loves and cares for you. What our King wants he gets. So live like his kids.

When tragedy strikes

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I had written two different articles for my blog but at the last minute God told me he had something else in mind. In light of the shootings in Las Vegas I need to address death from tragedy or accident. The first thing I need to address is that nobody dies accidentally. Our time to die has been predetermined by our Heavenly Father before we are ever born.
“A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” Job 4:25. NIV
God knows the minute you will die and you will not die early. Even if you die young that was God’s plan. It does not take God by surprise when a gunman takes out a room full of people. Remember God knows everything before it happens. He knew about 9/11, Boston marathon bombing, when an airplane disappears from the sky, and the Oklahoma City bombing.
God knows if you will have cancer or many other diseases, or die in a car accident. Your death is preplanned. God wants us to enjoy our lives here on earth. We are here such a short time compared to our future lives in eternity. We do not need to waste time worrying about something we have no control over anyway. Instead of worry turn to God. Pray for your health and safety wherever you go. Also remember to pray for the families of those that did die. Although it may have been the day God decreed for them it is still difficult.
When 9/11 happened there were many instances where people were not where they were supposed to be. People over slept, got stuck in traffic, missed their plane or were bumped from their flight. They were not in a place they were not supposed to be. Only the people decreed to die that day did.
I heard that 500 people got shot but only 59 died. There were people that were there that jumped to the chance to help. One man started putting as many as he could in his truck as and took them to a hospital. This saved many. Even if someone dies doctors can resuscitate them. The number of deaths could have been a lot higher.
I know when I had my stroke I had always been afraid of dying or the pain of dying. I don’t remember much of anything. I did almost die and after the first night they gave me little hope of living. They even asked me if I wanted to live or not. I guess they did not want to be heroic and spend lots of money if I had given up.
Now I fear nothing because my God is in control and I trust that I will die when I am meant to die and I probably won’t remember pain when I see the face of Jesus in Heaven. Now it doesn’t matter to me how I go, oh I’m sure it would matter to my family but they will know where I went . They would remember me and miss me, but be happy for me in the same breath. 
So don’t spend time worrying that you might be in the wrong place at the wrong time. When your time comes, and no one but God knows that, you will be in the right place at the right time. Just be sure you know where you will be for eternity.

Plugged In

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As Christians we need to stay plugged in to our source of power so we can do everything God wants us to and live an abundant and successful life. We need to be full of God like cars need to be full of gas. Time spent in fellowship with our savior and King to be just like Him. Just look at yourself like an electric vehicle. You need to be charged with electricity to run your best. Just like my power chair and my iPad they need to be fully and properly charged to run everyday when I need them. Jesus Himself knew how important it was to stay plugged into the Father. He often times went away to a quiet place to talk to His Father and receive the strength to do what he needed to do. There are many ways we can stay plugged in nowadays. Worship to the one I adore and who adores me in return. We can read God’s word, pray, praise God, attend church, fellowship with believers, give, serve,and the list goes on and on. All things that can help me see His awesomeness and love for me. This is all quality and never wasted or in vain. I can do other things too to have a full life, but they are not as important as time with Him. I feel such joy, peace, and appreciation when I am filled, charged. I can even handle hard or rough times with so much grace. I don’t focus on the trouble, I focus on where my help comes from. Everything He does is for my good. Everything that happens to me, whether good or bad He works together for my good. All He does whether I like it or not He is using for my good. I can rest in His love for me and fear not because the worst that can happen to me is that I die and then I’ll be in Heaven with Him. In John 16:7 He says,
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
Not only did we receive forgiveness for our sins, but eternal life. The Father God and Jesus Christ are in Heaven waiting for the great returning, but the Holy Spirit lives inside us 24/7 if we are Christians. He is there to give us the strength we need for every day. In John 15:4 He says,
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit; unless you remain in me.” 
We need to be plugged in to be able to live full and abundant lives as God has planned for us. In John 16:1-2 He says
“ I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will bear more fruit.”
Pruning may be hard and painful but rejoice it brings more fruit. We should be one with Him, spending so much time with Him that, we are like Him wanting what He wants love. Love for Him, love for others (deserving or not) doing all we can to make this world like Heaven. Thinking more highly of others. In John 14:11-14 says
“ Believe when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I am doing, and they will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Did He say a few things? No! He said everything. And God does not lie or change His mind. He can always give you more than you ask, but not less. Let that sink in for a minute. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave, calmed the angry seas, healed many people. Now that’s power. Whatever you do or think that spirit is in you. Sin brings death but being plugged in brings eternal life. David is a perfect example of someone who knew this. He was far from perfect but He always got right with God. That’s why God called Him a man after God’s own heart. Do you want Him to say that about you? No one is perfect, no not one. So stay plugged in for full power.