Category: Uncategorized

All In

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words to eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession , that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

At one time I knew there was a God but I didn’t know God. Once God is revealed to you it changes everything. My eyes were opened and I knew that I knew that there was no other way for me. I remember I had been searching for more and decided to do whatever it took. Well one day I heard God speak to me that he loved me just like he loved David. Who me? David was a man after Gods own heart. But it says in the Bible that God loves everyone the same. He doesn’t have favorites. That really stuck with me. The more I sought the Lord the more he opened my eyes. You never know how much you need Jesus until you realize you could never live without him and you just want more. Before I wasn’t one of his chosen people but once I was, his grace and mercy became so evident in my life. Every day his mercy is more and more, giving me the strength, wisdom and desire to be all that he created me to be. It’s not up to me. I can do nothing good without him. I can try and wear myself out trying but it is his work in me that makes the difference. The life of a child of God can be so exciting if you let it and cooperate with God. He is doing so much all the time. It is not a boring life by any stretch of the imagination. It can be very exciting.. First of all his ways are not our ways. He will do whatever is necessary to meet different people right where they are. Example: he took a young shepherd boy and made him a giant slayer with a few rocks and then made him a very famous king. When you work for him and his kingdom you never know what you’ll experience. Some pretty cool stuff. Miracles! The more you ask for in prayer the more you can see. Healings, battling Satan and his evil bunch and just seeing God moving in the lives of different people around you. And he uses everyone that is willing to be used in awesome ways. Who knows what he has for your life next.

Onward Christian Soldiers

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“For are struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

As Christian’s we are in Gods army, everyone of us. It is not just for pastors or the leaders around us but he has called each of us. When you become a soldier of the American army you are sent to boot camp to learn what will be required of you. To receive your weapons and all important orders that you will need to do your job and stay alive. It’s very important that you use everything given to you to get the job done. Well it is no different with God. First of all he has given us his word written thousands of years ago but still very relevant for our lives today. He has given us his Holy Spirit to give us guidance and counsel and the strength to do what we need to do. He has given us the armor we will need to fight. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the sword of the spirit and the shield of faith. Everyone’s battle looks different. I remember the last few years I told God I didn’t understand why I had this stroke because it left me broken and unable to do much anymore. What could I possibly offer to God? Well he has plans for everyone and he will use everyone that will be used right where they’re at. I am in a wheelchair and speak with difficulty because of aphasia. People have difficulty understanding me and I can’t just get around and do everything like I once did but, God helps me write and communicate through my writing with people around the world, thanks to the World Wide Web. I write books, devotionals, and a blog. I am encouraging others in their Christian walk. Maybe he called you to feed the homeless or provide needs for the needy. To provide a service that is really needed or just to lift people up and encourage them. When Jesus called the apostles he didn’t pick leaders and perfect people that had everything together. The people he used in the Bible in powerful ways were usually the week and humble that didn’t see it in themselves. Perfect for God because that just makes him look good and even more powerful. The ones he has a hard time using are the ones who think they can do it themselves. They don’t need God or his help. So get out there and serve or love on others but be available for whatever God has for you. He will reward you greatly one day.

Good Isn’t Good Enough

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father but through me.” John 14:6

There is nobody good except God. There is nothing we can ever do to make us good enough to stand before a Holy God. But his son was willing to give up everything to become a man, not just any man. He only did the work that he saw his father doing and that was a miracle considering he was tempted in every way that we are and yet he did not sin. He lived a perfect life. Without sinning. He was hated, abused, despised, and brutally murdered so that we would never have to be separated from our Heavenly Father. We can be joint heirs with him to all God has for his family. Oh, and God desires a really big family. This is why he allowed his son’s death. Oh, Satan thought he had won when he got Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus but it was the ultimate setup and Satan lost. I had a chance this week to hear Bill Weiss, an excellent speaker who went to hell for 20 minutes. What he saw would horrify anyone. You can google him I’m sure. It is well worth hearing. It is worse than you could ever imagine. The pain, the horrible smells, the isolation and darkness. Nothing good, only horror forever. He has spoken everywhere and even to atheists. One he spoke to said God won’t send me to hell because I’ve never done anything really wrong and I’m a good guy. And Bill told him a simple story. There was this guy, an average guy, but he had heard of this rich guy that had a really nice mansion on a beautiful estate. This guy longed to live there and be someone important. But do you think he could just drive up to this estate and knock on the door and they would welcome him in. No, I’m sure they would have extensive security. They didn’t know this guy. Well God wishes to make everyone members of his family and he even let his son die to see that happen. All he wants is for you to accept his son, which is the gift he has for you that is free. To have a real relationship and to ask for forgiveness for not being perfect, which nobody is, and not meeting Gods standards. Then serving him and living by the house rules, which by the way lead to the best life possible. And then when you die you get the mansion in paradise forever with all of his riches and love and then spend forever with a really big family that loves you.

Beauty From Ashes

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3

Why Lord do you cause us to suffer? This is not a perfect world. We don’t always get what we want. But we do get what God knows is best. His ways are so much beyond our own. He can take the worst situations and turn them around if we just trust him and let him work. The hardest thing had to be when his very own son willingly let himself be crucified for our trespasses. When sin entered the world God knew that he could fix things that were broken. Jesus had been with God from the beginning and he would have to be willing to become a man like us. Giving up his rights as the chosen prince. God loved and respected his precious son. He even declared that to the world. Even Jesus lost his living father to death and his cousin was be headed. His very good friend died and it grieved him to see the sisters suffering even though he knew it was only temporary. I know when I had my stroke so many people came to the hospital to check on me when they heard about my stroke. I wasn’t really coherent but I knew they were there. I’ve known women who tried for years to successfully have a child. Even Hannah cried out to God in bitter grief wanting a child of her own. Her son was very important and took time but she still gave him back to God. I know a woman who had a baby that weighed only one pound. It did not look good but he hung on. My stroke actually saved my life because a destructive behavior that was not good for me had taken over my life and the stroke woke me up when I almost died. Things can hurt but we need to trust God. We need to stop looking backwards but to the future. It is impossible to not grieve when someone you love dies. But will you let God make you better through it or bitter. It’s up to you. God will give you the strength to grow better if you just ask. He can turn things around if you let him.

Be Doers

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” John 14:21

When you love someone you will do what they say out of love and respect. You don’t see it as unnecessary because they wouldn’t have said it if it wasn’t important. You don’t question love because love trusts. Well the God who created the universe loves those he created and he also knows everything. So knowing what is best for his own creation just makes sense. Because he is God. Now you can not trust everyone. Satan will also try to convince you to trust him. You don’t always know it’s him talking to you. You might just think that it was your thought. But if it isn’t good for you or about you, then you probably don’t want to listen to it. Satan will try to tell you that your bad, useless and don’t deserve things but God would never say anything like that. Everyone was created on purpose and for a purpose. We don’t all accomplish our purposes but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. God has offered all the help you need. Strength? Wisdom? If your parents had told you things to do or avoid doing and you never did anything they said they would be upset. First they would worry that you might do something and hurt yourself. They would also worry that you were heading down the road to disaster and be worried about your future. You wouldn’t want to make them sad. Now I understand that not all parents are perfect. Nobody is but God. But it is their job to raise you to be responsible and to one day be able to make wise decisions for yourself. To do things that would not harm others or endanger your future. Now suppose your parents had five kids. They would expect you to love and support them and not harm them. Family sticks together, right? This world is just one really big family and we all need each other. There is nothing more important than unity. Because we are much better together. Two can accomplish more than one. The more the merrier. The one who created us wants that more than your parents did. He even wants us to take care of those that may not be able to take care of themselves. What I’m saying is, if you had a brother who was handicapped, you would help him get around and do things for him. So many people just need help out of where they are stuck. When we help and care for others it makes us feel good. We matter and we are loved in return.

Freedom

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

Freedom! What is that exactly? We all want to be free to do what we want. But many do not understand that our desires and wants are what really enslave us. Always needing something more or something better. It’s overindulgence that enslaves us.

‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

I have come to realize that fighting on the right team is so important. What army are you aligned with? I personally know the supreme commander of my army and he is the ultimate fighter for freedom and peace. He equips all of his soldiers with the best armor and the very best weapons available. I’ve never known true freedom until getting to know my commander personally. He has told me to let him know all of my needs and wants because he wants to make sure I have everything I really need. He has also taught me how to fight. There is a real enemy out there that wants to take over the world and he is extremely vicious and devious. But he doesn’t really have the power he thinks he has and is most successful with the weaker ones that don’t know the true commander. He has pulled the wool over their eyes and they are loosing and they don’t really realize they need to fight. I don’t want to sit back and watch soldiers that are so blinded by their surroundings that they have turned on their own team and are busy trying to destroy everything and everyone around them. So make sure you are fighting the right fight and with the supreme commander of your army.

Nuggets of Truth

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long – though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord, I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalms 71:15-18

This is my motto. God has been so good to me I want to shout it from the roof. Getting up there will take a miracle but that won’t stop me. I want everyone to know the joy I’ve found. And I really have plenty to complain about but it no longer phases me after what I have found. Oh that pearl of unfathomable value.

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked “. Psalms 73:2-3

At one time I really struggled with the success and prosperity of people who were wicked. It just didn’t seem right. But God explained that he loves everyone he gives breath new every day to all and the sun shines on all because he is good and he can’t deny himself. But God can not make them change and one day it will be too late and they will suffer for eternity. We will all reap for our actions. He will always hold me close and one day I will return to be with him forever.

“Restore us God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Psalms 80:7

There are many reasons why we may be desperate and in need. Many times it is our own fault because of our own actions. Everything has consequences and I have had some deserved consequences in my past. But God also promises to hear us when we come to him. Sometimes trials come to strengthen us and I remember crying out for years over severe cramping in my legs. After four years I had a surgery that relieved the pain. I realized that I was so much stronger and I could ignore a lot of pain. It made me realize that with him I am always going to be all right even through the hard times.

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold whose walk is blameless.” Psalms 84:10-11

I never wish to be away from the Lord, this world has nothing I want anymore. I am glad to be away from it. Too much drama for me. I have found so much peace and in my little world that I never really desire to go back.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

Time has a way of slipping through our hands. I remember when my daughters were young it seemed like the days lasted forever. Now I can see how each year goes faster and faster. Even though I am retired and have so much free time I never take it for granted. Each minute I try to do the most important things first. I have a schedule most days and I stick to it. I used to procrastinate so often so now I say just do it, now. When I think of something I need to do. Even just emailing my daughters to check on how they’re doing. I don’t take life for granted anymore because I may not be here tomorrow.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:1

Psalms 91 is so comforting and I memorized it and said it to myself often just as the soldiers used to do in military time to encourage them. God’s protection is always around us and his plans are good.

Nuggets of Truth

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

God made heaven and earth and everything that ever was and will be in them. Everything we could ever need or desire. And it was very good. He is perfect, could he do any less. I am amazed at all the unique and intricate plants and animals. I believe God was excited to create them. The gorgeous environments and magnificent scenery.

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘be fruitful and increase in number’; Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28

He was so happy to have people to love and he wanted more. Everything was just for them. He thought of everything that we could enjoy. It was theirs to rule over and nurture. Nothing was too good for them.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning-the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

It had to be perfect and everything we could ever desire was thought of. At times I just sit and ponder the things in my surroundings, which isn’t much, but each thing has so much pleasure and memories attached. Pictures of my family and special things from people I love. Simple things like my clock. How God created seasons and time to come and go.

“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, that brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:7

If he could just have a special people all his own he would do everything for them and they would love him and obey him out of gratitude. But we are selfish and wicked. We don’t deserve anything but that doesn’t stop him. He still wants that special people to do everything for.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“I will do it. I am willing to do the hard work for you. I just want your love, says the God.

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2

We really need to realize just what we have. He is everything and he does everything and he promises a future because he is our ultimate salvation through his son.

“Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11

The more you get to know him the larger he becomes in your eyes. Just like a jumbo jet is tiny when you look up at it 30,000 miles away. But stand beside it, it is massive. Draw closer to God and see just how big he gets.

“The Lord reigns for ever and ever.” Exodus 15:18

This is the reason I am at peace. Bottom line is that God does have us all in the palm of his hand and he is always working. His will, will be done.

Nuggets of Truth

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

Jesus was raised to life and is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Now I can know for sure that when I die I will be raised to life with him in heaven forever. I can totally rest in my God knowing that nothing can separate me from him. One day I will be with him forever.

All those who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

All we need to get to heaven is faith. To believe that he meant what he said, that we could come to him and he would forgive everything. No limitations. Once we believe we are purified and God sees us just as our King, Jesus, perfect.

“For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

It is hard at times not knowing what the future holds for me. I do have good people taking care of me and so far I can do most things for myself as far as keeping busy and basic needs. My body needs help getting up, showered, and dressed. Will I get worse? I can’t stand anymore and my feet and ankles are bent pretty bad. I know I will decline as I age. But God will take care of me.

“My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.” Isaiah 51:5

Justice is difficult to describe, but God is very just and will eventually bring punishment to those who deserve it. He will make all right.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

It is hard to wait for things we need and want and this can bring angst. But when good finally does come we rejoice in God who is so faithful.

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” Psalms 25:21

When I spend my time doing things that are good, following his commands and his example it does bring rewards. It brings joy, peace, and blessings. His ways work and are always worth it.

“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” Psalms 37:9

When we get to heaven there will be no evil, and wicked people, those who have been forgiven and are free from past mistakes. We are totally new creatures. We will be perfect in our perfect home.

“Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed you will see it.” Psalms 37:34

One day we will be rewarded for all of our efforts to serve patiently. Those who have not done God’s will and have lived evil lives will have to face his wrath.

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalms 39:7

The Lord knows just what I need. I have learned that he will provide even if there is not much I have control over. Lately because of illness the people doing my laundry have been running behind getting my clothes back. I joked with caregivers that I would have to go naked tomorrow because I had no more pants. Well bright and early they came in with a stack of clothes. Just in time. Thanks God.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalms 42:5

I wake up each day with hope and expectation, I didn’t always but I can think of a million reasons to choose joy and not sadness or anger. The biggest one is that I only want good so I choose joy. It never causes regret or anxious thoughts.

“For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.” Psalms 52:9

Coming together as a common people to worship and learn more about God with people who believe the same way is so important. We hold each other up. Community, us and God. A threefold strand will stand strong.

You are so good to me and you have given me awesome daughters that always make sure I have everything I could need and want. Thanks!

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” Psalms 65:5

You are always working and you are always good and that will never change.

Nuggets of Truth

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

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

Our minds can travel many different paths during our day but we need to be training our minds to always remain on God, Satan is busy trying to control our minds and we need to deliberately refocus them back to keep peace.

“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; it’s effect will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17

Righteousness is getting closer to God’s perfect example every day. That will not happen unless we battle our flesh every minute of every day.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18

Keeping peace around you is not easy. But it is worth the effort. I have learned to work with people and try to see them through God’s eyes. We all want to be liked and respected so treat others kindly and respectfully.

“Now may the God of peace, through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20

Our savior was willing to do so much for us because he loved us so much. We should in turn show him the same love by listening to him.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

Forgive and let things go that upset you. Just as Jesus so freely let the people who were to sacrifice him do what they had to do and still said, “father, forgive them …”.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

Just as any athlete trains his body by exercising we need to train our bodies to do God’s will. Our sinful bodies don’t wish to change but as children of God we are called to be changed. To be different from the world.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

As we consciously keep our thoughts on God and all his promises, and keeping his will, we will be overcome with peace and joy.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

When you just realize how much God greatly loves and thinks about each of us, how he will bring about good in our lives and will continually work to see us grow, you will begin to want that also in others lives. I do want peace to reign.

“But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.” Jeremiah 28:9

People will not find peace until they earnestly seek God and his will. People will see the peace in your life when you have completely put your trust in him and his ways.

“I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6

As we trust in him and spend time in his presence we will have abundant peace.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 14:7

I never understood about peace that was so consuming and unimaginable before I went through some dark places. One was when I almost died from my stroke. When you have no control over your outcome, peace just flooded my soul and I knew I would be ok.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it in practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 14:9

When you watch someone else going through very difficult situations and can still see them smile and be calm, you will choose to be more like them .Prison, beatings, flogging, and shipwrecks but still have peace.

“If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18

People complain about all of their troubles and woes but if they aren’t keeping God’s commandments they shouldn’t expect his blessings.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The blood of Jesus Christ has paid for so many curses. There are so many wrongs in this world that come about because of that very first sin. But because of his blood we can receive healing, forgiveness, freedom and deliverance.

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Isaiah 54:13

As parents I believe that our number one goal is to raise children to love, respect and follow after the Lord. Teaching them to do the things that will bring peace to their lives.