His Glory

Annette Coffey1 Comment

“Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Exodus 33: 18-19 NIV

The glory of the Lord is a great and powerful thing but not everyone can see it. I know I was 50 before my eyes were actually open so I could see how awesome God is. It wasn’t until I searched for all of him that my eyes were opened fully and I was in awe. Before then I did know the Lord, but I just knew of him. There was no power or awe in my life and it was a real struggle to do the right things. Now that my eyes are opened I am so in love and am in awe of all his attributes. He overwhelms me all the time with how good and merciful he is. I also get so emotional in a minutes time when people tell me something God has done. My heart yells, “Ya, that’s my God, isn’t he awesome.” It’s like the proud feeling you get when someone is bragging about your child or spouse, someone you love so very much. But God is unbelievably good. I see him do special things everyday in my life and I am just one of his kids. Wow. Another thing he tells us is that not everyone gets his grace and mercy and compassion in their lives. He is God and he will do what he will do and there is no one or nothing that has any right to question his motives. But if you read his words and believe in Jesus Christ as your savior. Then you know like I do that he does show favor to his own children. If you are one of his family you know he gives blessings to us all of the time and enjoys doting over us. The more time I spend with him in prayer, reading his word, singing praises and all the other things I do to get to know him better, the more I fall in love with him. It brings so much peace and joy just knowing how much he loves me. I’m so glad I was born into a good Christian family and got to know him while I was young. But not so many people are so lucky. I did not have some of the struggles and difficulties others have had. I had a very good life so far. That is why I have a desire to let others know how easy it is to have that joy and peace I have found.

Don’t you want to be one of his kids he dotes over?

Good Or Bad Deeds

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“I know your deeds, they are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were ever one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot or cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15 NIV

We are saved by grace not by deeds and we can not get to heaven by being good. But, that does not mean that we should not do good deeds. The way you can tell you are a Christian is if there is bountiful fruit in your life. Fruit is: Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Goodness, Kindness and Faithfulness. If those branches do not have fruit on them then God will prune them back, which can be hard. So you will produce more fruit. Am I concerned with others needs? Am I willingly thinking of others first? I don’t need to worry about my needs because God already has that covered. We don’t actually need everything we want. So demanding my way is not really important. Some people don’t like what they have so everything seems important. But I see all of the things my father gives me and dwell on that. This has made me a very happy and grateful person. It also makes me want others needs met so they can be happy too. This is why I do good deeds. Also, I want to do all God has for me. I like to think he is happy with me. I also like to think there are blessings waiting for me in heaven. I don’t think there is anything wrong in thinking that way. God is the one who offered rewards for those who advance his kingdom. I am just looking forward to that day. Many people seem to think that once you have asked God into your heart you are all set, able to live however they want from there on out. But I want more. I want all he has for me, I don’t want to miss nothing. I am also willing to go after it. Remember this is a race – and I want a prize. The race only goes to the swift. One day I long to hear, “well done good and faithful servant.”

How well is your race going.?

The Narrow Road

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“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly’I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers.” Matthew 7:22-23 NIV

“For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13 NIV

This world is a terrible place right now. It is easy to see we are in the end times. I hurt that so many people are lost and hurting. But we have been warned. It is not easy to get into heaven. It takes strength and commitment. People think you must be weak to choose Christianity. But I’ll tell you it is much easier to follow the crowd do just what feels good. It may be easier, but not better by far. If you are a Christian people will look down on you and treat you differently. Doing the right thing is not popular. Being a true Christian makes you unique and different. Standing out in a crowd. To be a true Christian you need to follow God’s commands. This is how we show him we love him. He is first in our lives before everything else. Now he has shown us how much he loves us and continues to show us each and every day. He does want the very best for us that is why his commands are there. I can see a lot of violence and hatred in the world. I get that those things won’t end up in heaven, but in the first verse it says Many who say they are Christians and who do great things in the ministry will not be going to heaven. So good deeds don’t necessarily cut it. It’s a heart thing and only God knows our hearts. People can act like a Christian and not be one. It’s not what you do but why you do it that matters. To be a Christian is to be as much like Christ as we can. He was an excellent example for us to follow. No we are not perfect, we make mistakes. But we are forgiven if we really desire to do right and make a difference. Because we are free to be a Christian in America we’ve taken it for granted. We are free to do just what we want. Making many of us selfish. It’s easy to think of numero uno first. But this is not Gods way. He has told us to put others first. Hard to follow maybe, but it’s important. Love always thinks of others first. In other countries where it isn’t free to worship God, there are so many more real Christians. They risk their lives every day that they desire to serve God, but there is a greater passion in what they do because it’s very very important to them. Here, well I’ll get around to it someday. But someday is not promised. You are betting your life in eternity each breath you take. If there is no heaven then we lose nothing, but if there is a hell you lose everything if you have not planned ahead. It’s easy to do the wrong thing, the things everyone else is doing. But remember the road to destruction is wide. It’s difficult to stay on that tiny path and many won’t complete the journey. But it is worth it.

Which road are you on?

The Tongue

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“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NIV

Do you realize how powerful every word that comes out of your mouth is? Every minute of the day we have the ability to bring life and good or death and destruction to our lives and to the lives around us. It is a very small muscle but like the rudder of a ship it may be strong but it controls a lot. After my stroke I could not speak and I never realized how important it was until I could not convey certain needs. Since I could not do much for myself and the people around me did not know me well, most people did not know what I needed. I started using a spelling board but I pointed too quickly for most people to keep up and it was very frustrating. I still have a hard time getting my words out but I am a lot clearer for most people. If it is someone new it takes some time to learn my special lingo. I try to use few and simple words as possible. I spend a lot more time listening and watching those around me. We can learn so much by listening, it also gives us time to think what we are going to say. If it is negative or does not help someone it’s probably better not said. I do however see the importance of not stuffing emotions, but always use tact when venting frustrations. This has helped me see the power other’s words really have. Negative and selfish words are destructive and can hurt. I don’t waste words complaining, arguing and whining. I used to be sarcastic and joking but there is no reason to anymore. People can be very negative and it just ruins their day. Speak words of life and positive words whenever you can. If you are feeling negative think of ten things you are grateful for. Focusing our thoughts on all we have good and not the negative around us helps. There is good all around us and I would rather talk about that. Always say nice things to others whenever you can. Like: I love your dress or hair, or just smile genuinely.

Do you think before you speak?

The Gift

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“The reason why my father loves me is because I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and take it up again. This command I received from my father.” John 10:17&18 NIV

From the beginning they were there together. They knew all and had a plan to save all people and bring them back to themselves to live for eternity. What impresses me so much about this verse was that God put his son in control. Of course Jesus knew his father’s will but he also had final authority to make that decision himself. At any point he could have called for a hundred angels to come save him. So that they could not harm him. But he willingly laid down his life. He looked ahead to eternity and said, “they are worth it.” He kept that and the joy of his father in mind during everything. As he was being beaten and as he hung on the cross in great anguish we were on his mind. Family is so very important. I know as a parent my children came first, there wasn’t anything i wouldn’t do for them or their father. Well he looked at us that very same way and he knew that a perfect lamb had to be sacrificed for our sins for God to be able to be with us, his family forever. He was the only one who could do it. Not only did he go to his death willingly but he put up no objections or arguments. He forgave each and everyone who would do anything to bring about his death. As he hung there dying he saw the remorse and pain in the eyes of the criminal that hung next to him. He had done things worthy of death but he could also see his heart . He knew that he was sorry. He forgave him on the spot and promised him paradise. Even when he could have been thinking of himself he wasn’t. He was thinking of others. He knew they were all a part of God’s great plan. It was a perfect plan and each person’s actions were important to that plan. He saw the big picture. What it would mean to eternity. We see the small view. How could he do this? Why would his father want this? So much pain, hurting and suffering. But it was enough, it was brief compared to forever. I am so glad he made a way for me. A gift so precious that I will never take it for granted. I have so much respect and love for my savior. I get to know him more every day and I love him more and more.

Aren’t you glad for this gift, too?

Fear

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“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals. Human beings that are but grass,”. Isaiah 51:12 NIV

We who serve an awesome God need to remember how big that God is. How much he greatly loves you and me. Our God is in control of everything. There is evil in this world that has control over us but it can only be used against us how God seems to allow for our good. He is sovereign and still has the last word. He made everything and has power over everything he has made. Mere mortals were one of the things he made. Although they have free will to do evil, God has more power because he controls how it’s affects his children. You can never say something was so bad that it should not have happened. My stroke was awful but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because of how it saved my soul. I was on a destructive path and it woke me up. I know of many things that seem bad on the surface that God has turned around for great good. If you have complete trust in the one who holds your future in the palm of his hands then everything will be all right. He is a very good and merciful God and over sixty years he has proven faithful. I have seen him do so many, so called, miracles just making our destinies work out. He has each of our lives planned out in advance and nothing takes him by surprise. He can see evil coming and his angels are just waiting to step in to help. We are his prized possession. And our outcome is of great importance. It is never left to chance. I had someone who I knew was having surgery today and they were worried about all that could go wrong. But they were a child of God and his will, will be done. It will turn out for good no matter what happens. This is so comforting. Not everyone can say that. If you are against God and doing life on your own than you have something to worry about. Especially if you die during surgery. If you are a child of God and something does go wrong and you die, then you will be in heaven with Jesus and that’s our greatest reward. And the most wonderful thing that can ever happen to us. I don’t want to die any earlier than God has panned. But I think a lot about heaven and how it will be. I can only imagine.

Can your fears do more than God can?

Heaven Is Not The End

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‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.’ Genesis 28:17 NIV

Heaven for a Christian is your final reward. For a life lived for the Lord. We don’t have to fear death. We are going home to a wonderful family. A father who loves us more than we can ever imagine. Relatives and friends who died earlier will be waiting. Maybe you lost a child at birth or had a miscarriage, you’ll get to meet them. People whose lives were changed because of you. I once heard of a doctor talking to a dying patient. What do you think is waiting on the other side, the patient asked. The doctor went to the door and opened it. In came a big shaggy dog all excited, almost knocked over the doctor. He explained, ‘my dog was waiting outside.’. He didn’t know what was going on inside but he knew his master, who he loved greatly, was in there and he couldn’t wait to be reunited with him. Do you know what’s awaiting you when you pass through that door? There is forever after, when you cease to exist in this life. It’s not knowing what’s on the other side but, who is on the other side. I can’t wait to see my master. Can you? Who is your master? If you don’t know Jesus, and he gladly wants to get to know you and for you to know him. He is the most awesome, loving one you will ever meet. If you know him you don’t need to worry. He loved you before you were ever born. He knows how many hairs are on your head. He knows all about you and he is standing before you with his arms open wide, saying, ,‘welcome home.’ He doesn’t expect anything from you but love. If you don’t know him it’s easy to get to know him. Then you will know who is waiting for you. He anxiously waits for you to ask him to be your Lord and savior. All he asks is that you believe in him and his son Jesus Christ. Believe that he died for you and that he was raised to life again. The best gift you will ever receive is Jesus Christ. Accept that simple gift today by asking him into your life, and to forgive every sin you have committed, and for him to help you live a life devoted to him. If you believe that with your heart, you are now a child of the King. Get to know him by speaking to him like a long lost friend. He loves you so much and wants to have a relationship with you. Get a Bible and begin to read about the God who loves all his children equally.

Are you ready to see God?

A Time To Laugh

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God always wants us to enjoy life. God granted an unbelievable imagination to some for the purpose of entertainment. I heard one pastor say that Jesus was probably at the Canaan wedding because he enjoyed having a good time with people. Imagine this world without Disney, with all his imagination, whimsy and brilliance. He made entertainment what it is today. Moving us from the past of yesteryear to the future. God doesn’t just call people to be ministers and missionaries but to be doctors, lawyers, and entertainers. Joy is good medicine. Something for all ages to enjoy, and all types of people to grasp. Walt Disney is a perfect example. His motion pictures thrilled audiences and still does even after his death. He left behind so much for the world. With his movie’s, television shows, amusement theme parks, cruise lines, memorabilia and so much more he was one of a kind. As a boy he drew on anything and everything, even though his father grew very tired of his choice of easel. The side of the barn was covered with pictures of the characters he drew. Mostly animals and nature. He had a neighborhood doctor pay him to draw his horse. Many neighbors paid for his drawings. He could not understand how these characters could get him anywhere in life. His mother, however, was a big supporter. At one point he talked his younger sister into helping him paint cartoon characters on the side of the house. He met a friend in school who introduced him to vaudeville and motion pictures. He did take art classes in the evenings. He decided to work for newspapers as an artist until his brother Roy got him a job as an illustrator at the age of eighteen for Ub Iwerks. A layoff a little after Christmas lost him and Iwerks their jobs. When he grew older he decided to start his own company. That’s when ‘Laugh O’ Grams’ got started. He was an amazing animator, voice actor and film producer over the years. With a few friends by his side he set out to make cartoons Alice in her wonderland. He joined up with the maker of Felix the Cat. The company soon went bankrupt. He then convinced his brother Roy to put their money together and with the help of a few friends started Disney Brothers Studios in Los Angeles. They had made money by doing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Not in time to save ‘Laugh O’ Grams’ but it sure got their new venture off and running. He had developed Mortimer Mouse but Lillian didn’t like the stuffy name so they soon settled on Mickey Mouse which was friendlier. It became one of his greatest successes. The making of Mickey in Steamboat Willie in ‘28, which was with sound. Mickey’s voice was no other than Walt himself. It gave him such success in the industry. God gave him quite a talent to share with the world. People can be reached for Christ in all areas of life. I went to a play at my church of Beauty and the Beast, and it was so good. But it has a message from God. We are all important and God knows what’s in our hearts not what we look or act like. We need to see people through God’s eyes and he loves us all.

Has God given you a talent for helping others?

“There is time for everything. And a season for every activity under heaven… a time to weep and a time to laugh.” Ecclesiastes 3:1&4 NIV

The Present

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“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?