Abbie Coffey

1 Peter 2:4-5 As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. This is an awe-inspiring verse.  To think about how God moves to build us, mold us, and shape us into His precious houses, His walking sanctuaries, puts a little more intensity into our everyday walk with Jesus.  We are offering our lives daily to God through Jesus, sacrificing our own will and desires to come to a place where God can use us in His holy priesthood.  These sacrifices are more than just an act of love toward God, they are a humble request for His Spirit to dwell in us and He acquiesces to our request.  When our hearts are humble and our minds are focused on Him and His will for our lives, we become a part of something much greater than ourselves, the body of Christ.  I'm beginning to realize that

Today the Psalmist expresses my prayer best: Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.  The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.  Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. Amen.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. I had a conversation with my sister once upon a time and she asked me this question.  "Who is Jesus to you?"  I told her, "He is my friend."  Of course Jesus is many things to me; Lord, Savior, King, and so on, but when I talk with Jesus, I talk to Him as my friend.  He and I work together to accomplish the will of the Father.  When I pray to Jesus, I use a very familiar tone that is comfortable and easy.  He is someone I feel very close to and have an overwhelming sense of comfort and calm.  I am content to sit with Him and say nothing, which is sometimes the most enjoyable.  You've got friends you can do that with.  You know, friends that you don't have to fill every bit of silence with something.  That's how I Jesus and I are.  We can sit and not talk or anything and just be together.  I like that.  So today I ask you, who is Jesus to you?  (Disclaimer :-) : Ple

John 4:14 But whoever drinks this water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. Jesus' words.  Today I am in need of spiritual filling.  I am not actually a people person and have a position where I am constantly with people.  This dries my soul at times.  Jesus is the only one I can spend time with, in moments like these, to rejuvenate my spirit.  I find that solitude with Him opens my heart to new learning and I am drawn deeper in the well of living water.  The peace, strength, hope, and truth I find in these times with the Spirit are second to none.  He reminds me of who He is.  He fills my heart with truth and renews my faith in the hope of what is to come.  Sometimes I feel completely spent, but the Spirit in me renews my soul and gives me a new depth from which to draw.  I encourage you to make time for solitude with God, even if you love to be with people, and see what He teaches you when

Psalm 42:8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life. This verse comes in the midst of verses about oppression.  I find it very hopeful and very fitting.  I would say this is how I have been experiencing God lately.  His love is visible in the daylight.  I have been noticing all of the places where God has directed situations and has brought about His will and revealed Himself to me in new ways.  Then, at night, when things settle and I reflect on the day or I wake up in the middle of the night, He is with me lulling me in His arms.  I feel the deep sense of His love and compassion flood over me as I lay down to rest in Him.  I have noticed God's specific grace, care, and concern on my life.  He has taken care of very specific requests and helped to ease the oppression I had been feeling.  I am in continual praise to Him every time I think on His help.  The Spirit is alive and moving and it I feel Him.  God is good.

Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. My word from God today is, "I've got this."  I don't exactly know what He is referring to, but I'm going to apply it to all of my life situations because I know it is truth.  He's got it all.  And the verse is just a sweet word of encouragement through the scripture.  It is a here that definitely renews my hope and reminds me that endurance in Christ is a necessity in this life.  Jesus endured much affliction so that we can have hope.  I will cling to Him and this hope today.

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. I have really been missing my mom this week. (Might be because Dad was gone on a fishing trip too.)  This verse was given to me today.  Mom taught us so very much about faith by the way she lived her life in Jesus.  She gave us such a solid foundation and then helped us to grow on our own journey with Jesus.  I am crazy thankful for the mother I was given and the time I had with her.  I think this week has just been hard because I headed back to work with children and Mom knew me so well when it came to what I am created to do.  I will continue to live in Christ because I have been so deeply rooted in Him, which Mom so beautifully lived out in her life and passed on to us.  The sadness creeps in, but the joy of who God is to me will never be taken from me.  My faith is rooted in Jesus

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. As a blogger, I love this verse.  I realize that many of my readers know me and get to see the work God is doing in my life.  I'm hopeful that the words I am writing are portraying the Spirit's power and that they are not just good words.  I hope that makes sense.  I completely agree with Paul here.  The way we can really help people to see God and recognize His power is to let Him demonstrate through us in the Holy Spirit.  Our lives are to be a reflection of Jesus, no more than that, they are to be the very life of Jesus as we are called to let him live in use, around us, and through us.  Get out of the way and let the Spirit demonstrate God's power.  You might even be surprised by what is revealed.  I know I have been in awe of God's power many, man

A prayer today based on GRACE… Grateful heart (what are you grateful for) Revelation (what is God revealing to your heart about Himself) Action (where have you seen God working) Challenge (what is God challenging you with right now, ask God for guidance and wisdom) Exalt (tell God how amazing He is)

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. This is a powerful chapter in Romans on living with one another.  I had a hard time picking out a single verse to use as my focus.  I chose this one because I feel like it encapsulates the message of chapter 12. Living at peace with others seems so easy to do.  We often equate peace with a lack of physical violence.  That is definitely one type of peace.  But as I read this chapter, I can't help but think that Paul was talking about peace in a much deeper sense.  He talks about loving with sincerity, honoring each other, and doing what is Godly.  This is not about physical violence.  Our words and thoughts are so much more potent than our actions at times.  We stir up animosity with our comments and opinions.  We share our point of view, which can come off very pointed, and justify it by connecting it to some belief we have because we are Christian.  This is an issue.  We are not living in p

Exodus 16:6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, "In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt," These are the words that preceded God providing manna and quail for the Jewish nation while they wandered the desert.  This act from God not only showed His providence, but it also showed His greatness.  I cannot imagine what it must have been like to wake up and find your food for the day lying on the ground.  And then to only gather what was needed for the day and await the next morning for the next day's portion.  It is so ingrained in me to prepare for the future.  I am constantly thinking ahead and assessing the situation.  This future thinking of mine is related to everything in my life, not just what I will eat.  It becomes all consuming at times as I try to plan ahead and be prepared.  Ultimately, no matter how much I prepare, God is in control.  He uses situations in my life where all of the planning and preparation in the

Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. These are the verses that get me going.  Christ's death on the cross was one time for all mankind.  He took care of the sin of the entire world, past, present, and future.  That always kind of blows my mind because it's amazing to me that Jesus died for my sins before I had even walked on the earth.  And yet, I know, that as he hung on that cross I went through his mind, just like every single person went through his mind.  His unconditional, perfect love kept him on that cross when, with one command, he could have come down unharmed.  I don't know that I can fully fathom the depth of love and the intense mercy it took for him to take on the punishment for all of the world's sin.  But, of course, the story doesn't end there.  He was raised from death to bring resurrected life to

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. This verse says it all.  I'm not sure I need to even elaborate.  All I have to say is, Lord, get me out of the way so that you can work in me and accomplish the will you have set in motion for this life.  May my every word and action not just be a reflection of you, but rather actually be from you, as you have promised.  May Jesus be who people see when they look at me.  That is all I ask.  So be it.

Nahum 1:15 Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows.  No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed. This was the word of hope I needed today.  I have been feeling a bit oppressed with all of the circumstances surrounding my life and my family.  There have been great moments of triumph, moments of deep sadness, moments of peace, moments of pain…this has been a summer of deep loss and painful growth.  As the days tick by, and I begin a new school year, I am reminded of Mom each and every day.  I want to have a conversation with her.  I want to sit in her beauty chair and talk her ear off while she does my hair.  I want her listening ears and heart to be here once again.  It's selfish, I know, but it is how I feel.  Words of comfort are not comforting.  What I've been needing was a word from God that He is moving us forward and that there are good day

Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord." Today I find myself reflecting.  I am having a difficult time discerning God's intentions.  In following a recent prompt, I feel as though the action has caused me more pain and disappointment.  And maybe the prompt was for the benefit of someone else and not me.  I want to be sure I am not missing God's leading in my life and am trying to discern what it may be that He wants me to take from the experience that would grow me deeper.  God moves us to action for others, that is definitely true, but I don't think He only intends the action for others' benefit.  I believe there is benefit for us when we follow through with a prompting.  I'm just having a hard time seeing this benefit right now.  These are moments when I wish God was faster and would flash our minds into the future to let us see the final outcome.  I know that wouldn't actually help, but

Father, your will seems so hard to grasp.  I search and pray, watch and listen, spend time with you and with others all in an effort to find your will, and yet it seems to elude me.  Lord give me the eyes to see the world the way you do.  Give me your grace to accept the parts of your will that seem to be too painful to look at.  Give my counselors words to share and clarity of heart and mind.  Lord you know the path laid before me.  You have gone ahead and know what is waiting.  I pray that you would give me a glimpse as to what it is that you have prepared.  Make my heart peaceful and my mind still as I await the word of your will.  Amen.

Acts 1:5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a beautiful thing.  When John baptized with water, it was an outward symbol to show the cleansing from sin.  Baptism in the Spirit is not a symbol.  When God baptizes us with His Spirit, He actually cleanses us from all sin.  The Spirit drives out all sin and fills us completely with Himself.  Baptism with water is a beautiful symbol of the finished work of the cross, but it does not actually do anything to our sinfulness.  It is baptism with the Holy Spirit that cleanses the soul from all unrighteousness.  And that same Spirit living in us transforms our cleansed soul into the perfect creation which God intended from the beginning.

Joshua 4:6 to serve as a sign among you.  In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' I realize this is a very fragmented verse, but go with it.  This got me to thinking.  What are the stones in my life that serve as signs of God's work in my life?  I am not a big fan of material items because I don't really care about stuff.  It's just that, stuff.  So, I've had to think a little harder about this.  The obvious sign of God's current work is the tennis bracelet I wear in memory of Mom.  Other obvious signs that might include my Bible, Dalton's grandmother's wedding ring, and my wedding ring.  However, if I think of the things in my life that are the most evident of God's work, it would be the stories of the different journeys God and I have been on together.  The story of how I got my current job and the multitude of "God things" that surrounded that moment.  The story of a college friend telling me, "

Zechariah 2:13 Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling. I encourage you to repeat this verse in prayerful thought to still yourself and to feel Jesus in that calm moment.  I needed this peaceful moment with Jesus today, and I hope you were able to spend time with Him too.

Psalm 52:9 I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints. This is a good reminder to me to look at the ways in which God has done good in all things in my life.  He continues to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.  He takes the sorrow and turns it to joy.  He makes my weakness His strength.  He gives peace that passes all understanding in the midst of chaos.  He brings happiness through family and friends.  He makes every step of the journey worth while.  Sometimes I get caught up in the day to day tasks and the busyness that can become life and I forget to stop and praise God for all He has done and is doing in my life.  The name of Jesus is powerful, and it should be spoken often and with adoration and praise.  For by Him we are saved and being transformed, which would make even the most reserved of us shout His accolades.  Praise be to God, for through His son, Jesus, we

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. "Amen!" was my response to this section of scripture in Peter.  I encourage you to read from verse 13 up to chapter 2; it is absolutely life-giving.  I was just visiting with Dalton today about a feeling I have that something big is about to happen.  I don't know what it is or who it is or when it is, but it is something big.  Then I was prompted to read this verse, and now my soul is super excited.  So, to prepare my mind for action.  I know that to be self-controlled I must be living in the Spirit, as self-control is fruit of the Spirit.  I pray that I can allow the Spirit to have full control over me and refine my heart further still by setting my hope fully on the grace given to me through Jesus Christ.  I know something big is coming, but I must keep my focus on Jesus and continue to hope in His grace, which is t

Mark 4:24-25 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." This verse is fascinating to me.  I've been reading a little around this passage trying to figure out what in the world Jesus meant when he said this.  The surrounding parables and scripture in Mark and Matthew are about putting to use what has been given, whether it be seeds, coins or light.  So I thought on this a bit.  I believe Jesus was referring to himself.  He was saying, with the measure that we utilize Jesus, we will be given more of Him.  I'm drawing a little on my own experience here, for this is something I have noticed.  When Mom was sick and we were needing the Spirit, grace was poured out perfectly and enormously.  For instance, on Sunday mornings, the grace I received to share with others while Mom was sick was so

Father, I'm feeling a little faint today.  The demands of the job are feeling a bit overwhelming at this time and I find myself needing your guidance to get through the tasks.  I pray for clarity of mind, for physical endurance, and patience for others.  Father give me a weekend of relaxation and clear my mind of the clutter.  Father, your will be done to your glory.  Amen.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. This verse was brought to my attention today and I wanted to do a little thinking on it.  This section of Hebrews is all about the faith of the patriarchs and what came of their faith.  Most of them received fulfillment of a promise from God.  As I read the last portion of this verse, "that he rewards" I wonder what those rewards are.  I look at the those patriarchs and see that their rewards were things like, promised land, a son, life free from death (in Enoch's case), righteousness and, in Moses case, disgrace.  Why then do we believe that God is going to reward us with shiny blessings of happiness and money.  Where do we get this idea from?  So what are the rewards God gives when we have faith?  If we have faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, then we are rewarded with eternal life in

Just needing a little conversation with God today…Lord I thank you for who you are to me and what you do for me.  You are the constant in my life.  When I am overwhelmed by the day, you sweep in and hold me for a while.  You keep my spirit calm when the world around me is chaos.  You bless my soul with an inner peace that cannot be shaken by outer circumstances.  Father, continue to work in me to refine my soul.  You are in control and for that, I am grateful.  Bless those with whom I come into contact today and may Your light shine through me.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

John 14:10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own.  Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. This is Jesus speaking to the disciples.  Does that surprise you?  It did me, especially the last sentence.  But now that I think about it, of course Jesus would set the perfect example of how we are to live our lives.  If Jesus claims to have the Father living in him doing the work, then, why in the world, do we think we can do God's work on our own?  I'm having to let this soak in a bit.  Jesus is saying that all of the work he did while on Earth came from God living in him, not of himself.  This is where being both God and man comes in.  Jesus, as a man, had to set aside his heavenly attributes which allowed for God to work through him while he was on Earth.  He was the embodiment of what are lives are to be.  We are to lay down our own skills and talents and allow the Spirit to work i

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. This verse made me ask the question, Am I leading a quiet daily life, minding my own business?  It is so easy to get wrapped up in other people's business, especially with social media.  We use social media as a clever way to snoop into other's lives, to compare ourselves with others, to boast, to whine, to celebrate, to get sympathy.  Do any of these things help us to win the respect of others, specifically outsiders?  I would contend that they do not help our "Christian cause" so to speak.  At times, we as Christians look exactly like nonChristians on social media.  We spend our time posting pictures, memes, tweets, and comments which are not necessary negative, but we may be causing our brothers and sisters in Christ

Jeremiah 13:7 So I went to Perath and dug up the belt and took it from the place where I had hidden it, but now it was ruined and completely useless. This is an interesting portion of scripture that I had never read before.  Jeremiah was directed by God to hide a linen belt in the rocks and crevices.  When God told him to go back and get the belt, this is the verse.  In pride, Israel and Judah had chosen to turn away from God.  God was giving Jeremiah the prophecy, through the linen belt, of what would happen to Israel and Judah because of their pride.  In applying this to my life, I was drawn to the fact that the belt was hidden and when it was found it was completely "ruined" and "useless."  My thought was, how often do I choose to hide in the rocks and crevices from God?  How often does my pride cause me to turn away from what God has made clear to me simply because I think I could do it better or that it doesn't really matter what He has said?  I know that

I have spent today reading scripture, listening to my favorite Jesus tunes, talking to God, listening to God and asking lots of questions.  For some reason I am not able to find the perfect verse for today.  I have this happen every once in a while.  My struggle today is with myself.  I am having feelings of worthlessness.  I'm not sure where those are coming from or why they are creeping in at this time, but they are just feelings.  I am reminded how valuable I am to Jesus and that He has secured my salvation.  These, of course, are things I know with my heart, but my head is the issue today so reminders do not help.  Evidently I like throwing myself little pity parties every so often.  So what helps? It is very simple.  Spending time with the risen Christ.  That's it.  Just sitting on my couch, weeping, with hands raised high as I listen to inspired words. I feel His presence engulf my spirit and overtake my mind to remove any and every thought that is not from Him or of Him.

Father, I praise you for the way you move in my life.  How you beautifully orchestrate the most intricate details.  Your timing is always perfect, even when it seems to me to be slow.  You weave your will in a delicate array of paths, words, people, struggle, joy, and celebration in a magnificent way that can only be recognized as your handiwork.  Father, I am grateful for the care you take to make my life your masterpiece.  May you continue to move mightily to change my heart and complete the good work you've begun in me.  You are the resurrection and the life and the glory belongs to you.  Amen.

John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I'm pondering where the thief is lurking in my life.  Anything that is not life-giving comes from the thief.  My prayer is that God would open my eyes to where I have allowed this to happen.  May He move me along in my journey to step away from the world and come closer still to Jesus.