Abbie Coffey

Psalm 119:125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. There are certain points in life where the need for discernment is more obvious than others.  I am at one of those points.  Very simply, this is my prayer for today.

Psalm 36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. This is what I love about God, His unconditional, unfailing love.  At moments I find myself seeking refuge from the daily battle that ensues, both within and without.  I need time to settle in peace and God provides.  There is nothing more relaxing, more comforting, more relieving than being in the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The soul finds a calm that cannot be explained with any words.  Once you experience this freedom from all fear, you continue to crave it over and over.   God is like none other.  He offers us so much and we so often miss the opportunities to receive all He has to offer.  May we turn to Him when we need to find refuge, for He is the only one who can truly provide the safety we seek.

Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" This is a sentiment I have often.  I feel as though I am so easily trapped into believing the enemies whispers and lies.  Some days it is easier than others.  This verse says it perfectly. I cannot believe completely of my own will.  I need the help of the Savior to overcome my unbelief.  The Spirit in me is constantly moving and telling me the good news of Jesus.  Today is a day when I need to just listen to His voice.  Music helps me do that sometimes.   Click below and enjoy a little Alison Krauss and Union Station as you listen to His truth today.  May He help you overcome your unbelief. Alison Krauss and Union Station: There is a Reason

Father, today I am needing your strength.  I can feel my body starting to wear down.  Lord, I pray that you would bring strength and health back into me.  I am grateful for the ways you have provided spiritual and emotional support this week.  Now I am needing a bit of physical support too.  Your caring and compassion are evident throughout my day, which makes life so beautiful.  May you be glorified in my mind, body, and spirit this day.  Amen.

Leviticus 7:11 These are the regulations for the fellowship offering a person may present to the Lord: The amount of detail in Leviticus amazes me.  But that's not my purpose in writing today.  One type of fellowship offering is a thanks to God.  That got me thinking, how do I show thanks to God?  I'm feeling like I want to show God thanks in more ways, but I'm not sure how.  I am going to have to ask the Spirit for prompting in opportunities to show thanks to God for all He has done.

Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Jesus quotes Hosea to the Pharisees in this moment when they question his eating with sinners.  God is not interested in our sacrifice for wrong doing.  He is not looking for us to atone for our actions.  He has already taken care of that through Jesus.  I don't know that this is so hard for us to understand.  The trick comes when it is in the same situation as the Pharisees were in.  We need to extend the same mercy we have received from God to those around us.  Often times we fall into seeing people's faults and judging them.  Oh, but we do it out of our Christian concern for them, it isn't gossiping or being critical.  (Yes, I wrote that sentence with sarcasm in mind.)  Unfortunately we want to make people atone for their sinfulness against us.  We want them to have to say they're sorry and mean it.  We want them to feel ho

Luke 23:35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him.  They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." Every time I read any account of the crucifixion, I am always struck by the words of those watching.  But more so, I am struck by the silence of Jesus.  He is wrongly accused, or maybe rightly accused, but does not deserve death.  Yet he accepts the wage of death as the will of God and does so with a quiet grace.  My cup from God is nothing compared to what Jesus was called to do and yet I would have to say that I don't always accept it with a quiet grace.  I find myself complaining or whining about some portion of His will.  I realize that the only way I can accomplish God's will with the grace that Jesus did is to actually have Jesus in me to accomplish God's will for me and through me.  Jesus had the capacity to save himself, but he didn't have the heart to do it.  Jesus' heart was/is

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. I have always been fascinated by the speed at which conversations come to a halt or become completely uncomfortable and awkward when Jesus is mentioned.  This is even true in the Christian community.  For whatever reason, we shy away from talking about Jesus, but specifically about using His name in conversation.  "Jesus" was not my favorite name for my beloved friend for the longest time.  I would always use the term "Christ"when I spoke of Him.  Then I watched The Passion of the Christ and found a deep love for the name "Jesus".  Something about that name became so precious to my soul after watching that film and I'm not sure why.  But enough of my sentiment.  J

Galatians 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. I always find Paul's writing so interesting when he talks about the law.  Paul was perfect at keeping the law and he is the one who describes it as a prison.  Keeping all of, or one of, the laws is imprisonment for the Christian.  Jesus came that we could be freed from the law.  He came to save us from the law, not condemn us through it.  When we try to follow the law and live according to that which we think God is requiring, we fall into the same trap as the first century Christians.  Paul reminded them over and over that Christ had come to fulfill the law and free us from it.  We are free from the law only when we have faith in Christ and put our life in His.  We are justified by our faith, not our actions.  Very rarely, if ever, do actions lead to faith because actions ahead of faith are of our own will.  When we accept the finished work of Christ and surrender our lives to H

Deuteronomy 11:9 and so that you may live long in the land that the Lord swore to your forefathers to give to them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am uninspired to write today.  I was given this specific verse but I'm struggling with its meaning for my life today.  I think for me today it is more about time spent with God than the words I'm given and I'm great with that.  I hope you get time with God today too.  

Father, your work in my life continues to amaze me.  You have given me wonderful people that have helped to grow my life in you.  I pray that you would watch over those you have given me.  Take care of their families and friends.  Father, bring peace and comfort in the midst of turmoil.  Bring healing and hope in the midst of fear.  Bring love and joy in the midst of sadness.  Lord you are the giver of all good things.  May you bless those around me with your Presence just as you have blessed me through them.  Amen.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This is the verse I have needed at the start of this school year.  I have been literally tired from my job.  I do not like that when people ask me how I'm doing or how my job is going, my response is I love it, but it's tiring.  This has been a journey these three years.  I have learned so many job related things, but more importantly, God has changed my heart and taught me some Spirit related nuggets as well.  This verse is one of them.  Sometimes we grow weary as we fight the battle.  This verse reminds us that there is a harvest coming if we will only 'keep on keepin' on'.  I have prayed many times for God's strength to come to me and carry me through.  This has been a tiresome battle, but there are so many good things that I have already reaped.  This verse is my reminder to hang in there.  God is on the move; I can feel it.  May His pat

Proverbs 8:35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. The Lord's favor has always been a bit of a puzzle for me.  I have to be careful because my mind wants to equate favor and blessings.  I would love to hear Mary's perspective on God's favor.  I'll bet it would surprise us.  We know God desires the best possible life for us, and sometimes that comes through hardship.  As a matter of fact, I would say, from my own experiences, that God uses the hardship to grow us closer to Him and He becomes more tangible during the most difficult times of life.  That closeness is true favor.  Favor from the Lord is unconditional, eternal love from our almighty creator.  That type of love is all our souls thirst for anyway. If we could only let ourselves be so loved, then we would have our thirst quenched once and for all.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I'm picking this verse today because I want to. :-)  I honestly don't have any specifics as to why.  I am pondering this verse all day long, remembering that this is the agape form of love; selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.  That's my focus for today.

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. I am not sure how many times God tells Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged, but I found several references today.  As I was thinking about what to write today, I was prompted to read about Joshua.  The first words that I read were, "Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged."  These were the most perfect words for me to hear from the Spirit right now.  I'm not exactly afraid, but I have been feeling a bit discouraged.  As I read some extra references around this text, I was led to the focus verse. There is so much here that feeds my soul.  I am comforted knowing that God goes ahead of us on this journey and that He promises to always be there.  He is the one constant that we always have.  I have been fortunate that I have come from a very consistent home, with parents who were predictable and loving.  Mom's passi

The words of the Psalmist are what's in my heart today… Psalm 86:1-7 Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.  Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.  You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.  Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.  Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.  Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

Romans 4:20-21 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Abraham had quite the promise from God.  He had many earthly reasons not to believe God's promise, but instead he believed and God strengthened his faith.  His faith was so strong that he was willing to sacrifice his own son, the one who would continue his line.  But as we know, God provided the sacrifice instead.  Hmm…that's an interesting thought.  Abraham, the father of many nations, had faith that was credited to him as righteousness, yet we as his descendants do not gain righteousness because of his faith.  Instead God sent His son as the sacrifice for our sins and our righteousness comes through Jesus' sacrifice.  No sacrifice or faith of Abraham can save us.  We cannot depend on anyone, except Jesus, for our salvation.  Our good deeds, our kind thoughts, our a

Father, today I thank you for the work you are doing.  You have move mightily and I feel your presence.  I thank you that you are the One who makes all things possible.  I thank you that you are the reward.  Lord, I pray for strength and unity.  Father may we come together with like hearts and minds with one goal in mind.  May your will be worked out in our day to day.  Lord continue to fill our hearts with hope and peace.  Reveal your light to us that we might enter into your presence ready to receive your grace.  It is in Jesus that we live. Amen.

Hebrews 10:16 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord.  I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." The book of Hebrews is one of my favorites.  I love to just read and read, but then I have a hard time picking a verse to focus on.  Well this is what I've landed on today.  The new covenant through Christ allows this verse to happen in us.  We are no longer in need of a list of rules to follow when we die with Christ because we also share in His resurrection.  We live as He lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This, for me, is one of the best parts about walking with Jesus.  I don't worry about my day to day thoughts and actions because I have surrendered them over to the Spirit's working.  God's grace is at work and His law is in my heart and written on my mind.  I experience this daily in my life.  The Spirit is continually shaping me into the person God created me to be at the beginni

Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. I needed a word of encouragement and this was it.  The armor of God consists of righteousness, faith, truth, salvation, readiness, and the word of God…these are all gifts from God.  My prayer today is that the journey I am on refines my armor so that I can continue to stand and be strong in the Lord.  The words are be strong "in" the Lord, not "for" the Lord.  God has already fought the battle.  We need to live in the finished work of Christ.  I am able to able to be strong and take my stand because Jesus lives in, around, and through me and He has already defeated my enemy.  What greater warrior to have on my side than the one who has already claimed the victory!

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Today I am weary.  Weary from waiting.  Weary of thoughts. Weary of work.  Weary from the mundane.  Weary of the missing joy.  Weary of trying to see the good in the bad.  Weary of hoping.  Just weary.  I need to remember this verse throughout my day, trusting that God's plan and timing is perfect.  None of right now makes sense, but I know He will reveal it all to me in time.  He is in all of what's happening right now and I know He is working to straighten the path.  My weariness is an indicator that I've taken back some control again.  Ugh!  When will I just leave it to Him for good?  I need to surrender it all back to him again and ask for His strength as the journey continues.

Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. A couple of thoughts on this one.  I couldn't help but think of Mom as I read this verse.  I believe that if she could write a letter to us now, this would be a sentence straight from it.  We, the four who are left, have all remarked at one time or another that we feel like Mom is having more of an impact on the kingdom while in heaven than when she was on earth.  It's kind of crazy.  My second thought though…Oh, to look at life as Paul did!  To recognize that our lives are not about ourselves.  They are about Christ in us and what He does through us.  We go through awful pain and tragedy, enjoyable celebration and triumph; all to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It gives me a new perspective on all that is happening in "my" world.  I want my eyes to see that which Christ sees, the beautiful creations He has made.  I want my mind to think the

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. What does it mean to be "seasoned with salt"?  There are a few references to this "salt" in the Bible.  I'm going to take a practical turn on this one.  Salt is a seasoning that must be added at just the right time, in just the right amount.  Too much and all you taste is salt.  Too little and you just plain don't want to eat your meal because there is no flavor.  Added too late and you have to add more than necessary, along with the fact that the salty flavor peeks through.  Added to early and it's as if you never added any to begin with.  When salt is added in the right amount at the right time in the cooking process, it adds flavor without adding the taste of salt.  It's a great seasoner for that reason.  Salt adds depth to flavor, but it must be used with precision.  Now to connect.  When we converse with others and bui

Today has been a quiet day.  I have spent time with God, and He has been silent.  Sometimes I think God does this just so that I can reconnect with Him in spirit.  I feel like there are moments in life when all of the head knowledge and theology get in the way and God just says, "Let's just be together."  Today is one of those days.  God and I just need to be together.  No words. No thoughts.  No actions.  Just time.  Time to let my soul rest and reconnect with the Spirit, just me.  Nothing builds a relationship like quality time.  Enjoy some.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  --Father may you be exalted this day.  You are the creator of heaven and earth.  You are the beginning and end. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  --Lord may Your will be mine that I might be all that you created me to be.  Give me eyes to see others as you see them and give me a heart to show love to all as you do. Give us this day our daily bread. --Your providence is perfect.  Father you know my need.  Continue to give me peace as I await your perfect will.  Thank you for the way you provide. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  --Father, I have not been perfect and I can feel your Spirit working in me.  Lord continue to grow me and transform my heart.  Help me to surrender that which I continue to take over.  May your forgiveness reign in me and through me. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  --Lord, protect us in our day.  Bind the evil one th

Jeremiah 32:39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. I'm not a fan of the word fear here and looked it up in the hebrew to see what it might be similar to for meaning.  It just seems harsh.  However, fear can mean to revere and I feel like that may be a better fit in this instance.  This verse is a good reminder that we are given a singular task, to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind.  When we surrender ourselves allowing God to be our only love and we venture deeper in Him, our actions becomes of this singular focus as well.  Out of the overflow of the Spirit in our hearts comes the action of love toward others.  Jesus just oozes from us.  As a child, I watched my parents as they grew in Jesus and learned to love Him with all of their hearts, souls, and minds.  And just as this verse states, we as their children, are living in reverence of God with the same singl

Mark 2:10-11"But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…." He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." I have always thought of this verse as a way for Jesus to show His healing power, but in reality I think it was to show His forgiveness of sin to a culture that had misunderstandings.  When Jesus forgives the paralytic, the teachers of the law were questioning His authority to do so.  His response is to show them that the man's sins were forgiven.  We have to think about what we know.  The teachers would have thought that the man's paralysis was because of his sin.  So Jesus healed the man as an outward sign to the teachers of the law of His inward action, the forgiveness of sins.  Jesus was not performing a miracle by telling the man to get up and walk.  He was proving His authority over sin.  What misunderstanding about God has paralyzed you?  Let Jesus forgive you and listen to him te

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Humility has been a running theme in the verses I looked up for today.  I'm not feeling especially proud at the moment, so I'm trying to apply this with a bit of a struggle.  I don't have eloquent words today.  I don't even have complete thoughts.  All I have is Jesus, and He's enough.

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?" "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you." is quoted directly before this verse.  These are words of comfort and exhortation.   I have noticed how similar Mom and I were in our thinking and actions, which I had never noticed prior to her passing.  I had always enjoyed being with her, but now that she is gone, I realize how much I had in common with her.  That is why this has been hard these last few weeks.  I feel a bit like my kindred spirit in the family is gone.  I'm not sure that I can explain it terribly well, but then again, this is my blog and I know what I mean so I don't have to put it into words. ;-)  God spoke these words from Hebrews to me as the beginning of a newfound relationship.  He is becoming the loving mother figure to me.  Until now I had only seen Him in a paternal light, and now He is revealing a very beautiful mate

Mark 5:19 Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." This man wanted to follow Jesus after having been saved from demon possession.  This verse is a good reminder to me that all of the prayers, acts of kindness, solid theology and being good are not the best means to get the message of who Jesus is to people.  The way to share Jesus with someone is to share what He has done for me and what he is doing in me.  People cannot argue my experience.  It is mine.  They cannot assign credit to me for what God has done because the circumstances are not in my control.  Sharing my personal journey with Jesus is just that, personal.  Trying to convince someone that God exists, that God is good or that prayer works is nearly impossible and, quite frankly, completely unnecessary for us to do.  God can reveal Himself without our help.  However, we are called to share our experience in God jus