bible – Ann Coker

What the Lord Requires — Bill Coker, Sr.

Excerpts from Bill’s journal – spring and summer of 2002.

May God forgive me for grieving over losses rather than rejoicing that He is always at work in every situation for good. He never abandons us to circumstances—life’s dark valleys or those who stand against us. Somehow, my preaching must always bring this joyous truth to those who are hearing. I remember Dr. Robertson’s words in the seminary class on preaching: always end every sermon with the good news. This is Gospel preaching.

The idea of “centering” takes on greater meaning and significance as I understand more what it is to pray and what it is to develop spiritually and be truly sanctified. The clean heart is not only purified; it is unified, no longer ”a heart and a heart,” but whole and in union with God and reality.

Evelyn Underhill writes that recollection brings one’s attention under the control of the will. Here is the first step in meditation, which she refers to as “the halfway house between thinking and contemplation.” To focus on one thing until multiplicity merges into unity. This morning I’ve tried to focus on “the holy,” the central idea for this Sunday’s sermon (“The Hallowing Spirit”). Only with consistent and dedicated practice will I begin to learn how to meditate.

I should not be concerned with trusting my present feeling, for it will change. What matters is whether one’s whole intention is conducive to one’s proper and desired end. The eye of one’s intention, therefore, must be cleansed so that it is single and right.

One theme I have noted repeatedly over the years is integrity. That’s blamelessness, purity, and holiness throughout Scripture. The key is, as à Kempis noted, that the eye of intention must be cleansed of self-interest, a thing impossible even to think, except for the grace of God. Kierkegaard was right: purity of heart is to will one will, and Wesley’s language, that of perfect love, is descriptive of the same truth.

I think of Micah’s oft-quoted passage: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8). In Micah’s statement, the same concept of “single intention” can easily be seen. Sometimes I wonder whether my spiritual life is being critiqued more based on what others say I should do than on my being led by the Spirit. At the same time, I am aware of the danger of rationalizing my inadequacies. May God be my judge.

Doing What I Most Want — William B. Coker, Sr.

This week my memoir about the caregiving of my husband, Bill, is being published,* and that led me to look again in Bill’s journal for a comparison of what he was like before Alzheimer’s disease took control of his life. What did he want most to do? The constant theme of Bill’s serious talks during dementia was: “Do what’s right and do what’s good.” That had a basis in his desire to please God in all that he did. Following is an excerpt from his journal.

“How foolishly I keep piling up things to do…. So much I want to read, and the day is full without accomplishing some of what I’d like to do…. But, I am doing the thing that I most want––to serve the Lord, be busy in ministry that affective. Just wish I were more disciplined in scheduling what I do….

“I must not let my latter years be determined by the earlier. However long God allows me to continue, my voice and my life must be His to use. My people must have such if I am to lead them––lest I be like the unfaithful watchman in Ezekiel’s prophecy. [13:8–12; 33:1–6]

“I do sense God’s working in me in a more profound way, transforming me, conforming me to the image of Christ in a way I have longed to see. I also am aware of my need to ‘practice grace’… as Romans 6 so graphically reminds us. Right now, I need to slow down, lest I crowd out the very times of being before the Lord, and allow weariness to dull my spiritual sensitivities. I must be sure that what I accept is what the Lord wills and not for the sake of gratifying my own ego. I need time to pray this morning––time to be refreshed and renewed by the Spirit. I’ve felt so overpowered by what I’ve had to do that I’ve not done what I’ve wanted to do.

“May God forgive me that I’ve grieved over losses rather than rejoice that He is always at work in every situation for good. He never abandons us to circumstances––life’s dark valleys or those who stand against us. Somehow my preaching must always bring this joyous truth to those who are hearing. I remember Dr. Robertson’s words in the class on preaching: Always end your sermons with the good news. This is Gospel preaching.”

You can continue to hear Bill preach on his podcast, Words of Endearment with Bill Coker. Tune in with most podcast servers. A new message is downloaded every Wednesday. He is currently finishing the book of Ephesians. A new series on the book of Colossians will follow. ~AC

*An Honest Caregiver: Facing the Reality of My Husband’s Dementia

It’s Time to Make a Choice

In late December I choose which devotional book I’ll read alongside my Bible for Quiet Time each morning. I encourage you to join me in reading devotionals. To help with your selection, I’m including some of my favorites.

As a young teen I began the habit of reading a daily devotional book. I still recall how vividly God spoke to me through those “two listeners” in God Calling. Through the years I’ve found that when placed alongside Bible reading and prayer, devotional literature is valuable to my Christian growth.

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers is a devotional classic. On day one the author invites the reader to make an unreserved commitment: “I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and for Him alone.”

Thumbing through the pages of Morning by Morning by C. H. Spurgeon, I remember personal events. The year I read this book we cared for my husband’s mother who was dying with cancer; our first grandchild was born; and my father died. Beyond these personal ties, I value this book because Spurgeon exalts Christ, intertwines Scripture and hymnody, and highlights creation.

Several times I have read Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, co-founder of Oriental Mission Society (currently One Mission Society). Because she compiled this volume during the six years she nursed her sick husband, the lessons speak to the hurting, the persecuted, the doubting. Her theme is confidence in God.

Although I’ve read other books by E. Stanley Jones, I prize The Way to Power and Poise. His central theme is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, a relationship that produces a Spirit-controlled life.

Hannah Whitall Smith is best known for her book The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life. In God is Enough, editors Melvin and Hallie Dieter have compiled daily readings from nine of Smith’s books. Through the heartache and sorrow in her life, Smith affirms God’s sufficiency.

In my view you cannot find a better resource on prayer than The Meaning of Prayer by Harry Emerson Fosdick. The chapter on “Prayer as Dominant Desire” made me examine my motives: Did I truly want what I prayed for? Or more exacting: Did I pray for what I wanted?

A few years ago I discovered Disciplines for the Inner Life by Bob and Michael Benson, father and son. The format includes prayers, Scripture, hymns and excerpts from a broad base of Christian writers. In each week’s topic I found new truth to pierce my self-righteousness. Keeping a spiritual journal helped root the lessons.

One year I read Each New Day by Corrie ten Boom, who tied together truths of experience and Scripture. The next year I selected Diamonds in the Dust by Joni Eareckson Tada. Through her struggles to accept her disability, she has found in Scripture many “diamonds” which have made her “rich in faith and wealthy in hope.” This past year I read Wisdom For the Way by Charles Swindoll, excerpts from his several books. Brief but powerful daily reflections.

Not meant to be a devotional book, I must include one by Evelyn Underhill, my husband’s favorite author. While you might have to find it in a used bookstore, I recommend the volume which includes: The Fruits of the Spirit, Light of Christ, and Abba. She has a style that touches the heartstrings with intellectual precision.

In recent years, I’ve found current authors who have collected devotions from earlier saints. Such are: Take Time to Be Holy by Samuel Logan Brengle, edited by Bob Hostetler. Another by Hostetler: The Bard and the Bible, the Bard being Shakespeare. Two compiled by James N. Watkins: Intimacy with Christ, includes classics by Brother Lawrence, Francis of Assisi, and others; and The Imitation of Christ, devotions by Thomas A. Kempis, in today’s language. I also include one of my favorite current authors who, among her 50 books, wrote Jesus Every Day: Prayers to Awaken Your Soul.

I’ve introduced you to some of my favorites. These you may consider when you make your choice. Look them up online to better acquaint yourself with authors and topics. Then choose for yourself a devotional guide to read on a daily basis by matching the book to your personal, present-day need. God will speak to you through His saints.

Creator and Creations

Eight years ago Becky bought that shower curtain for my bathroom. I like it still and haven’t grown tired of it. Shades of blue on a white background. The design is of flowers, various styles. The dark and light shades of blue match the bathroom walls and rugs. When I stare at the curtain, I never ask if it were created by a machine, although mechanics contributed to its mass production. I do wonder about the person who designed it. How did she or he come up with the design repeated throughout the whole?

With all the hype about AI, I think of its meaning and impact. It’s artificial, and AI permits us to depend on something other than our own intellect. Although I’m speaking without research, I assume there is someone’s (or several someones’) intellect behind the program. But I don’t personally like its intrusion into my creative life. When I write I want it to be my work, my thoughts and words coming together to make a point. I know that what I produce can’t compare to the refined skills of other writers, but it’s the best I can do. However, I improve my craft by reading and learning from others.

When I think of creation, I first remember and give honor to the Creator––God, the mastermind of all that’s been made––for His glory and our pleasure. Just think of how the elements of earth combine to make this the correct environment to sustain life. Look at the photo above on the right: a human and an animal, that little girl and the pinguin who makes her giggle. On earth they and we have the right chemical combination to form oxygen for breathing, and we even have the force of gravity to keep us upright. God designed it all for our good.

Where does that leave my thoughts? I first praise God, the Creator of the universe and all that’s in it. Then I give thanks for all those who use their God-given creativity to design and produce something as practical as a shower curtain. Each of us is a little creator, given the joy and privilege of cooperating with God in His creation.

Meanderings from Bill’s Journal

In celebration of Bill’s June birthday, I collected meanderings from his journal.

A June entry: I am reminded again of the value of habit, the benefit of ritual. My taking time to journal my thoughts is soon forgotten when I allow periods of time to break routine. I have discovered that habit can be a strong negative when it feeds our inordinate desires; but it is a strengthening positive when it establishes a soul-building practice.

This morning I only touch base as I must be off early to meet with a church member for prayer. It’s an intrusion into my personal routine, but a good opportunity to get another interested in a consistent prayer life.

A few days later: The psalmist’s words speak to me again: “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance” (Psalm 16:5-6). How wonderfully true! I can also say with him: “You have made known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

May God forgive me when I grieved over losses rather than rejoice that He is always at work in every situation for good. He never abandons us to circumstances––life’s dark valleys or those who stand against us. Somehow my preaching must always bring this joyous truth to those who are hearing. I remember Dr. Robertson’s words in his class on preaching: “Always end sermons with the good news. This is Gospel preaching.”

Messy Galaxy

A week later: I think there is unity in creation and that is to be seen in all He has made. I know that most of us live quite superficially. The psalmist seems more tuned in when he says, “When I consider the heavens, the moon and the stars which Your hands have made, what is man that You are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). I think the scientist is far more informed about the elements in creation and less aware of their witness to the Creator.

The idea of “centering” takes on greater meaning and significance as I understand more what it is to pray and what it is o develop spiritually and be truly sanctified. The clean heart is not just purified; it is unified, no longer a “heart and a heart,” but whole and in union with God and reality.

~Dr. William B. Coker, Sr.

How to Communicate Personal Faith — Bill Coker

Which Way?

“I have no choice. If I am to feed these people I must put the food on the table where they can reach it. If I don’t, they must go elsewhere. So the question is ‘Can I?’ I must. My prayer now is for the Holy Spirit to give me the wisdom I need to be simple without being empty, practical without ‘dumbing down’ the Gospel.

“The really important question is whether I can be of some value to help someone else. Can I give spiritual direction to someone and spare them from some of my struggle? What I’m seeing needs to be reflected more in preaching.

“The volume of reading and time for meditative thinking have broadened and deepened my own spiritual life and have enabled my preaching. A comment made after I previewed my talk for the forthcoming Emmaus Walk was encouraging: ‘Some speakers hold your attention with jokes; Bill does it with knowledge.’

“My task is to be a faithful servant––faithful in my obedience and courageous in my commitment. All else is in God’s hands. I will be used as He wills to use me and will accomplish what He wants to do through me. What else really matters?

“I guess I’m more concerned with what I’m trying to provide ‘the flock’ than the flock is about receiving it. I know that times have changed, but where does one draw the line and say that these things cannot be sacrificed for our ‘good times.’ Many would think my feelings about these things are unreasonable and overly protective. Maybe so. And maybe the losses the Church is sustaining should tell us we are paying a spiritual price for our materialistic pleasures. And maybe the gradual slope will end at a disastrous precipice.

“The Lord continues to show me areas where I am deficient or flawed. In some ways that brings shame that I have not gotten further in my growth; in some ways it makes me aware of personal needs that unconsciously I seek to meet; but in every way I rejoice that God is still working––clarifying, correcting, cleansing, and directing. More and more I desire to be the kind of person in whom others can see the Lord’s grace at work and through whom the Holy Spirit can speak and work and manifest Himself.

“As I reflect on my own pilgrimage, I am overjoyed to see God shaping my life in ways I had longed for and now am pleased to recognize. I continue to wrestle with my personal particularities but have become more and more understanding and accepting of those preferences and peculiarities that make up myself. Where I am not pleasing God, He must inform and correct; and the Holy Spirit’s work, as Jesus promised, is to convict.

“My desire is to please God, walk in His will, be the servant of His Word, shepherd His people, and glorify His Name. I have dreamed of building His Temple, but like David, must accept a different role––not judging myself a failure but willingly and gladly being the best at being what I am.”

This is in answer to the survey I posted. I gleaned from Bill’s 2002 journal while the pastor of World Gospel Church in Terre Haute, Indiana. AC

Take Home Test ~ WBC

Some of you will recognize Bill’s test duplicated here. It’s minus the dingbats he used. ~AC

Have you made a personal decision about Jesus Christ?
When, to your satisfaction, did you do so?
Has that made a definite change in your life?
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away…the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:27).
What do you believe? ~ The Apostle’s Creed
Rational and personal conviction
“The love of Christ controls us because we are convinced that one has died for all….” (2 Cor. 5:14).
Do you have faith in God? [Consider the meaning of faith]
Certainty, firm reliance ~ Confidence, Trust
Trust in God that holds steady in times of difficulty
Faith that God is at work in all things for good
What do you think your commitment to Christ means?
What does your head and your heart say to you?
Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit?
What are your strongest spiritual desires?
To be with Him – public and private worship
To know Him – even the fellowship of His suffering
To please Him – greatest pleasure
“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil. 3:10, NIV).
What is your participation in the Body of Christ?
What is your contribution to the church?
What if everyone did as you do?
What is your level of concern for others?
How have you expressed that concern recently?
What about the acid test? ~ Thy will be done…?
Is your chief aim in life to do God’s will?
Do you regularly choose God’s will over your own?

One Great Purpose

While Mary and Joseph were still finalizing their guest list and picking out a wedding cake, she startled him with some unexpected news—she, a virgin, was pregnant.

Assuming she’d been unfaithful, Joseph was poised to cancel the engagement. But while he was still considering his exit strategy, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream—telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, for the child inside her was from the Holy Spirit.

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬).

This miracle was the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies—God-inspired predictions about the Messiah, Savior, or “Chosen/Anointed One”—recorded in the Old Testament.

From conception, Jesus’ purpose was made known: to save His people from their sins. Because even before God created the world, His plan was to save it.

Isn’t it interesting that you didn’t choose the time, place, body, or family in which you were born? But God has you here, right now, on purpose.

You’ve been grafted into an ongoing story playing out since the beginning of time. And this timeless offer, to be saved from the shackles of your sin and freed from a debt you could never pay, has been extended to you.

What is sin? Sin is choosing our way instead of God’s. Sin is rebelling against His design and His plan. And we’ve all done it—we’ve all fallen short of God’s righteous standard.

But that’s why He sent Jesus—because He loved us that much.

And then, Jesus gave His life for the sake of the world.

If you’ve never accepted the free gift of salvation, today can be your day, and this moment can be your moment. There’s nothing you can do to earn it, but you can come to Him—just as you are.

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