god – Ann Coker

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.

Hope for America

Top: Asbury University Revival 2023 and Bottom: Church Youth & Sponsors Serving Love Packages

My hope for America is rooted in God’s work among the youth of our nation: high schoolers, college students, young adults. I’ve noticed in recent weeks and months their commitment to follow God’s calling on their lives.

The first events were revivals on college campuses. At Asbury University, Wilmore, Kentucky, a spontaneous revival lasted several weeks and spread to other colleges across the nation. When people heard about these, they flocked to the campuses to be a part of the renewal of mind and heart. Baptisms for new believers followed.

The latest indication of God’s impact on young people came before and after the death of Charlie Kirk on September 10th of this year. This influencer connected with youth in many states, and his messages centered on what matters most: Jesus and truth. The fight continues to bring God’s truth back into our nation, communities, and churches. Turning Point USA will continue even after its founder’s death, because his wife and staff are committed to keeping the legacy growing. Jesus and the truth matter. Evil will be conquered with God’s Word.

News report from CBS on 9-5-25 — “Young people across America are searching for the truth and turning to faith in record numbers. Statistics are showing the Millennials and members of Gen Z are increasingly flocking toward faith. CBN News recently talked with politicians and faith leaders about this trend at the Kennedy Center premiere of … the new film ‘The Revival Generation.’”

Throughout our land, youth are coming on board to fight for truth. They either verbally say or put on t-shirts: “I am Charlie Kirk.” Also in the church I attend, young people unite to spread the good news of Christ and His Word found in the Bible. It’s happening where they work and play. As one student said, “Negative action doesn’t require negative reaction.” And a kindergarten teacher working with needy students reported that God has placed her there for a reason. That assurance keeps her from being discouraged.

I am encouraged about the future of America. A global impact is happening as young people stay committed to truth and follow God’s leading. This speaks loudly to me as well, for even at my age of 86, I am not finished. I still have a job to do––to speak out against wrong and for the right. I started by adopting a simple practice from Charlie Kirk: I’m turning off my phone (no social media) on Sundays. This matters because Jesus is what matters most. Join me in this fight.

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.

Not Once but Twice

Bill came home in the middle of the day as I was ironing in the dining room. He said, “I quit.” Startled, I asked for details. He was an adjunct professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, and we were living in seminary housing. He had asked the president for a short leave of absence in order to complete the dissertation for his PhD at Hebrew Union College. With the request denied, Bill said he could not continue teaching.

I’m not sure now how much of the school year was yet to complete, but my concern was loss of not only an income but position in the school and community. Wilmore, Kentucky, was the town of two prominent schools: seminary and college. Somehow the news traveled across the street to Asbury College, and not long afterward the president there asked Bill to come for an interview, and he was later hired.

In the meantime, I had doubts and questions about what would be next. Our four children needed a father with a substantial job. That night, as usual, we knelt on either side of our bed and prayed. I don’t recall what Bill said, but it made me feel calm and confident God would provide. I knew Bill was capable of teaching, but he also needed to finish that dissertation. As I said, Asbury College’s president hired Bill and also gave him the first quarter off (with pay) to work on his dissertation. During that time it became evident that the subject matter was not suitable, for the assigned translation had several languages not in Bill’s knowledge. A trip to Cincinnati to confer with his major professor meant a change in topic and a later proposed trip to Israel.

While the dissertation did not get completed before the next quarter’s teaching load, Bill had broken its back, so to speak. The new job at the college meant another house for us, a consistent salary, and a productive program of teaching for Bill. Before long Bill earned his PhD and became a full professor. Our whole family gained lasting friendships, and I also earned my BA at the college.

But this “quitting a job” happened again. After some changes at the college, Bill accepted a position at OMS mission agency in Greenwood, Indiana, and we moved there. Two years later, after a board meeting, Bill arrived home to announce that he resigned. Now what? The decision was reasonable, for his staff position required that he should have had field experience. He did not, and felt it illegal to continue. A seminary in Oregon offered him a position, but he turned it down. Then the unexpected: Asbury College called to request he return as academic dean. This he accepted, and we moved back to Wilmore.

This would not be the end of moves for our family, but it did confirm God’s provision and protection during changes in salary and location. We trust God, for He is good all the time.

Privileges

Spilled-out Beauty = Privileges

While listening to the song “How Great Thou Art” on Spotify, I remembered as a teenager singing in the choir during a Billy Graham Crusade in New Orleans. Later as an adult I had the privilege of being a youth counselor at a Graham crusade in Lexington, Kentucky. During that event I found out how a counselor connects with someone going forward during the invitation. This memory led me to mentally enumerate the many privileges I’ve had during my lifetime, too many to list here.

When Bill asked my hand in marriage, my first thought was one of regret. Strange, yes. But I had sensed the Lord leading me to a mission field someday. Being a pastor’s wife seemed to exclude that opportunity. But no. Bill and I have been on several short-term mission trips: first in Colombia, South America, then several countries in the Orient, India, Russia, and Africa. I even went with a group (without Bill) to Ireland. God has allowed me to participate in a wide range of travels, including Israel and Germany, something I’d not anticipated as a youth.

Giving up a scholarship to Birmingham Southern University in order to marry Bill, I thought a college degree was also not in my future. But while Bill taught at Asbury College, I enrolled and graduated 20 years after completing high school. Our four children agreed to my college attendance even when it consumed us for six years. What a privilege; for it led me to explore journalism in various fields of creativity, which included being on staff at Good News magazine, led by my professor.

I moved from being a professor’s wife and returned to my preference as pastor’s wife while working in pro-life agencies. Then retirement added the privilege of compiling Bill’s messages into published books. His influence continues. Many other privileges I could list, but I’ll conclude by mentioning (not by name) the friends we’ve met along our journey of ministry. As we say in the Emmaus community: God is good all the time. I thank God for allowing me to enjoy all these privileges.