trbccoffeebreak

“Lord I have heard the report about You: Lord, I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; make it known in these years. In Your wrath remember mercy!” Habakkuk 3:1-2 (HCSB)

From shootings, riots and bombings, our peace on earth seems evasive and missing. Why? Perhaps it is because we have lost our way while trusting in too many other things. To some, God has become just a character in an interesting story. To some, God doesn’t even exist despite the evidence. And to some, God is a Sunday event and not a Holy God whose presence surrounds us.

Despite the condition of his world, Habakkuk held on tight to the character of His God. His intercession for the people of Judah was bold and full of confidence. And mingled in were many questions just like the ones you and I have. However, Habakkuk chose to focus on what God had done, how He related to His people and the loving God that desires reconciliation.

Are we any different today? Instead of hiding behind closed doors or ranting angry threats, we should remember that real everlasting peace can only be found in God. Instead of becoming depressed over the condition of our world, we would be wise to be Habakkuks whose trust in God is unshakeable. And rather than give up or cower, we would find the strength to claim God’s promises. We’d bow our knee and intercede rather than excuse away the difference our prayers could make. We’d zero in on God’s awesome deeds rather than glorify the enemy.
Backtrack to a manger in the heart of Bethlehem, and we will find our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and yes, Prince of Peace entering our lost, deprived world. And mercy began to flow reviving the hearts of man to trust in the One true God to fulfill His promises.

“Father, You brought deliverance in a manger long ago, and You will deliver us again – revive our Spirit today and fill us with Your confidence and strength.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

“The family tree of Jesus Christ, David’s son, Abraham’s son:” Matthew 1:1 (MSG)

I never knew one of my grandfathers. My Dad’s father walked out one day and never returned abandoning a wife and two small children. Even though he is a missing piece in our family line; I have often wondered what kind of man he was. Sure I can sum him up by his actions as a young father who left his family, but I wonder if he ever met Jesus? Maybe somewhere along the line, someone told him about the One who could forgive all his mistakes. Maybe someday he knelt and prayed. Regardless, my grandfather is still a part of our family history.

Just like all those listed in the lineage of Jesus, we have some unfavorable and colorful people in our past. Kings, commoners, deceivers, adulterers, murderers, ordinary unknowns – all fill in the lines of Jesus’ family tree. Each one playing a divine role. Each one destined to be linked to the other. Each one not fully recognizing the impact One would make to secure their heavenly future. Regardless of what limbs are missing or have fallen off our family tree, we like Christ can choose to impact our lineage for eternity. The holidays offer us awesome opportunities to share the difference Jesus has made in our lives. Sprinkled with grace and love, our life pages of answered prayers and encouragement can light a spark in even the darkest soul. And just when we thought they had tuned us out – we might be surprised to learn that those seeds are being planted deep and nurtured by God.

“Father, the holiday season is fast approaching and will slip away with the blink of an eye. Help us to seize every opportunity to share the hope we’ve found in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break