Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 1, 2015

Choosing To Rejoice

Dec 1“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (ASV)

The Bible is pretty clear about when we should rejoice. Always! That includes those times when things are not going our way. The prophet Habakkuk (3:17-18) says it this way: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

I don’t know about you, but I am prone to complain when things don’t go my way. And, I had been deceived into thinking that a little complaining or ”venting” never hurt anyone. This week, as I read Philippians and Habakkuk, I was convicted that rejoicing and complaining cannot coexist. So, if I am to rejoice always, then I should complain NEVER. Ouch. This is going to be hard. But if I really desire to live a life that reflects God’s glory, then a life filled with rejoicing, and not complaining, should be my goal. Even, when life kind of stinks. Even, when losses are real and significant. I can always rejoice in the fact that God does not leave me to handle life’s messes on my own. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds me that, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” Knowing that Christ’s divine power in me provides all that I need to live the life that He calls me to live, gives me sufficient reason to rejoice! Even on those days when nothing seems to be going my way…

How might the church better reflect God’s glory if we become known for rejoicing, not complaining, in every circumstance?

“Lord, You know how hard this is going to be for me. Thank You for modeling a life lived without grumbling. Thank You for Your divine power in me that equips me to live a godly life. Help me to daily choose Your power over my weakness.”

For Your Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 30, 2015

Releasing Wrongs

nov 30“May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” Psalm 25:21 (ESV)

Waiting for God to right a wrong can seem like forever. We grow impatient when those who offend or hurt us seem to escape untouched. The good, easy life seems to consume their every move while we are knocked off our feet unable to stand. Not a fun place to visit and definitely not a place we want to stay. Yet how many times do we allow a wrong to keep us down, defeated and nurturing our wounds?

The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to let go and allow God to heal our tender places. Yes, those old tapes playing over in our minds need to go. We will never move away from our victim status while we are rehearsing our wounds. Reoccurring thoughts chiseling deep impede the healing balm of God to soothe away our hurts. And then we must take it a step further, by releasing the person who seems to be oblivious to our pain. The one we say we’ve forgiven yet just the mention of their name still pricks our hearts.

So admire the heart of Joseph, who despite the wounds of his own brothers left the tapes in that dark pit. When he was lifted out and sold into slavery, Joseph chose to not wallow – to not go back to the place where it all began. And I doubt he wasted all those years waiting for God to right his wrong. Instead, we find Joseph flourishing wherever God placed Him. And stranger still those wrongs seem to follow him despite Joseph’s consistent actions to lay them down.

Love the way God’s plan unfolds when Joseph least expects it. Right before his eyes stands the ones who removed his presence. Don’t know if I would have given grace so freely. Wonder if perhaps it was the letting go and the releasing of the wrong that transformed that moment?
Deep healing is possible without the promise of a wrong righted when we leave the details in God’s hands.

“Father, Your healing touch positions us to move past the pain and fulfill Your purpose in our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 25, 2015

Giving Thanks

cb devo nov 25“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I (God) may dwell in their midst.” Exodus 25:8 (ESV)

Amazing how the holiday rush hovers as soon as calendars flip to November 1. Christmas appears in stores before the first leaf hits the ground. The frenzy to buy, wrap and bake overtakes our calendar before the turkey and dressing hits our tummy. Strategic Black Friday shopping consumes our focus. And where is Thanksgiving in the midst of all this? Perhaps the world scribbles it in just so we can enjoy football, turkey and pumpkin pie.

Quite sure that wasn’t how the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving. This gathering was much more than an event – it was a blessing of what God provided – abundant harvest. Simply blessings offered and conversation shared – giving thanks together.

Flip back through the pages of scripture (1 Chronicles 16) and we’ll find a praise gathering in the midst of the Israelites. It wasn’t about harvest, delicious food or abundance – it simply centered on God’s presence. King David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring the ark of the Lord back to the center of where they lived. He prepared a special place – a tent – where the ark would be placed. And the enthusiasm that echoed from marching back with the ark was amazing. Shouts filled the air. Trumpets sounded. Harps and lyres were played, and David danced before the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind. And on that day, David decreed for the first time that thanks be given to the Lord by the priests. No turkey passed around the table. No mashed potatoes or dressing to share. No pumpkin pie for dessert – just simply worship filling the air.

Real Thanksgiving is found in the heart of those who chose to live in awe and wonder of the sweet presence of God. Worshipping and praising Him for who He is – the Most High, Holy God!

“Father, we are so blessed to experience the pleasure and joy of being in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

tgiving pic

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 24, 2015

Grateful Hearts

cb devo nocv 24“Enter his gates with thanksgiving go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4 (NLT)

Sarah Josepha Buell Hale (1788-1879) was an American writer and editor. One of her credits is penning the nursery rhyme “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” In 1846, Ms. Hale began a 17 year endeavor writing five different presidents proposing a day set aside to give thanks. The letters fell on deaf ears. Until, the letter she wrote Abraham Lincoln convinced him to enact legislation establishing what we call today Thanksgiving in 1863.

Hail to Ms. Hale! She is credited as the individual most responsible for the national holiday “Happy Thanksgiving.”

As we travel long or short distances to be with family and friends, we will gather around tables amid a bounty of turkey, dressing, cranberry and pumpkin dishes. Let’s humbly with grateful hearts enter the gates of heaven; up to the throne where our Lord sits crowned with majesty and worthy of all our praise. Reminiscing as far back in time as our memories will allow. Turning page after page of our pasts. Thinking on certain times in our lives when God certainly held us in the palm of His hands. Thanking Him with silent prayers for His faithfulness. Blessing His name through the trials and triumphant knowing the Lord has been there each step of the way.

Whether we were in the valley or on the mountain top; struggling through the wilderness towards the promised land…God has never left us nor forsaken us. He has protected, provided and delivered. He has restored, renewed and healed. And He has forgiven us time and time again.

“Father, we are thankful not just on Thanksgiving day, but every day because Your love for us endures forever. Your love never fails. You are worthy and we bless Your holy name.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 23, 2015

Trusting Jesus Even When Evil Seems to Reign

cb devo nov 23“Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (KJV)

My heart is broken for the “city of lights” and all those impacted by the recent tragedies there. We are told that at least one of the perpetrators was a refugee. A Governor proclaims that no refugees will be allowed entrance to his state, and I am so quick to applaud his efforts to keep his residents safe. Then, I see the faces of the refugees seeking asylum, and I am moved to compassion. Such murky waters…the intersection of compassion and self-preservation. Such a compelling reminder of the cunning schemes of our foe. Not ISIS, but our true foe.

How do we as the body of Christ navigate these waters? I have no answers… but I am asking God to give me grace to address these issues with love and compassion. I want Christ’s love and my knowledge of God’s sovereignty to be evident when I speak (or post). Although the threat is real, I cannot simultaneously give in to fear and speak of God’s power, love and sovereignty.
I am convicted by how quick I have been to criticize those in authority for not dealing more effectively with these threats…for not having easy answers. Yet, I cannot even understand my own heart on these issues. So many conflicting emotions flowing through my heart…but, they are bound together by gratitude. Gratitude for my Savior, who came to the intersection of compassion and self-preservation, and chose compassion.

“Thank you, Jesus, that you looked on a broken world filled with all sorts of evil and chose to pour out yourself to give us life in You. Help us in these dark times, filled with evil, to cling to the hope we have in you so that we can be the light shining through the darkness.”

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 20, 2015

Echoing The Father’s Words

nov 20“My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.” Proverbs 4:20 (NIV)

His little feet followed behind her. “Is it raining Mommy?” he asked. “Yes, it’s raining”, she responded. “Yes, it’s raining,” he echoed. Sloshing thru a puddle stepping in her footprints, he asked, “Are we going home?” She turned and smiled, “Yes, we’re going home.” He echoed, “Yes, we’re going home,” and then he giggled. A Hallmark card moment –the kind where you can just see the gleam in that little boy’s eyes and the smile that graces his mom’s face as she hears his echos.

Ever wonder if our Father longs to hear us echo His words? What would that look like in my world in your world? Rather than respond in bitterness or anger, our Father’s words would offer gentleness, compassion and patience. Rather than eagerly share the latest details of someone’s sin, we’d lift them up to the Father in the quiet of our own prayer closet. Rather than put other’s down, we’d build them up. Rather than speak with sharpness and pride, we’d respond with grace and humility. It’s the flip side of how our world responds. It’s the intentional thinking that chooses to draw close enough to the Father that His words breath into our souls. It’s the walking in His footsteps and repeating His words that transforms us while being in this world versus being like this world. Giving life or draining hope – the choice is up to us. Will we chose to echo the Father’s Words?

“Father, every day we have opportunities to echo the word’s You spoke – to speak in Your knowledge, wisdom and grace. Teach us to listen carefully to You so we will know how to respond.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 19, 2015

Daily Thankfulness

nov 19“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3 (NIV)

I’ve joined many on Facebook in coming up with at least one thing a day to be Thankful for. Somehow it seems easy to do when it’s November and Thanksgiving is coming up. However, God does great things for us every day, and we should have a continual spirit of Thankfulness daily. It does seem easier to find the things that are wrong in life, but there is joy in looking at the blessings. The one thing that I have noticed with the daily posts about things people are thankful for is how it brings joy and memories. We’re not just thankful for material things but for family, friends, and our relationship with God. It has really made us stop and think about what really matters to us.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s choose to reflect on our blessings daily and beyond the Thanksgiving Holiday. Let’s find a way to be a blessing to someone else so that we become the person or situation they are thankful for. The more we spread the love of Christ negative things fade away as hope and joy abound.

“Heavenly Father, Help to us to focus daily on the blessings you have given us. Show us ways to share your love and blessings to others.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2015

Seeing God’s Beauty

nov 18“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Blazing orange and fiery red – they caught my eye as I drove down the street. My mind was in a million places – ever been there – when you’re not sure how you got from Point A to Point B. Distracted, yet completely aware of the weight bearing down on your shoulders. And there they were – despite the dry, hot Fall temperatures. Despite the fact that the big tree out my window turned brown – depleted of its beauty. Despite the bare limbs that stood beside them. Lining the leaf covered sidewalks, these young trees displayed the essence of beauty – orange, red and gold – surviving even in the midst of ugly.

Amazing how God does the same in our lives. Dry seasons leave us blown and tossed by uncertainty. We find the bareness of our souls desperately longing for a ray of hope. The future looks bleak, and then right in the midst of our ugly, He reveals the essence of His beauty. We hear God’s voice clearer. We see God’s Word illuminated. We feel God’s love surround us. All because we kept looking. We didn’t give up. We didn’t stop praying. We pressed through. We kept moving despite the predictions. We kept our focus off the circumstances and firmly stood in the courts of praise. And when desperation met our gaze, we claimed the goodness of our God. When darkness settled in, we clung to His presence. When happy evaporated, we chose His joy. Even in the dry seasons, even in the loneliest hour – we can proclaim – It is Well With My Soul.

“Father, help us to hold on tightly to You even when everything else seems to be slipping away. You are the Faithful One.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 17, 2015

Do You Love Me?

nov 17“If you love me, keep my commands” John 14:15 (NIV)

Children are crude sometimes, because they say whatever comes to mind. Yet, children are the most loving beings – and their desire to please their elders often extrapolates the boundaries of their vocabulary and imagination.

I remember the day when a visit to my hair stylist for a coloring service turned into a very bad case of straw-like hair that didn’t look real. I returned home very upset and my then three-year-old son looked at my new do and shouted in excitement, “Mama, you’re a witch?!” The poor child thought I was trying to play a trick on him with the new look. His impacting, innocent remark, instead drove me to my room, where I called the hairstylist to schedule a morning appointment to get my hair looking normal again.

One time, I got a beautiful card made by my first grader in uneven letters with stick people smiling. The card read something like this, “I love you, mama. You make the best rice and chicken. I love you more than chicken!” In my six-year-old’s mind, chicken was his favorite food and what he assimilated with loving his mama. He didn’t hesitate to make the comparison between the love he had for chicken and his mama.

The Bible tells us about the time when Jesus asked Peter, the eager disciple not once, but three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” John 21:15-17 (NIV). Jesus had something important to delegate to Peter, which was to “feed His sheep,” therefore, He needed to make sure that Peter did love Him and was willing to accept the task he was being given.

Over the years, I have received sweet notes from my three sons expressing their love for me, and I have no doubt they would come to my rescue if needed. God is not looking for “people pleasers” in His children. He created us for a purpose, and He has a calling for each of us. If you listen closely, you, too, will hear him ask, “Do you love Me?”

“Thank You, Lord, for loving us and for believing in us.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 16, 2015

The Big Reveal

nov 16“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” Luke 12:2 (ESV)

Ever longed for something special or waited for a grand event? Sitting on the edge of our world, we watched time pass by dreaming of the moment the curtain would drop, the truck would pull away and we’d see our big reveal. Wonder how we would respond if our big reveal wasn’t quite as we expected?

Had a conversation with God the other day. Simple words, a searching heart and a recognition that I needed to see me from His eyes – to know myself the way He knows me. Vulnerable, exposed and unveiled. I sat in great anticipation convinced that good lived there. Couldn’t wait to hear God praise my lofty attributes, gifts and sacrifices. Dreamed of the words He would say.

Amazing the way, we hide behind our faults and camouflage our flaws. The good I claimed was really a disguise for the selfishness, pride and insecurities that hovered close by. Without even uttering a word, God orchestrated moments one after the other. Circumstances that stared me straight in the face uncovering a soul revealed – a Jonah on the run, a Peter in denial, a Martha too distracted…do I really need to go on. God’s unveiling of me was more than I wanted.

Transformation never occurs when our vision is distorted. But change is possible when we see with God’s eyes. An unveiling of a big reveal – the kind we don’t like and want to forget, yet the kind that positions us to move forward not settle. Love the way God sheds light just enough to uncover the darkness so the illumination of Him can wash over me. Cleansing, purifying, preparing, anointing, transforming one who longs to experience the fullness of His glory.

Don’t dread the moment. Welcome it. Embrace it. Allow God’s reveal to position you for His best.

“Sweet Jesus the pain of seeing me paled in comparison to who You are. Full of love, grace and truth – an invitation to reflect, imitate and glorify You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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