Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 9, 2015

Simply Grateful

nov 9“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11 (ESV)

Ever wanted more, different and better than you already have? We all probably have visited that place and it can be a good place as long as we don’t settle there. Why? Because staying in a mode of perpetual want overshadows what we already have: a full closet, an overflowing pantry and a clean shelter.

We are blessed with far more than we really need. The basic necessities of life: food, clothing and shelter are ours to enjoy- yet too many times we are embarrassed by God’s provision. We compare, we desire and we give voice to the negatives that scream we don’t have enough.

Found myself caught in this trap of not wanting what God provided. My eyes surveyed the not so good points and highlighted why I deserved more. Right in the middle of my prayer, I rehearsed what needed to be fixed, changed and exchanged in place of what I was too embarrassed to receive. Words carelessly revealing the state of my ungrateful heart.

In a simple moment of silence while I caught my breath, the truth settled in. I was telling God that what He had so graciously given to me was not enough; I wanted more. He had made a mistake; I deserved better. This wasn’t fair; I didn’t want this – I wanted that. Ungrateful, unsatisfied and unthankful echoed deep in my soul. My cup was overflowing while I longed to be filled up with something else.

Wonder what God thought as He silently endured my ranting? Wonder if He rehearsed the list of blessings that He had poured over me? Wonder if His heart ached because I had forgotten to be simply grateful?

Perpetual want never serves us well, but a heart that is thankful results in joy everlasting.

“Father, forgive my longing for more and help me to cherish all the ways You have blessed my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 6, 2015

Loving People

cb devo nov 6“Peter fairly exploded with his good news: It’s God’s own truth nothing could be plainer. God plays no favorites!” Acts 10:34 (MSG)

We sort laundry, bills, toys, school supplies, coupons, etc. Sorting comes natural for us, but if we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves sorting people too. You know like the ones we avoid because we don’t have the energy to listen one more time. You know like the friends we wish we had versus the ones we write off – they just don’t fit with our group.

It’s all about preferences and choices – sorting the leftovers to a pile in the corner. I never remember a moment when I loved that corner myself so why would I dare put others there?

I’m so glad scripture reminds us that God doesn’t play favorites. We are all equal in His eyes, and He takes great pleasure in our uniqueness. The twelve closest friends of Jesus had little in common and to the world, they looked like a group of misfits. But Jesus saw what this diverse group could accomplish when they were united together. One’s strength would empower another’s weakness. One’s laughter would uplift another’s spirit. And in the midst of it all, one (Judas) would chose to make it all about his preferences.

Regardless of our size, age, wealth, career or personality – God is refreshed by the woman who genuinely loves people. Daughters of the King who shed favoritism, preferences and biases to see people through God’s eyes – beautifully and wonderfully made. Divisions not an option; sorting cast aside. Loving God by loving all people.

“Father, I’m so thankful for the women You have placed in my life. Different – yes. Awesome – you better believe it; but how sweet to take this journey together with them.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 4, 2015

Love Notes

cb devo nov 4“He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen!” Deuteronomy 10:21(NAS)

Who can forget the months before and after marriage when we would often find a “love note” tucked inside a book, the toe of our sock, on a pillow or any fun place? It was so exciting to have a message from the love of our life, just to read “I love you!”

Recently I realized that God sends love notes every day, and I’ve only just become aware that this is exactly what they are! Now I’m trying to be so much more alert to His unexpected blessings: a call from a friend who’s been on my mind, a song sung in church that only He knows is a real favorite, a smile from someone who doesn’t know me, a parking place opening up near the front (!) at WalMart.

May we ever be mindful that God enjoys seeing our pleasure when we receive one of His love notes, and may our praises and thanksgiving rise to Him on wings of love!

“God, how we thank You that we are ever on Your mind, that Your eyes watch over and protect us, and Your love guides our steps. Help us to be aware of the Spirit working in our lives, and as we joy in Your love and blessings, let us spread that love and joy to others.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

Leave a Comment

Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 3, 2015

Blooming Desert

Blooming Desert Luska Devo“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom.” Isaiah 35:1-2a (NIV)

If you hear the expression “blooming desert,” you immediately think of the word oxymoron, which simply means that two contradictory terms appear in conjunction. When we think of a desert, we don’t imagine anything blooming in it, right? Well, this used to be true for me, but not anymore. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Judean Desert in Israel and witnessed the growth of fruit trees right in the middle of what we would call “nowhere.”

Israel is indeed a blessed land by the Lord, and the promises we see in the Old Testament hold true to this day. The desert is a very arid, hot place and no one expects to find fruit and vegetables in such a place. However, the Israeli people have managed to develop irrigation systems that ensure whatever they plant in their land will grow and produce fruit.

While in Israel, I ate some of the fruit of the land, such as figs, dates and pomegranates and they were absolutely amazing, fresh, plump and tasty! I also tasted locally grown vegetables, and they were not any less beautiful or palatable than the ones we grow right here in the U.S. of A!

A land that is parched and sterile needs the proper nutrients to become healthy and productive. Likewise, a heart that does not heed God’s commandments will be a heart that does not know love, compassion or forgiveness. The word of God has the power to bring out the best in us. It is like the Israeli irrigation system, which brings life into the dry ground, allowing the seeds to germinate and bloom, grow and yield fruit.

It is our choice whether we yield good fruit or remain dull and unproductive. My prayer for you today is that you choose life and that you, too, choose to bloom for Christ.

“Thank You, Lord, for the seed of hope that lives within us. May it always find the strength to grow.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 2, 2015

Restoring Lost Sheep

cb devo nov 2“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

Wiped out – it only took a second. Cool breeze blowing through my hair, warm sunshine beaming down and then it happened. I went across the bridge too fast, and the wheel of my bike hit the corner of the sidewalk. A perfect landing on the soft grass would have been awesome, however, I greeted the rough sidewalk instead. No cell phone to call for help. No gear to protect me from the fall – did I mention I was wearing flip flops. No one with me – I was doing the solo journey.

Determined to finish my 40 minute ride, I got back on my bike despite the blood running down my leg. Pedaling was no longer easy and carefree; my journey had quickly become hard and painful. By the time I finished, my wounds were evident as I limped into the house. Sweet husband took one look and came to my rescue. Gently he cleaned me up, bandaged my knee (minus a lot of skin) and made sure I was okay – so love that man.

Ever wipe out in life? Been there too when we’ve chosen to solo through life not needing anyone. Navigating our own path at a fast pace – making our own decisions. And then it happens – we find ourselves flat on our face kissing the ground. Disconnected from anyone who could help us get back up. Totally exposed because we chose to step outside of God’s protection. No one to make it all better because we’re doing the solo journey.

So what do we do? We could keep going despite the pain or we could turn around and run into the arms of Jesus? Limping and wounded, our wipe out could be our most defining moment if it draws us closer to Him. Jesus longs to cleanse us, bind our wounds and shower us with His love and grace. Despite our independence and rebellion, our Rescuer is waiting, ready to meet us where we are.

“Sweet Jesus , Your mercy and grace welcomes us even in our dirtiest moments – so prone to wander – so thankful You seek even one lost sheep.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 30, 2015

Empowering Failure

cb devo oct 30“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Past failures + repentance + brokenness + surrender = empowerment. The lessons we learn in the shadows of failure position us to seek repentance and God’s forgiveness. Our broken spirits and surrendered lives position us to receive God’s empowerment. Graciously, God uses every event to move us closer to Him. If we maintain an intimate relationship with Him, then we will see our lives from His perspective and gain valuable insight. He knows the end results and the character qualities He is developing. He knows the people that will be impacted and the lives that will be changed.

Our compassionate and merciful God sees our failures and makes a way for us to leverage them for our good. He knows the fertile soil of defeat produces a harvest of knowledge and growth that we might otherwise have missed. Nothing is wasted, nothing is lost – it’s all necessary in order to purify our lives so that we will be utterly dependent upon God. Only when our lives are emptied, spilled out and void of us can God genuinely use our lives for His purpose and glory. As long as we are hanging on to even a thread of our own existence, we won’t experience the joy of total dependence on Him. In our greatest moments of desperation, we will find that God’s power enables us far beyond our greatest failures.

“Father, while we never aim for failure, we know that we will experience it. Help us to turn to you in those moments and experience the growth You desire.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 29, 2015

Not Where, But Who Is Your Hiding Place

cb devo oct 29“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1(NLT)

We live in a sinful world, but where do you dwell? The “secret place” (Hebrew for shelter or hiding place) refers to the Holy of Holies in the Temple – the place God dwelt. A place only the High Priest could enter; however, the people could enter in their hearts. Your heart is the ONLY place no one can go…that is except God! Your heart holds your deepest most cherished desires, dreams and thoughts that maybe you have never shared with even your spouse or closest friend. But God knows the depth of your heart.

The secret place is a place of heart where we hide in a loving relationship with our Father. He is our shade in the heat of life, our refuge from the storm and our fortress in time of trouble. When we feel insecure, inadequate, stressed, sad, tired or lonely. When we are fearful, disappointed or disconnected where do we run and hide?

Why make God our dwelling? Take a look at the blessings of dwelling in God’s presence (Psalm 91:1-16): rest, refuge, rescued, protected, shielded, sheltered, fearless, untouchable and unconquerable to evil, reinforcement from angels, answered prayers, satisfied and longevity. God honors those who are His children and have a relationship with Him. Can you imagine God honoring us? That is exactly what He will do for those who make Him their dwelling place. In Psalm 91: 15, the Hebrew word for “honor” literally means “to make heavy”. Here’s what happens. We go to God with a heavy load of burdens, and we leave with a heavy load of blessings. That’s how God honors us. He doesn’t stop at delivering us from our difficulties. He goes on to make us heavy with blessings.

“Father, help us to find our dwelling place in you and be protected and blessed!”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Mountain Blend

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 28, 2015

God’s Amazing Touch

cb devo oct 28“Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” Exodus 8:19a (NIV)

When the magicians in Egypt couldn’t match the miracles Moses and Aaron performed, they realized someone greater was at work. And they wasted no time letting the mighty Pharaoh know who he was up against. However, Pharaoh’s heart was so hardened he couldn’t even see the reality starring him square in the face. All of Pharaoh’s power, wealth and intimidation couldn’t match the finger of God. Despite the warnings of those closest to him, Pharaoh refused to admit that the One true God was poised to intervene and deliver His people.

Wonder if we’ve ever dismissed God’s activity in our lives? Something incredible happens and we chalk it up to luck. Something we’ve dreamed about for years unfolds and we attribute it to coincidence. We witness an amazing miracle, something that only God could have done, and we give everyone else the praise. A near miss accident swerves us into a safe lane of traffic and we attribute it to quick thinking.
Our mighty God intervenes, rescues, delivers, heals, restores and orchestrates while we just let it slip by unnoticed and caught up in the moment.

The finger of God is still touching lives – how has He divinely impacted your life? Who in our circle of influence needs to hear the incredible story of His touch? When was the last time we bowed down on our knees with lifted hands and praised the One true God for who He is? Minutes slip into hours, hours slide into days, days melt into months and months fade into years. If we’re not careful we will miss the miracle of seeing Him in every moment.

“Father, refresh our minds of all the ways You love us. Give us glimpses each day of how You intervene and invade our lives with your sweet grace.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 27, 2015

Safe In Him

cb devo oct 27“The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)

The Bible reminds us we have no reason to fear about what goes on in our lives, because the Lord will always be with us and He will never leave us. Yet, we often succumb to our fears because we fail to trust in Him.

Recently, I was given the awesome opportunity to visit Israel with all expenses paid. But first, let me share how the whole thing happened. You will then understand why I had every reason to believe this was a gift from God Himself to me, and I had no reason to doubt or fear.

Months ago, I noticed my passport was recently expired and debated whether to renew it, since I had no money and no plans to travel overseas. Yet, something nudged me to go ahead and pay the fee to renew the travel document. Around that same time, one day while shopping for shoes, I left the store with a suitcase instead of shoes. I found my actions a little out of the ordinary, but followed my instincts. So, back to my invitation to go to Israel, it came just a couple of months after these two incidents! Talk about a supernatural circumstance, a once-in-a-lifetime-chance to realize my dream of visiting the Holy Land, and best yet, with no expenses on my part!

I was overjoyed about the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked, and never once doubted He would ensure my safety. Some people asked me if I was really considering going there “at such a chaotic time in the history of that geographical location.” I replied, “This is as good a time as any, because there will never be a best time, if you think about it much.” I spent eight wonderful days in the Holy Land seeing places I had read about in the Bible and history books. I felt God’s presence there as strongly as I have felt anywhere else I’ve been. And all-the-while feeling very safe, because I knew that His hand was over me.

“Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your presence wherever we go.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 26, 2015

Cleaning Up My Mess

cb devo oct 26“Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, And teach out of Your law,” Psalm 94:12 (NKJV)

My water bottle slipped out of my full hands and hit the floor splashing everywhere. It was the last thing I needed; I was already running behind schedule. Emptying my hands, I looked for some paper towels. The janitor’s cart was right around the corner, so I explained my spill and asked for some paper towels. Quickly she (the cleaning lady) reached for her mop and said she’d take care of it. Now that would have meant I could walk out of the public restroom and try to regain control over my schedule. After all it was her job – wasn’t it?

For some unknown reason, definitely a God thing, I responded that I’d clean up my own mess. She was in shock – after all it was her job – wasn’t it? People made messes and spills all the time and that’s what she did day in and day out. But today, God said for me to clean up my own mess. And the payoff, well the cleaning lady walked a little taller and hummed as she went out the door. I meet her in the hallway still pushing her cart, and she smiled big – priceless.

So wonder what would happen if we cleaned up after our life messes? Instead of expecting others to bail us out, we’d value them enough to own up to our mistakes. Instead of leaving them to do what they’ve always done, we’d surprise them and learn something in the process. And the payoff they’d probably walk a little taller instead of cowering in disappointment. They’d hum His praises as they witnessed the transformation and smile deep as tears flowed – priceless.

“Father, teach us to value and respect the people You have placed in our lives. Help us to embrace the transforming power that is found in growing through our messes.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories