Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 8, 2015

Feeding My Soul

cb devo oct8“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water!” Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

How often does it happen to us that we run into someone in a store and say “glad to see you!”? We have a friend along and try to cover up the fact that we are not doing introductions because we can’t recall a name? Embarrassing!! We do a ‘one-sided’ intro, “This is my friend, Suzy! She and I are hitting the mall for great sales today!” Hoping it is not noticed that a real name exchange has not taken place! We walk off, saying to our friend, “Oh my, was it too obvious that I could not recall her name” or perhaps even “Didn’t know who she is, but she’s in my large Life Group Class?”

I was hit by a thunderbolt when my son was very young. I asked the pastor some off-the-wall question that showed my lack of Bible knowledge–more importantly, lack of true knowledge of Jesus Christ! It hit me like a ton of bricks that I would never be able to introduce my son to someone about whom I had little knowledge! That impacted my life so hard that I began getting up exceptionally early in order to devour God’s Word, long before the household awoke. We have to make our Bible reading a priority. It will not come because Momma read hers every day, or we heard it in Sunday School or Worship each week. It comes as we read and meditate on it in the early morning, before life interferes and duty calls!

“God and loving Father, thank You more than we can say for Your Word! Forgive us for treating it lightly or letting our minds roam as we read. Please help us to seek You early, and let the Word be planted deep within our souls!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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I Still Do, a Family Life event, is designed for married couples to reconnect and strengthen their marriages. Dennis Rainey, Alistair Begg, and other speakers and entertainers will be sharing from the stage. The conference will be hosted live at TRBC and simulcast nationwide to thousands of churches! It’s an exciting event and we’d love to see the Worship Center filled with couples committed to their marriage, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court decision.

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2015

Our Assignment

cb devo oct7“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

God has given each of His children a spiritual gift to be used to serve others. Once we identify our spiritual gift, we are to use it fully, willingly, and gladly to the best of our ability. Where we get hung up is when we go outside our spiritual gifts and try to serve in another capacity. This leads to frustration and burnout. Sometimes we don’t try to step into another person’s role but from afar we envy them. They seem more “spiritual,” and we perceive God is blessing them more than us; however, we don’t know what they have gone through in preparation for ministry. They may be coming off a long period of trials and pruning and more than ready for a blessing in their life. The only thing we can account for is what we can control and that is our self.

Serving alongside friends or even family can also be challenging. We may be ready to serve and feel our spouse should be just as ready. Each time period of serving in ministry comes after God has fully equipped us and given us the green light to go ahead. We should prayerfully consider if God is giving us the go ahead and trust Him to show our spouse how to use his gifts. If we try to force someone else to serve just because we are ready, there is a chance that we will push them away from what God has in store for them. The key is to stay faithful to our calling, serve according to the gifts and talents God has given us, and fervently pray for others to join us in ministry as He calls them.

“Heavenly Father, we are thankful that you prepare us for each step we need to take to serve others. Help us focus on our gifts and areas of service that you have called us to and not be tempted to make our own way. May your name be glorified in all we do and our service add to your kingdom.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

I Still Do, a Family Life event, is designed for married couples to reconnect and strengthen their marriages. Dennis Rainey, Alistair Begg, and other speakers and entertainers will be sharing from the stage. The conference will be hosted live at TRBC and simulcast nationwide to thousands of churches! It’s an exciting event and we’d love to see the Worship Center filled with couples committed to their marriage, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court decision.

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 6, 2015

Let There Be Light

cb devo oct6“And God said let there be light and there was light.” Genesis 1:3 (NIV)

As I sit reading the words of Genesis 1:3, I can’t help but think that Jesus was on God’s mind even on the first day of creation. When God said, “Let there be light,” there was light: Brightness that illuminated the world each day. I think about how God saw that the light He created was good, and separated it from darkness. There was day and night, evening and morning, and while this all makes sense within the order of the universe that God created, it’s also another foreshadowing of the ultimate light that would come.

God again demonstrated that when He commands light, light appears, thousands of years later when He sent His only son to earth. His Son, Jesus, was good and completely separated from darkness as no sin was in Him. This God-man walked and breathed on this earth for 33 years as the sun rose in the morning and set in the evening. The light God created on the first day is only one aspect of our daily lives, but we can have the light of the world with us always, regardless of the amount of light or dark streaming in through our windows.

In Matthew 5, Jesus, the ultimate luminary, calls His followers the light of the world. He goes on to say that we must let our light shine before others around us. Our light that is a reflection of Him must be shared with the world so that they can see God more clearly and completely. Out of the overflow of His love for us, we can share the love of this light with those around us. So, let there be light. Not the artificial kind that comes from a light bulb. Not even the natural light that comes from the sun. But let there be light from the SON, Jesus, and let us be all be a reflection of Him.

“Dear Lord, thank-you for being our light in a dark world.”

For His Glory,

Laurel Shaler
TRBC Coffee Break
http://www.drlaurelshaler.com

I Still Do, a Family Life event, is designed for married couples to reconnect and strengthen their marriages. Dennis Rainey, Alistair Begg, and other speakers and entertainers will be sharing from the stage. The conference will be hosted live at TRBC and simulcast nationwide to thousands of churches! It’s an exciting event and we’d love to see the Worship Center filled with couples committed to their marriage, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court decision.

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 5, 2015

The One Thing We’re Holding Back

cb devo oct5“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 (ESV)

Just can’t do it – ever said those words? If it looks too hard to accomplish, we often throw in the towel before we even attempt to start. If it looks too complicated, we choose an easier way. If it requires sacrifice and discipline, we shrug our shoulders and forego the challenge. Why? Those four short words have packed a powerful punch in our minds leaving us convinced we won’t succeed. We’ve echoed them over and over again shutting out the “I cans” because “I can’t” keeps us safe and life easier.

Wonder what would happen if we quit saying we can’t and actually replaced those words with positive reinforcement? Tried this as I reluctantly gave up my Diet Coke. For years, I’ve talked myself into thinking I can’t do without it. And when I’m stressed or tired, I’ve instinctively reached for my fav drink. It followed me to the beach, to work and yes, even to the gym. All because I convinced myself I can’t do without it. So, September finds me in an extremely busy season of life and I’ve attempted to let my go to stress reliever go. By rehearsing “I can do this” and eliminating my “I can’t” amazing things began to happen. My tastes have radically changed, and I’m allowing God’s words to empower the “I can” I thought was impossible.

Is there an “I can’t” in your thought closet that’s just waiting to be unpacked, released and replaced with an “I can?” Perhaps it’s breaking a bad habit. Maybe it’s extending grace. Could be sharing the gospel. Perhaps it’s releasing forgiveness.

Boldly confronting our fears is tough. Maybe the one thing we’re holding back is the one thing God knows we need to release. His word reminds us that all things are possible when we trust Him and not ourselves. Let’s rely on His strength and power to transform our “I can’ts” into incredible “I cans.”

“Father, You have given us everything we need to be successful. Transform our minds with the truths found in Your word and teach us to trust You with all our “I can’ts.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

I Still Do, a Family Life event, is designed for married couples to reconnect and strengthen their marriages. Dennis Rainey, Alistair Begg, and other speakers and entertainers will be sharing from the stage. The conference will be hosted live at TRBC and simulcast nationwide to thousands of churches! It’s an exciting event and we’d love to see the Worship Center filled with couples committed to their marriage, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court decision.

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 2, 2015

Embracing God’s Wisdom

cb devo oct2“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Unexplainable moments in our lives often propel us to zero in determined to uncover the hidden truth. Unfortunately, there are some things in life that we will never understand – what do we do with those things that leave us doubting, wondering and confused? Where do we turn when a load of messy dumps right in the middle of our seemingly normal life?

Amazing how quickly God’s name arises in the midst of tragedy, even by those who claim He didn’t exist in the first place. It’s as though their perceived non-existence of God gives them the right to point blame in His direction. But how can you blame someone you don’t believe exists? How can you question the character of God when one doesn’t know anything about Him? And what about His power and authority to force everyone to yield control in all situations so pain is eliminated.

Most people don’t want His name breathed in the classroom or heads bowed in prayer yet they want God to intervene, stop and change tragic events. Unfortunately, the world wants God on their terms. I’ve lived there myself when the death of a child, loss of a marriage and disappointments raged against me. Shaking my fist, I allowed the unexplainable to distort the image of the God I knew. But I’m so glad He didn’t leave me there. Our God never forces His creation, rather He lovingly compels each of us to relinquish the unknown in exchange for the love and wisdom of the Almighty.

“Father, one day You will reveal all things – until that moment, I will place my trust in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 1, 2015

Trusting God’s Agenda

cb devo oct1“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He has put a new song in my mouth–praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40: 1,3 (NKJV)

There are always so many things on our “to do” list, aren’t there? And it seems as though so often we are telling a family member, friend or co-worker, “I will do that! I just have to wait until I know the time is right!”

Recently a friend said that very thing to a co-worker who had pushed her last button! This person was not letting up in her efforts to see the task done in her time frame. Suddenly it was a light-bulb moment as my friend realized that she–and I, and possibly you–are like that with God! We ask for something that we need Him to accomplish in our lives, then rather than turning it completely over to Him in perfect trust, we keep complaining because it was not done in our conception of the right time! We need to give the situation to God, and as Psalm 37:7 says, “Wait patiently for the Lord!” He knows what we need and more importantly, He knows exactly when the time is right. Not only do we have to believe this, but we also have to put it into practice!

“Father, we thank You that we can give You the situations in our lives that are beyond our control, and know with certainty that You will get them accomplished in Your perfect timing. Help us to trust You completely as we wait to see You work.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 30, 2015

Solid Foundation

cb devo sept30“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:25-27 (NIV)

My hubby and I just returned from our annual trip to the beach. I grew up going to the mountains and other places for family vacations so I’ve never been a huge fan of the beach. One thing that really bugs me is not having a solid foundation to stand on when I’m in the water. It’s unsettling to feel the sand shifting under your feet and it throws you off balance. I’m more comfortable in a pool where I can see the bottom and I know that it’s solid and won’t move.

The same is true for our spiritual lives, we need to be standing on the solid foundation of God’s word and His promises. Anytime we try and build our Christian walk on anything else, we will quickly be off balance. Good works, being a good person, listening to others versus God’s instructions, even attending church and serving without pure motives are grains of sand that shift instead of being a solid foundation. God gives us a complete book of instructions to follow that give us the concrete blocks of a solid foundation. We just have to read and heed it.

“Father God, How thankful we are that we don’t have to figure out our Christian walk on our own. You’ve given us Your Son’s example and a complete guidebook with the Bible to follow. Help us to stay focused on Your instructions and build a firm foundation that will withstand the storms and trials of life.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 29, 2015

Round & Round

cb devo sept29“You’ve circled this mountain long enough, now turn north.” Deuteronomy 2:3 (NASB)

Every morning, I step on the scale holding my breath while it calculates my weight. I look down at the number glaring back at me and shake my head in disgust. Heading to the kitchen, I determine to eat all the right things and find time to exercise. But by evening, I’m sitting in front of the TV eating ice cream, cookies, or….well, you get the picture. I get up the next day and do it again. This has been my daily routine for a long time. Round and round that same old mountain. Much like the people in our passage. When God spoke these words to Moses, He was giving the Israelites a new direction. After wandering the desert for close to 40 years, due to their disobedience, the time had come to go into the land God had for them – the “Promised Land.” Even though this happened hundreds of years ago, how many of us feel like we’re circling? We’re stuck on the same old path feeling helpless to go in any other direction.

Whether we like it or not, we need someone to guide and give us direction. Our way doesn’t work. Even with all the will power in the world, nothing will stop me from eating ice cream, except a desire to follow God’s direction. By reading His Word and being in communication with Him daily, He guides us. By turning our eyes upward to Him, we allow Him to lead us. Because He loves us and only wants what is best, we can be assured that His way is right even if it isn’t easy. Our way leads to circling round and round, but God’s way always leads to our Promised Land.

“Dear Lord, forgive me for wanting to go my own way. With all my heart I want to obey You. Help me to follow You in everything I do, no matter what the sacrifice.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 28, 2015

Fixing My Eyes on Jesus

cb devo sept28“When He (Jesus) reached the place (Gethsemane), He told them, Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Luke 22:40 (HCSB)

Decadent chocolate…..the more I gazed, the more I wanted it. On my final of many looks through the bakery glass to view this delicacy, I caved in. It was so sweet, creamy and of course chocolate – best cupcake ever. What else could a girl ask for?

Well, I could fill in that blank with lots of things. You see gazing isn’t limited to decadent chocolate cupcakes. Of no, it veers way off the path to ”perceived grander” things. Quickly, we can have a fixed intent to act upon what we want right now. Our gaze creates desire, longing and a serious case of “I don’t have, I really need and I will get.” Glimpsing is fleeting and moving, but gazing is steady and focused.

Ever found yourself zeroed in on something that really won’t serve you well? Eating one decadent chocolate cupcake definitely won’t send us over the edge. However, continuously gazing through the window at the bakery and caving in day after day, well that’s another story. The effects might not be visible in the moment, but time will reveal the difference.

Same thing is true when we are faced with a multitude of temptations. We entertain the thought. We will hover close to the edge. We gaze longingly toward that one elusive thing, and yes sometimes we slip right over hoping no one will ever notice. But when we deny God’s commands, our perceived grander things we can’t live without eventually turn into things we hide.

From the Garden of Eden to the garden in Gethsemane, scripture reminds us we will face many tempting moments. Eve chose the apple; Jesus chose the cross. Will we chose to keep our gaze upward, fixed and focused on Jesus or will we gaze outward and give in? How we handle temptations today sets the course for how we will face temptations tomorrow.

“Sweet Jesus every day unfolds opportunities to walk in Your footsteps – to do the Father’s will – help me to stay strong especially in the midst of temptations.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 25, 2015

Courgeous Warrior

cb devo sept 25“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 ( NIV)

The proverbial bad date – do you remember those days? Some of us may still be living those days. He looked so good. Quite the charmer, his words wooed us. Unfortunately, the excitement he generated never met our expectations. Imposter was really a better name for this dating nightmare.

Sound like anyone you know? Satan is the proverbial bad date for the Christian. Disguised as good, he knows exactly what to say. Charming even the most unsuspecting person, Satan thrives on enticing us down a path that fails to meet our expectations. He specializes in seeking out those who hearts are bent towards disobedience. He finds great pleasure in blinding us to the things that creep in and cause us to limp through life.

So what’s a girl to do? Delete his number and don’t let him slide back in. Deny him access. Don’t entertain the thought that we can handle him. Scripture reminds us that Satan is not a force to take lightly, and we need to actively engage God’s help. And if we think we’ve got it under control, we don’t have to look far to see how people of faith entertained his lies and found themselves cowering in the aftermath of sin. God’s word is clear: flee, resist and run in the opposite direction remembering our Deliverer is ready to fight for us. We can end that nightmare if we embrace the power of God’s Word to set us free.

“Father, empower us to resist Satan’s deceptive ways. Arm us with Your strength as we wave the banner of victory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break
TRBC will be hosting the I Still Do conference
Saturday, October 17th.

I Still Do, a Family Life event, is designed for married couples to reconnect and strengthen their marriages. Dennis Rainey, Alistair Begg, and other speakers and entertainers will be sharing from the stage. The conference will be hosted live at TRBC and simulcast nationwide to thousands of churches! It’s an exciting event and we’d love to see the Worship Center filled with couples committed to their marriage, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court decision.

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Living

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