Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 10, 2015

The Cure For A Critical Spirit

cb devo sept 10“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

During my morning walk, I noticed a home that seemed neglected. The lawn needed cutting, there were rampant weeds and the shutters needed a fresh coat of paint. Then I noticed a potted plant on the porch. It was a simple clay pot containing a gorgeous peach geranium. It was so stunning, that I slowed my pace to enjoy it a few seconds longer.

Interestingly, that lovely plant transformed the rest of my walk. I began noticing what was beautiful about each home or yard as I walked past them. And, I started thinking about how this might apply to other areas of my life.

In my work as a consultant, I am called to evaluate and assess my client’s operations. My ability to hone in on what needs to be fixed is an asset in this situation. But there are other times when my tendency to see “what needs to be fixed” in my circumstances, organizations and people is less of an asset! In fact, it is sin… a critical spirit that leads to discontent and does not promote unity or display Christ’s love.

But God is gracious and He has given me a tangible reminder, wrapped in a simple clay pot, that He calls us to dwell on those things that are true, lovely and praiseworthy. Simply changing what we focus on has the power to transform our perspective. Now, when I feel that critical spirit rising up, I will chose to picture that lovely potted plant and be reminded of how good my God is.

“Jesus, You are lovely, true and praiseworthy. Help me to dwell on You and the good things You give. Keep me from indulging my critical spirit, so that You may be glorified.

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 9, 2015

Connectedness

cb devo sept 9“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

When I was a child, our family would take summer vacations to visit relatives we didn’t get to interact with regularly, so we could get to know them better. Today, with the benefits of cellular phones, computers and social media, one no longer needs to spend a large lump sum of money to interact with their loved ones. Take, for instance, my children, who all live at the geographical oddity of 10-12 hours’ drive from me. If it were not for technology and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Whattsapp, etc), we would not be as connected as we are. On any given day, I may be sitting in the comfort of my home chatting with my children and grandchildren on Skype on my phone or on my laptop, or reading about their day on Facebook or Instagram. Though the way in which we interact today is quite different than when I was growing up, connectedness is something most people enjoy feeling.

In the Biblical times, letters kept people connected. The Apostle Paul wrote several letters to greet different churches and people he wanted to encourage and, at times, admonish. In spite of all the technology we have available today, I still enjoy getting out a card or some paper and practicing some penmanship by writing a note to someone I have not seen in a while, or someone who needs encouragement, or a congratulatory note of sorts… I even delight myself in putting some shiny confetti shaped as hearts, stars, musical notes, or any other fun shape in my letters to brighten someone else’s day.

Whatever the means that keeps you connected with those you love – letters, cards, phone calls, text messages, prayer, and so forth – be encouraged that you may be the reason someone has remained true to God’s Word and has not given up on believing. You make a difference for the kingdom.

“Lord, You are the reason we live. You are the life.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 8, 2015

Be Still & See What God Is Doing

cb devo sept 8Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 1 Samuel 12:16 (NIV)

It is hard for me to stand still, sit still, or just be still. I am one of those people that tend to have two speeds: energizer bunny or asleep. It’s as if I have a battery and I just keep going until my battery dies and then I have to sleep to recharge my batteries. Not only do I physically have trouble being still, but my mind has the same problem.

When I ask someone what they are thinking and they say “nothing” I have a hard time believing that because my mind is never off. I am constantly thinking…whether I mean to or not. You should hear some of the story lines that run through my mind. I am sure there is a blockbuster hit somewhere in there.

But, seriously, I think and think and think. Sometimes it is worry, but most often it is just wondering. Especially when I am waiting on the Lord.

What will things look like in the future?

Am I prepared?

Will I be content?

And then I read 1 Samuel 12:16 in my morning devotional, and I am reminded to be still. That the Lord is doing a great thing. That this great thing will happen before my eyes.

Listen, this verse was not written to me or about me, but I believe it applies to me. And I believe it applies to all of us at varying times in our lives. As I am waiting on the Lord to move in several areas of my life, I want to just be still and trust Him, knowing that He has a great thing waiting for me, and it will happen before my very eyes.

“Dear Lord, please help me to stand still and wait on you.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 7, 2015

Extravagant Love

cb devo sept 7“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (MSG)

Have you ever stood silently during a time of worship and just listened to the voices around you? A sweet aroma – a fragrant offering – that’s what God hears.

Have you ever watched someone serving others even in the midst of their own hardships? An incredible sacrifice – that’s what God sees.

Have you ever walked with someone down a lonely path? A courageous soul – that’s who God carries.

Have you ever held the hand of a loved one gasping for their last breath? A precious saint – that’s who God longs to greet.

If we could see for just a moment what God sees it would literally take our breath away. If we could hear the praises that fall upon His ears it would leave us speechless. If we followed the footprints in the sand and watched Him carrying the weary it would melt our hearts. If we watched God hover over His dear child in that hospital bed it would remove all our fears.

Oh that God would give us His eyes, His ears, and His heart – our lives would forever be changed. We would no longer judge sinners or condemn the saints. We would walk in grace and extend mercy. We would clothe ourselves in love and specialize in carrying the wounded. We would walk fearlessly knowing who’s waiting on the other side, and we would worship without hesitation dancing before our King.

“Father fill our lives with more of You. Give us a heavenly view consumed with loved and guided by mercy.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 4, 2015

Sharing Hope

cb devo sept4“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15 (NIV)

H – O – P – E . Four simple letters packed with the stuff we need to make it every day. Four letters that transform despair into possibility. Four letters that bring smiles back to weary faces. Four letters that remind us that following Jesus ensures we are never without hope. He is the Hope Giver – the only One we can truly trust to meet every need that we have today and tomorrow. So why are we keeping this secret to ourselves? Why do we hide away the one elusive thing that the world craves.

Sharing the hope that lives within us takes courage and boldness. It takes an investment in developing relationships with others to earn the right to be heard. It requires knowing the scriptures and being able to give an answer when others ask questions about our faith and the hope that sustains us. If we don’t intimately know the Hope Giver, then we won’t have the passionate connection with our Creator that empowers us to live out the hope within us. It requires intentionally praying and seeking God’s direction to know what to say, when to say it, how to say it and who to approach. Without that sensitivity, we may push ahead of His timing or push others further away.

Four simple letters packed with amazing possibility – don’t miss out on the glorious
H – O – P – E that God has for your life.

“Father, teach us to cling to Your hope and reap the rewards of trusting in You. Compel us to share with others the hope that You have entrusted to us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 3, 2015

Diligence Makes The Difference

cb devo sept3“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:42

When my sister Lilian and I were in high school, I was always involved in things that had to do with writing and the arts. Lilian was always involved with athletic activities, more specifically track and field competitions.

I admired my sister’s persistence and diligence as she practiced her running in any type of weather. She loved working out and to this day, she is an avid runner. On the other hand, the only thing that associates me with running is the word “errands.” I’m a non-athletic person who, in spite of not being sedentary, do not apply myself to any specific sport or athletic activity other than an occasional game of Frisbee. A fall and severe ankle break last year tragically ended that career.

Persistence and diligence were Jesus’ trademark while He was on this earth. His time was spent speaking to the multitudes about His Father’s kingdom. The Bible does not make mention of a man who took vacations or sat around doing nothing. On the contrary, from a very young age, Jesus was said to be mingling with teachers at the synagogue. He participated in prayer meetings with His disciples, as well as intervened on behalf of the sick and the oppressed by healing them. He turned water into wine, calmed storms, saved adulterous women from being stoned, raised the dead back to life, opened the ears of the deaf and the eyes of the blind. Jesus even prayed in the garden in the wee hours of the night, and so much more. He will always be associated with being a role model to those who consistently and constantly devote themselves to the purpose for which they were created.

Though I do not break a sweat like my sister while doing my writings, my love for God and the written word keeps me excited about what to write next. You are important to the Kingdom of God and you can make a difference for Him. Be the best you can be for Him.

“Dear Lord, thank You for knitting us together with gifts and talents we can use for Your glory.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 2, 2015

An Open Invitation

cb devo sept2“My heart has heard you say, “come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8 (NLT)

Ponder for a minute this verse, David must have penned this Psalm during a moment of complete despair. How many times have we been in David’s shoes at the point of desperation? Imagine, the God of the universe sitting on His heavenly throne and the earth is His foot stool. Just like with David, God being concerned about the weightiness of our hearts due to life struggles, situations and circumstances. He cares when our hearts are heavy burdened with pain, fear, sorrow and brokenness.

We, like David, plead with the Lord to hear our anguished cries for help. The expression of our prayers show the dependence upon which we seek the Lord to answer. Our hearts are crucial and vital in the sustaining of life. God was precise in the workmanship of our bodies…especially our hearts. God Almighty can speak from heaven and pierce our hearts with His voice. The Psalmist states it’s the heart that hears the Lord say, “come and talk with me.” An open invitation by God in all His glory and splendor. He desires to spend time in a loving and caring conversation with an attentive ear and heart towards His children.

As the verse says, “Lord, I am coming.” Metaphorically, during difficult seasons of my life, I have envisioned running with arms outstretched reaching out for our Father to catch me. As I sit on His lap with my head resting on His shoulder unleashing a barrage of needs and concerns no matter how big or small. Bombarding Jesus with a pleading heart. As the Lord patiently listens to a one-sided conversation of cries for help from trembling lips and tear stained eyes. As He restores peace with the reassurance that He hears our emotional appeals.

“Father tune our ears to always hear Your voice calling us to draw near to You.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 1, 2015

God Still Loves The World

cb devo sept1“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV)

To be completely honest, I often wondered if short-term mission trips were worthwhile. It’s not enough time to build meaningful relationships and affect long-term change…but, I was wrong. After returning from my mission trip, I recognize the most significant change is in my own heart, and I pray it is long term.

While I am still processing all that I saw, experienced and felt, here are a few things that settled in my heart:
I have way more than I need; I want to change that. I want to become less of a consumer and hoarder, and more of a giver. God is faithfully showing me ways to accomplish this.

In spite of the suffering I saw, God is sovereign and good. During quiet moments alone, I asked God if the promises in His Word applied to these precious families, and if he has numbered every hair (Luke 12:7) on the heads of these beautiful children… even those infested with lice? Too hard for me to comprehend, but God reminded me that life is but a vapor (Ps. 62:9), and eternity is forever. These people who suffer poverty, can share in the riches of Christ’s peace here on earth and store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). He does love them; but it is up to us to show them His love.

I am more thankful for those who uproot their comfortable lives and move oversees to care for those struggling due to the culture in which they were born. I am more aware of their sacrifice and joy…and I want to come alongside them in prayer and provision.

I am also asking God to open my eyes to the poverty in my own city and neighborhood. Perhaps it’s not material poverty, but spiritual poverty. I pray that my heart will become tender towards those whose lives look appealing, but who do not have the peace of Christ or the assurance of eternity. I want my heart to be just as broken for them as it was for the poverty-stricken families in Guatemala.

“Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 31, 2015

Glory Givers

cb devo aug31“But when he (King Uzziah) was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God…” 2 Chronicles 26:16a (ESV)

Rocky, uneven and steep. The hike to the top of the mountain seemed longer than I remembered. It left me gasping for breath after climbing over rocks, but rays of light assured us we would soon reach the top. And what an amazing view! Definitely surpassed my memory bank. So loved the wide open spaces – looking down into the valley – gazing way off into the distance. Lingered long, breathing in deep – didn’t want to leave this place.

How great is our God to capture such beauty and unveil it right before our eyes? What we longed for down below. What we reached for all along the way. What we pushed beyond our limits to attain. Now in full view – God glory shining all around us.

But we couldn’t stay there forever lifted high above it all. Descent seemed much faster. Descent seemed harder. Steep climb up and tricky climb down. Easier to slip when gravity pulls.

Note to self: Climbing up requires focus, discipline and perseverance. Climbing down requires same.

Ever been there – you know working hard, striving, attempting to reach that goal? Zeroed in on the end result – anticipating the exhilarating payoff – the mountain top. Dancing in the joy of accomplishment. Drinking deep of success. Jumping onto our platform. Filled with our glory. Knowing we did it. We made it happen – pride slipping in – God glory seeping out.

Ever felt the jolt as descent occurs? Reality coloring our ease. Uneven ground – tricking footing where our success lives. Fades quickly.

Note to self: Glory stolen births beauty fading. How quickly we forget the One who lifts us up.

“Father, we are no different than the one who sought to steal Your glory. We get lost in what we do, forgetting You are the wind beneath our wings. Forgetting You deserve the praise – because You made it happen. Help us to never be glory takers, but glory givers in awe of all that You are.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 28, 2015

Radiating God’s Beauty

cb devo aug28“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

Lifting weights can definitely give you a good work out. Looks quite simple – watching someone who strength trains lift heavy weights with ease. We see those sculpted muscles and quickly decide we want to look like that – it really can’t be that hard. Unlike the fitness ads we see in magazines, muscles don’t magically appear overnight. It takes discipline, consistency and the right nutrition. You start lifting lighter weights and then gradually increase as your body adjusts. End result from all that hard work is a stronger, leaner body built to carry us through life.

Lifting our spiritual lives to a deeper level happens much the same way. It starts simply with taking our faith in God and building upon discipline, consistency and prayer. Before we know it, we begin to see God’s goodness overriding our actions. As we put His words into practical application, we build a sculpted life that reflects His character. Self-control enables us to lift the heavy weight of perseverance. Godliness in our actions and thoughts births the byproduct of brotherly kindness and love – a life that others decide they want.

End result from all that hard work is a woman that truly reflects the beauty of God’s character and goodness. Praying that will be you and me – less of us and more of Him – daughters making their Father proud.

“Father, how we long to be women who turn the eyes of the world on You instead of ourselves. Help us to make every effort to grow, increase and flourish in our faith as we allow Your beauty to radiate in our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Marriage Conference

TRBC will be hosting the I Still Do conference on 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 the church 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, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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