Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 11, 2015

For Those Waiting….

nov 11“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 (NIV)

Takes only one tiny seed to spread roots that run deep and wide. Takes only one spark to ignite a flame that spreads like wildfire. Takes only one person to be the one that chooses to make a difference.

So while praying for the soul of one who turned away, we plead with God to send just one. Someone who would speak a word at just the right time. Someone who could share truth bathed in love and grace. Someone they might encounter in the most unusual way. Someone who unexpectedly crosses their path. Someone who can say what we’ve already spoken but in a new way. Someone besides us that God chooses to send their way. Because every tiny seed planted has the potential to penetrate even the hardest soil and sprout roots.

Hard to navigate those tough journeys in life when we see so clearly the devastation that may lie ahead. Difficult to let go and let God write the redemption story of the souls we love. Yet, we hold on and we bow worn knees fighting the battle tirelessly until they come home.

Our hope, our peace is found in the One who loves them more than we ever could. God draws, seeks and waits for runaways to come home. He never gives up. He never forces. He never turns His back. God waits patiently and when that one tiny seed is planted, a miracle begins.

So while pleading for the soul of the one who turned away, we trust in a plan we can’t even see. We release our grip and raise hands to praise our Redeemer who says I’ve got this. We commit to being a planter of tiny seeds so others will come home.

“Father, reap the seeds planted.…bring back those who have slipped away…..amaze us with Your incredible plan to love them home.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 10, 2015

From Scratch

nov 10“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

Scrolling on my iPhone screen looking at Facebook updates my friends had posted, I noticed a comment from my next-door neighbor Erin. She had just harvested some sweet potatoes from one of her planters and turned them into a delicious sweet potato pie from scratch.

Idiomatic expressions can be interesting at times, especially when English is not one’s first language, as it was not mine. “From scratch” had always been one of those expressions that made me wonder how it had come to be. So, I moved my fingers towards the toolbar in search of Google. According to what I found, “from scratch” is an expression that originated all the way back in the 1800’s from racing, as the cars would depart from a line scratched into the ground. Simply put, “from scratch” means “to start from the beginning or from nothing.”

Now, if we go back even further land in the book of Genesis, chapter 1 Verse 1, we read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Wow!! Isn’t it amazing to think that God – who was perfectly content, happy, satisfied with being God and Sovereign master of the universe – decided to share some of Himself with us. He created the earth, populating it, and then created man from scratch – or literally nothing?

I was privileged to get a slice of Erin’s sweet potato pie and it was delicious! It wasn’t only delightful to my palate, but also to my stomach. To Erin, however, it was way more meaningful than just eating sweet potato pie, because she actually planted and harvested the potatoes in order to make the pie. She was the creator of it; from scratch.

The God of the Universe did not create us from scratch just to have us on display for all to see. He created us for His own enjoyment. And He gave each and every one of us a purpose for being alive, and to be called His sons and daughters, His workmanship, His FAMILY.

“Father, thank You for forming us and creating us in Your image in the beginning.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Worship

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

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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

 

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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

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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

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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

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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

 

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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

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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

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

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