Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 28, 2015

Fruitful

cb devo july 28“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.” John 15:16 (NIV)

When I arrived at the home of my friends, the husband was replacing the mulch on their flower beds. The wife was hard at work in her vegetable garden, harvesting all the goodies that they had planted earlier in the season. I observed how they diligently worked the soil and trimmed leaves and vines with the artistry and expertise of knowing how to get the best from their plants.

I was amused at my friends’ dedication to their plants and was amazed at how those plants responded by yielding so much fruit. Within minutes of my arrival, my friends went inside their home to fix dinner for us. Along with them was a basket full of tomatoes, okra, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, bell peppers, parsley and chives. The table was plentiful with the fruit of their garden.

Amazing how the fertile ground can yield so many good things that feed us and help us stay healthy. Nevertheless, someone must take the time to prepare the soil, plant the seeds and take care of the new plants so that weeds and critters won’t destroy them. The garden’s caretaker must devote many hours nurturing his or her project in order to see the harvest.

As Christians, we are like those gardeners. We must carefully prepare the soil in someone else’s heart in order to plant the seed of salvation. If we treat people kindly and show them the love of God, they will be more receptive to what we share. If we do not take the time to nurture them and show that we really care, they probably will not listen and may not be open to receive what we share. Likewise, a new believer is like a baby that must be cared for 24/7 by its mother. With the proper care and spiritual feeding, the new Christian will grow spiritually and be aflame for God and bear much fruit, also sowing seeds for the kingdom.

“Lord, please help us to be fertile soil and yield good fruit for Your kingdom.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 27, 2015

Joy Ever After

cb devo July 27“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His place.” I Chronicles 16:27 (HCSB)

Got a fav thing you love to do in the summer? Mine is soaking up some rays of sunshine, sipping a refreshing Diet Coke and grabbing a great read. All in that order. It’s my chill time on Saturday that refuels me for the week ahead. And yes, I still flip through the pages of a real book – there’s just something about it that I will always love – the tangible story unfolding right before my eyes.

So what makes a great read? Interesting characters, mysterious or challenging circumstances and the perfect ending. But sometimes real life plays out and the happily ever after doesn’t quite happen. We keep hoping and waiting. We read faster and faster anticipating the story line will change any moment so we can have our perfect ending. And at the most pivotal point, we realize the writer has something totally different in mind. Real life can definitely unfold contrary to what we expected, planned or envisioned. Sometimes life surprises us with the sweetest blessings we never imagined possible. Sometimes life invites us to read between the hardships and trials to uncover the lessons buried deep. And yes sometimes our conceived Happily Ever After meets head on with a chapter we never wanted to write or read.

Regardless of the story unfolding in our lives, we can count on God’s Joy Ever After. Happy is never a permanent position, but Joy is a forever place. Because living within the soul of each of His children is a Spirit of Joy just waiting to sprout. Unlike the temporal emotion of happy, joy is a fruit that flourishes despite our circumstances. Why? Simple truth – joy is unshakeable confidence that God is in control, God is still good and God is always present. Isn’t that really all that we need? To trust completely in the One who gave us life to orchestrate every moment of our days – now that’s Joy Ever After. “Sweet Jesus, come and fill us with Your unspeakable joy!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin

TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 23, 2015

Encouraging Words

cb devo july 23“Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.” 2 Samuel 11:25 (KJV)

Ever went thru a trial and just in the moment you felt alone, you receive a card in the mail or have a friend call with a word of hope for you? Encouragement – everyone needs a little encouragement. Why not take time today to look around your circle of friends, family, and coworkers – maybe there is someone who is hurting and just needs a little note of encouragement, a text or a phone call. What if everyone stopped and thought about those around them? Being sensitive to others needs in the midst of our crazy busy lives means we have to stop make that one phone call, send a text or write that one little note. We need to take the time to listen when God whispers and places someone on our hearts and obey His call of encouragement. Saying we will do it later only leads to disobedience and forgetting. God uses us as His vessel to reach others – how many times have we thought about a person and later let it go? Take that moment and stop long enough today to think about who you can encourage. Pick up the pen or the phone, reach out and give that blessing.

“Father, thank you for sending others to encourage me in times of trials. Help me to be sensitive to your whispers to encourage others.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 22, 2015

Through God’s Eyes

cb devo july 22“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:” Proverbs 24:32 (NIV)

Being impatient and tapping your nails or huffing and puffing doesn’t speed up things when stuck in a long line. Recently, I went to the post office and there was one person at the counter. I only needed one stamp and a stamped envelope. There were a couple of people ahead of me with packages, so I settled in to wait. By the time my turn was close a pretty long line had formed behind me and a couple of the people were not so patient. Including one who kept tapping her nails on the counter. If she had been observant she would have noticed:

There was only one worker, and he had a lot going on. The couple with several boxes in front of me was actually mailing care packages to military personnel. And one of the boxes they didn’t have to mail because it belonged to a relative of the postal worker; the military person had just come home.

By being observant, I was extra nice to the postal worker and went out of my way to make him smile. I also made sure I thanked him and wished him a good day. I was able to see blessings in action while enduring a wait for a simple stamp. How many blessings have we missed by being impatient? Has being impatient ever helped a situation move faster? The next time we are in line, let’s determine to show God’s kindness to others rather than become frustrated.

“Dear God, Help us to take things as they come. Whether it’s fast or slow. Everything is in Your timing and Your will. Open our eyes to people and situations around us so we may bless others.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 21, 2015

Breaking Away Stiffness

cb devo july 21“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

I was out the door by 5:30 am, because at 6:00 am I needed to be ready to start working with my physical therapist at a clinic. The next two hours were tough. I worked hard to make my ankle and foot do some things it hadn’t done in almost a year. Each time I learned a new exercise, repetitions helped my body to remember the moves. According to the physical therapist, the tendons and ligaments needed to be reminded about the part they play in making my ankle and foot work together. At times, when I had weights placed on my foot before doing the exercise, it would get hard to move, but I could not quit. I had to keep doing it so that my foot would remember that it could do those motions and the stiffness would break away.

A similar exercise we must do repetitiously is helping our heart to forgive. When the pain of the wrong done to us hurts so badly, we don’t want to set those who wronged us free. Jesus’ answer to Peter shows us that we must keep on forgiving until we are free from the pain of the hurt. If my math is right, the number of times we should forgive is 490 times. Wow! With as much exercise as that on our heart muscle, the heart will be likely to soften up, wouldn’t you agree?

Practicing forgiveness can make pain and hurt dissipate and helps us look at others through the eyes of Jesus. If we look at forgiveness as a two-way street where we need it just as much as we give it, then there is a likelihood that more people around us will be healthy and happy because the stiffness of grudges will melt with our actions.

“Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the recipe for health and strength.”

For His Glory,

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 20, 2015

Simple Jesus Followers

cb devo july 20“Likewise, good works are obvious and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.” I Timothy 5:25 (HCSB)

Never been a fan of “I” conversations. You know where a whole list of what “I” did leaves very little room for anyone else to breathe a word. Especially when it comes to a roll call of all the good the “I” did. Slips in ever so carelessly and often without intent. Now don’t get me wrong –sharing our right choices and behaviors in a sense of humility is a good thing. When we focus others on God’s mighty strength working through us to do what we know we can’t – that’s powerful. But when we are the ones drawing attention to all our good, we’re standing on a slippery edge about to plummet into pride.

Don’t you just love the way some people shine without even noticing it themselves? Kindness and mercy clothe their actions. Others, not themselves, become the center of uplifting conversation. Genuine love and grace motivates their responses. And their good deeds done unnoticed rise up to the surface bringing glory to God. They don’t need to draw attention to self because their motive is to honor Him.

Our world would herald them as unsung heroes or good Samaritans; Jesus simply calls them followers. Those who choose to walk in His footsteps – full of humility – serving without notice. They stay late when others have walked out. They quietly pay a family’s meal when struggle seems apparent. They notice a need and cover it behind the scenes. They listen intently and don’t wait for an invitation to help. Simple Jesus followers – more concerned about changing their world – than making a name for self.

“Sweet Jesus rid us of the desire to showcase our perceived good. Keep us far away from the edge of pride and remind us to glorify Your name in all that we do.”

For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 17, 2015

Our Anchor

cb devo july 17“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” I Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)

Wouldn’t we all love to live the balanced life? Not overdoing one area while minimizing another. Perfectly balanced in our finances, careers, relationships and spiritual depth. I’ve probably read a dozen articles taunting the benefits of keeping our emotional, spiritual, physical and financial spokes rolling smoothly. Yet, there have been times when I’ve just allowed myself to overdo by pure choice and disregard for what’s getting the short end of the stick. Eventually what’s been ignored always catches up with me and it’s not pretty.

Reality check – even when we desire and seek balance – there are some life events that throw us completely off balance. Seasons of rearing small children leave little time for spa moments. Tackling a huge project at work or accomplishing a personal goal minimizes our social calendar. Caring for aging parents or a sick family member can deplete our finances and zap our energy. No matter how committed we are to balance, during some seasons of life it’s all we can do to maneuver through another day.

Spiritual check – when our lives become unbalanced, we can anchor our soul to Jesus Christ. We can cling to His peace right in the midst of chaotic toddlerville or teenage battlegrounds. We can seek His wisdom and creativity for tough, challenging decisions. We can draw from His strength and provision when we don’t have anything else to offer. Even when the nest is empty and loneliness looms large, Jesus offers the sweetest closeness only He can give.

Looking for the balanced life? Sweet friends, we can count on Jesus to hold us steady even when life is unsettled. He is the solid rock we can lean on and stand on.

“Father, when we depend on anyone or anything else, we miss the perfect stability that is found in You alone. You are the sweetest anchor for our souls.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 16, 2015

His Ultimate Plan

cb devo July 16“Who else among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is glorious in holiness like you — so awesome in splendor, performing such wonders?” Exodus 15:11 (NLT)

Navigating around a large hospital or university is daunting, isn’t it? Recently I was on a local campus, seeking someone with NO name, out of thousands! In each building, I was referred to another. At each stop, I had to explain my mission: God had impressed heavily upon my heart to give my almost-new keyboard to someone “who was praying for one!” How can one know who is praying? God, of course! Don’t give me any praise; I resisted for months before obeying. By the end of two hours, I was exhausted from walking and telling my story. Finally a woman I talked with asked if I wanted to donate it to the university School of Music. Each semester, they would lend it to a student. Maybe not what I had prayed for so fervently, but a good “Plan B.”

Three days later, I carried it to the campus. Two gentlemen helped me get the keyboard, stool and cords inside. Suddenly one of them said, “Oh! Dr. W. heard of your request, and he knows someone who has been praying!” Wow! What glory went to God!! An unknown student praying and a faculty person whom I had NOT seen heard of each and was able to get the two together! What a beautiful testimony to those who knew of my search. God plays a personal, intimate part in our lives, and He provides “miracles” that are affirmations of His great love for us! Hallelujah!

“Father, help me never to forget that the smallest desires and prayers in our heart are heard by You! Why would I be amazed that the God who created this beautiful world would orchestrate two of Your children’s lives to intersect? You are so awesome, God,–thank You for Your everlasting love!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

Leave a Comment

Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Growth, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 15, 2015

Yielded To His Wisdom

cb devo july 15“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (HCSB)

How often do we dismiss the persistent feeling we have that something isn’t quite right? We slide back and forth between something is wrong to it’s probably nothing to worry about. Like a pendulum swinging carelessly wherever our thoughts land for the day. Eventually we rationalize our concerns or dive in deeper to uncover whatever doesn’t feel or look right.

Takes courage to face the truth especially if that truth unveils a dreaded conclusion. No one wants to admit they’re struggling just to get up and face another day. No one wants to share the devastating loss of a job, home or finances. No one shouts through a crowd, their marriage is falling apart. No one longs to disclose their child is behind bars. No one dances for joy when the doctor reveals a cancer diagnosis.

Tough truths that confirm our nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. Moments where we might be tempted to wonder if we’d paid closer attention to the warning signs would the results be the same.

When normal no longer looks or feels normal early detection is crucial. In the medical field it broadens our options and increases our chances of survival. In the emotional realm it positions us to seek help before depression and anxiety overwhelms. And when it comes to matters of the heart and soul, early detection minimizes the aftermath of sinful actions. By confessing disobedience quickly, the barriers to God’s wisdom and blessings are removed.

God has created each of us with a sense of discernment that when yielded to Him leads us in the right direction. His Holy Spirit lives within us guiding us to truth. Positioning us to heed the warning signs and proactively responding to what doesn’t seem quite right. Wisdom is ours for the taking – we just simply need to bring our concerns to Him and He will show us the way to respond.

“Father, Your wisdom is without judgment and offered freely to those who come seeking Your will.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 14, 2015

Sharing A Beach Chair & Jesus With Susie

Cb devo july 14“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

I traveled to Miami for Independence Day weekend to see my brother and niece; however, I had not anticipated what a spiritual feast the trip would unveil. Our holiday started off as a family outing on the beach, access to a beach resort swimming pool and the famous seashell gathering. Then, I stumbled into a very nice lady named Susie.

Most people make acquaintances by meeting casually at a store or somewhere else where both parties are standing and fully dressed. Not me! I was coming back from the water scrolling through some pictures on my phone, when I suddenly stopped myself before colliding with a beach chair with Susie in it. I apologized and we both laughed. After that incident, we kept passing each other, and finally I felt I needed to go chat with Susie.

I shared my life story with her and a scripture passage the Lord impressed upon my heart. That sweet lady hugged me so tightly and sobbed in my arms. She then told me that I had not gone to Miami to see my brother, but to meet her because she needed to hear what I had shared. She even patted me on the back saying she was checking to see if I wasn’t growing wings.

I needed a vacation, but Susie needed to hear that God loved her and no matter what, He would never leave her side. As I watched the fireworks display that evening, I smiled and thanked the Lord for placing me at that beach for Susie. I don’t know if I will ever see her again, but I know that right there, in my wet bathing suit and sandy feet, I shared with her my most precious gift: Jesus.

“Dear Lord, thank You for placing us where we can bear witness of Your love to those who are in need of love.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories