Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2015

Redeeming Best

cb devo july 10“This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)

Tiny fingers hitting a hot stove slither away in pain. One cookie too many and tiny stomachs wish they’d listened. A wayward teenager lingering too long at a party forfeits her future for the sake of imitation love. A range of pain simple and complex all indicators that life experiences seek to teach us.

From the cradle to eternity, God desires to lead us in the direction of “best.” So why is it we resist His tender leading when we have no reason to doubt His outrageous love? A subtle inner voice echoes a familiar chorus. Eve heard it in the garden. Jesus heard it in the wilderness. And we hear “we’ve been cheated, there’s something more and we’ve got to reach for it ourselves.” Doubt and disillusionment fills our lessons rather than enlightenment, wisdom and understanding.

Why would a loving God allow this to happen? Why would He bring us this far only to watch our world collapse around us? Questions searching for an answer that can only be found in the One who teaches us what is “Best.” We see immediate; He sees long term. We see heartache; He sees wholeness. We see unfulfilled dreams; He sees the big picture. Trusting God and surrendering our hearts isn’t always easy, but it does guarantee we will not be disappointed when He directs our steps.

“Father, You are the Giver of life – the One who has planned out each of my days. I know I can trust You to lead me to best.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2015

Why?

cb devo july 9“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust…” Psalm 40:4a (NIV)

Have you ever found yourself asking God WHY? Why did that prayer go unanswered? Why did tragedy strike? Why did God remain silent? As I look over my life most of my “why’s” seem to surface when God’s plans deviated from MY plans or expectations.

In Scripture there is one story in particular which brings the question “WHY?” to the forefront of my mind. It is the story of Hosea who was a man of God living in a day when Israel was turning from their faith. And although we might think God should have rewarded Hosea abundantly for his life of obedience, the fact is Hosea got dealt what we might call “a bad hand.”

Rather than abundant blessings, God gave Hosea a wife, Gomer, made famous for her poor homemaking skills (and wayward vocational efforts). Was it fair? NO. But, I’m not so sure that God ever intended for “fair” to be the barometer by which we measure life’s circumstances.
In fact to demand “fair” is really like reducing God to a cosmic vending machine. Just put in a few of the right things and then PRESTO…we get what we want…or at least what we deserve. The problem is that God never promised “Fair.” This is a difficult concept to embrace, but as Hosea’s story exemplifies life comes to us on God’s terms not our own. And when those terms do not match the décor of our rosy expectations, they are still Holy terms. So if you are asking “WHY,” join me in praying for the grace to stand in faith, even when we cannot see or understand the terms of God’s plan.

“Lord, please grant us the strength and grace today to trust You – especially when life does not seem fair. Help us to rely on Your goodness rather than what we see or feel.

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2015

Wednesday’s Women

cb devo july 8“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he (Jesus) always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)

Who are you praying for today? Several years ago, I would have said – I’m praying for me! Then I would rehearse all my needs, wants, etc. And God longs for us to bring our requests to His throne. Prayer is the heartbeat of a thriving Child of God.

Right in the midst of my list giving to Jesus, He challenged me to take a deeper step and spend my Wednesdays in prayer for other women. So I wrote down on paper every Wednesday for the rest of the year, and God filled up the blank spaces with the names of women. Some of these were women in ministry like Beth Moore or Priscilla Shirer. Other Wednesdays were devoted to women in our church, friends, total strangers I met along the way. Women I knew, women I had read about or seen speak and women I would never know personally. God filled my Wednesdays and taught me that limited knowledge equals unlimited possibilities when prayers are brought to the feet of our all knowing God.

How does God want to enlarge our prayers? Perhaps interceding for an unsaved friend. Perhaps someone’s marriage is struggling and rather than spread the news, we choose to bend the knee. Perhaps God will fill our Wednesdays with strangers who need a special touch of His grace in their lives. What an incredible gift – what a sweet, fragrant offering – taking women to the feet of Jesus.

“Father, help us to become women who are intentional in taking our prayers to a deeper level – reflecting Jesus’ example to a world desperately in need of His intervention.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2015

Encouraging My “Twin”

cb devo july 7“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

When I started walking again after an ankle break and two surgeries, I decided I needed some cheering up and drove myself to the mall. I am happiest when I am surrounded by people, even if I do not know them, so going to the mall is a great past-time. I can walk around or simply sit in a public area and watch as people walk by.

That Saturday morning, I dressed myself in royal blue khaki pants, matching turtleneck shirt with a brown vest and brown boots. As I limped my way into the first part of the mall, I spotted two elderly ladies walking arm-in-arm, as if one was helping the other walk. Since one of them was wearing a royal blue sweater and pants, I knew I had something in common to break the ice and start a conversation.

“Good morning,” I said with a smile, “You and I could be twins!” The limping little lady immediately replied, “Honey, we couldn’t be twins! I am 87 years old!” I told that sweet lady that I wished that by the time I reached her age, I could look as good as she did. The ice melted, and we stood there talking for about 20 minutes. During our chat, I found out that Ann had broken her ankle and – just like me – had a metal plate and screws implanted in her leg. And yes, you guessed it, I told her we had more things in common than our royal blue outfits; we really were meant to be twins.

When we parted ways, the two ladies hugged me so tight, that it felt almost like saying goodbye to family. Incredible opportunity to help someone smile and forget about their troubles. Why? Because I chose to forget my own physical pain to cheer someone else.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for giving us supernatural joy when we need it.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 6, 2015

His Script

cb devo july 6“For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” Psalm 71:5 (ESV)

The perfect beginning….the perfect ending. As a writer, I don’t have to exert much effort to imagine and envision in my mind how a story will play out. Easy to do when you create the characters, determine their behavior and responses. Not challenging when you control each chapter and the final outcome, which unveils the exact expectation desired. No surprises when the last page is turned.
Now real authentic life that’s quite a different story. We can still dream and envision in our mind exactly how we think or want something to happen – but there are no guarantees. We can even attempt to control the outcome and manipulate people; however, they are not puppets on a string. God gives us the freedom to make choices and yes, some of those choices result in others’ expectations not being met.
Unmet expectations can quickly pave a road to disillusionment and frustration. When we zero in on the events, people and circumstances that failed to measure up, we set ourselves up for disappointment. What we wanted to happen…what we imagined would happen….what we tried to make happen. All scripted by yours truly and then we find ourselves wedged between imagined and reality. Searching for the perfect ending but finding the exact opposite.

Whenever we allow our imagination to run wild and chart out a sequence of events, we place our hope on shaky ground. But if we want a sure thing…..then we need to trust the character of our God. He is the only One who knows the whole story. He is the only One who protects us from our selfish desires. He is the only One whose character never disappoints or frustrations. By leaving our expectations at His feet and trusting Him to do what is best, we can release our script and experience the joy found in His amazing plan.

“Father, You are the writer of all our stories – help us to release our expectations and trust You to take care of our future.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2015

At His Feet

cb devo july 3“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 5:13 (NIV)

An earnest request, a desperate plea, outbursts of praise, brokenhearted confessions – prayer takes on many faces. Gazing into the early morning dawn, walking along the beach as waves crash on shore, kneeling at the bedside of a dear friend, gathered with worshippers on Sunday morning – prayer occurs in many places. Building a hedge of protection, sustaining weary souls, dancing in the joys of victories, propelling adoration – prayer is an instant connection, a direct link to our God. Sitting at His feet, caught up in the wonder of who He truly is – prayer transforms and energizes our lives. It’s the only guarantee we have in this life – a captive audience with our King. It’s the sweetest song we ever sing – lifting praise from parched lips. It’s the lifeblood that empowers our lives as prayer effortlessly flows when we recognize the source of our strength.

In need of a miracle? Gather at His feet. Unsure what route to take? Listen at His feet. Overcome with guilt. Be washed at His feet. Lonely at heart? Be filled at His feet. Overjoyed just to be alive? Dance before His throne. There’s no place I’d rather be then at the feet of Jesus – won’t you join me?
“Father, how we long to breathe deep of your power and love. Washed in forgiving grace, we bow down and worship at Your feet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Prayer, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2015

The Best Coach & Playbook

cb devo july 2“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” John 13:14-16(ESV)

Ever wanted a private tutor for life? How about someone who would coach you on the fundamentals and help you understand the team strategy? We have the best coach ever – Christ Himself. When you study His ministry, you’ll see He led by example and left behind the best playbook. He didn’t pick a certain economic background to minister to; He helped everyone. He also didn’t place a lot of emphasis on material things; He was basically homeless. He was the King of Kings but had no problem being the servant washing someone’s feet.
Below are some keys to living the Christian life as exemplified by Christ Himself:
• Have a quiet time every day-Mark 1:35
• Serve others and never think more highly of yourself- John 13:14-16
• Love one another-John 13:33
• It’s okay to grieve and cry-John 11:35
• Don’t judge others-John 8:7
• Be obedient to God’s will-Luke 22:42

The Bible is our guidebook through life. It’s better than Barnes & Noble because in one book you have love stories, poetry, history, self-help, marriage, parenting, and relationship advice. We just have to take the time to study it and get the tips directly from our Coach on how to live the Christian life.

“Dear God, Thank You for being our coach, mentor, teacher, and tutor by sending Your Son to be the example to follow. May we study His life and strive to live it out in our own lives.”
For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2015

Handle With Care

cb devo july 1“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14 (ESV)

Fragile – handle with care was marked all over that box. Buried underneath mounds of bubble wrap was a bag of frozen cookies. Not just any cookies – my homemade peanut butter drizzled in chocolate yummy cookies. The very ones I made for my son when he was growing up. Yummy goodness that he loved to dunk in milk and eat when he got home from school. And now, my fragile package was making a UPS trip across country for his birthday – wrapped snugly and layered with shipping tape so they wouldn’t shift in transit.

From the looks of the bag, you would have thought a priceless diamond was buried in that heap. And to me and my son – those cookies were priceless. Memories of talks over the kitchen counter while cookie dough clung to my fingers. The best treat after a tough football practice. And countless movie nights devouring just one more peanut butter cookie. Definitely a fragile package – sweet reminders of the love between a mom and her son.

Wish I could say I treat all my relationships with care. Too many times it’s easier to slide through life forgetting the “special” people that make this journey sweet. Busy robs our agendas and often unbalances our priorities. It’s too easy to lose touch, even in this techno world of instant connections. Sometimes a wake up call reminds us how fragile life really is. No one is guaranteed tomorrow – regardless of their age. The family members of those tragically killed in the Charleston church shooting never imagined their loved one wouldn’t be coming home again. The runners in the Boston Marathon never dreamed that race would be their last.

God has ordained all of our days. He has crossed our paths with those who enrich our lives with love, faith, grace and wisdom. Let’s not forget to savor the moments, celebrate the special people we are blessed to journey with through life.

“Sweet Jesus help me to honor and treasure the relationships You have brought into my path. Thank You for making this journey blessed.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 30, 2015

In My Weakness

cb devo june 30“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJ)

The state or quality of being weak; lack of strength, firmness, vigor – definitely not how we want to be described. Webster goes on to define weakness as an inadequate or defective quality, as in a person’s character. Weakness can also be self-indulgent or an object of special desire; something very difficult to resist. Regardless of how Webster defines it – a weakness is a difficult thing to admit, even harder thing to allow God to use for His Glory. We have to become vulnerable and allow our weakness to be exposed; however, we try to hide our weakness from those around us. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness so why do we allow our insecurities to control us when we can bask in God’s strength? Ever turned it around like that? We can choose God’s strength or our own insecurity. Hmm, doesn’t seem like that hard of a choice now does it? God choose us, He created us and He takes pleasure in us, even when we do stupid things. He chooses to use our weakness to draw us closer to Him and others to Him as well.

“Father thank You for the reminder that You give us strength in our weakness; we can trust You in all things.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2015

Never Forsaken

cb devo june 29“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)

Ever felt the presence of Jesus in the ease of life and drank deep of His joy? Ever danced with gratitude and lifted hands to worship the One who sings in the breaking dawn? Ever left a list at His feet and watched as yes unfolded right before our eyes? Incredible, awesome, speechless encounters with the One we love – blessings overflowing, tranquil peace surrounding, and unquestioned devotion. Days we love to repeat – play back over and over again.

But then the storms come. Drenching, soaking rain that drowns out the ease, gratitude, and answered prayers. Cancer returns. Job eliminated. Husband abandons. Children deny faith. The joy we drank deep seeps out in the midst of loss, brokenness and disappointment. Curled up in a corner, weak, shaken as the no’s slap us in the face one after another. All we’ve known is lost and doubts rise to the surface questioning – Is Jesus still there?

Ever heard the sweetness of His voice whispering in the dark of days? Ever felt His arms holding us tight as the winds of doubt and sorrow raged? Ever stayed at His feet in surrender when everyone else walks away? Ever claimed the perfect verse that only He could reveal? Priceless encounters with the One we love – the One who never gives up – the One who never abandons – the One who searches and seeks for even one who’s lost their way.

“Father, how deep is Your love for us – how sweet is Your presence – how calming is the knowledge that You will never leave nor forsake us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

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