Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 13, 2015

Where Glory Reigns

cb devo mar 13“So that the genuineness of your faith – more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:7 (HCSB)

Yesterday, I woke and heard the sweet sound of robins praising Jesus. Birds colored my yard and the thrill of Spring hit me. The temps for the day soared to 60. For this non-Winter girl, I was ecstatic. No coat and no gloves – hallelujah; however, my happy was short lived. My one day of Spring, my song birds decorating my lawn, my moment of glory that Winter was leaving – well it ended abruptly with an icy, snow storm within 24 hours. Slid into my driveway and the birds were nowhere to be found. Gone…gone… the unexpected beauty of one moment vanished replaced by the icy chill of the unexpected.

Ever been there where the hope of something long awaited exhilarates our praise? Ever watched a single moment slip through our fingers replaced by the unpredicted, unanticipated sudden jolt of life? Endless happy replaced by glory leaving or was it?

The absence of what we anticipated, longed for and dreamed about can set the stage for wondering and doubts. Disillusionment arrives and questions soar. We get lost in those places…..but we can also find Jesus in those unwanted spaces. Happy is shortlived, but joy stirs deep in the midst of the unexpected. Trusting Jesus grows where unpredicted reigns. Faith stretches large when sudden jolts force us out of our comfort zone. And glory shines brightest when we exchange happy for His joy – the fruit of the one who seeks to praise Him in the dead of Winter or rebirth of Spring.

“Sweet Jesus Your glory reigns in the most unpredictable places – when we choose to release our expectations – inviting You to invade all our spaces – inexpressible joy!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 12, 2015

Sharing Your Faith

cb devo mar 12“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1,4 & 5 (NKJV)

Ever become discouraged when sharing your faith with a friend? We witness through our actions and words with no apparent results; let’s face it–we often get discouraged! Yet if we enter a room filled with light with a sealed box in our hands, the box is filled with darkness. When we open the lid it does not affect the light at all! But if we enter a completely dark room and have a sealed box in our hands with a brilliant light turned on inside it’s a completely different story. When we open that lid, the darkness flees and although the room may not be bright as day, the light makes a great impact! So it is with our witnessing: we may not see the results we are hoping for, but we are leaving small “boxes of light” in that person. One day, God will enter and they will realize “he that follows Him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life!” Don’t ever give up instead exchange your discouragement for His patience and press through leaving the results in His hands.

“Father, people are so precious in Your sight, even with their imperfections. Help us to see them with compassion as You do, and never get weary of lifting them to You each day, interceding for their salvation.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 11, 2015

Perfect Solution

cb devo mar 11“My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8 (ESV)

Obstacles have a weird way of blindsiding our success. A few moments consumed and paralyzed by impossibilities can turn us retreating in the opposite direction. Why? Obstacles have a way of obstructing our view, and we quickly lose sight of what lies ahead.

The key is focusing on the solution rather than allowing the obstacles to minimize our options.

A crazy week of deadlines left me consumed by obstacles. No matter where I turned, I was overwhelmed. Printer issues, computer issues, and yes there were some people issues. My path to completing a project seemed derailed; no possible solutions. Why? Zeroing in on the obstacles left me emotionally exhausted.

Happens too many times doesn’t it? We face a hard challenge and can’t see the options because the obstacles consume us. We exchange faith for fixing, doing, striving – when God longs for us to run to Him.

Leaving the office that day, I prayed and thanked God. Intentionally, I turned my focus off the obstacles – what wasn’t possible. I reminded God of who He was – mighty, powerful and wise. He reminded me of the strength He gives to the weary. I offered His words – scripture back to God. He offered a listening ear. God met me filled with anxiousness and lifted me up to victory. On a night that could have been sleepless and restless, I was wrapped in peace.

Next morning, I begged for God’s creativity. I brainstormed possible solutions and the impossible was transformed to possible. What obstacles are you facing today? Praise God in the presence of perceived defeat. Recall His faithfulness and watch God unveil the perfect solution you need.

“Father, there are no obstacles in Your presence – thank You for empowering us in weakness and infusing us with Your strength.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 10, 2015

Relational Trust

cb devo mar 10“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV).

Several years ago, I had the privilege to sing in the choir of a church alongside a couple. The husband worked in counseling and the wife was a nurse. Usually, when you saw one, you also saw the other. It was evident from the way they interacted, they truly enjoyed each other’s company, even after being married 40+ years.

One Wednesday evening, as we were getting ready to practicing a choir piece, that husband lost his balance and almost fell off his chair. Fortunately, his fellow male singers caught him in time. For a few seconds we all scrambled, not really knowing what to do, until his wife got up. She firmly, but calmly, told everyone her husband was alright. As she held his hand and helped him by doing what needed to be done to make him better, she also addressed the choir singers. Her husband suffered from vertigo and every once in a while, during an episode, he would lose balance and either fall into a chair, a couch or a bed. All that he needed was to be still for a few minutes, until he could regain equilibrium and sit up or stand again. This husband was in good care with his wife.

Every relationship requires trust. Trust is something that helps the person who is providing something as well as for the one in the receiving end. When we trust the Lord with our relationships, we have something strong and durable, “because a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

“Lord, please help us to relate to one another as we relate to You, treating those You give to us with respect and love, and being someone in whom they can trust. ”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 9, 2015

The Fruitful Life

cb devo mar 9“The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in the courts of our God; they will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green.” Psalm 92:13-14 (HCSB)

While I will probably forever decline the words “old age” – I do want to thrive, grow and bear fruit as a healthy vibrant woman of God. And that encompasses all aspects of my life – spiritual, physical, mental and emotion.

I was talking to a friend the other day and she was saying that her grandmother lived well into her 90s and was an active, golf playing and Bible study attendee up until the end of her life. Don’t you want to be like that – going strong, investing in the lives of others rather than becoming a tired, exhausted unable to function bitter woman? My friend shared that her grandmother had endured many challenges in her lifetime, but never allowed those challenges to rule her life. Rather, she clung to Jesus and kept her life balanced – end result a fruitful life even in her old age.

Sweet friend, Jesus reminds us that if we cling to Him, focus our eyes on Him rather than the challenges then we will grow even in the hard places. Praying this week that God grows us all in the hard places and the easy places. That we don’t settle for temporary pleasures or give up during temporary setbacks – but rather keep thriving as beautiful women of God.

“Father, You designed us for growth, positioned us in Your house to thrive – help us to focus our heart, mind and spirit on You –to bear fruit at every stage of life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2015

Undeniable Love

cb devo mar 6“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10 (NIV)

He loves me; He loves me not –swirled in the wind as petals hit the ground. And when the answer wasn’t to our liking, we just picked another flower and started all over again. Even from an early age, our hearts wonder if love will find us. Maybe because we didn’t feel lovable. Maybe because “love” had been flung carelessly or withheld. Whatever the reason, we long to be loved, cherished and adored. God is no different; His perfect love is undeniable and evidenced in His actions toward us. And His faithfulness is driven by a deep love that He longs to have returned.

The marriage between faithfulness and love is not easily broken. We have no trouble being faithful when it comes to what or who we love. We have no trouble loving when we know someone is faithful to us. So if we find ourselves feeling less than loved, maybe we need to examine who we are being faithful to. If we find ourselves being unfaithful to God then maybe we need to check our love meter. True love is actualized not in what we say but in what we do. Sweet talk and promises are cheap when it’s not backed by actions. And if we rely on feelings and careless words to dictate our love, we will always end up unfulfilled. God longs to have a passionate, faithful love relationship with all of His creation; however, He will never force or dictate our response. Do we love Him or do we love Him not – the choice is up to us.

“Father, we never need to wonder about the depth of Your love – You are faithful and true, unrelenting in drawing our hearts.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 5, 2015

Hearing God’s Voice

cb devo mar 5“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22b (KJV)

Many years ago, a father we knew was telling how hard he had tried to instill instant obedience in his children. One day he was working on the roof and climbed down for a drink. When he returned, his three-year old had climbed the ladder and was on the rooftop, where he could have fallen to his death any second. Though his heart was racing so hard he thought he could not do it, the father quietly told his little son to stop exactly where he was and stay still. The child obeyed, and Daddy climbed the ladder and saved him.

I’ve never forgotten the story, nor the spiritual significance of how many times God might have to call me before I respond. Do I cause myself to fall because I haven’t listened to His voice telling me to stay still? Am I missing conversations with Him because I want to get on to the next thing? I pray this lesson on listening for God’s voice does not leave me. The Holy Spirit nudges our hearts in the right direction, but we have to train ourselves to be sensitive to His prodding. The more often we obey, the more we will recognize His leading in our lives. Let us work to get that obedience to instant submission!

“Father, sometimes I feel as though You have to yell at me in order to be heard above my busyness. Please be patient with me as I strive to learn to obey at the first prompting. Thank you for Your love, Lord, and thank You for the nail-pierced Hands!

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 4, 2015

Strengthening One Another

cb devo mar 4“….and they have been a comfort to me.” Colossians 4:11b (HCSB)

Nothing like a warm hug to comfort a weary soul. Nothing like the right word spoken when discouragement has grabbed hold. Nothing sweeter than a prayer whispered from near or far away.

Encouragement, comfort and prayers – like the air we breathe and the water we drink – the soul needs these vital elements for survival. And in the circle of ministry – this trio becomes even more crucial. Why? Because when we are obeying, leading and seeking to draw others closer to God, Satan works overtime to deflate our vision, extinguish our passion and disrupt our plans. Obstacles arise, challenges peak and doubts surface. Critics soar, jealousy rages and the list goes on and on.

I love the way God gives us the answer to every dilemma we face. I love the example He gives us in the Apostle Paul who knew the taste of critics, imprisonment and obstacles. Yet, without giving up or caving in. The secret – those who ministered with Paul were encouragers, comforters, faithful prayer warriors. Some were fellow prisoners. All were considered co-workers for the kingdom of God. No personal agendas or motives – just simply to share the gospel – strengthening one another.

Wonder what ministry would look like if we laid down our personal agendas? Our preferences would fade and His purposes would prevail.

Wonder how leaders would be empowered if we covered them in daily prayer? Protective words offered– extinguishing fiery darts.

Wonder how many unbelievers would be drawn to Christ if our words didn’t tear down God’s people? Acceptance, grace and love would ignite others propelling them to not give up but to press on.

And God smiles, approves and is proud – that’s how ministry is supposed to be done – serving faithfully together – encouraging, comforting, praying.

“Father, being consumed with what we want or think never serves us well. Help us to seek Your best, Your will for the body of Christ – bringing You glory – sweet daughters of the King.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2015

Calgon In The Midst of the Storm

cb devo mar 3“Praise be to the God…who comforts us in all our troubles. “ 2 Corinthians 1:3a,4a (NIV)

What does an “ordered life” actually looked like. A clean house? Well-mannered children? Enough money to pay the bills? A stress-free, Calgon moment? I’ll admit this sounds inviting, but are these the true indicators of peace, order and tranquility? The truth of the matter is that not even Calgon can wash away the stressors of life. Barricades, locked doors and foamy bubbles can veil…but not extinguish our problems and daily hassles.

How should we respond when the calm, placid waters of our life look more like a bubbling caldron of busyness and chaos? One suggestion is to begin by recognizing that stressors are a part of every life and nearly every season. In fact, scripture assures us that in this world we will have tribulation. And even though we often approach personal challenges as unexpected intruders or indicators of failure (or worse that godly women are impervious to the raw, edgy, tiresome moments of life), the reality is that these threads are part of the fabric of life. In fact, these are often the very instruments by which God works most profoundly in our lives. So, if some stormy seas are threatening your hopes for a tidy, well-ordered life, just know that the answer may not lie in trying to calm the storm… but rather learning to meet God in the midst of it. Our Lord may not want to still our choppy waters right now, but He can and will still our hearts.

“Lord, I pray that You would still our hearts today. Despite the busy circumstances and challenges that surround us, draw us close to You and help us to find shelter…in You…during every season of life!”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 27, 2015

God’s Dream Team

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5 (NIV)

One in spirit, one in purpose –  the  picture of  God’s people united in serving.  Leaving selfish ambition behind; committed to doing what’s in the best interest of everyone.  It was God’s design – His “Dream Team” operating in one accord strengthened by the unbroken cords of love.  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit had no problem functioning with one agenda – the trio created the world and redeemed the lost.  Wonder what we could accomplish in our families and in our churches if we left our hidden agendas behind?  Working together, we build rather than destroy.  Working as one, we love large rather than seek selfish pursuits.  Working in unity, we glorify the Father rather than glorify ourselves.  So where does unity start?  It starts with being One with our Creator.  Submitting to His agenda and His purposes for our lives.  It involves faithfully surrendering to God’s best.  It encompasses seeing life from God’s perspective rather than our own.  It stretches us to love big with open arms, rather than hold back grace for the sake of being right.  Hidden agendas will always rise to the surface unless we lay them down at the foot of the cross. It’s a hard cup to swallow, but we will never experience unity in the church until we allow it to invade our personal space. If we want to join God’s “Dream Team” then we would be wise to leave disunity behind in exchange for an unbroken cord of love.

“Father, rid us of self-reliance and teach us to be One in mind, heart and spirit.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Spiritual Living

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