Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 15, 2015

The Needed Christmas Gift

cb devo jan15“And my God shall supply all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

Christmas is over – gift giving behind us with many thinking, ‘I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with that stress today!!’ The reason? Hurt feelings! Our attempts don’t always choose what someone else would want right? Thus begins regretting exploring options, which may have revealed a need/want!

Wants and needs are two different things wouldn’t you agree? This concept made me ponder if I could ask God for anything what would it be? A question requiring a deep search of my heart and soul: will my request glorify God? Glorifying God is deeper still. Does it exemplify a selfless heart – wants are not necessarily needs, and will my prayer request outlive me in some way?

Honestly, as I pen these words I don’t know what my request would be (they can change moment by moment) but I do know the following:

a. I need the Lord more today than any of my yesterdays. (Phil. 4:19)
b. My trust level has deepened through circumstances & trials. (Prov. 3: 5,6)
c. Prayer is vital in my life – I can’t function without it. (I Thess. 5:17)
d. He’s working ‘all things’ for my good – how? I don’t know. (Romans 8:28)
e. I can never stop pursuing my God. (Jer. 29:13)
f. God’s grace is sufficient for anything that enters my life. (2 Cor. 12:9)
g. Heaven is my final destiny following this earthly voyage. (I Cor. 2:9)

Jesus is more than enough and then some! Unwrap this belated Christmas present!! It may prove to be the gift you wanted after all!

“Dear Father, teach us to understand You are all we’ll ever need.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 14, 2015

Whiter Than Snow

cb devo jan14“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 (ESV)

Clean out the fridge. Sweets eliminated. Clothes to the Goodwill. Closet clean. Papers shredded. Ready for Tax Season. It’s the acts of a new year. Getting rid of stuff that accumulates or attempts to sabotage our resolutions. Putting away the past and pushing forward to the new. Dumping excess in exchange for simpler less complicated.

Wonder if we need anything cleaned out of our lives? What do we need to eliminate emotionally? Is there anything cluttering up our minds? What has crept in while we were busy or distracted? Maybe it’s time we got rid of the stuff that hasn’t served us well. The very things we are holding onto may be the exact things that God wants us to release, eliminate and put away.

Facing the reality of what needs to be changed takes honesty and courage. If we want revival in our hearts and the lives of those around us, then we must humbly admit what needs changing and confessing. It so easy to slide into a new year with the anticipation of new, better and great – but if we remain the same as 2014 we will only reap the same.

Personal revival only comes after deep cleansing. Love the tender mercies of God and welcome His grace in our places that need His washing. Cherish the tears that lead to repentance and the sorrows that drive sin away. Love the arms spread wide drawing us close to His heart filled with compassion. Cling to the joy restored when whiter than snow covers us. Sing His praises in the breaking of another dawn knowing new, better and great awaits those who obey God’s commands.

“Sweet Jesus, You have covered all our sins so that we can experience the freedom of walking in your truth and grace – we praise Your holy name!”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 13, 2015

Bread of Life

cb devo jan13“In the sweat of your face, you will eat your bread.” Genesis 3:19a “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.” Mark 14:22 (NKJV)

When my son was about two, our pastor visited our home. After asking him a really dumb question about Jesus, I realized I couldn’t introduce my son to a God I barely knew? That motivated me to read my Bible through each year (sometimes twice) and memorize scripture which was very hard. One day while correcting my children, my son shouted, “You have a verse for everything we do!” (I assure you it was not meant as a compliment!)

As a new year dawns, what better time to make a decision to read your Bible through. The two verses above are so applicable to true Bible study: Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Life. In Genesis, God told Adam and Eve that they would eat their bread by the sweat of their brow. Reading your Bible and praying are NEVER true habits; they are disciplines. Let a phone call come or visitors, etc., and how do we start our day? Seldom do we say, “Please excuse me while I read my Bible and pray.” It will indeed be by the sweat of our brow that this year we eat of the Bread of Life every day, and for 2015 have a goal to read our Bible completely through. The rewards will be amazing!

“Father, please strengthen us in our inner self as we make a decision to read your Word and talk to You every day this year. Grow us in our faith so we become a well-watered plant that we may in turn bless others who need to eat of the Bread of Life and drink the Living Water.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 12, 2015

Eight to Five

cb devo jan12“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” John 17:4 (ESV)

The ideal job – wonder what that looks like? For years, I thought it was only found in fulltime Christian ministry. I bought into the illusion that my job was second best, and my eight to five in the workplace was cheating me out of “ministry.” I had settled, and perhaps I had missed my calling – my one chance to make a difference.

Do those thoughts ever cloud your thinking? We’re teachers, lawyers, housewives, administrators, nurses, etc. and yet in God’s eyes we’re so much more than the title that hangs on our door.

Ministry is not an event or a job description. Instead it’s a calling to glorify God’s name wherever we are – whatever the job. Just like Priscilla – a wife and tentmaker in the city of Corinth. Along with her husband, Aquila, the couple joined ranks with the Apostle Paul who also was a tentmaker. Together the team of three made tents and later traveled to Ephesus as missionaries. All while being tentmakers. Discipleship was a top priority for Priscilla and Aquila – they mentored the preacher Apollos and hosted a house church in their home. All while being tentmakers.

Now, do you think God was displeased with their ideal job? Their job allowed them to meet lots of different people and provided a steady income regardless of where they lived. God opened doors for ministry – a chance to make a difference in their world outside of eight to five in the workplace. And He will do the same for us. God will use us wherever we are – whatever the job. The real ideal job is found in sharing His story, living out our faith and leaving our world a better place.

“Father, You give each of us a ministry – lives to touch and a place to serve. Help us to seize the opportunities You chose for us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 9, 2015

Releasing Pain

Young Woman Facing the Sky“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Ever get caught in the crossfire of someone’s injustice? The wounded heart wounds and often strikes anyone in its path. Unpacking hurt and pain can be exhausting, but if left unchecked it grows into a bitter memory that clings to “the story.” You know the one we tell over and over again. Words that get louder as the story deepens. Emotion that heightens with each replay. Details that grow as today’s audience listens. Reminds me that if we’re not careful injustices and woundings can easily become idols on our shelf – the event we build our life around rather than the healing that propels change.

So how do we respond when injustices reign high and we’re tempted to nurse our wounds? Even in the face of unfairness, our response must honor God. We can’t control the actions of others, but we can control the way we react. We can set up healthy boundaries to protect us from harmful relationships. We can seek godly counseling to help us forgive and heal. And when we focus our attention on God, our Healer, we can let go of “the story” and embrace “His story” which revolutionizes the way we view our pain.

It would be wonderful if we lived in a perfect world where everyone treated us with respect and dignity, but you and I know that our world is impacted by sin. Injustices will occur, but we can trust God to turn what was meant for evil into good.

“Father, give us the courage and boldness to leave injustices in Your hands and bring glory to our suffering by honoring You with our response.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 8, 2015

Holy Joy

cb devo jan8“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with JOY that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV)

Joy. God placed that word on my heart before 2014 began. Only He knew what the year was going to bring and what I was going to need.

Please don’t mix up the word “joy” with the word “happy” because, really, they could not be more different. Happiness is based on our current circumstances and experiences. Like when you are at Disney World, ice-skating with your family or opening Christmas gifts. Happiness is great. I love being happy! But, happiness is fleeting. Joy, on the other hand, is not fleeting. It is not based on circumstances or experiences. It is fruit of the spirit.

This fruit can continue to be produced regardless of what is going on around us because it is based on what is going on inside of us. Proverbs 10:28 tells us that the hope of the righteous brings joy. You see, placing our hope in Jesus Christ is what brings us joy!

For me, for a number of loved ones, and maybe for you, 2014 contained some difficult moments. To be sure, there were some ups, but there were also certainly some downs. It was kind of tough as I wrestled through some personal trials and decisions. Yet, I have tried to remain joyful by placing my hope in the Lord. And, you know what? I’ve realized that this joy is a holy joy.

It is sacred, precious and difficult to hold onto, yet it is critical to the foundation of faith.

May we all hang on to this holy joy with everything we’ve got as we wrap up another year thanking God for all He has done and as we ground ourselves in hope for the new year.

“Dear Lord, thank You for filling me with joy simply because I hope in You.”

For His Glory

Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 7, 2015

The Ultimate Planner

cb devo jan7“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

In my parent’s house, they have a huge window in the living room. One day, we were all sitting around talking when, “Bang!” something hit against the window. When we looked up there was this bird flying toward the window. We would hear, “Flutter, flutter and then BANG!” At first, we laughed but this bird kept on doing it. The next day, the bird started up again. This featherbrained activity began to drive us crazy. Finally, I went out to look at the window from the bird’s perspective. There in the window was the reflection of the birdhouse hanging on the oak tree. Unfortunately, the bird was trying to get to a reflection rather than turn around and be in his birdhouse with all the seed he could eat.

How often in our own lives do we flutter, flutter, and bang against something that is not real, an imitation of God’s provision for our lives. We can look around at our environment and see things that we really want: our neighbor’s house, our friend’s promotion, a co-worker’s beautiful hair. Flutter, flutter, bang! The banging bird may have knocked himself silly, but he also knocked some sense into my head reminding me that God has provided me with everything I need. We can flutter around and look at the reflection in other peoples’ lives, or we can be content and not get our feathers all ruffled up trying to get more.

“Father, please forgive me when I complain about what I don’t have and when I am not thankful for what I have. Help me to remember that you have it all under control and the plans for my life are the perfect plans.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 6, 2015

Divine Protection

MP900443495[1]“Even when you are chased by those who seek your life, you are safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch!” 1 Samuel 25:29 (NLT)

Many years ago, I left a friend’s house and my daughter had fallen asleep in the back seat as I drove home. It was around nine o’clock and dark on a semi-desolate stretch of road. However, I knew the road well. As I was approaching a sharp curve, I heard a voice say, “slow down!” I immediately came to an almost stop moving ever so slightly. Then I saw it, car lights coming around the curve on my side of the road at a dangerous high rate of speed. By now I am stopped. The car was aimed right at my driver’s side. The headlights glaring within inches from my eyes. I just knew I was going to be T-boned and it was going to be catastrophic if not fatal. I heard the “clip.” I knew I had been hit, but where? It all happened so fast. I pulled into a driveway to inspect what caused the noise. After several attempts looking for some kind of evidence of both cars colliding – I saw it! Under the driver’s side mirror was a black streak! I knew that I knew God had supernaturally protected me and my daughter from a life threatening crash.

Like the true story I’ve just described when I knew God supernaturally intervened, I wonder how many times in our lives the Lord protected us from situations that sought our lives and we were unaware? The verse doesn’t say “if” it says “when.” The devil has a self-imposed relentless mandate to seek and devour.
That night many years ago is etched vividly in my memory, I stand in awe of our powerful Father who at a moment’s notice is mighty to save us from the devil’s attempted destruction.

“Father thank you for protecting and securing us as priceless gems in your treasure pouch!”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 5, 2015

Victorious Living

cb devo jan5“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 (ESV)

It happened so fast. Didn’t even see it coming. One step in the wrong direction and down I went. The seemingly wet spot on the pavement was actually dangerously icy. Caught off guard, I went down hard, and it really hurt. I tried getting up but the icy spot was bigger than me so I kept slipping. The intense pain in my knee that didn’t want to bend didn’t help either. Lucky for me, sweet hubby came to my rescue and pulled me back up. Dignity intact, I hobbled to the car – no broken bones just an ache that derailed me for a few days.

Ever stepped in the wrong direction? Didn’t seem so wrong in the moment – rationalizing and excusing. Just a simple indiscretion that happened so fast. Before we knew it what appeared innocent had become dangerous and costly. Caught off guard, we went down fast. Unexpected and unplanned, no one anticipates the pain and consequences of sinful choices. And unfortunately sin will always take us down quicker than we think.

Solution to stay out of that pit of sin – stay alert! If I had been more aware of my surroundings and the dangerous patch of ice in front of me, I could have avoided my accident. If we are aware of our temptations and our weaknesses, we can seek God’s help to avoid the devastation of sin. With His guidance, we can create an action plan that includes prayer, scripture memorization and accountability.
Each component plays a strategic role in creating a defense mechanism that guarantees victory when we rely on His power.

“Father, You have given us everything that we need to resist sin – help us to turn to You in our moments of weakness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 1, 2015

Seizing Every Moment

cb devo jan 1“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Don’t you just love the beginning, starting over, new days uncovered – its 2015 – a clean slate. Who wouldn’t want a chance to move forward? Regardless of how great 2014 was, we want more for 2015. Goals, resolutions – whatever you call them – we strive to unveil different when January 1st rolls around each year.

What’s different look like for us? It could be improving relationships with our family. Maybe it’s shedding those unwanted pounds that keep resurfacing. Perhaps it’s reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It could be getting rid of clutter. Maybe it’s losing a bad habit. Perhaps it’s investing in the life of someone else. Incredible pursuits that remain on the list until we put intentional choices into action to generate the results we desire.

Whether it’s a word, phrase or list that propels us into 2015, we all will one day stand before God and give an account of 365 days each year. 2015 is no different – since the moment we breathed our first breath we’ve been given life – a life to glorify God. Regardless of our abilities, our position, our environment, our disadvantages – the flipping of a calendar to unveil a new year is simply the continuation of a life well lived or one carelessly spent.

Love the grace that covers my carelessly spent. Love the mercy that echos – a new day, a new start. Love the way God understands yet compels us to measure the value of our days. Love the One who gave me life so I could give my life back to Him.

“Father, every day of our lives on this earth is a gift – ones to be used carefully, intentionally and devoted to bringing honor, glory and praise to You.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

What a joy to start our morning with each of you in 2014. We are blessed to share His words each day and pray that those words have encouraged you to draw closer to Him. Looking forward to great things in 2015 for His Glory!

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

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