Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2014

Serving Others

cb devo dec12“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back – given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Luke 6:38 (MSG)

It was a beautiful scene – a young girl re-purposing used toys for needy children inspiring communities to participate. It was a sweet story – a man pays for another’s baggage fees when his debit card was declined. It was humbling to watch – 2,500 Lynchburgers lifting their feet off the pavement Thanksgiving morning for the Turkey Trot run to benefit charities. It was incredible to see – a single waitress mom being given a brand new car. It was emotional to watch – a cancer survivor toddler cutting her long locks so others will have hair.

Giving…..it’s what we were created to do. And when we give away our lives to serve others, to share God’s love then we are forever changed. So what holds us back? Perhaps we’ve gotten so used to people serving us that we fail to serve others. Perhaps our hearts have grown cold and fear being used or hurt so we excuse away reaching out. Perhaps giving requires sacrifice and we’re unwilling to let go of self. Perhaps giving means more than donating money or things – it requires giving of ourselves – investing in the lives of others – stepping out of our comfort zone.

When we choose to hold back, refrain and refuse then we are the one’s truly missing out. If we chose to listen, obey and respond to God’s voice when He prompts us to respond then we will be blessed too. Still unsure if the sacrifice is worth it? Just ask those who have spent a lifetime giving of themselves – we’ll be amazed at all that God has done.

“Father, You created us to serve one another – to love one another – to reflect You to all we meet. Let all that we do be motivated from a pure heart devoted to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 11, 2014

Patience – Enjoying The Moment

cb devo dec11“Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes and pray at all times.” Romans 12:12 (NCV)

Patience is a tough word for many. Patience means waiting. Waiting means not knowing. Not knowing means trusting. Trusting means living in God’s timing and will. When bringing it to those terms, patience should be desired in life. Patience grows our prayer life and relationship with Christ. Who doesn’t want a closer relationship? The problem is time. We live in a microwave society. When there is a question it is Goggled, and an answer pops up instantly. Convection ovens and microwaves cook for us in half the time our grandmothers cooked the same meals. Even with coffee, our mothers brewed a pot; today we have Keurig instant fresh brewed cups in a minute. Waiting for an answer or waiting for results is foreign to us.

Thinking back, remember a Christmas wish list that was written a month or so before Christmas. There was the great anticipation of waiting until Christmas Day. Maybe there was a package that looked just like the wish list item under the tree that was looked at, shaken, and left for wonder. Then the highly awaited day came and there was your wish list item. A smile came as excitement and anticipation was met with pure joy. We can have that same response in waiting when we keep our minds focused on the hope of God’s faithfulness in working in our lives. We too will be filled with excitement and anticipation as God’s will unfolds right before our eyes.

“Father, You know our needs before we do, and You select the timing. Help us to enjoy the moment and glorify You while we wait.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 10, 2014

Trusting During The Fog

cb devo dec10“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

One of the things I love the most about living on the mountain is when I drive down to the city; I see the most magnificent scenery. The Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the backdrop to all that lies at the feet of them, including the trees, and – let me not forget to mention, the most beautiful sunsets!

This morning, the fog was so dense that there was very little visibility. I couldn’t even see the building I work in until I was a couple hundred feet away. Looking out from the balcony, I tried to see the mountains. I was certain, 100% sure that they were exactly where I had seen them over and over again before, but I couldn’t see them. I just had to trust that I knew where they were, and keep on believing that once the fog dissipated, I would be able to see them.

Isn’t this how it happens in life, when our vision gets so cloudy because of the “disturbances” we walk through? Our minds get so crowded with the “fog” of worry, sadness, anxiety, anticipation, agony, sorrow, disappointment, and so many others, that we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many times, we can’t even feel that God is right there with us. During those times when the fog of life is so dense, all we can do is TRUST that it will dissipate, that it will melt in the warmth of the sun and showing us all those things which our eyes could not see while it was hovering over the path.

“Dear Lord, God Almighty, King of Heaven, we yield our worries to You today. Whatever it is that is clouding our vision and keeping us from seeing that You are there, please remove it, Lord, and let us see You, even through the fog.”

For His Glory,

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 9, 2014

Soul Searching

A Middle Eastern woman lying down reading“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23 & 24 (NIV)

“The more I study, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I know. The more I know, the more I forget. The more I forget, the less I know, so why study? “ As a teacher, I laughed and laughed when I read this on one of my student’s t-shirts. That afternoon at parent pick-up, her mother had a shirt on that said, “The older you get, the more you realize how little you know.”

I think for us this is definitely true. I especially think this is true regarding our own character. For example, you may have always thought of yourself as a forgiving person, but then someone hurts you. Suddenly, you discover you’re not as forgiving as you thought. We don’t really know our hearts the way we might think. We need to ask God to show us what we’re really like so we can grow and change. God knows everything there is to know about us, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

King David wanted so much to please God that he opened himself up completely to God’s scrutiny. Psalm 139:23 & 24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” David knew that he might not like everything God had to say about his character, but he knew it was important to hear from God. David had the right attitude – what about us?

“Lord, please reveal to me my heart and help me as I strive to make it a heart that is pleasing to You.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 8, 2014

Restoring Beauty

cb devo dec8“Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8 (ESV)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Can’t you just hear those Christmas favs playing on the radio? Perfect setting to pull out decorations from the garage on a surprisingly warm Sunday afternoon. Red and green plastic bins quickly covered my living room floor. Carefully, I began unwrapping each ornament – what incredible memories I found. Tissue paper and wrap piled high, I reached deep inside the last bin and found quite the mess. One of my snow globes was shattered. Worst part was the moisture from the broken globe destroyed everything it touched. What was once beautiful, silver and red ornaments was now covered in dark, yucky mold.

Wonder if shattered and brokenness stored up inside us removes beautiful? Ever meet someone who has hidden away the hurt yet their pain leaks out on others? Silence and seclusion become their best friends. Clinging to past wounds wins over healing. Revenge closes the door to restoration and anger shouts loud. Simply put dark, yucky covers the one who allows pain to cover up true beauty hidden underneath.

What are we storing up this Christmas? Was 2014 unkind, harsh, difficult or challenging? Did we entertain doubts that the goodness of our God would allow the deepest wounds? Are we consumed with self while lashing out at the ones who love us the most? Don’t wait until it is too late – welcome and release the broken shattered places. Experience the comfort found in the Savior who came with healing in His wings.

“Father, unwrapping the ugly in our lives is hard – give us the courage to release the darkness and be transformed in the light of Your love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 5, 2014

Faithful & True

cb devo dec 5“What God promised our fathers, He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus….” Acts 13:32b (NIV)

Ever read the fine print and found that deal you waited for wasn’t a deal? Black Friday bargains filled our emails, mailboxes and newspapers promising what we just couldn’t resist. In fact many probably left the turkey and desserts to head out for the best deals. And yes, there were some great bargains. But underneath some of those coupons where the fine print lives were the exclusions and exceptions – not quite what we expected.

Life can often promise us a great deal, especially when it involves something we want – something we’ve waited for and feel we deserve. Something that sounds just too good to be true. But when it doesn’t deliver then we can easily become disillusioned.

Love the way God’s Word and His promises always deliver. His track record is perfect leaving no room for disillusionment. Everything God promised – the covenant He established thousands of years ago – unfolded in a single moment in the town of Bethlehem. A tiny babe in a manger – the promised child – breathed His first breath as the Savior entered our world. Every detail of Jesus life was living proof that God is the Promise Keeper. From the moment sin entered the garden, God began unveiling His perfect plan to redeem His people. And throughout the pages of scripture, we see God’s faithfulness, consistency and devotion to keep His promises.

Looking for a sure thing this holiday. Looking for truth and faithfulness. Tired of settling for less. Disappointed with empty promises, exclusions and exceptions. Regardless of what life throws our way, we can trust God to keep His Word!

“Father, help us to cling to Your promises knowing that You have proven Your faithfulness!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 4, 2014

Living In Peace

CB Devo Dec 4“They don’t know how to live in peace.” Roman 3:17(CEV)

Peace equals believing in God, so we can’t stop believing if we want to have peace. In the midst of our largest storms, He is there. He wants to carry us, and we don’t have to face the storm alone. We may choose to face it alone, but that is not God’s intention for us. If we face it on our own, it’s only because we don’t take the time to talk to God about it and give Him the time to give us direction. The second part is the hardest. It’s easy to say God here is the problem, please solve it. However, waiting for his answer and direction is where we tend to grow impatient. We tend to grow anxious and try to fix it ourselves – that is not His plan. He wants us to enjoy His presence, learn from the storm, praise Him in the storm and let him comfort us thru the storm. Life would be so different if we chose to live in His presence and enjoy each interruption, difficulty and blessing the first time avoiding the same mistakes (decisions) over and over again. What will it take for us to focus on God the first time? The rainbow of peace is waiting.

“Father I want to bask in your peace. I want to glorify you in each step I make. Thank you for carrying me thru the tough times. I praise you for storms in my life.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 3, 2014

Tis The Season to Glorify God!

cb devo dec 3“He (Jesus) will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6b (HCSB)

Mother, wife, daughter, sister, executive assistant, writer, servant – the list is endless. What roles do you play? Regardless of the title, ever find yourself trying to seize a role that God has not ordained? Sometimes, the role we desire must wait for God’s timing or we must simply surrender knowing and trusting that His way is best.

The holiday season invites and engages so many of the roles we play. Planning parties, baking, reaching out to others in our community – these are roles we find so enjoyable – especially when it comes to blessing our family. Flip side – the holiday season also invites many roles we weren’t designed to possess.

Ever find yourself attempting to create the perfect Christmas? Stressed to the max between work, family and ministry – trying to do it all – rather than allowing others to help, organize, lead and be blessed in serving. Have we forgotten the reason for the season? Celebrating Jesus birth is the perfect Christmas.

Ever find yourself attempting to force jolly this Christmas? Demanding happy of others even when they are in the midst of overwhelming trials. Perhaps a listening ear, a gift of time spent together and prayers offered would better lift their spirits.

Ever find yourself attempting to convict and redeem the lost sheep in your family this Christmas? Greeting them with judgment and reminders of how they’ve fallen short. Wonder what would happen if we welcomed them with open arms and left the work of conviction to the Holy Spirit?

“Father, we take on many roles motivated by deep love for others. Help us to seize this holiday season to glorify You in all we say and do.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 2, 2014

Moment By Moment

cb devo dec 2“Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying?”  Matthew 6:27 (HCSB)

There are times when I find it so difficult to live in the moment. I wish I could push aside past memories and future worries. I wish I could focus on the here and now. I wish….and I realize I can do more than just wish.

When God called Nick and I to new jobs and moved us away from home in 2012, we “happened” to stumble upon the Blackabys’ Experiencing God. Through this amazing book, we learned to focus on God just in the moment. This has been a lifesaver as life continues to throw us twists and turns like we are on a never-ending roller coaster. We live believing we have some sort of control over our lives, but we really don’t. And why fight it when God really is better at this whole thing than we are.

I read this awesome story of a man who was consumed by guilt and grief every time he passed a part of town that reminded him of his difficult past. One day he chose to see those triggers as a reminder of the way God rescued him and changed his life. I now do the same thing. In a moment where something brings to mind upsetting memories, I reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Instead of dwelling on the past in a negative light, I meditate on the positive outcome.

As far as worrying about the future. Well, that’s a tougher one for me. I know the wonderful words of wisdom in the Bible that speak out against worry. My favorite is the reminder from Jesus in Matthew 6 that no one can even add an hour to his or her life by worrying. SO…why worry? Why wish? Instead, we can pray. Instead, we can focus on what God has already done in our lives, knowing that He doesn’t change and will continue to be the God who saved, healed, and helped us in the past.

“Father, we choose to trust You with our past, present and future – great is Your faithfulness.”

For His Glory

Laurel Shaler (drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 1, 2014

Speaking Their Language

cb devo dec 1“When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.” Acts 2:6 (NIV)

Was it Lots of Love (LOL) or Laugh Out Loud (LOL)? I really wasn’t sure. Perhaps I will never know. Ever find yourself confused by the trending tweets or text that can leave you guessing? Staying connected can be challenging and communicating the message we intend – well, unless we’re speaking their language our audience may not have a clue.

Wonder how many times we confuse the simple message – the good news – of the gospel? Do we speak God’s love in a way that draws others to know Him? Are we using words common to our church audience yet foreign to outsiders? Are we making it complicated or unattainable when Jesus’ invitation is clear?

If we want get the message of God’s love, redemption and grace to a world distracted by noise, broken promises and empty chatter – then we’ve got to be strategic. So what can we learn from an early church that had no phones, social media, tv, etc.? The gospel spread in the early church at Pentecost when the message was clearly spoken in each person’s native tongue. Hearing the magnificent acts of God in their own language caught their attention. Some believed and some remained skeptics, yet they were without excuse.

Wonder what would happen if we shared the awesomeness of our God? By simply telling our stories of God’s healing work , His power and strength rising us above our circumstances – the message of the gospel would be clear. We don’t need to be eloquent of speech. We don’t have to say perfect words scripted. We simply share and leave our audience without excuse.

“Sweet Jesus, give us the courage to speak boldly and confidently about You. Help us to use simple words that cultivate desire and longing rather than confusion and condemnation.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

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