Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 16, 2014

Perfect Timing

CB devo oct 16“Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” John 2:4b (NIV)

Jesus was all about glorifying His Father! Although He performed miracles before His declaration of being the Son of God, He was extremely protective of not exposing His true identity until the right time! Timing is always important to God. Throughout the Bible everything has been timed exactly to His agenda and often-required periods of waiting – creation, the birth and death of His only Son, miracles recorded in God’s Word, etc.

Waiting on God often involves wants and desires. He so graciously grants our many requests – He loves making His children happy. Unfortunately, believers have a tendency not to consider whatever enters life – good and bad – is to be used for His glory; forgetting He has a specific plan & purpose for each life He creates.

So what about those unexpected times you ‘never signed up for’ creating stress levels beyond comprehension? How do we cope when His thoughts and ways far exceed ours? Quite honestly He doesn’t owe an explanation. When you think about it God waited 30 years before prompting Jesus to publicly reveal His plan and purpose for Him!

Our heavenly Father is patient and understands it takes time to learn from Him. Since nothing is wasted in our lives, God desires to use our circumstances. Though the situation may still be extremely painful ask Him to use it as an opportunity to glorify Him and minister to others. God will reveal when, how, and with whom to share. His timing is always perfect!!

“Dear Father, please help us to use whatever You bring into our lives and wait for Your perfect timing to use it to honor You.

For His Glory,

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 15, 2014

Stealing Best

cb devo oct 15“Test me in this says, the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10b (NIV)

Lame, diseased and discarded lambs seemed better sacrifices rather than wasting the best. Neglecting God’s laws and doing what felt good seemed preferred than honoring His Holiness. The chosen people of God consumed with keeping found themselves suddenly lacking. Crops failed. Enemies won. Why? These robbers of God stole away the best with no regard for the Creator – forgetting His promises and neglecting His commands.

Keeping first and giving second, third even last. It is the language too familiar when the heart wanders. We hold back rather than relinquish. We cling to things and squeeze out joy for the sake of keeping. Our endless resources cloud our judgment of laying down our best to God as though He wouldn’t give back in return.

Are we any different than the Israelites? A people endowed with great things. A land of plenty and little want. Wonder how God feels when He sees our keeping. Wonder what God thinks when robbing Him seems all too easy. Wonder how far God will allow us to go before He says enough is enough. Wonder when God pulls back the gift, the blessing to purify our wandering heart.

Those who returned, worshipped, served, obeyed and released heard His words echo, “They will be Mine, says the Lord.” His compassion would restore the ones whose exposed motives and desires yielded to His best. What was taken would be restored and set to overflowing when surrendered at His feet – giving their first, their best before all else.

“Father, we cannot out give, out do or out love the sweetness found in holy sacrifice. Help us to never forget – You demand our all – every treasure poured out will return in abundance.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 14, 2014

Grow Where You Are Planted: A Lesson From A Mustard Seed

cb devo oct14“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

After she poured a few mustard seeds on our table to illustrate how small they really are, I carefully picked one up and placed it in the crease of my Bible near Matthew 17. I loved this reminder because God has been revealing to my heart a lesson that centers around faith, planting and growth.

What’s interesting about the mustard seed is that from one seed can come thousands. As I searched for more information, I found that mustard seeds flourish in cooler weather but require a lot of watering. I can’t help but think this also applies to us.

It can be difficult to trust God enough to let go and allow Him to use us wherever He has us during this season of life. Perhaps “where” we are planted is not so much a place, but an experience. Maybe this is a cooler period of our life. And I know we all need the watering that is necessary to stay strong and thrive despite the difficulty.

I try to regularly remind myself that God has me in this exact place in my life at this exact point in time for a reason. And that I need to focus on growing exactly where I am planted, rather than wrestling with my Creator, the One who planted me, to try and force a change. Even if I could uproot myself and re-plant somewhere else, would the environment be just right for growth? I doubt it. After all, the Master Gardener knows what He’s doing, and doesn’t need any help from me.

Faith as small as a mustard seed that once planted and watered grows, grows and grows. That’s what I want. To grow where I am planted.

“Dear Lord, please help me to have enough faith to allow myself to grow where you have planted me.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 13, 2014

Keeping The Blessed List

A beautiful young college student writing on a notebook outdoor“But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His counsel.” Psalm 106:13 (NIV)

Forgotten. Left off the list. Intentionally erased. Purposefully dismissed. Amazing how quick we can move from down to up and miss how we got there. It’s not like our minds went on vacation – we remember lots of things: birthdays, anniversaries, doctor visits, bargain sales, passwords, etc. But when life shifts from desperately in need to being full, we tend to forget who got us through. Good becomes our feast, and we become our victor.

No different than the ten who found themselves freed from leprosy. Healed by the very words that flowed from Jesus’ lips. All cleansed, made whole, restored – and yet only one returned to praise. One remembered. One, with a loud voice, glorified God and fell facedown at His feet.

A year slips away – 2014 quickly fades. Where has Jesus taken us? What lessons have we learned? What has He done in the moments of our days? Is our list short? Have we intentionally forgotten because we survived?

Let’s be the one who never forgets. Let’s keep the “blessed list” that isn’t erased. Let’s purposefully remember all He has done. Let’s intentionally reflect on treasures birthed in the darkness. Let’s not flee in the midst of success neglecting to glorify God. Let’s be the one facedown at His feet.

“Father, seal in our hearts and minds the incredible story You are writing over our life. Help praise to flow effortlessly from our lips. And in good, remind us that You alone are the Giver of all things.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2014

Romancing Your Creator

Rose On Wood BW“…I desire you more than anything on earth.” Psalm 73:25

Remember the day that special person entered your life and you just knew something was different? This particular person made butterflies flutter in your stomach and lumps appear in your throat. Just maybe you went out of your way to “run into this person.” Or took extra care in your appearance because “you know who” was going to be around. Not to mention the endless phone conversations. Admit it! We’ve all been there.

This is a form of romance…humanly speaking. The same way we experience romance in an earthly manner we can have the ultimate romance with our Creator? The One who knows us better than our spouse or closest friend. The One who created us, planned our lives and loves us so much He died for us.

Textbooks, seminary and theology cannot teach us how to know God intimately. Jesus must be experienced! A romance with Jesus could be defined as pursuing a love relationship for its beauty and sacred devotion between God and one’s self.

Once we have experienced the presence of God in a tangible, loving relationship that transcends all other relationships our hearts are overwhelmed with unspeakable joy. We “rev-up” our hearts in hot pursuit of the One who’s heart is set on us. The One who has a wealth of hidden treasures and secret riches just waiting to be discovered (Is.45:3).

Worship is our love language to the Lord. A privilege we, as believers, express our reverence and gratitude. We have the ability to worship, pray and meditate continually in humble adoration with our hearts, eyes and hands outstretched to the Holy God who desires for us to pursue Him. In return, He will never disappoint our affections.

“Father,  a deep meaningful relationship with You gives us undeniable, unshakeable, unstoppable confidence in who You are, what You can do and what You say!  Give us a pure and holy passion to respond to You.”
For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 9, 2014

Following God’s Voice

CB devo oct 9“It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.” Deuteronomy 1:2 (ESV)

Have you ever been riding with someone and wondered why a short trip is taking longer? You probably have a set way to get to the destination, but you have to leave it to the person driving to go their way. It can be frustrating because you think your way is best, but you have no control over it. I am pretty sure the Hebrews were quite frustrated with a journey that should have only taken 11 days ended up taking 40 years. Talk about some serious detours and wrong turns; however, God was leading according to His directions. There were no wrong turns.

God’s directions were planned to teach the Israelites obedience and to appreciate His goodness in the wilderness. One would think they would have caught on before 40 years, but they didn’t. It is hard to see goodness when our wilderness is a dry, dusty journey to what appears nowhere. When we feel we are just going in circles and not making any progress at all. Eventually we catch on, start trusting God and depending on Him even when we can’t see where the journey is going to end up. The Promise Land blessings, after our time in the wilderness, are even sweeter because we can look back and reflect on God’s provision in the driest season of our life. Trust God even when you can’t see where the next step leads – the blessings in the end will be worth the journey.

“Father God, The wilderness road is a tough one at times. Give us the strength to trust You and to depend solely on Your directions and guidance when the dust storms cloud our way. Thank You for the blessings at the end of the journey.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 8, 2014

Guarding Spiritual Wellness

cb devo oct 8“Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” Psalm 25:20 (NIV)

We can’t get sick – those were the words echoing from our lips. A trip planned. Sweet reunion with one dear friend who had fought through cancer and chemo. Our pack of four – strong unbroken friendships – untainted by the distance of miles that separated. Yes, this was the coveted celebration of victory – the moment we would gather, embrace, encourage and shout Hallelujah for God’s healing touch. Didn’t want to miss a moment, but two sick husbands on our hands, and we echoed – we can’t get sick. Lots of Vitamin C, Zinc and rest. Praying our way through because staying healthy isn’t an option – it’s a necessity when one’s immune system has been compromised.

Wonder what would happen if we guarded spiritual wellness the same? Wonder how our lives would be impacted by those words echoing – we can’t sin? Living in this world is hard; God never promised it would be easy. Satan roars, devours and steals away our “can’t sin” moments all too often. Why? Perhaps we find it too easy to dance in the footsteps of danger rather than run under the shelter of His wings. Perhaps we see holiness as optional and sin as excusable mercy. Perhaps we fail to pray our way through and take every precaution. Regardless of the reason, we can stay spiritually healthy by strengthening our battle plan rather than compromising our choices.

Don’t want to miss the celebration of victory over temptation. Sweetest reunion ever – echoing well done good and faithful servant. Desperately trying to fight the good fight and keep the faith. Longing for when we gather, embrace, encourage and shout Halleluhjah! Don’t want to miss a moment.

“Father, renew within us a right spirit – help us to see Your holiness and to walk blamelessly with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Mercy, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2014

Have You Hit A Brick Wall?

MP900443755[1]“The Lord upsets the plans of nations; he ruins all their plans” Psalm 33:10. (NCV)

Planners are needed. The problem is planners have a hard time moving away from their plan. I am a planner. I book our family vacation a year in advance. Summer weekend trips are planned in January and February. At any given time, I can probably tell you what is on the agenda for at least three months ahead. The problem is…plans change and situations come up. People close to us need us, and we must redirect ourselves and focus on the current need, not what is ahead of us. For a planner that is like running into a brick wall. We choose whether to lay on the floor and cry from the pain or get up wiping off the dirt from the bricks and turn around.

It’s so easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget the real reason we are here, which is to point others to Christ thru our reflection of Him. Even during those brick wall moments, we are to share with others all that He has to offer. Sometimes, okay a lot of times, God throws up a brick wall in front of me to redirect my plans and attention back to Him. I’d like to say that He can now just put up a hurdle, but I’d be lying. I need those brick walls still. How about you? Let’s together get off the ground and enjoy the redirection He has for our lives.

“Father, thank you for caring enough to build those brick walls. Forgive me for needing them. Help me to stay focused on you.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 6, 2014

Places of Honor

cb devo aug 16“But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” Esther 5:13 (NIV)

Elevated to the seat of honor – higher than all the other nobles in the kingdom – second only to the King. You would have thought that would have been enough for Haman, but the unbending knee of a simple Jewish man caught his evil eye. Zeroing in on one, Haman desperately plotted to destroy many. Enraged with anger, he used his influence to distort the truth and convince the king that the Jews should be destroyed. Permission granted – Haman could do with the people as he pleased, but God’s protective hand prevailed. What Haman devised, schemed and set in place was turned around by one courageous woman, Esther, who boldly approached the throne to save her people.

Success, prestige, elevation – we face them every day. Promotions come. Leadership opportunities land at our feet. Decisions that affect one, a few or many are ours for the making. How do we handle our places of honor? Do we humbly and graciously seek God? Do we choose to honor Him rather than boast in our seat of honor? Do we allow our influence to distort the truth and convince others to support our desired actions?

It has often been said that the character of a person is put to the test when success and honor decorate their life. Entitlement carries no weight in the presence of God. He is the One who lifts up and takes down. God is the ultimate authority regardless of our schemes, plans and selfish pursuits. How will we handle our next promotion, our next opportunity to lead – hopefully bowed down on bended knee desperately dependent upon the One who lifted us up.

“Sweet Jesus, it is so easy to get caught up and self absorbed in who we are – help us to realize that we are nothing apart from You.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2014

His Wonderful Light

Couple on Beach“But you are a chosen people [woman], a royal priesthood, a holy nation [daughter], a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

When I’m in front of the classroom, I love those “ah-ha” moments that my students have after I’ve taught a concept. It is like I can literally see the light bulb come on over their head. One day in Science class, I was teaching the children about the rotation of the sun. We went outside and began looking at and outlining our shadows on the ground. Have you ever noticed that a shadow does not suddenly appear? It grows slowly as the sun becomes brighter and brighter. We make shadow puppets on the wall or play the shadow game with our kids, but how are shadows created? Shadows are created when light is blocked.

Often in our Christian walk there are “shadows” of doubt that creep into our lives. When we focus on ourselves, how inadequate we are, or what others might think, we create opportunities for those shadows to grow. With these thoughts, we cast a shadow in our minds and block the light of God’s truth in our hearts. So when we find ourselves standing in the shadow of self-doubt, instead of wishing for more self-confidence, turn towards the Light. The shadows will disappear as our heart focuses on God’s truth because we were created to live in the Light!

“Lord, Your Word says that I am a holy daughter, a woman belonging to You. Help me to remember that You have called me out of the shadows of my doubts so that I can tell others about the true Light, which is You!”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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