Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2014

Drenched In His Glory

cbdevo sept5“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.” Ezekiel 1:28 (NIV)

Fresh smell of rain hitting dry ground. Lightning dancing through the sky. Wind swirling everything in sight. Yes, even in the midst of a storm, God’s power shines bright. He opens up the skies and replenishes the soul, the dust of His creation. And if that wasn’t enough, His fingertips paint the most brilliant, soft colors that melt into the heavens. Ever seen a rainbow that didn’t steal your breath away? Sweet reminder of God’s love, mercy and promises kept. Need those after the storm. Drenched and worn wondering – and then it appears – His glory filling up our sky. Our Keeper – the One who comes and calls us.

Love the way God calls Ezekiel. Mesmerized by God’s beauty, power and holiness, face down and listening. Amazing how God hears Ezekiel’s trembling heart. Incredible the way He spelled out a journey layered with obstinate, rebellious Israelites. A prophet charged with speaking the words of the Almighty to those who discarded the very thought of Him. Fresh smell of God’s reign hitting deaf ears.
Our Keeper – the One who comes, calls, empowers and redeems.

Tough journey up ahead? Rain drenching down on our dreams? Obedience demanding our all? Embrace the Sovereign One – the Lord God Almighty whose glory cannot be contained. Who drops us to our knees so we can hear the voice of One speaking – follow Me – pure beauty.

“Sweet Jesus, the awe of Your presence takes our breath away – help us to never lose sight of how majestic, holy and glorious You are.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 4, 2014

Why Anger Is A Problem

cb devo sept4“For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 (NIV)

In speaking and writing about anger, I often quote James 1:19, which states, “Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Such wise words. But, I recently realized that I never go on to James 1:20, which is equally important. It says, “For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” I love this because it gives us the rationale and the motivation to focus more on listening and less on speaking and getting angry. You see, the Bible tells us that others will know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35), and when we are so quick to get angry, we certainly aren’t showing our love. Yes, it’s true that there is righteous anger (and examples of both God and Jesus getting angry can be found throughout the Bible), but keep in mind James 1:19 doesn’t tell us to never get angry. It simply says to be slow to anger. So that we can be right with God and so that we can be more like God. Anger that comes from within us does not help us or others. In order to successfully follow the words of James 1:19, we need to remember the words of James 1:20. So, the next time we are tempted to get angry let’s quickly remember that it won’t do us any good…and it certainly won’t draw us or others close to God.
“Dear Lord, please help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger because I know that my anger does not draw me or others closer to You.”
For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 3, 2014

Are You A Risk Taker?

MP900444039[1]“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” Psalm 18:35 (NIV)

Are you a risk taker? Going from brown hair to brown hair with highlights is about as risky as I like to be! But what about our faith? Have we settled into a status quo Christianity that uses others around us as a gauge for spiritual maturity and what God may or may not want for our lives?
In the book of Ezra, Cyrus king of Persia decreed that all Jews could return to their homeland. You might think that every Jew would jump at this opportunity to leave a land of captivity and go home, but out of a population of hundreds of thousands only 49,897 responded to the offer. The ones who did return gave up a life of comfort and familiarity to pursue a life of rebuilding. A risk like this is tough!
Most people take the path of least resistance and migrate toward comfort zones. Instead of turning to the Bible and seeking God in prayer, some might ask for advice from those in their small group or look for answers to life’s biggest questions on Christian blogs or websites. As Christian women, we must pay attention to those things that God asks us to do and when He speaks we need to move and step out of our comfort zones. He is there to lead us…guide us….protect us!

“O Lord, when I am looking to the future and don’t know what is to come or where to turn, help me to lean on You for strength to forge ahead and take those risks You want me to take.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 2, 2014

Priorities

Cb devo aug30“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save that perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.” John 12:7-8 (NIV).

Priorities can easily get confused when what we “need” or “want” isn’t always what we “have.” This can lead to frustration and disappointment. For example, I have three sons, two of which have given me grandchildren. As a “mother-hen,” I long to see my kids and grandkids regularly. Because of the geographical distance between us and my job, I don’t get to see them often. Sadly, the reality is that the holiday season is pretty much the time when I get to see them.

Don’t you just love Mary’s priorities? While Jesus was visiting with her family, Mary got an alabaster of perfume and poured it on His feet. As she wept, she dried His feet with her hair. One disciple who was greedy and later betrayed Jesus, known as Judas Iscariot, immediately complained about Mary. According to his priorities, she was wasting jar of expensive perfume that could have been sold and the money given to the poor.

Jesus rebuked Judas by telling him that Mary was anointing His feet in preparation for His burial. What an honor to have Your Master and Savior in your home and be privileged with touching His feet, let alone anoint Him for something that would become the biggest sacrifice of all, aka dying on a cross for the sin of mankind! Whew!

My prayer is that my priorities will be like Mary’s to place Jesus first in my life, give Him what is best and of most value to me, and not just a small portion of what I have.

“God, You are the source; You are Jehovah Jireh. You are the provider. I give my utmost for Your glory.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 1, 2014

Escaping Compromise

joy“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine…” Daniel 1:8a (NIV)

Settling on the edge of compromise – the place where flesh wars with spirit. Been there and wallowed in the revamping of me. Weakened and impaired by the desire to fit in. Accommodated and quieted my voice to squelch discord while my spirit screamed. Amazing how much control, how strong our will is to settle. Unreal how uncontrolled, how weak our will is to stand strong.

Cast into the mold of transforming him into service for the king, Daniel faced the edge of compromise – the place where flesh wars with spirit. Part of the elite, Daniel was handpicked by the king’s official because he was handsome, smart, without physical defect and a quick learner. Without entertaining a thought of revamping himself. Without a moment’s hesitation or desire to fit in. Daniel’s voice screamed quietly from within and he resolved, determined and concluded to stand strong. Denying the royal food and wine would separate him and his three Israelite companions from the rest; but they would be honoring their God – the place where spirit wins over flesh. Favor, blessing and abundant wisdom follow those who choose to stand versus settle. Daniel and the three were healthier, wiser and none equaled them. Their deliberation to conclude that serving God was their top priority spoke volumes.

Ever caved into your gods of compromise? Ever attempted to fit in, be accepted and not rock the boat? Ever laughed or joked in the face of sin? Daniel reveals the secret to flesh versus spirit – absolute devotion to the One true God – the only answer when we’re faced with the edge of compromise.
“Father the temptation to settle, give in and accept what doesn’t please You is strong. Help us to respond with bold conviction and glorify You with our choices.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 29, 2014

Forever His

Couple Holding Hands on a Railroad Track“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” I Peter 1:8 (NIV)

He has numbered each strand of our hair. He created every part of our being and orchestrated every moment of our lives. He has danced with us in the breeze and held us close in the storm. He has felt every pain; He has wiped every tear. He calls us by name and draws our wandering heart from afar. Though our life is just a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow; God treasures us above all creation. Though we falter in our walk and are unfaithful to His calling, He has caught us each time we have fallen. Even when we demand our own way, God continues to fulfill His purpose in our lives. With the purest knowledge of all that we are and the sin that covers us, He never turns away. He has seen our weaknesses and tendencies to doubt. Yet God has stood beside us with a love beyond our comprehension and helped us to rise again. With the power and might of His voice, He has reached out through the rain and carried us through the raging storm. Planting our feet on higher ground, God has sheltered us under His wings. Because of you – because of me – arms stretched wide and blood ran from His pierced side. In the midst of extreme pain, joy was birthed. God’s love redeemed us, set us free and captured our hearts; we are His forever.

“Father, just one glimpse of your unfailing love draws me in deeper. Help me to radiate that love so others will be drawn to you.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 28, 2014

The Monster Hiding In Plain Site

cb devo aug28“Can any of you by worrying add even a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NIV)
What if.

What if I get sick again? What if I never get over this pain? What if I mess up my kids? What if we don’t have enough money? What if I don’t get the promotion? What if I never get married? What if…what if…what if…

The what if monster is hiding in plain site. This monster causes fear and worry. Insecurity and stress. This monster is lurking everywhere just waiting to bring us down Ugh. Get out of here you monster!

In Matthew 6:27 Jesus asks, “Can any one of you by worrying add even a single hour to your life?” Great question. I remind myself of this question frequently. Clearly, the answer is “NO.” Worry does get us something, but it’s not positive. We certainly don’t get time added to our lives by worry. Instead, we feel bad emotionally and physically. Worse, it can impact our relationship with the one who clearly tells us we should not worry.

Friends, I know, and I mean I really know, that this is easier said than done. But, I am committed to working harder to focus on the One who created me not to worry. He can help us kick that old what if monster to the curb.
“Dear Lord, please help me to have more faith to trust in You more and worry less.”

For His Glory

Laurel Shaler (drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 27, 2014

What Are We Missing?

Businesswoman in Front of Doors“You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which the LORD swore to give your fathers.” Deuteronomy 6:18 (NAS)

Have you ever felt invisible? Sometimes we feel like all we’re doing at work, home, school, church, and with friends goes unnoticed. Most of the time that’s a trap that Satan throws us in and lets us wallow; however, it could be God’s protection. How proud would we be if we knew what people thought of us, or maybe we are protected from their ill thinking of us? Who are we living our lives for? Recognition? Awards? Money? Fame? It’s all temporary; yes it can be fun for the moment, but what happens when the moment is over? Heaven is the only thing eternal.

What would it like look like if we lived just for His Glory? How much more would we give? How much more would we do? How much more would we stay in His word and on our faces in prayer? I am blessed in having the ability to give time to others praying, encouraging , and touching their lives in ways beyond my ability. Because I said “Yes, Lord use me” and put myself out there to be used, God opens the doors and He is willing to do the same for all His children. What door is He waiting to open for you?

“Father, I want to be used by You. I want to be open to Your will in my life, show me which door You want me to walk thru so that I can glorify You.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 26, 2014

Sustaining Joy

cb devo aug 23“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

After returning from exile the Israelites, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites assembled with the people to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law. Overcome with mourning and grief, the people wept as they heard the spoken words from Ezra’s mouth.

Though their weeping was understood by Nehemiah and all the other leaders gathered at the gate, they wanted to give God their best on that day that was supposed to be a time of celebration before Him. Nehemiah promptly instructed his leaders to say to the people, “this day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” He instructed the people to “go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.” Then he added again, “do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Oftentimes, we find ourselves in situations that are bigger than us, over which we have absolutely no control. Our natural tendency is to weep and mourn, crying over something that God can fix in just a blink of an eye. If you are going through a tough time, a situation that you feel impotent to fix, choose today to focus on God and praise Him in spite of your circumstance. As you make the choice to give God the glory in spite of your pain, He will fill your heart with unspeakable joy, the joy that nothing else in the world can give you. And you will forget the mourning and grieving – as a new day dawns, His joy will be your strength.

“Father God, You are our peace. You are our comfort. Lord, You are our joy. Thank You for giving us the assurance that You are right here beside us at ALL times.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 25, 2014

His Guiding Light

cb devo aug25“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NKJV)

Ever stumbled in the darkness? Amazing how different a known space feels when light is absent. We reach with our toes to cautiously navigate our step. We stretch hands to feel the edge of familiar to avoid collisions. Yet we inevitably stumble and end up bearing the scars. And then we wonder – why didn’t we simply turn on the light?

Ever watched someone stumbling in their darkness? Carelessly maneuvering with no brightness to guide them. Their world hasn’t changed. God hasn’t changed. Yet His welcomed presence and guiding light has been extinguished for their own illumination.

Darkness attempting to lead through darkness results in major stumbling. We can’t navigate our way through life without His light. We can’t make decisions, even seemingly insignificant ones, without His light to lead us. And the stumbling – well it magnifies, wounds and scars. Deep wells that spiral into further darkness unless we run to Him.

Love the simplicity of Jesus words – if we follow Him then we will not walk in darkness. Guaranteed. Sounds easy but following is hard work. Following means listening, waiting, trusting and not running ahead. Following requires steady movement that doesn’t slip into the shadows. Following means focused intentional copying of the One original God. His integrity, His character, His wisdom, His reactions, His love – duplicating God – the light of His glory shining through us. Where are we walking today?

“Father, we follow many things that don’t serve us well. Teach us to desire the light that leads us to right living, blessed living and abundant living – beautiful reflections of You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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