Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2014

God of Wonders

MP900400219[1]“I will mediate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12 (NIV)

Memories are the snapshots that tag along with us as we journey through life. Have you ever felt as though a memory was slipping away? My daughter has lived in the presence of Jesus since the age of two. Months after she left this world, I found myself overwhelmed with the fear that I might forget her. After all, we only had enough memories from those two short years. What if I didn’t remember what her voice sounded like or I forgot the smile that graced her face? Pictures helped, but I longed for the remembrance of her real, daily presence in my life. So I asked God to keep those snapshots of her fresh in my memory bank. Recalling her first steps, her laughter and joy rather than focusing on what I lost. Remembrance is an incredible treasure – one that soothes the ache of loss and invigorates steps of faith. It’s the crucial element that deepens our relationship with God. Like the Psalmist, we can intentionally purpose in our minds to recall God’s faithful deeds – His miracles and mighty works on our behalf. If not, we will allow those moments to fade away like a distant memory blowing in the wind. And when life gets hard, our mind will not reflect on the awesome deeds of our mighty God. We will have no memory bank to draw from if we have failed to fill our minds with the goodness and loving character of our God. Unveiled in scripture and in the lives of each of His children are the incredible memories of God’s faithfulness – choose today to keep Him fresh in your thoughts.

“Father, how awesome to know that Your works are unfolding in my life creating a scrapbook of memories we will one day share for eternity.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2014

God’s Masterpiece

Young Woman Standing with Arms Stretched OutYet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64: 8 (NIV)

Michelangelo was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. One of his most famous works was his painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He spent four years on a flat wooden platform, and painted in an uncomfortable position standing with his head tilted upward and his arm raised. I wonder what the people thought when they walked in the chapel and looked up. I’m sure they commented on his work – some good, some bad. In my mind’s eye, I can see Michelangelo looking down and saying, “It is not finished!”

In our lives, God is constantly working and there are people who will comment on the stage of our life – some good and some bad. And God wants to say, “It is not finished!” Now I have to admit, when I look at my life I see all the splatters of paint and uneven brushstrokes; but God has a master plan and is making me beautiful and spectacular. The real masterpiece God is working on in our lives isn’t about a finished or flawless product, because we will never see that completed beauty on this side of eternity. However, our restoration will be complete in the presence of God when we see Him face to face.
As you begin your day, and are thinking about your life, listen and I’m sure you will hear, “I’m not finished!”

“Lord, I am so thankful that my past sins do not define me and the transformation You are making in my life is not finished. Please mold me and shape me into a beautiful reflection of Your love and glory.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2014

The Better Choice

Woman Curled Up With a Good BookGet rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:31 (NLV)

Have you ever thought that anger was healthy? Truth is intense feelings such as anger will cause health problems, not resolve them. When someone becomes angry, they frequently experience bothersome physical and emotional symptoms. Is high blood pressure healthy? Is a high level of anxiety healthy? Of course not. However, many people experience these and other symptoms while angry. So, the truth is that anger is not healthy. Remembering this may help us work towards getting rid of our unhelpful anger (see Ephesians 4:31).
Taking it a step deeper have you ever uttered these words “I can’t help it if others make me angry?” For many, this is the most difficult aspect to face. The fact of the matter is that only we can control ourselves. While the words and actions of others may trigger our anger, no one can “make” us mad. Let’s try changing the way we think and speak about this. Instead of saying, “So and so made me mad”, try saying “I got angry with so and so.” Through this simple change, we are taking ownership of our anger instead of blaming someone else. This is truly a challenge, but the outcome is well worth it.

“Dear Lord, Thank You for Your truth that helps me to overcome the world. I love You.”

For His Glory

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

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2014

Let Go!

cb devojul8“You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.” Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

“Let go! Throw your head back and lift with your legs at the top of the arc.”

Hannah fearlessly did as instructed when launched from the perch cut into cliff. Secure in her climbing harness and hooked onto the rope, she flipped upside down, soaring over the canyon 100’ below. She was gleeful despite the fact she held onto nothing. Legs extended, arms outstretched, peering at the ground as it rushed beneath her, she flew through the air. Her teammates watched from the steep hillside, amazed at her prowess, agility, and strength. When Hannah dismounted, it was with bubbling-over joy.

And then came JoAnn. This was not her first trip along the zip line course. When it came to the swing in the dense jungle, she denied herself the experience on each of her prior adventures. Surrounded by a team of women urging her on, she relented. She survived her fright and flight, though not with the style and grace of Hannah. JoAnn held on tight, knuckles white and fingers cramping. When JoAnn dismounted, it was only with great relief.

Both these women started the challenge with the same tools: secured, quadruple-checked harnesses. Both these women had the same outcome: survival with no injury. But what about their perception of experience? Hannah relished leaving the cliff, embraced letting go and was exhilarated tumbling through the air. JoAnn, however, allowed fear to deprive her of flightful fancy. She chose not to trust the safety measures and allow herself complete joy.

God sometimes asks us to take a flying leap. Though He promises His control, and despite the assurance of safety, we refuse to let go. Like JoAnn, we needlessly clutch our own insecurities, missing the joy of the journey.

“God, give me the courage to let go, trusting You completely. Let me feel safe in Your love and grant me joy in the journey.

For His Glory,

Rebekah Trittipoe (www.rebekahtrittipoe.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2014

Sweet Forgiveness

cb devo july7“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 (NIV)

As a child, I broke something of my moms. Looking at all those pieces on the floor, I thought if I stared hard enough I could meld it together. So I did the next best thing, I hid in our tree house. When mom called us in for the evening, I trudged down the ladder. Stepping into the house, I saw all the broken pieces on the counter. Mom never said anything. We went through our night rituals and still not one word was said. I felt horrible. When mom kissed me goodnight, she asked if I needed to tell her anything. Looking away, I shook my head no. The door closed, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Could I have gotten away with it?

Unable to sleep, I cried because I didn’t want my mom to be upset with me. About 3 am, I walked to my parents’ bedroom and told Mom what I did. I was so sorry I broke one of her favorite things. She hugged me, told me it was alright and loved me.
Don’t we sometimes do this with God? We mess up, and we are afraid to go to Him and confess our sins in fear He might discipline us. Sometimes we pull away or go hide in our tree house worrying what will happen. We are so lucky that we can receive God’s mercy and grace, but we must be the ones willing to come forward and be cleansed.

“Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me even when I mess up. I am so glad that I can come to You and confess what I’ve done and You will still love me and use me.”

For His Glory
Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2014

Living Water

Drop Falling into Water“Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God and who it is that ask you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 (NIV)

Tiny little feet hovered over the edge. Desperate and thirsty, she lingered though parched lips tasted nothing. Peering down, she dipped lower just in case the oasis existed – attempting to dance in the slightest puddle. Dreaming of the possibility only to greet reality – what she longed for didn’t exist. And then she flew away. Didn’t she know I was watching out my window? Didn’t she hear me open the door and move towards her? Or maybe it was my closeness that sent her flying away. Didn’t she know that I had what she longed for? Even though she was gone, I filled the birdbath and slipped away anticipating her return. Moments later, I could hear the splash of not one but many. Looking out my window, I saw the glory – the glory God sees when we are quenched. When parched lips that have tasted nothing peer over the edge hoping, dreaming, expecting, wanting. I heard what God hears –the splash of laughter and feet dancing in the sheer joy of being refreshed, drenched in His love. All we longed for and thought never existed. All we searched for and attempted to fulfill. All the wondering if God knew, if God heard, if God would move on our behalf splashes around us. Living water quenching our thirst – and God smiles as we bring others to taste His goodness.

“Father, I come to You for I know You satisfy. I’m thirsty but I know Your love will not run dry – You’re all my heart is living for.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2014

More Than Enough

Close-up of Woman's Face“Then Jesus directed them to have all of the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.” Mark 6:39-40 (NIV)

Worn out. Hungry. Without resources. Consumed with exhaustion, the disciples asked Jesus to send the people away. But Jesus had other plans; He began to teach the people. I can just hear the grumbling of the disciples. Now they were faced with a hungry crowd in a barren place with NO resources. They didn’t think there was anything they could do. Been there myself – times when needs faced me at every turn. My hope would flicker; there was nothing I could do. While the disciples were wondering what they were going to do, Jesus took what was offered (5 loaves of bread and 2 fish) and made it much more than they ever imagined. Every person was fed and there were 12 baskets of food left.

Focused on their own lack, the disciples forgot they were standing next to the One who could help. Jesus put them to work on the practical task and then He performed the miracle. When I face difficult times, I too tend to focus on the problem and forget I’m standing next to the One who can help. Instead of wringing my hands with worry, I need to put my faith in Jesus and trust Him for the miracle.

“Lord, forgive me when I focus more on my own limitations rather than Your power. There is nothing too great for You! Help me to turn my thoughts on what You have placed in front of me and trust You to do the rest.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2014

May I Have This Dance?

cb devojuly2“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Don’t you just love the way the Psalmist David’s heart echoes a steadfast confidence? His career path definitely wasn’t the source. He was anointed a king yet he ran through fields more than enjoying royal privileges. Definitely wasn’t his educational degree. David was simply a shepherd boy tending his father’s flock while fighting off lions and bears. Definitely wasn’t the support of his family. David’s brothers weren’t too excited to watch their brother sling Goliath in one shot. So what motivated and upheld this deep confidence that David possessed? Scripture reveals the secret – David was a man after God’s own heart, and God was more impressed with David’s heart than his credentials. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Unfortunately, we’re quick to rehearse our load of inadequacies – you know the list of why we don’t measure up or why God can’t use our lives. We spin our wheels trying to impress God with our activity versus impressing God with the motives, love and passion of our hearts. Unfiltered excuses flow off our lips flinging against the heart of our Amazing God that longs to enlarge our territory. Maybe we’ve surveyed our credentials and found that royalty isn’t our destiny. But oh how wrong we are when we discredit the confidence our God places in hearts that are loyal, undivided and committed. There is no goodness He would not bestow or confidence He would withhold from those who humbly bow at His feet. Girlfriend we are His royal treasure, His pride and joy – now let’s pick up our feet and dance in the glory of His divine calling filled with godly confidence.

“Father help me to embrace Your confidence, to trust in who You are living and breathing in me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2014

Worth The Wait

cb devo july1“Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again.” Genesis 8:12 (NAS)

Have you ever been in a holding pattern waiting to take off? So much ahead that we are ready to be a part of it. Maybe it’s here, but then you find out it could be there. No decisions to make because the final answer hasn’t arrived. Maybe it won’t, maybe the current location is the correct location. Head’s spinning, wondering, trusting, and waiting. Where are you?

Maybe we’re like Noah working so long, gathering and loading – watching for what God has spoken, only to wait again while those outside think we’ve lost our mind. Then the rain came, and came, and came for 40 days. In an ark for 40 days with family and animals, nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, just trusting and obeying. Waiting for the earth to dry up. Waiting to get out of the boat. Waiting to start over. The excitement, apprehension, thoughts of how to rebuild, things to do differently. So much to absorb, yet with God it is possible. With God the strength is found. When closeness is required, growth is unavoidable. How would Noah advise us today on how to handle our waiting patterns? Probably, he would ask are we learning the lessons we are meant to learn while we are waiting? Let’s ask God what He has in mind for us. It’s easy to get caught up in the future of what will be and miss what is now. Don’t miss the opportunity of the moment that is right here, right now.

“Father, forgive my impatience, grow me, shape me, mold me as I trust you for the answers.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 30, 2014

Brave

CB devo june30“Calmness can lay great errors to rest.” Ecclesiastes 10:4b (NIV)

Gotta love those brave souls that seem to shine in the midst of a crisis. With wisdom, integrity and determination they press through the most difficult situations. Despite a whirl of chaos and uncertainty, they do life well – they stand strong and lead us peacefully. Who are these brave individuals? They’re the school teachers quieting their students while a gunman fires down the hall. They’re the rescue workers talking the defeated one off a ledge and back to safety. They’re the waitresses responding calmly while being criticized for all to see and hear. They’re the parents hovering over their children while tornado winds blow off her roof. They’re the co-workers organizing groups to descend the Twin Towers when the enemy attacked. Individuals who reacted fearlessly even though they were shaking in their shoes. Individuals who didn’t get lost in the moment and lose their cool. Individuals who focused on the big picture versus the “me” picture.

How do we handle the unexpected emergency? Does calmness define us or do our actions create even more drama? Do we breathe urgent prayers for wisdom and strength or do we respond relying on self? Scripture is filled with brave souls that met their moments of crisis clinging and holding tight to the Great I Am. Shaking inside but standing firm. Responding appropriately vs. overreacting. Seeking God moment by moment, brave souls know that the One who created the universe still holds them in the palm of His hand.

“Father, life is unpredictable and can change in an instant. Help us to stay close to You and draw from Your power when uncertainty surrounds us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth

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