Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 13, 2014

The Solid Rock

Cb devo aug8“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

Ever felt the sting of trust gone wrong? We believed, we invested, we devoted and then we watched stunned. Perhaps it was a dear friend who caused our trust to fade. Perhaps it was a leader who made us distrust authority. Perhaps it was someone we partnered with at work or served alongside in ministry that redefined trust. Perhaps it was a family member who mislead us from the truth. Whoever it was, however it happened – our view of trust weakened and left us cautious and hurt.

The Psalmist David knew that cycle too well. His life was spent running, hiding and dodging the arrows of deceit. The people he thought were trustworthy betrayed him at every level. A king, his sons, his closest confidants – trust was an elusive distant dream. Amazing how deeply David trusted his Lord. Convicting how David’s heart for God wasn’t disillusioned with the depth of falseness surrounding him. Challenging that despite betrayals, David didn’t lose his song. Ever wonder why? The Psalms are filled with the words, prayers and songs of David. Moments when his heart was broken and shattered. Moments when He was overjoyed and danced before the Lord. Moments when his soul sank deep and moments when gratitude flowed from his lips. The secret to David’s unshakeable trust was found standing on the solid rock of his God sheltered in the shadow of His wings.

“Father, You are our helper, our strength and our shield – Your name is the strong tower we run to.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 12, 2014

God of Details

cb devo june12“God cares, cares right down to the last detail.”James 5:11 (MSG)

I had the privilege recently to marvel at the details in God’s creation. From driving through the mountains to being fascinated by the colors and details in a blue jay, and winding down watching a brilliant sunset. So often we get too busy to even look around.

God didn’t just provide these amazing details in the creation around us but in our own lives. God created us with unique looks, talents, personalities, gifts, and so much more. He has a personalized plan of action for each of our lives that utilizes every detail within us. Have we fully explored what we are capable of doing? Or have we stayed in a comfort zone that maybe only stretches us a little bit. Sometimes circumstances come into our lives as a means to learn about those tiny details God put deep inside us. Don’t be afraid to let God stretch and grow you because just like a beautiful rainbow comes after a storm; blessings in abundance come when you grow in Christ.

“Dear God thank You for the details in our lives. From the beautiful creation that surrounds us to the amazing person within us. Help us to not be afraid to stretch and grow with You.

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 11, 2014

Nourishing Our Soul

Woman Reading a Book at Home“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

When was the last time you really enjoyed a meal? You know like sat down and savored every bite. Enjoyed the fellowship of those you love. You weren’t even in a hurry or racing through the drive thru window with your lunch falling out your mouth. Done that too many times. When my speed power lunch was over, I was exhausted. Back at work, I couldn’t even remember what I had devoured earlier. Only the stains on my blouse revealed the truth – I’m sure it tasted delicious. When was the last time we really savored the Word of God? You know like sat down and tasted every word enjoying the fellowship He so longs to give. Chewing on each phrase, slowing digesting those nuggets of truth that nourish our souls. For years, I bought into the formula: Gotta read three chapters a day plus Psalms and a Proverb. Magic formula for getting it done, but not always the best recipe. When I still my soul, cleanse my heart and slowly read His words, God spreads a delicious feast before me. It might be one verse or one chapter. It might be one word that convicts or encourages. It might be a sweet taste of His love. It might be the one thing I need to hear to get me through the day. Transformation versus a power lunch with no memory of what I devoured – doesn’t take me long to know what truly pleases the heart of God.

“Father, fill me with the transforming power of Your word. Teach me to linger until my soul is satisfied in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 10, 2014

Divine Protector

Smiling Teacher at Desk with Textbook“The teaching of the wise is the fountain of life.” Proverbs 13:14a (NIV)

One of the great things about having lived in Florida is the beautiful ponds all around the homes. Right outside of my house was a cute little pond that on a daily basis I would see ducks, geese and sometimes some beautiful swans. I would love to take my niece out to the pond and feed the ducks and fish. It was so quiet and peaceful. One evening we walked out to the pond, and I noticed these red flags all around the pond. I looked at them, thought about them, but kept right on walking up to the pond. Then I noticed it…an alligator had moved into our pond. Believe me, I jumped back and grabbed Kylee up in my arms, and we moved far away from our pond. Just as those flags were meant to warn us, God has provided “red flags” for our protection. The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings about evil and encourages us to seek wisdom. In Proverbs 13:1-14 there are several red flags which are vital to living the Christian life:

1. Don’t ignore instruction and rebuke (v.1)
2. Guard your mouth (v.3).
3. Beware of the pursuit of riches (v. 7).
4. Avoid dishonesty (v. 11).
5. Don’t disrespect God’s Word (v. 13).

Powerful warnings meant to safeguard those who choose to heed God’s word – He is the raiser of red flags – our Great Protector.

“Lord, thank you so much for giving me those red flags to protect me. Please help me see them, turn and run from them.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 9, 2014

Reflecting Him

MP900438647[1]“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

Who doesn’t want to win in this game called life? We flourish in the presence of close personal relationships. We grow deep in the satisfaction that flows from fulfilling our purpose. We gather joy and peace in the midst of serving others. All ingredients that blend together to cultivate success – a meaningful life of impact and influence. So how do we arrive at this place – how do we navigate out of our failures and shortcomings into the realm of victory? Striving, seeking and searching for success is often unpacked in lessons well learned. When we dive deep and look long at our decisions and choices, we uncover our weaknesses and strengths. Priorities are rearranged and boundaries set into place. Reality checks prompt us to change, stretch and grow – lessons well learned. Being still in the presence of the Lord invites His touch, His input and His wisdom to guide us through lessons well learned. It’s a formula guaranteed for success when we embrace God’s principles for living. A teachable spirit that observes, flourishes, deepens and gathers more than we could have ever imagined. So what’s holding us back? What’s standing in the way of our victory dance? Let’s steal away this summer and gather at His feet. Let’s drink deep of His love and grace. Let’s reflect back to learn and dream big for tomorrow. And as God moves and breathes in us, we’ll find that true success is found in reflecting Him.

“Sweet Jesus, how we long to be women who leave others longing for You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 6, 2014

Helping Hand

cb devo june6“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” Matthew 6:26 (NLT)

Watching the birds at my mother in law’s house made me think of this verse. God definitely provides natural means to feed the birds, but He also sends along a helping hand through human methods to assist Him. How true it is that God takes care of us and sends along the right help at the right time.

All too often, we keep trying to do things on our own and pride can get in the way of receiving the help God has sent. Other times the help doesn’t come in the form that we think it should, so we dismiss it and keep crying out to God for help. Eventually when we have exhausted “our efforts” to solve the problem, we will finally take time to truly seek God’s help. We have to have an open and obedient heart to whatever form the help comes in.

The trials, temptations, and turmoil that we encounter in our life don’t come as a surprise to God. He created us, and He has our entire life planned out. So in those moments when we need an extra hand to see us through a difficult time, God already has that person, job, prayer, money lined up. Likewise be willing and obedient to when God lays it on your heart to be that helping hand for others. Every difficulty we go through is not wasted if we use that lesson to teach others the blessing on the other side.

“Dear God, Thank You for Your provision in every area of our lives. May we seek You first and not attempt solutions without Your guidance. Give us opportunities to be the helping hand for others and the boldness to be used.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 5, 2014

Great Expectations

MP900444069[1]“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. “ Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

From the moment we wake up, we set expectations. We expect a busy morning, lots of traffic on the way to work, we expect to be busy at work, and we expect to spend time with our family in the evening. We also have expectations of how people will treat us and expectations of the future. Expectations are usually based on our past experiences whether good or bad; unfortunately, some expectations can be unrealistic. We expect to make a low grade, expect not to receive the promotion, expect this diet to help us lose 10 pounds in a week. Our expectations can lead us to develop patterns of thinking which can weaken our faith or block our goals. However, expectations can also help us to be hopeful, accepting, secure, and optimistic.
For all of our expectations, we need to look to God to lead us. The path God chooses or leads us down might not be what we expect, but it will be for the best. It will be better than we can ask, think, or expect. We are so fortunate to serve a God who knows the desires of our heart. So as we are going through our day, expect God to bless us and fill us with His love, peace, and joy. Our expectations won’t be disappointed when we anchor them in God.

“Lord, I am so glad that You are in control of my life; I just need to sit back and let you control it. I expect today that You will bless me and guide me throughout my day! I praise You that You are the God of hope!

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 4, 2014

Sweet Deliverer

Woman Writing in the Sand“He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains.” Psalm 107:14 (NLT)

A superhero saves the day from doom, a knight in shining armor rescues a damsel in distress or a Herculean delivers the world from destruction. Most of us have read a book, watched a TV show or gone to a movie where a supernatural hero conquers and triumphs over insurmountable odds. Great story lines with twists and turns filled with none other than fiction…that’s right literary works that describe imaginary people and events.

These imaginary works captivate the youngest to the oldest of us. Children dress-up in champion costumes running around the backyard with sticks drawn as swords saving the neighborhood kids. While us reserved older folks wear t-shirts with the famous “Superman” or “Wonder Woman” logos. Confess…most of us fit in one or both of these categories!!!

Wouldn’t life be so easy if we could put on a t-shirt or costume and the troubles of our lives fade away? We all at some point in our lives will face trials that seem to have no way out. Whether it’s addiction, depression, a wayward child, a broken marriage, financial ruin, a health crisis and the list broadens and lengthens. The devil is a cunning thief always on the prowl looking for whom he can steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Hallelujah! We have a Superhero who can save us. He is our defender, guardian and protector. Jesus’ purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10).

We have the power…by simply speaking!!! Speak life into the situation and trial (Psalm 18:21). With your tongue declare deliverance in the name of Jesus by His power over Satan‘s evil deeds. Jesus is able to snap every chain that bounds (Psalm 107:14).

“Father, thank You that there is power in the name of JESUS to break every chain…break every chain…break every chain!!! How sweet to be rescued by You.”
For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 3, 2014

The Road Home

cb devo jun3“So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 (NIV)

Home and family can be something we don’t take seriously growing up. As young adults, we are ready to graduate high school and be on our own. We tend to forget that means we have to handle everything on our own. Job, place to live, food, laundry, car, and all the bills – we quickly learn what being an adult is all about.

As we get older it is comforting to go back home after we’ve moved away. There are always the familiar places we hung out at, a restaurant or regional treat we just have to have, and a welcomed hug from a loved one is the best part. No matter how long we’ve been away, we quickly get comfortable and relax.

Just like the prodigal son realized how good he truly had it at home, we sometimes take our own prodigal trip spiritually. While at home we were “required” to go to church and follow along with our family’s religious beliefs. It’s easy to let church and God slide by while we exercise the freedom of being on our own. We soon realize those religious beliefs were actually a foundation our family was building for our life. A foundation so deep that no matter how far we run from God, we can’t shake his love for us. Just like the prodigal son’s father welcomed him home with open arms and a heart full of love; God will as well.

“Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for never giving up on us and always welcoming us back home with open arms. Give us the courage to leave the ways of the world behind and turn towards you.

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 2, 2014

Embracing Jesus

cb devo jan 31“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” I Peter 3:4 (ESV)

Love warm sunshiny days. Love my dark chocolate. Don’t love warm sunshine melting my dark chocolate. Equaled one big mess in my new white purse! My husband found this humorous when I reached in and found chocolate on my keys, on my phone, on my money, etc. I’m sure you get the picture if it was in my purse it was smeared with melted dark chocolate. The evidence was everywhere. Ever have the evidence of your attitude smeared everywhere – obvious for all the world to see. I love those days when reflecting Jesus is simple, easy and carefree. Everything is going just perfect. Husbands great, children get up on time, work is easy and the pieces all fit together nicely. But there are those days when the darkness of our attitudes collides with His. Our feelings get hurt, and we are quick to respond. Nothing is going the way we planned, and we bail out. Or regret steals away our last ray of hope and discouragement overwhelms us. End result one big mess smeared everywhere. Our dark smudges touch everyone in our path – an unsuspecting husband, children caught off guard, strangers standing next to us in line – do I need to go on? We can’t hide our dark smudges no matter how hard we try. Despite our imperfections, God specializes in cleaning us up and rinsing us off. When we embrace His thoughts, His responses and His reactions, we avoid a lot of messes and His beauty shines through. Isn’t that what we want the world to see?

“Father, perfection is far from our grasp – help us to reach out and trust You to guide us, lead us and direct our steps.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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