Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 6, 2014

Daily Dependence

cb dev aug6As a child, I always demonstrated an independent spirit. I actually think I learned this trait from one of my grandmothers who was a business woman. She was confident, smart, wise and had no problem making tough decisions. I had no idea what an impact she would make on my life. Those very traits that at times intimidated me as a child, later sparked that independence in me as a young woman. I found it easy to make decisions at work or home where I was a singleparent to my son; but when huge challenges arose, I eagerly sought out God’s guidance.

Gradually, I learned that God wanted me to turn to Him even when my common sense and natural instincts knew what to do. It was in the day to day aspects of life that God molded my independent spirit to be dependent on Him regardless of my resources or capabilities. Have you ever found yourself maneuvering down that path? The decision is simple, a no brainer – organize a yard sale, lead a Bible study, discipline a child, mentor a friend, hire an assistant, run a business, etc. We’ve done it before a million times – made those daily little decisions that seem insignificant. Yet in God’s eyes all our decisions made independent of His Spirit are significant. His insight, wisdom and sovereignty provide a safety net that covers all aspects of our lives. All we have to do is seek Him out daily allowing our dependence to be in Him rather than ourselves.

“Father today belongs to You. Revolutionize my spirit so that my heart is confident in You alone!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 5, 2014

Looking Beyond The Fence

cb devo aug5“God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.”  Acts 2:24 (NIV)

I admit it; I’m a cupcakeaholic.  I love cupcakes way more than I should.  The butter cream frosting calls my name.  It’s so light, fluffy and just truly helps me deal with life’s issues that I don’t want to face.  We all have our issues – what are yours?

Eating cupcakes is not a sin; however, eating them when I’m stressed versus dealing with the real issues at hand is not a good plan. Rather I should be talking to God about them and seeking His direction.  Sometimes we must die to self in order to live.  Our sins can take such a grip on us that we can easily get under too much captivity to continue on.  It is not until we are completely able to die to self, admit we have a problem, confess the problem and seek help to conquer the issue that are able to truly live.

It requires taking the first few steps to get over the initial addiction; however, it feels easier to avoid the problem.  Without confessing and accepting the consequences, we can’t move forward.  Some issues are not so easy to conquer alone, and that’s when we may require assistance from others.  What are you holding on to?  Are you ready for a fresh new perspective – just give it to God.

 

“Father, I want a new perspective, I give you this addiction of _______________________, take it, free me from it and give me a fresh new life with you.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 4, 2014

To Be Like Him

MP900443495[1]“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.”  James 1:22-24 (ESV)

Hiding behind my shades, I slipped into the grocery store with my hair dangling in sweat and my gym odor tagging along.  Perhaps if I moved fast enough no one would notice I was even there.  Ever tried walking inside with shades?  Not too easy.  Everything was really dark, distorted and my disguise had to go.  Amazing how I dropped the shades from my eyes and saw a friend waving in the check-out line.  Dare I run in the opposite direction?  She probably would prefer my absence more than my smelly presence.  Doubt she would complement my attire or my interesting hairstyle.  A quick turn and I was facing a mirrored reflection of me in all my unglory.

How did I think I could slip in and slip out totally unnoticed?  Yet, we deceive ourselves all the time – hiding behind our shades of pretense – covering up the windows to our souls projecting the polished, appealing version of “us.”  As if others didn’t see through the “hidden” agenda, the “ugly” rising to the surface in our response or the “stinky” remains of a wounded heart.  And the more we let the light of Jesus in -the more we see, the more we know we haven’t gone unnoticed.  The more we lower the shades, we finally see Jesus waiting watching and inviting us to run to Him.  Preferring our presence over our absence, Jesus pivots our life so that reflect His beauty.  Amazing transformation – totally noticed by all that see His mirrored image – His glory revealed in us.

“Father, Your love and grace far surpasses our desire – help us to reflect You even in the darkest moments.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 1, 2014

Speechless

cb devo aug1“It is good to praise Yahweh, to sing praise to Your name Most High, to declare Your faithful love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night,” Psalm 92:1-2 (HCSB)

Love the sound of summer nights…the moment daylight slips into darkness…lightning bugs dancing in the field.  The edge of quiet inviting our souls to breathe deep…take in and enjoy.  This too shall pass – how I hate those words in moments like this – when I long to hold on tight because His beauty steals my heart away.

Ushers me to His throne and welcomes me tired, weary and stained.  Looks me in the eye and holds His arms open wide.  Forgiveness + grace + mercy = all today’s regrets, failures and disappointments fade.  This too shall pass – how I hate those words in moments like this – when I long to stay clean because His beauty steals my heart away.

Worship births loudest when speechless consumes me.

Caught up in the wonder of all that He is….glimpses of His glory….story after story.  Captivated by His presence.  This too shall pass – how I hate those words in moments like this – when I desire Him more because His beauty steals my heart away.

Shall I draw near?  Shall I not let this moment slip – pass away?  Every moment is a moment to cling to the One who’s worthy of our praise.  The Lover of our souls cherished the very thought of you and me this morning.  Sleep still in our eyes; His song filled the air.  Would we be so brave to drink deep of His love and allow it to fill us?  Would we step into the moment that is fleeting and passing quickly to seize the chance to enter His presence?

“Father, I am in awe of Your beauty that surrounds me – Yahweh takes my breath away.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 31, 2014

What’s Your Patience Level

Woman Turning Off Alarm“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your hear take courage; wait for the Lord!”  Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

What is your patience level?  How do you handle waiting for the answer you desire?  Patience is defined as the state of endurance under difficult circumstances by Wikipedia.  Patience is another word that doesn’t often come to mind in describing myself. Patience is something God is teaching me again.  His timing not mine; His will not mine. I’m learning to rely more on Him – less on me. Only with His help and His strength can I continue forward.  When I try to go it on my own, I fall down.  When I give it to Him, I move forward.  Seems so simple, yet it is so hard.  Am I the only one with this struggle?  I’m so grateful that even in my weakness, He is strong and He is there.  Seems kind of silly to think that we would try to carry the weight all on our own shoulders when we have God to carry it and handle it for us.  Why is it so hard to just fall broken and give Him all of us?  Give Him our will and let His will be done.  God holds our future; we just have to be strong, take courage and wait for His direction.

“Father, not my will but Yours.  I’m sorry for not always waiting but trying to go it on my own.  Thank you for the courage and strength to wait for Your timing and Your great plan.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2014

Reality Check

Woman Among Lit Votive Candles“Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”  Mark 10:35b (NIV)

Looking out for #1 is as common place as the dusty roads leading to Jerusalem.  Who would have ever imagined that two of Jesus disciples would make such a demand to the One who had spent His time unselfishly serving others?  Jesus sought no earthly throne; in fact He was adamant that all glory belonged to His Father.  Yet James and John sought an exalted position:  one sitting at the left and the other sitting at the right of Jesus in His glory.

We would never ask such a thing for ourselves would we?  We would never demand that Jesus do whatever we ask or would we?  Looking out for our best interests will always lead us down a road of increasing demands.  Without even  realizing it, we will find ourselves pushing for the best seat, picking out the best job for serving in our church and impatiently expecting others to serve us.  Jesus knew the secret of influence and it was found in serving others. He not only demonstrated those words, but He created opportunities to train His inner circle to follow in His footsteps.  Maybe this week, we need to take a reality check and listen in to our prayers, demands and selfish requests.  Are we seeking God or are we simply demanding that He do for us whatever we ask?

“Father, may all of our requests be filtered through a heart of service to others.   Keep our prayers balanced and our motives pure so that we will be living expressions of Your love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 29, 2014

A Culture of Worry

cb devo july29“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life…” Matthew 6:25 (NKJV)

 

I recently found myself nervous about several situations all at once.  Despite Bible study, prayer, worship, and a little too much talking things over with my husband, I was still worried.  In the end all three of the circumstances worked out for the best.  As they usually do.  Sigh.  Cue the guilt for lack of faith.  Double sigh.  I began to ponder, “Why did I go through this cycle…again?!?”  It came to mind that there are a number of possible reasons:

  1.  We live in a culture of negativity. We have 24/7 access to the news and most of it isn’t so great.  It can easily lead us to fear and worry.  We can’t do something about everything, and we shouldn’t sit around worrying about it all.  Instead, we need to recognize what we can help with and spend more time focusing on our blessings.
  2.  We live our lives too publicly.  Facebook.  Twitter.  Instagram.  Pinterest.  We can’t possibly live up to the expectations we set for ourselves.  So what if someone doesn’t think you look thin enough, if someone doesn’t like your haircut or if someone doesn’t agree with your post?  We worry too much about what others think.
  3.  We actually don’t rely on our faith enough.  While I refuse to feel guilty when I am forgiven, I do believe there are times when I worry because I am not focusing enough on my faith.  I can do all the “right things” such as praying and Bible study, but am I really focusing on the truth of God’s word and His will?

Knowing this information won’t actually stop me from worrying.  Instead, I have to stop focusing on the negative.  I have to stop being concerned about what others think bout me.  And I must trust in God.*

 

“Dear Lord, Please forgive me for the times I worry because You have told me there is no need to worry.  Please help me to trust in You more and worry less.”

 

For His Glory

Laurel Shaler (drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

 

*Read full blog at http://www.drlaurelshaler.com/a-culture-of-worry

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 28, 2014

Soaring To Greater Heights

Bald Eagle Soaring“He was like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young, then spreading its wings, lifting them into the air, teaching them to fly.”  Deuteronomy 32:11 (MSG)

 

Looking for a place to nest a mother bird settled for a fern on the front porch.  It wasn’t long before we heard the chirp, chirp of those baby birds as they peeked out of their nest.  The world, I’m sure, appeared frightening and large compared to the comforts of their straw incubator.  But as soon as they were able to fly, the mother bird helped push them out and left the nest.  She never returns; but in the early morning hours, I see our little friends perched on our porch singing their hearts outs. This spot is security for them even though the nest is gone and their mother is no where in sight.

 

As baby Christians, God provides an environment – a nest – where we can be nurtured, protected and grow.  He surrounds us with people who can lead, encourage and propel us toward a deeper walk with Him.  The problem lies when we choose to draw our security from our nest rather than from God.  The world can appear frightening and large compared to our circle of false security, but if we place our hope, faith and trust in God we will find Him singing over us as we soar through the skies.

 

“Father how I long to fly with You to greater heights, to soar beyond the comforts of my world and embrace the sound of Your voice singing over me.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2014

God’s Delight

j0441048“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” Psalm 73:25 (ESV)

Woke this morning, turned off the alarm and longed for a few more snoozes. Desired sleep got up instead. Craved a sweet chocolate treat mid-morning got fruit instead. My to do list – so wanted to see it shrink instead ended up adding instead of subtracting. Sound familiar – the elusive desire slipping through our fingers. What we longed for, what we wanted just didn’t add up. What are the desires on your heart? Afraid to even give them a voice? Even for a day? Projecting unfulfillment and settling for less seems appealing versus facing disappointment. But settling leaves us longing and joy fleeing – definitely not the abundant life God desires. While sleeping in and indulging chocolate yumminess are superficial , I’ve exchanged some deep desires because they seemed too huge for me. And you know what – they were. Only when we are infused with God’s power can we see those desires fulfilled that reside in our hearts. Some may be simple, others may be complex. Some may need to be changed, others completely fulfilled. Yet they all require that I desire God more than anything else. By transferring my deepest longings from me to the One who created the universe, I demonstrate my confident trust in His Sovereign plan. Delighting in God will transform and empower the deepest longings of our heart. What we thought was impossible and beyond our reach may suddenly become a reality when our focus moves from us to Him.

“Father, we get so lost and absorbed with what we want – help us to lay our desires at Your feet. Teach us to search out Your heart and listen to Your voice instead of our own.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 24, 2014

Lukewarm

cb devo jul24“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16 (NIV)

If I’m drinking water it has to be ice cold. I cannot stand lukewarm water, and if I drink it my stomach will complain. Likewise, God doesn’t want us to be lukewarm Christians. Settling into a comfortable spiritual life, we can find ourselves losing the love and joy of our salvation. It’s very easy to settle into one set routine for our quite time or get settled into one type of Bible study. When we do this, we are in danger of getting bored and not wanting to do anything at all. The other danger is we are missing out on how God wants to grow our spiritual life and how He wants to use us. Rather than be satisfied with the same old same old, we need to seek new excitement each day in our walk with God. The change God has made in our lives was life changing, but it wasn’t just a one time event. It’s a new lifestyle that will constantly change and get even better. We just have to be willing to up our spiritual temperature from lukewarm to hot.
“Dear God, Show us how to increase the temperature of our walk with You. Give us a new desire each day to know You more in a different way.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

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