Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 2, 2014

Windows To Our Souls

devo mar 18“The Lord repay your (Ruth’s) work, and full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” Ruth 2:12 (NIV)

Actions are the windows to our souls that arrive before we utter a word. And when life deals us an unfair hand, our actions reveal the character that lies deep within us. A young widow facing a bleak future chose to leave her home and follow her bitter mother-in-law, Naomi, into foreign territory. Who was this courageous woman – her name was Ruth. Despite their religious differences, Ruth was determined to take care of Naomi honoring the memory of her husband. Showing kindness in the midst of bitter sorrow is a huge task, yet Ruth’s compassionate actions brought healing balm to Naomi’s broken heart. Unknown and amongst strangers, Ruth’s testimony spoke volumes to everyone she met and paved the way for God’s blessings. What do our actions reveal about our character? Do our words match our actions or do they portray a totally different view? Ruth didn’t have to convince people of her sincerity; rather she was a living, walking reflection of what was in her heart. Can we say that about our lives? Does our exit from a room leave people wondering who we really are? During the course of a day, we may interact with hundreds of people: co-workers, family members, friends, copier repairman, receptionist, school teachers, our bosses, and the list keeps going. Each encounter gives us an opportunity to display godly actions without even saying a word. And if we think the world isn’t watching – we’re really being fooled. Why not give them something to talk about – a woman that fears the Lord is greatly praised!

“Father, every day is an opportunity to shine for You! Help us to be beacons of light to a world desperately seeking the hope that lies within us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2014

Soul Refreshment

cb devo may“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.”  Isaiah 49:10 (NIV)

Have you ever experienced a time in your spiritual walk that everything just seemed dry? No matter how much time you spent in the word or in prayer, you just didn’t feel refreshed. Sometimes it’s in those dry, desert periods that God teaches us the most. Just like when the Children of Israel spent time in the desert learning to depend on God, we have to do the same. It’s in those dry moments that we feel desperate to connect with God. When we come to the end of our resources and realize that we need God, He provides soothing refreshment to our soul. It could be a verse that hits just the area we are struggling with, a prayer from a friend, a song on the radio, or just knowing God’s presence is there. Just as God was compassionate to take care of the Children of Israel in the desert, He will take care of us during our desert moments.

“Dear God, Refresh our souls when we have reached the desperate, dry moments of our lives. Give us the strength to reach out and seek You when we’ve reached the end of our resources.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2014

Where Hope Grows

FSE009“But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more.” Psalm 71:14 (NKJV)

Hope lives in the heart of a little child who sees a rainbow in every cloud. Hope lives in the heart of an unemployed worker who sees a brighter tomorrow. Hope lives in the heart of a mom who sees success in the eyes of her troubled teenager. Hope lives in the heart of a godly woman who sees God’s hand working in her life despite delays. Where hope grows – miracles blossom all around us. Exploding with trust in our Almighty God, hope growers quickly rid themselves of pesky weeds of discouragement and despair. Confident of God’s goodness even in the midst of challenges, hope growers know the real secret is to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than their own. And when their trust levels elevate, Satan loves to come tagging along attempting to dangle hope in mid air. Casting his web of doubt and uncertainty, Satan specializes in reminding us of who we are not and what will never be. But hope growers recognize his deceptive tricks, and release praise from their lips reflecting their confidence in the One true God! Where hope grows – miracles blossom, victory reigns and God is magnified. The blind see, the lame walk, the wounded are heal, the weary are restored and the sinner is redeemed. Waiting with anticipation, hope growers cherish the involvement of their God and hope continually in His promises.
“How precious to cling to You Father. To trust in Your timing, Your ways and embrace Your miracles for our lives.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 29, 2014

Change My Attitude

Woman Sitting with a Bored Expression“Turn my heart toward Your statues and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.” Psalm 119:36-37 (NIV)

As children, we used to throw a fit and pout in an attempt to get our way. Even as adults some of us try the same tactic. Only this time it’s not our parents but our Father God that we are pouting to. Have you ever clearly felt God directing you towards an action, relationship, or change that you just really didn’t want to do? I definitely have, and I unfortunately can still throw a fit and pout like a little child. The silly thing is, when I finally let God change my attitude and I obeyed, I was very blessed.

Part of our walk with God will be a twisting and turning path. There are going to be times we are perfectly content with the direction we are going and can’t imagine why God would ask us to change. Those changes are opportunities to grow in our spiritual walk and to gain blessings in areas we never could have imagined. So the next time God sends a change of direction to us, we need to remember to stop and ask God to give us the right attitude about the new direction. Going into it willingly will make it more exciting, and we will gain the blessings from the beginning.

“Dear God, Work in our hearts to have the right attitude towards Your will for our lives. Help us to take changes in our walk with You as new opportunities and not obstacles.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 28, 2014

Held By His Wisdom

Infant Grasping Mother's Finger“Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?” Proverbs 8:1 (NIV)

Desperately seeking to protect our children, our voices will carry a different pitch when danger lurks insight. I remember yelling, Christopher Shaun (you know you gotta use the whole name thing). His hand had slipped out from mine and his tiny feet took off instantly. Within moments, I saw my little boy headed towards the busy street; I was terrified. Needless to say, I didn’t dare whisper or sweetly entice him to return. The shrill pitch of my voice could have been heard around the world – Mommy voice overtook me. Luckily, my son had heard that voice many times. Right before he took that step into the street, my son turned towards that shrill sound and stopped. Nothing like a heart stopping moment to send your voice up the scale. And there’s nothing like a child of God slipping into danger that will ignite the voice of God. I’m sure He’s used my full name many times. Desperately seeking to protect us, God’s wisdom calls out to His children. Seeing the danger lurking ahead, God longs for us to heed His voice and halt our steps. Right at the edge of our reasoning, stands our God consumed with love seeking to get our attention. And when we turn towards Him, we will reap the fruits of His wisdom and protection.

“Father attune our ears to hear and respond to Your voice. You can be trusted to lead us in the right direction.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 24, 2014

God’s Lessons

Smiling Woman with Stack of Books“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” Psalm 119:7 (NIV)

Sometimes “friends take us by surprise. Things are done that we don’t know how to handle, what to say or how to react. Sometimes it’s best to wait; we don’t want to say things we will regret. When we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we will know when to confront and when to lay low. It’s all a matter of true wisdom – learning to trust God to speak into our lives. God has used a recent incident to teach me through the trial. If I harbor bitterness and unforgiveness, I will not grow. Because I allowed the Lord to teach me lessons, I am not only a stronger Christian but a better teacher and a healthier friend. What is the Lord teaching you? Have you thought of journaling? We can spew our feelings on paper, make a beautiful masterpiece, let it go and not harbor resentment. It goes from the heart to the paper and now it’s not inside of you – a lesson to be learned for yourself and others. Isn’t it wonderful what we can allow the Lord to do in our lives if we refuse to become embittered? The lessons God wants to teach us are not only for us to learn, but for us to share with others so they too can be encouraged.

“Lord, thank You that You forgive me of my sins. Thank You for the rich lessons You teach me in life and because of the trials You entrust to me to make that possible. Please continue to bless my writings so they can bless others as You bless me.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 23, 2014

Adopted Into The Family

Newborn Baby in Mother Hand“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear; but you received the Spirit of sonship, and by him we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NIV)

Over the years I’ve had several friends who have adopted children. Instantly, they’ve become parents of children who have not come from their same lineage and blood line. They consciously chose to love and embrace them into their hearts and homes. Recently, I spent time with a little girl who was adopted as an infant by one of my fellow workers. The love that unites their hearts is strong and evident in their actions and words. Each time she calls out “Daddy,” my friend knows she is calling him. He is ready to answer her and see what she needs. Sweet reminder of God’s great love to us when we come to Him. Receiving us into His family, God is 100% ready to love us unconditionally, with His arms outstretched to embrace us and keep us near His sight. When we open our lips to call to Him, He hears us calling out His Abba, Father, name.

It takes a special heart and love to accept someone you did not conceive and whose past you do not know. The beauty of God’s love is that He does not care what we did before or where we came from. His love for us, His children, is strong and unending. His presence is constant.
I am so grateful I was chosen by my loving Father as His adopted daughter, and in His family I never feel different than the rest of the brood. I call out, “Daddy,” and His ears are ready for me.
“Abba, Father: You are the best Daddy that we could ever have. Your love is amazing and the assurance of Your presence is the best promise for those who come into Your family. Thank You for loving us as Your own.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2014

Serving Others

Cb devo aug30“Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NRSV)

One of the greatest qualities found in a leader is serving, and we are all called to serve one another. Most of us lead in one capacity or another. If you are a mother, you are leading your children. If you are a disciple, you are leading people. Whatever we do, we must serve humbly as unto the Lord. Mark 9:33-35 records an argument between the disciples about whom was the greatest among them. When Jesus heard their arrogant conversation, He responded by telling them that a humble servant equals spiritual greatness. This is one of the many ways we can let others see and know that Jesus lives in us and that we have made Him Lord of our lives. Christianity is not just talk and an emotion; it provokes us to action. When we love God, we will serve others just as He taught us and showed us by example. The person who is greatest among you will be your servant (Matthew 23:ll).

Here what God’s word says about serving others:

• “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
• “It is the LORD your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4)
• “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
• “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (I Peter 4:10)

“Lord, may I be aware of the many opportunities You give me to serve You each day.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 21, 2014

Glorious Awakening

 

cbdevoapr“And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all.” Acts 4:33 (NLT)

What is sweeter to the soul than a promise kept? Trusting someone’s words, believing in their character and relaxing securely in the predicted outcome – it’s a rare occurrence in our society. Words are easily spoken, character is often compromised and security runs out the door. But chiseled into the nail pierced hands of our Savior, we find the refreshing aroma of His promises kept. Despised, rejected, crushed, broken, and bruised beyond recognition, Jesus deliberately chose to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life opening wide the door to Heaven’s throne. His love was proven, grace was given and when the stone was rolled away our Risen Lord revealed His glory! It’s a hope planted within us; a priceless freedom lavished in our souls. So what are we doing with the promise kept? A small band of disciples, who had cowered in fear and abandoned the cross, found themselves captivated once again with His presence. Sins had been forgiven and grace applied. Their lives were forever changed as the power of the resurrection stirred their hearts to proclaim the truth. So what are we doing with the promise kept? Are we captivated by His presence? Have we accepted His forgiveness and received His grace? Have our lives been forever changed? Are we proclaiming He is the Way, the Truth and the Life? One day He will return for us – what a glorious day – will He find us living in the power of the promise kept?

“Father, You are our Savior and Redeemer. Bearing the marks of our sins, You find great pleasure in our faithful witness to who You truly are – Our Risen Lord!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 18, 2014

Redemption Yields Eternity In Heaven

cb devoapr18“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43b (NIV)

After carrying His cross through crowded streets, Jesus had every reason and right to not want to look at mankind. He had been beaten, spat on, cursed against and shouted at. When He indicated He was thirsty, He was given vinegar. Jesus was treated without compassion by the soldiers, yet He prayed to His Father to forgive them because they did not know what they were doing.

While His body was losing strength, Jesus still listened to the men He found Himself among: two undeserving thieves. One of the men was bitter and shouted that if Jesus indeed was the Son of God, He should get Himself and the two of them down from those crosses. The other thief, however, realized he was beside the Son of God. Admitting his wrong, he asked the Lord to remember him. At that very moment, Jesus responded to the thief that on that very day he would be with Him in paradise.

Two condemned men died a terrible death, but one of them would spend eternity in heaven with God because he asked the Lord to save him. The cross reminds us that our Lord fulfilled the Father’s plan and gave Himself for us. After He made the ultimate sacrifice, He ascended to heaven to be with the Father. Those who believe in Him and turn away from sin to live by God’s word will be like that thief who repented and was promised eternal life. Have you invited Jesus Christ into your heart? Simply believe in Him and ask Him to forgive your sins. He will hear your prayer and welcome you with open arms.

“Dear Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to save us. We thank You for His sacrifice on the cross, which ensured us eternity in heaven. While we were undeserving, Jesus forgave our sins and brought us into Your family. We love You, Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Hope, Love, Mercy

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