Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2014

The Surprising Free Accessory that Looks Good on Every Woman

Woman Curled Up With a Good BookBeing confident in this that He who began a good work in you will carry it on until completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:6, NIV)

It doesn’t take any money, but it does take investment. You see, this “accessory” doesn’t happen naturally. Oh, I wish it would. In fact, I think it was intended to be this way. But, the world got in the way, and this thing that looks good on every woman has kind of gone by the wayside. It’s sad, really. Because having this is way more important than wearing name brand make-up, a designer handbag, or the fashion jewelry du-jour.

I’m talking about confidence.

Without it, we doubt ourselves. We beat ourselves up. We question our every move, wondering if (or when) we are going to mess up…again.

With it, we are self-assured. Not arrogant. Not puffed up. Just the right amount of balance in our lives to face the world and everything thrown at us.

Without it, we can’t be assertive without becoming aggressive. In fact, we are more likely to be passive, just not convinced we are worthy enough to speak up for ourselves.

With it, we know our worth. Based on what God’s word tells us about ourselves. So, we carry ourselves with dignity and respect. And we treat others that way as well.

Without it, our heads are downcast. Our eyes too frequently filled with tears. Our self-worth unrecognized.

With it, we are confident that the One who began a good work in each of us will see it through to completion. Yep, that’s what we are told in Philippians 1:6. Do you believe it?

It really does take an investment. And believe me when I tell you it’s worth it. You are worth it. Be confident in the person God created you to be.

“Dear Lord. Thank-you so much for creating me. Please give me the confidence to rest in who I am in you.”
For His Glory,

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 13, 2014

Little Disagreements

cb devo may13“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” James 4:1 (NIV)

We all have had our little disagreements with one another, and usually it starts because someone isn’t getting their way. No matter how old we are, we still have the tendency to slip into childish, petty ways. We feel like everyone is against us if things are not going the way we want it to. The reason we do this is our desires are battling within us causing us to want things our way. What we are missing is the fact we need to be seeking God’s way and what He desires. The one thing that is consistent about fights and quarrels is no one gets anywhere very fast. Nothing gets accomplished, and the process drags along. When we focus on what God’s desires are, we can work as one through Christ to get things done.
“Dear God, Guide us as we seek your desires and not our own interests. Help us to focus our energy as one unit through the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill what you desire us to accomplish.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2014

God’s Amazing Plan

???????????????????????????????????????“She (Jochebed) placed the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile.” Exodus 2:3b (HCSB)

Tremendous faith lowered a basket in the reeds of the Nile. Hiding the baby boy had become impossible – impending death loomed ahead. The risky waters of the Nile seemed safer than the killing hands of the mighty Pharaoh – options eliminated, Jochebed looked down into Moses’ beautiful eyes and let go.

Ever weigh the options of the impossible and the risky with your children? Wondering which way to turn, how to intervene while uncertainty and danger loomed ahead.

Motherhood isn’t for the faint of heart – birth proves that point. Excruciating pain welcomes the tender cries of our sweet bundle of joy, but then reality sets in and responsibilities overwhelm. Sleepless nights and exhaustion unveils our perceived unworthiness to be trusted with the life cuddled in our arms. And that’s just the beginning of those priceless moments that send us soaring in one breath and then running for cover. Toddlers cling to our every move, preschoolers ask unending questions, teenagers question our ability to know anything and gradually every step along the way – we’re letting go.

Like Jochebed, we too look into the beautiful eyes of our children and release their future into God’s hands. Unwavering faith that sometimes holds and cuddles. Uncompromising faith that often hovers from a distance. Unshakeable faith that trust and believes that God can protect, lead and guide when we must release. Moses’ destiny wasn’t dependent on Jochebed’s intervention; his days were ordained by the One whose plans far surpassed her wildest dreams. God transformed her faith beyond the impossible and rescued a nation.

“Sweet Jesus, how we love those little fingers that cling to ours. How we long to lead them to Your heart. Help us to release their future into Your hands.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2014

Willing To Receive

cb devomay9“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

Don’t you just love being on the receiving end? You know unwrapping presents or having someone treat you to lunch. Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of a gift you didn’t like? Perhaps it was Mary who knitted you a purple scarf to match the red mittens she gave you last year. Even better, how about the blender you got from your husband on your birthday? Regardless, we grinned and said thank you even though our hearts longed for something else. Found myself there the other day – God handed me a gift, and it was one I really didn’t want. He had especially picked this out for me. He allowed it to happen, and believe it or not, He wouldn’t take any returns. We’d all rather have that sparkling diamond than a bottle of cleaner to make our windows sparkle. Yet God in His sovereignty extends gifts to us that buff out the rough spots and enable us to shine as women of God who glorify His name. What gift are you unwrapping this week? Is it the gift of discouragement that will teach you how to lift your eyes above your circumstances? Is it the gift of suffering that will teach you the value of life and seizing every moment? Regardless, God has entrusted that gift into your hands – now what will you do with it?

“Father, thank You for the gifts that transform our lives to shine for You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2014

Unceasing Gratitude

cb de may8“Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NIV)

“Give thanks in ALL circumstances” – Wow that jumps out at me. We have no problem giving thanks for circumstances when they are good or the way we think things should go. However, are we willing to thank God for the circumstances that bring hurt, disappointment, loss, and tragedy? If we are doing as the first part of this verses states “Pray CONTINUALLY,” then we will be empowered to be thankful for the tough times. Keeping that constant communication with God is the lifeline we need to make it through the good and bad times that come our way. When we build up our relationship with God to the level of complete trust, we can accept all circumstances by giving God control of them.

Often, I can’t change the circumstances, but I can change my attitude towards them. People make mistakes because deep down we are still sinful in our human nature. However, it’s God’s grace that turns these mistakes into blessings. It’s also God’s mercy that takes our hurts and heals our hearts. By choosing to see our lives from God’s viewpoint, we finally realize that even a life turned upside down can be filled with gratitude.
“Dear God, Help us to be thankful no matter the circumstances. Show us that good, bad, happy, and sad moments are all under Your control. You are there with us to either walk beside us or carry us through the circumstances in life.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Gratitude, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2014

Warning Labels

Young Woman Looking Away from Book“Woe to the obstinate children, declares the Lord, to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin;” Isaiah 30:1 (NIV)

Are you a label reader? I spend more time reading the labels in the grocery store than I do actually shopping. Organic, all natural, whole grain, low sodium – you almost need a degree to translate what’s really inside some products. Nutritionists would be quick to say it is time well spent, however, I find them totally confusing. I’m so glad that God makes His warning labels crystal clear. In fact, He’s the original red flag raiser establishing safe boundaries to protect us from our own sinful desires. Throughout scripture, God warned His people in advance of impending danger and horrific consequences that would result from their disobedience. Obstacles arose in their paths, doors were closed and even angels were dispersed to lead people from danger. Yet the overwhelming desires of their hearts and determination to continue with their own plans often resulted in devastating consequences. Today, we are faced with the same dilemma. Determined to go our own way, we often settle for a temporary pleasure instead of a guaranteed blessing. We ignore red flags and often trudge forward asking God to bless our upcoming messes. By heeding God’s warnings and obeying His commandments, we can avoid unnecessary heartache. Maybe we should spend more time reading God’s warning labels; I’m sure He would be quick to say it’s time well spent.

“Father, Teach us how to heed Your warning signs and avoid the pitfalls of moving against Your will. You are our great Protector guiding us away from danger; thank You for positioning us to receive guaranteed blessings.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 6, 2014

Leaving Egypt Behind

june 28“But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!” Exodus 14:13-14 (NLT)

Do you have an “Egyptian” in your life? An Egyptian can be different things such as; disease, addiction, lack, a bad habit or doubt, etc. that keeps us in bondage and slavery. January 2011 the Lord had me go on the Daniel Fast two times…consecutively. However, in His grace and mercy, He did not just tell me to go fast. No…He gave me these two verses full of His promises as encouragement to not be afraid. He would rescue and fight for me, and I would never see that particular “Egyptian” again.

God is calling us all out of Egypt! For 400 hundred years, the Israelites were in bondage as slaves to Pharaoh. However, they were unaware that God was equipping and preparing Moses for their deliverance. Just like the Israelite slaves under the harsh treatment of whip carrying task masters, we also may be living a life of anguish, pain and suffering. But be looking…our Deliverer is on His way!

Deliverance may require a journey. Are we ready to take the trip? A journey that will lead us to the Promise Land – a rich, abundant life without bondage and slavery. Free because of Christ! Put on your traveling shoes and say to God, “I’m ready…let’s go.” He has been preparing you for the journey. Take the first step of faith saying “I trust you Lord.” It may require getting your toes wet, but God will part any sea in your way.

“Father, in your timing You will bring us through on dry ground. Delivered and free, we will stand in the land of milk and honey!”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Mountain Blend

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2014

Lifting Up

cb devo may5“But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:12 (ESV)
Lifting up and sitting with – it’s the call to those who come alongside the weary, defeated and tired. Ever been there yourself? Ever felt the weight of heaviness settle in and wonder if you can make it? Ever been the one who sees, who hears, who encourages and who eases the burden? Moses didn’t ask for help when he was weary, but those who knew him and saw him were attuned to his needs. They didn’t wait for an invitation; they just seized the moment. They didn’t sign up or pray about it first. They didn’t consult someone else or ponder what to do. Simply stepping up to the plate and lifting up. Wonder what life would be like if we all knew the people around us enough to sense when they needed help? Wonder what it would feel like to be attuned to the needs of others rather than consumed with lesser things? I love the way Aaron and Hur met Moses’ physical need – they took a stone and put it under him. Who do we need to give rest to? I love the way Aaron and Hur surrounded Moses – one on each side. Who do we need to come alongside, surround and protect? I love the way Aaron and Hur not only showed up, but lifted up so that victory would be ensured. Whose life do we need to show up in, lift up so the enemy will be defeated and victory is sure?

“Father, open our eyes to see and respond to the needs around us each day – being Your hands and feet – to those desperately reaching for victory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

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

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