Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2013

God’s Divine Plan

j0441048“But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11 (NIV)

Cooking, cleaning and washing clothes – those were the chores I taught my son, Chris.  Why?  Because I was a single mom who wanted to ensure her son could take care of himself.  A health scare in my early twenties and a divorce in my thirties convinced me to be more intentional in preparing my son for life – perhaps even a life without me.  I would love to report that Chris embraced those tasks with enthusiasm, but like most teenagers he’d rather skip the chores.  Fast forward to 2013 and that preparation is paying a totally different dividend than I envisioned.  My 28 year old daughter-in-law is the fulltime caregiver for her mom who has terminal cancer.  Difficult road for a young woman who lost her father to cancer before she walked down the aisle to marry my son.  Yet right alongside her is my son who’s working a job, washing clothes, cleaning house, cooking meals  – demonstrating support and love for his family.  Skills I intended to serve a different purpose – skills God intended to serve a divine purpose.

Ever wonder what God’s preparing you for?  Too many times, my smallness has sought skills and made preparations for my benefit, but God has greater purposes than what I can envision.  Everything I learn on my job or in my home opens wide the door of opportunity for God to take transform those tasks for His divine purposes.  Writing my company newsletter reintroduced my passion for writing devotionals.  Teaching computer classes at work gave me the courage to be a Table Leader at Bible Study.  What was benefiting the workplace was actually aligning my life with God’s ultimate plan, and He can do the same for you.

“Father, help us to embrace Your purposes and  to trust in Your divine plan.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2013

God’s Power At Work

MP900438647[1]“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)

 

Often times we read this verse and quote the first half; however, the answer is in the next part of the verse. We will not receive exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think unless we apply the second part of this verse which is: ACCORDING to the power that works in us. Where does this power come from, and how does it work in us? It is God’s power that works in us. When we are full of the Word of God, we will become empowered and will see God do extraordinary things. That power works by faith. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. When we are empowered by God, He can use us in very effective ways. God has empowered and entrusted me with much ministry, but I can only do it through His strength. I lead a Bible Study,  write devotionals, lead a prayer group, sing at church, will start teaching Sunday School, pray and counsel with people, mentor others and will soon start a Women’s ministry at my church. I could never do all these things if God was not empowering me. I would burn out. Because God is empowering me, He sustains me (He carries me). Are we receiving God’s power, or are we hanging by a thread on our own strength?  Let’s allow God’s power to work in us as we receive the Word of God.

 

“Lord , Help us to receive the Word of God by faith so it can work in us. Thank You for the tasks and ministry that You entrust to us as we see Your great power at work and You are glorified.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

　

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 9, 2013

Transformed In His Presence

cb devo oct 9“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NKJV)

Allie and Lauren got out of the car after our son had pulled into the driveway and parked. Although it had only been a few months since we had seen them, we were amazed at the changes that had taken place! They were turning from young girls into beautiful young ladies. We realized that we are not as aware of the changes of the grandchildren we see on a regular basis, but to our son and daughter-in-law there were many transformations in them as well.

Wonder if friends or family who do not see us often see any difference in us when we reunite? Do they see an increase in our joy, gentleness, peacefulness, or compassion—in short, are they seeing growth in our spiritual nature the longer we walk with Jesus? The more we are in the Word, the more we emulate the example Jesus set for us, which causes us to be transformed into that “new creation.” Those who are close to us may see changes so gradually that it is not until they look back where we were a year ago, or two years ago, for example, that they see a difference in us.

We should want to be so close to Him that others who meet us are immediately drawn to the faith and trust that we exhibit in all our dealings. Let us keep that in mind as we drive, deal with the public, or do our daily jobs!

“Father, grant us the desire to hunger and thirst after righteousness, so that our spirits shine through the flesh, and everyone will know that we have, indeed, been with our Lord!”

 

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 8, 2013

Love That Heals

CB Devo Apr 1“When Jesus saw her (Martha) weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ He asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept.”John 11:33-35 (NIV).

Jesus encountered every type of people on earth: people who loved Him, people who hated Him, people who only came for deliverance and healing, people who wanted to learn from Him, etc. Among Jesus’ friends were three siblings: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11:5).  When Lazarus fell sick, his sisters panicked and wanted the Lord to come quickly. While Jesus loved these friends, He didn’t rush to Lazarus’ side.  Only after He finished what He was doing for the kingdom did He go to Lazarus. Why?  Because Jesus was following God’s plan for Lazarus’ life, his sisters’ lives, and the lives of the people who became aware that Lazarus had breathed his last breath four days prior to Jesus’ arrival.

 

When Jesus finally arrived, He asked to see Lazarus’ body and wept. He reminded the people that if they believed they would see the glory of God. Then Jesus prayed, “Father, thank You for hearing me.” He then called out to Lazarus in a loud voice and told him to come out; Lazarus lived again.

 

Sisters, this Jesus is the same Jesus that we serve! He is with us as He was with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Believe in Him. Trust Him. Whatever wound we are battling, we can place it at His feet and allow Him to take off our burdens and heal us.

 

“Lord, thank You for being a loving and caring God. You see us and You know everything about us. Please help us to trust that no matter what we face, or what circumstances we endure, that You will command us to come out in faith and remove the weight of the rags we wear.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2013

It’s Just A Snapshot

Young Girls Taking a Picture“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under Heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

 

Our lives change constantly. Even things that used to be pretty stable such as where we live, where we work, and where we worship change more frequently than they used to. And just think about all of the other details that can change at the drop of a hat. Styles of shoes, styles of dresses or styles of hair. How about favorite colors, favorite foods or favorite flowers?

 

But, what about friends?

 Yes, even friends change. What used to be a vibrant friendship may have dwindled for no reason other than the fact that two people grew apart. And that’s okay. Or maybe the friendship is not healthy and the change is good for you. Yes, these changes can be painful. And we may even doubt ourselves with defeating questions such as “What did I do wrong?”, “What is wrong with me?” or “Why doesn’t she want to be my friend?” But, ultimately, it may very well be that the season for that friendship is complete.

 Ladies, the next time we start to feel down about a friendship that we no longer have, let’s try and reflect on the verse for today: Ecclesiastes 3:1. Yes, there is a time for everything. A season for every activity. Times, and seasons, change. So do friends. We can trust in God to help us face these changes and the upsetting thoughts and feelings that come along as a result.


 “Dear Lord, Thank You for the gift of friendship. Thank You for the different seasons in my life and for being there for me during these changing times.”


For His Glory,

 

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

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2013

Untangling Lives

MP900178801[1]“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”  Luke 10:33 (NIV)

The crash, the scream – what was happening on my deck?  I ran out of my office and found the most vibrant yellow bird fighting for its life.  I’ll spare you the gory details, but the cat devouring its prey saw no beauty in that sweet bird.  And the sounds of one in pain…well I can still hear that cry echoing in my mind.  Don’t know that I’ve ever witnessed someone struggling so hard only to lose.  Or maybe I have…..the only difference was the shrill of their cry was silent.  Vibrant and beautiful on the outside yet fighting a losing battle inside.  Ever been there …when someone you love draws closer to the edge. They’ve kept it all tucked deep until the suffocating fatigue sets in and victory slips out the door.  Defeat mirroring the pain as the enemy slips in to devour his prey.

 Do you hear the cry?  Did you witness the crash?  Did you the leave the comfort of your space to ask what was happening?  Wonder why I’d leave my agenda, my work for the sake of a bird fighting for its life when I’d walk past sweet, hurting ones with eternal souls unmoved?  It’s easier, less messy than entangling our lives, our time, our prayers to those fighting desperately for their lives.   We can dismiss the echo in our ears but not in our hearts.  The sounds of one in pain lingers, and when we see through God’s eyes, then we know why we’re here. We realize that apart from His grace, we’d be there too fighting, struggling and afraid to ask for help.

“Father, help us to reach out, lift up and encourage those whose battle is long and hard.  Give us the right words to say at the right moment to draw then closer to You.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2013

Unlimited Strength In God

MP900443687[1]“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”  Proverbs 24:10 (KJV)

 

Whose strength are you depending on? If we are depending on our own strength to survive, we are not going to stand. We will falter in times of trouble. We will faint if we are not depending on God’s strength. If we are not drawing strength from God’s Word, we will be slack in the day of distress, and we will grow weak when trouble comes. Relying on our own strength takes God out of the picture. We must have a helpless dependence on God and be strengthened by our prayer life and meditation of the Word of God. We must take our spiritual vitamins every day. God’s Word will strengthen us in places we never thought we could be strengthened.

 Here are some affirmations and prayers from the Word of God that you can say daily. It would be great to also meditate on the scriptures that go along with these affirmations.

 1.     I can do all things through you Lord, because you strengthen me. (Philippians 4:13)

2.     I am strong and courageous, I fear not nor am I afraid of them, God goes with me, He will not fail me, nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

3.     God goes with me and will fight for me against my enemies to save me.(Deuteronomy 20:4)

4.     I will not fear for you are with me, I will not be dismayed for you are my God, you will strengthen me, yes, you will help me, you will uphold me with your right hand of your righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

 

“Thank you Lord for your Word that strengthens me in times of adversity.”


For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 2, 2013

My Rescuer

cb oct2“But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” I John 1:9 (NCV)


Last Saturday night, Oh what a night she says as she reflects to her friend on her night out on the town.  Then comes Sunday.  They are sitting in church as the Pastor preaches a sermon right directly to her.  She sits and absorbs all he has to say.  She squirms and redirects her thoughts so that she doesn’t’ feel the conviction.  The service is over and off to lunch they go.  The choice is hers to make, what will it be?  Will she choose to confess her sins and be forgiven?  Or will she choose to continue to walk in sin?

 

Have you been there?  Are you there now?  God desires a relationship with us; He desires to free us from our temptations.   He longs to rescue us away from the things that seek to steal away our hope and dreams. And when we turn to Him, the transformation is amazing. There is power in prayer and time spent in his Word.  There is power in verbally confessing our sins.  Don’t wastes another minute – cry out to God, let Him swoop in and rescue you.

 

“Father, how can I thank you for rescuing me?  I give you this ______and ask for your continued help to fight my temptations.”

 

 

For His Glory,

 

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 1, 2013

Not Where, But Who is Your Hiding Place?

Protect the Earth“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1(NLT)

 

We live in a sinful world, but where do you dwell?  The “secret place” (Hebrew for shelter or hiding place) refers to the Holy of Holies in the Temple – the place God dwelt. A place only the High Priest could enter; however, the people could enter in their hearts. Your heart is the ONLY place no one can go…that is except God! Your heart holds your deepest most cherished desires, dreams and thoughts that maybe you have never shared with even your spouse or closest friend. But God knows the depth of your heart.

 The secret place is a place of heart where we hide in a loving relationship with our Father. He is our shade in the heat of life, our refuge from the storm and our fortress in time of trouble. When we feel insecure, inadequate, stressed, sad, tired or lonely. When we are fearful, disappointed or disconnected where do we run and hide? 

 Why make God our dwelling? Take a look at the blessings of dwelling in God’s presence (Psalm 91:1-16): rest, refuge, rescued, protected, shielded, sheltered, fearless, untouchable and unconquerable to evil, reinforcement from angels, answered prayers, satisfied and longevity.  God honors those who are His children and have a relationship with Him. Can you imagine God honoring us? That is exactly what He will do for those who make Him their dwelling place. In Psalm 91: 15, the Hebrew word for “honor” literally means “to make heavy”. Here’s what happens. We go to God with a heavy load of burdens, and we leave with a heavy load of blessings. That’s how God honors us. He doesn’t stop at delivering us from our difficulties. He goes on to make us heavy with blessings.

 

“Father, help us to find our dwelling place in you and be protected and blessed!”


For His Glory

 Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 30, 2013

Comparisons…Never Win

cb devo sept 30“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)

What an amazing Savior we have!  Wow, how He loves us, created us, and put so much in us for His purposes! His thoughts toward us are wonderful, but yet how often are our thoughts towards “us” and each other not. Do we as women make comparisons? Do we measure ourselves against other people? Do we get down on ourselves when we perceive that we are not as “good” as another? 2 Corinthians 10 says that is not wise! So how should we live in this world with other people?

Here are just a few reminders from God’s word as we lovingly accept ourselves and the people around us:

1.     Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love (Romans 12:10)

2.     Bear the infirmities of the weak ( Romans 15:1-2)

3.     Be tenderhearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32)

4.     Lift up others with our speech – minister grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29-32)

5.     Loving God  always leads to loving others (I John 4:20-21)

6.     Draw our husbands to the Lord by our conversation (I Peter 3:1-2)

7.     Live peaceably with all people (Romans 12:18)

“Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us to be women who love others and ourselves, as you love. Help us to live peaceably with all those you’ve blessed us with.”

 

For His Glory,

Julia Forystek Bergstrom
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Wisdom

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