Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 27, 2013

Cleaning Up My Mess

cb devo sept 27“Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, And teach out of Your law,” Psalm 94:12 (NKJV)

My water bottle slipped out of my full hands and hit the floor splashing everywhere.  It was the last thing I needed; I was already running behind schedule.  Emptying my hands, I looked for some paper towels.  The janitor’s cart was right around the corner, so I explained my spill and asked for some paper towels.  Quickly she (the cleaning lady) reached for her mop and said she’d take care of it.  Now that would have meant I could walk out of the public restroom and try to regain control over my schedule.  After all it was her job – wasn’t it?  For some unknown reason, definitely a God thing,  I responded that I’d clean up my own mess. She was in shock – after all it was her job – wasn’t it?  People made messes and spills all the time and that’s what she did day in and day out.  But today, God said for me to clean up my own mess. And the payoff, well the cleaning lady walked a little taller and hummed as she went out the door.  I meet her in the hallway still pushing her cart, and she smiled big – priceless.  So wonder what would happen if we  cleaned up after our life messes?  Instead of expecting others to bail us out, we’d value them enough to own up to our mistakes.  Instead of leaving them to do what they’ve always done, we’d surprise them and learn something in the process.  And the payoff they’d probably walk a little taller instead of cowering in disappointment.  They’d hum His praises as they witnessed the transformation and smile deep as tears flowed – priceless.

“Father, teach us to value and respect the people You have placed in our lives.  Help us to embrace the transforming power that is found in growing through our mistakes.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 26, 2013

His Gift

cb devo sept 26“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 6:23 (NIV)

 

The red gift sat in the middle of the table, wrapped by the store.  The card had her name and the sender’s. Did she want a gift from this person—why did they do this? How could it be taken back?  Have you ever been in that situation? An unwanted admirer, an old boyfriend you thought was over you, a relative trying to mend fences? Yet the gift, opened, would release so many emotions—and yes, demand a response! You would be forgiving your family member or opening a path to a new relationship… what do you do?

This is how so many look at the free gift of God’s salvation: if they actually accept it, it will mean a change. They’re not sure they’re ready! To accept means responsibility: to forgive someone, perhaps change jobs or change friends—so many scenarios. The gift goes untouched. The moment passes by. Yet going to a local store, where vendors are standing with free gifts or food to give to anyone creates a different response: we all accept. Why? The gift in the store doesn’t involve us going deeper into the relationship! For a split second we may waffle about buying the product, but the act of accepting doesn’t force us to do so. Accepting God’s gift, however, opens our lives up to a new vista, and we’re just not sure we’re ready!

What is holding you back from 100% commitment to God? God has prepared the gift (His Son, Jesus Christ), and it is not deserved (there is nothing in you that merits such a gift)—but it is the most wonderful gift ever given.  Accept it today, if you haven’t.

“Father, how can we thank You for the gift You have given us? Only by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior can we have a relationship with You. It is not a scary thing You offer, but freedom to live as You intended! Thank You, dearest Lord!”

 

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 25, 2013

His Truth

Two Young Women in Front of the Computer Talking“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” Proverbs 1:5 (KJV)

 

Have you ever had someone come up to you and tell you something you didn’t want to hear?  Perhaps they weren’t so nice about the way they said it.  Perhaps there was some truth in it.  Regardless, we can all learn from constructive criticism or even criticism when it is not said in love.  Sometimes God allows people to speak into our lives loud and clear, whether in the right attitude or not.  We must be humble and teachable. 

 

I was ministering to this lady who was praying with me.  In her prayer she said, “God show me what’s in me that doesn’t please you.  If there be any wicked way in me show me.  Take everything that is not of you in me.”   She was a very close friend of mine.  When God prompted me to confront her in love about something, she rejected what I had to tell her.   She was so busy defending herself that she could not see her blind spot.  How many times has someone tried to speak into our lives yet we rejected it?  God speaks through our friends, acquaintances and even strangers.  We must discern whether God is speaking through them or not.  Many times He does, but we allow pride to get in the way.  We must be people of understanding and heed wise counsel. When we hear, we increase learning.  If a friend is trying to tell us something take it to God in prayer and ask Him to show us the truth.  Friends are a good thing to have.  We mustn’t get upset if they speak the truth in love.  Friends help us to grow and mature.  Heed to wise counsel.

 

“God help me to hear and be wise.  Help me to increase learning and have understanding.  Help me to attain unto wise counsel.” 

 

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 24, 2013

Erasing Our Mistakes

Woman Writing in Her Daily Planner“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”Psalm 51:2 (NIV)

 

A couple of days ago, I was having one of those days when I would attempt to write something and the pen would not get my message and communicate the wrong idea onto the paper. Since I am the type of “student” who likes the notebook nice and free of scribbles when I am doing work, I proceeded to grab the White Out erasing-tape dispenser. As I had to pick up the gadget multiple times to make my writing seem perfect, I noticed how it was built. The carcass is nothing but a clear plastic protective cover that holds two dented wheels inside that carry the erasing tape from side to side.  It spits out the exact amount the user needs in order to erase mistakes by simply applying a small amount of pressure against the paper. Right on my desk, readily available to make my penmanship mistakes disappear was a “magic” device that reminded me I was not perfect.  I would pick it up over and over again, so long as I kept on writing on paper.

 

Now, is this not what our God does for us? Each day we wake up, we go about our business, we make mistakes and we “mess up,” but we know it is not the end of us.  We serve a merciful God whose power to forgive is infinitely bigger and more powerful than a little pen-erasing tape dispenser.   God is always willing to forgive us from our mistakes for so long as we live and removes stains from our hearts, making us clean again.

 

“Father, thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness over our lives, that will not allow us to stay down when we falter. Thank You for allowing us a second chance, a chance to repent from our wrongdoing and seeking Your forgiveness. Renew Your Spirit within us, dear Lord. ”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 23, 2013

Inner Transformation

cb devo sept 23“And have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” Colossians 3:10 (NASB)

 

At the beginning of summer, I began a fitness routine. I walked as often as I could, cut out junk food, and stopped snacking at night. Two months later, I hadn’t lost any weight. Another month passed, and I still didn’t lose any weight. One afternoon as I was walking, I began grumbling about not losing any weight. Then I noticed a butterfly.  Ever have a God moment? One of those times when you know God is speaking to you or showing you something? Well that butterfly was traveling right along with me, and I knew it was for my benefit.  You see, when a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, it cocoons itself into a chrysalis. Later it emerges completely changed. We don’t see the caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly, but it still happens.

 

 Instead of focusing on what hadn’t changed, I began to think of what had changed.  I was waking up at 7 am instead of dragging myself out of bed at close to 10. The exhaustion I felt in the afternoon was gone. My walking time increased from 30 minutes three times a week to 40 minutes five times a week. My clothes fit better. I was now walking at such a fast pace, that I was able to run. Yes, there had been some positive changes.

 

Spiritual growth is often the same. Once we accept the gift of salvation through Jesus, the change begins. We may not see the effects of reading the Bible, attending Bible studies, or daily prayer immediately. But as we continue walking the right path, we can be confident that our inner butterfly will emerge.

 

“Thank you Lord for the transformation You have promised us however slow it may be. Help us to see our progress, and give us opportunities to show our growth to You and others.”

 

For His Glory,

 

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 20, 2013

Igniting Praise

cb devo sept20“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3 (KJV)

 

Do you know that we are to praise God from sunrise to sunset? Praise should burst forth from our lips. God says, if we don’t praise Him the rocks will cry out.  Isaiah 43:21 shares God’s declaration that “This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.” In other words, God created us to praise Him.  We have so many opportunities during the day to praise Him, if we would just look for them. Even when we are in the midst of trials, we need to praise Him. This brings glory God and not our problems. Praise is a weapon against the enemy. Satan cannot stand being in the presence of a praiser. He has to flee. Praise can be speaking, singing, shouting from our mouths with words that extol. It is playing instruments.

 
 

So what does the phrase “Praise God!” really mean?  Of course, God’s Word is the best place to look to define our terms. The book of Psalms is well-known for its focus on praising God. The Hebrew word for “praise” is yadah, which means to praise, give thanks, or confess. What happens when we praise God? Study this scripture: “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalms 103:1-2) When we begin to praise God, we get our eyes off of our circumstances, and we begin to acknowledge all his benefits. We become grateful. Let’s find opportunities to praise God today.

 

“Father, I choose to praise You from sunrise to sunset. I choose to be grateful.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Gratitude, Prayer, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 19, 2013

Healthy Temples

devo mar 18“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price, Therefore honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

 

Giving advice is sometimes easier than following it ourselves. For example, I know that God is always by my side and that He will never leave me. God has been my constant companion my entire life, and especially in the past five years, when I have experienced a lot of adversities. However, I seem to allow anxiety and stress to attack my body, causing it to feel weak and depleted of what it needs to function.

 Last week was a time of reflection as I found myself in the hospital hooked up to an IV that passed two units of blood into my severely anemic body.  Our spiritual lives are no different. If we don’t take good care of our spiritual health, feeding our minds with the Word of God, we will become spiritually malnourished.  We won’t even notice how sick we are and how vulnerable we are to the enemy’s attacks.

 Like blood transfusions, one can only donate when he or she is healthy. Likewise, if we are not spiritually strong, we can’t help others because we don’t have anything to give.  I am grateful that there were strong A+ blood donors that could help me get physically healthier, but my prayer is that I will never allow myself to get depleted spiritually. I want my walk with the Lord to always be strong so that I can help others along the way.

 

“Father, being good stewards of what You entrust us with is very important, and staying physically healthy is a must. But please, Lord, help us remain in You, so that we are spiritually strong, having Your Word embedded in our hearts.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 18, 2013

God’s Team

MP900444069[1] “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…” Isaiah 61:10a (NIV)

T-shirts you either love or hate them. Me, well there not quite my fav thing to wear.  In fact, I will attempt every effort to dodge them, but there is one consolation – tshirts often signify we’re on the team. What team?  Whoever’s wearing the same shirt.  At work t-shirts identify our employees.  At Vacation Bible School t-shirts identify the volunteers.  In a race, t-shirts identify the runners. And at Bible Study t-shirts help us find our leader’s table or at least someone who can help us find them.  Maybe I need to rethink that t-shirt thing – you know like just embrace it, wear it and smile.  After all, everyone wants to belong – to feel they’re part of the team.  And you know what, even God’s team has its own fashion statement – we’re clothed from head to toe in His righteousness.  It’s the one garment that signifies we’re on His team, and to a world that is desperately searching to belong – it’s the perfect fit.  So what’s righteous look like? Simply it’s right living ….doing the right thing….allowing God to control my reactions, my thoughts and my responses.   Right living shares the incredible truths of God’s grace, mercy and hope.  Right living stretches out to the brokenhearted and comforts those who mourn.   Right living is the designer label that guarantees the world will see Jesus living in us.

“Father,  You have clothed, transformed and freed me – help me to delight and rejoice in You by wearing Your label well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 17, 2013

Beyond Rejection…Totally Accepted

cb devo sept17“I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish the laws of nature!” Jeremiah 31:36 (NLT)

“Oh Rhett, if you leave where shall I go, what shall I do?”

“Frankly my dear”………well, you know the rest.  In the final scene of the movie Gone With the Wind, Scarlet O’Hara realizes she loves Rhett Butler. But it’s too late. He has waited for her to come to her senses for a long time and now instead of accepting her love, he rejects and abandons her; not really the “happy ending” you would expect.

Can you imagine the sadness Scarlet felt, professing her love, only to be rejected? Unfortunately, in this world there are no guarantees. We may love, but there is always a chance our Rhett Butler will not love us in return.  Thankfully, God is not Rhett Butler.  In fact He is just the opposite. God will never tire of waiting for us to turn to Him. We may drag our feet or reason that we don’t need Him. We may even take the attitude of “someday I’ll get around to God.” None of that matters.  His love for us is capable of withstanding our indecision, reasoning, and procrastination.  He will never reject us. The day we finally realize that He is all we need will be one of rejoicing, not sadness. When we profess our love for Him, He will welcome us into His loving embrace with open arms.  Unlike what happened to Scarlet, our story will have a happy ending.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us without time limit or boundaries. What a blessing that there is no fear of rejection from You, ever.”

 

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 13, 2013

Follow Me….to Jesus

clipwalk“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”    Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Taking down a 250 year old tree wasn’t an easy task, but what became more challenging was the hive of bees embedded within the tree for years.  As my husband and his brothers tackled the task, the rest of us watched at a distance.  And might I add a safe distance.  Using smoke and a trained beekeeper, we discovered that when the Queen Bee came out, the rest swarmed right behind her.  Like soldiers marching with their leader, the bees were committed to following the Queen even if it meant leaving their hive behind – that’s true loyalty.  Wonder if we have anyone following us?  Now I’m definitely not advocating striving for Queen or idol status.  Rather as devoted followers of Christ are we living in a way that others would be impassioned to follow Him?  Would they want to follow us as we are following hard after Christ with all our heart, mind, and soul?   I don’t know about you, but there are many times when I doubt my ability to even lead myself, and the very thought of someone else walking in my footsteps is scary.  You know what, the disciples felt the same way.  Even after seeing, talking, touching and worshipping the Risen Christ, some of those eleven still doubted.    How sweet of Christ to meet them (and us) with their doubts and yet proclaim, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”    Sweet friends , we’ve been commissioned to go out into our world and make disciples – now let’s give them a reason to follow us as we follow Christ.

“Father, every day we are presented with opportunities to influence our world – help our loyalty and devotion to You to draw others to follow in our footsteps.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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