Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 19, 2013

Surrender All

devo jun19 “But I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have life forever.”  1 Timothy 1:16 (NCV)

 I think back on my childhood, the days of testing and strong will; I’m thankful for I Timothy 1:16.  God was so patient with me.  I came to know him at the young age of eight and was on fire for Him until I found other things that wanted my attention.  He was so faithful.  He waited, He blessed, He gave, He corrected, and He loved, and waited some more.  Then finally, I said Yes, Lord I surrender all. Not just a little bit, not just Sundays and Wednesdays – I surrendered all.  Maybe you have a story like mine and You gave Your life to the Lord as a child but then You strayed.  Now you may be feeling it’s too late to say Yes Lord here am I.  Can I plead with you that the time is now?  There is no greater time than today.  God is waiting with open arms to take your burdens, to take your pain and walk thru the trials of life with you.  Will you surrender all?  Give Him a call.  He has a place in heaven He wants to prepare for you.  And we would love to help you reconnect or introduce you to the One who loves you more than you ever imagine.

 “Father, I praise You for Your salvation.  The gift You freely give, thank You for Your patience in my trying days.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 18, 2013

Sweet Deliverance

devo katria july“He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.  He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.”  Psalm 18:17, 19 (NKJV)

 In my rearview mirror, I could see the tractor trailer rig bearing down on me at a speed that indicated the driver was unaware of my car.  It was so big, so wide and so fast that I had no time to react except prepare to die!  At the last second, its brakes began screaming and I watched as the back of the semi did a full 180◦ turn, spinning crazily just inches from my driver’s side door.  I could have reached out and touched it!  Deliverance!  We both pulled over and wept.

 Outside of the Christian camp, we don’t often use the word deliverance.  But throughout Scripture this is one of God’s favorite words:  He has delivered us from the ‘sting of death,’ from the ‘enemy’ from ‘all (our) fears,’ ‘from the deceitful man,’ and so many more!  A beautiful one is in Psalm 32:7:  “You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.”  Sometime take a half hour and comfort yourself with the many times God promises deliverance; it is something we should take to heart, for our God delights in us. He watches over us, just as we watch over our babies and toddlers, protecting, nurturing and guiding them – and often delivering them just before they would be hurt.  How marvelous are His ways!

 “Father, You are so good to us!  Thank You for always watching out for us, even when we are the least aware of it.  You protect us from people, situations, and obstacles that could hurt us so badly!  Help us to remember to thank You for Your protection.  Thank You for the cross, Lord.”

 For His Glory

 Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 17, 2013

Authentic Faith

Infant Grasping Mother's Finger“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and right so because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.”  2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Tiny little fingers entangled around mine – sweet baby’s breath near my face.  Giggles and coos  that make a parent proud.  Cuddling that little one, so innocent, pure and perfect – a taste of heaven on earth.    And the list of firsts begins to grow…first night of good sleep, first teeth, first steps….first day of school…first friends.  The proverbial clock spins and right before our eyes we get to watch them evolve. Isn’t that the way faith works?  We wrap our tiny fingers around the hand of God embracing the gift of salvation.  And the list of firsts begins…first time we read His word…first experience sharing with others…first steps of faith awkward and clumsy.  The beauty of growth is found in the moment one chooses to move and act with trust at their side.  We wobble, we crawl and eventually we rise as God watches the transformation evolve.  Faith stretches and grows, reaches and grows – producing an abundance of fruit in the life of the believer. And the greatest evidence of our faith is found in the all-consuming love we have for one another. Faith transforms, energizes and challenges us to leave familiar behind and embrace the journey that glorifies God.  Even when life is laced with trials and challenges, faith perseveres, presses on and chooses to remember the One we want to make proud.  Authentic faith tested in the burst of firsts, proven in the fiery trials and applauded in the very presence of God.

“Father, how I long to make You proud – to know that my faith is growing stronger every moment – trusting fully in Your faithful love.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 14, 2013

The Majesty of Our Lord

 concept“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!”  Psalm 8:1a (NIV)

 I was up bright and early today,  As I picked up my Bible to do my devotional time, I came across this wonderful verse. I couldn’t help myself but to keep reciting it over and over and over.

 “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!”

In the gift of life, Lord, we see Your majesty. In the gift of health, Father, we see Your majesty. When we look around us, we see beauty and splendor; we see opulence and simplicity all in one, because of Your majesty. You are the Creator of heaven and earth. You are Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides for everything we need. You are God. You are Savior. You are Abba Father. You are King. Your name is majestic! It is impossible to live and not to see Your majesty, simply because Your hand is in everything we see, hear, feel, and touch. You are an amazing God!

“On this fine summer day, Lord, I lift up all my brothers and sisters, family and friends to You, and I pray, Lord, that Your power to save and redeem, to heal and to comfort will be over their lives today. May each and every one of them feel sprinkled by Your never-ending love and grace. And may the power of Your name be their strong shield today and always.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano

TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 13, 2013

Call Upon the Name of the Lord

Woman Praying in Church“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord.”  Zephaniah 3:9 (ESV)

 

Do we call on God or do we call on our friends? It is easy to run to friends and get on the phone to seek their counsel or pour out our heart. This isn’t wrong, but it becomes wrong when we neglect to call on God and put others before Him. Have you ever thought that God longs for us to call on Him? Just like we might be waiting by the phone for someone to call us, God waits for us too. Sometimes friends don’t understand, and they can even misjudge us,  reject us or get tired of our calls. God never tires of hearing His children call on Him. He doesn’t tell us, “I have to go now; you’ve been talking too long.” He doesn’t say, “I have other things to do.” He doesn’t say,  “You are draining me.” He doesn’t say,  “I’ve heard that before.” He is so understanding, so patient, so loving, so merciful. He longs to hear from us just like our longtime good friend. Are you a friend of God? How intimate are you with God? How many times do you call Him a day? His line is never busy, He  never puts us on hold and He will never hang up on us. We don’t have to leave a message with Him. He is there always  – how wonderful is that?

 

 

“Father, I call on Your name right now. I just want to tell You that I love You and appreciate You for always hearing my prayers. You are my best friend. You are a holy God. Thank You for hearing and answering me.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 12, 2013

Houston We Have A Problem

dev june 12 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Having sent other missions into outer space and to the moon, the Apollo 13 mission was considered a “been there done that” kind of event. The astronauts were going to land and spend time on the moon’s surface collecting information and moon rocks. Or at least that was the plan, until something went terribly wrong.   An unexpected explosion caused a loss of power to the spacecraft and dangerously low levels of oxygen.  In an instant, everything changed and they had a problem.

 

I often wonder, was it like that in the garden with Adam and Eve? A typical day in the garden, not any different than others.  Were they thinking they were going to do something special as the only living humans at the time?  Was seeing the snake unexpected? Either way, something happened that day and not only did they have a problem, but now we have a problem as well.  

Because of Adam and Eve’s sin, we all fall short, every day. We are all born with the consequences of sin on our lives.  We are condemned forever to live separately from God. And there isn’t anything we can do about it on our own.  Fortunately, just like the astronauts had members of mission control working to solve their problem, we also have someone working on our behalf, Jesus.  His death on the cross gives us a solution to our problem. With His sacrifice, we are no longer condemned to live separate from God.  With every drop of blood shed , He gave us a clear path back to where we belong, with God forever.

“Father, we all have the problem of sin in our lives. Thank You for sending the solution in Your son, Jesus. “

For His Glory,

Josey  Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 11, 2013

God’s Masterpiece

devo june 11“Then you became famous among the nations, because you were so beautiful. Your beauty was perfect, because of the glory I gave you, says the Lord God.” Ezekiel 16:14 (NCV)


Walking along the beach with family, we enjoyed a time of relaxation, reflection, and thankfulness.  The sound of the waves crashing, the sight of the calming water –  all part of God’s beauty created.  When walking my son spotted a cliff full of something.   As we walked over to get a closer look, we found it was full of broken shells.  So many times people search up and down the beach to find shells and discard the broken shells.  Here hundreds of broken shells lay in the sand waiting to be washed back out to sea.   Have there been times when we felt discarded and alone, that no one cared, just broken?   Suddenly, along comes someone just to check in on us and see what is in that pile of sand.  God sent that person to remind us of just how much He cares.  We are important and special.  We are here for a purpose; His purpose.  When we let our broken pieces be used for His glory, our beauty really shines.  God will turn the broken pieces into a masterpiece.  Remind yourself you are a Masterpiece – God’s masterpiece! 


“Father, let me see the beauty You created in me.  Give me strength to use my broken pieces to shine for Your glory.” 

 

For His Glory,

 

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 10, 2013

Slipping Away

devo june 10“He restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

 Tiny little toes slipped on the edge of the pool jetting a mom’s arm quickly into action.  Scooping her frightened four year old out of the water , she held her tight avoiding a meltdown.  It only took seconds for this scene to unfold.  Toddler warned.  Toddler keeps getting close to the edge.  Toddler laughs and toes slip.  Thankfully Mom was sitting within reach of her precious little one ready to jump into action – a potential tragedy averted.   Do we ever need rescuing?  Do we ever wander over to the edge of disobedience?  We’ve been warned about the dangers of dismissing God’s instructions.  We’ve seen examples all around us of those who thought they were playing it safe and then lowered their guard.  We’ve peeked over and walked away realizing it wasn’t safe.  And then we relaxed our stance, moved to the edge and carelessly found our feet slipping into the deep. Drenched in a splash of consequences with ripple effects that swirl out of control, disobedience only takes seconds to unfold.  One seemingly innocent decision justifying our actions as we are riveted out of the Father’s protection.  Frightened and afraid – shamed and condemned, desperately trying to avoid a meltdown.   So what’s a girl supposed to do?  Where do we turn when complicated is a result of our choice to dismiss, disregard and excuse away God’s Word?   Could I really run back into His open arms, admit my faults, seek forgiveness and watch the Father scoop me up?  Another lost sheep back in His fold, licking my wounds feeling His grace.  A tragedy averted from living on the edge where sin slips in.

“Father how sweet to know that You are always close by, even when I’ve run away.  Thank You for the gift of forgiveness that brings me close to You.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 7, 2013

Walking in God’s Favor

clipwalk“A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord.” Proverbs 12:2a (KJV)

 

We hear a lot of about God’s favor, but are we walking in His favor? The dictionary defines favor as showing preferential treatment or giving advantage to another. It also means to give special regard to or show incredible kindness to someone. It also means acceptance or desire. God wants to give us favor with God and man; we simply have to be committed to His requirements:

 1. Faithfulness to Him (Matthew 25:21)

2. Praying to God ( Job 33:26)

3. Living Righteously before Him (Proverbs 14:9)

4. Walking in Wisdom (Proverbs 8:35)

5. Spending Time in His Word  (Proverbs 3:1-6)

6. Reverencing Him (Proverbs 10:27-31)

 What will happen when we walk in God’s favor? When we walk in favor with God, our enemies won’t triumph over us (Psalm 41:11).  God will show us mercy, and a spirit of praise will flow out of our lives. God will bring restoration to everything the enemy has stolen from us (Exodus 3:21, Joshua 10:10). People will be envious when God’s favor is upon our lives, and it will give us miraculous victories even against impossible odds. Even Job made his declaration of God’s favor while he was going through his trials (Job 10:12) So, what are we waiting for?  Let’s be committed to obtaining God’s favor – it’s worth any sacrifices we might have to make along the way.

 

“Father, Thank You for surrounding me with Your favor as a shield. I apply myself to the things You have called me to do, that I might receive Your favor today. I receive Your favor from God and man.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 6, 2013

Releasing My Grip

Woman by Ocean with Arms Outstretched“Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21 (NIV)

Ever hit the road for a four day weekend over a holiday?  If so, you know that traffic is at an all time high and those lovely people with the red siren attached to their car love to greet us along the way.  In fact, I’ve met too many of them, and my bank account is proof that tickets aren’t cheap.  So heading out for a Memorial Day road trip, I finally admitted it was time to use…cruise control.  Ouch!  I have never been a fan of letting that thing control how fast I’m supposed to go.  Rather I would spend my road trips stressed out , always on alert that a cop was lurking around the next corner. Priding myself on reaching my destination in record time, but honestly not enjoying the “me”  journey.  Sounds a lot like life doesn’t it?  I would much rather call the shots than accept God’s control.  It’s like I think I would miss out on something if I released my grip.  But when I hold on for dear life and attempt to control the speed, I usually end up stressed out because I don’t know what is lurking around the corner.  And when pride slips in lifting up where I’m headed; I usually fall flat on my face.  So glad that God scoops me up and takes charge of my mess positioning me to experience the journey He longs to give me.  And to think it would have all been so simple, so much less painful, and definitely less complicated if I’d just cruised according to His will.  Where are we headed today?  Are we turning over control to God and accepting His best?  If not, the price tag will definitely be high for choosing to hold on tight to what we want.

“Father,  help me to cruise along with You releasing control every step of the way so that I can stay in sync with Your plans.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

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