Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 15, 2013

God’s Answer

cb devo july 15“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer……” 1 Peter 3:12a (NIV)

 

Ever have one of those moments when you knew God just taught you a lesson?  Recently some friends and I went out to eat at a restaurant and were told we would have up to a 2 1/2 hour wait. That seemed crazy, but we were okay to just sit and chat. The entire time, I kept a little prayer going through my head, “Please God let us get a table sooner.” However, the impatient part of me decided to busy myself with answering my own prayer. I “stalked” a section of tables that were first come, first serve and after only an hour wait one opened up. I claimed the table with the waitress, and as I went to turn in my pager for the table, the buzzer went off. Immediately I knew God was saying, “I had this the whole time; you just need to be patient.”

 

My prayer was only for something simple as a table in a restaurant, but how many times have we given up on bigger requests?  How many times have we created the answer to our prayer not knowing that God’s answer was right around the corner? Waiting is not a strong suit for many of us, but when we have faith in God He has it under control. Pray your request and then go on with life. I missed a few minutes of precious conversation with a new friend because I was impatient and didn’t wait on God. What else have we missed out on by being busy seeking our own answers?

 

“Dear God, How thankful we are that You care about the biggest and silliest prayer requests. Help us to have the faith to pray our request and let You be in control of the time frame they are answered. May we enjoy life while waiting for Your answer instead of answering for You”

 

For His Glory

 

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2013

What Has He Done For Me Lately?

CB Devo july 12“I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.”  Psalm 13:6 (NIV)


What has he done for me lately?  A worldly thought that pops in our heads.  A thought that is about me not Jesus, yet we can turn this around and ask this with sincere hearts looking to praise the Lord for His blessings.  Are we singing praises to the Lord for His blessings in our life?  What has he done for us lately?  Take a few moments and reflect on God’s goodness and praise His Holy name.  Give thanks for the hot shower we had today; the soap to wash our body, a clean towel to dry off.  A hair dryer, electricity, a brush and hair products to fix our hair, moisturizer, makeup, freshly washed clothes to put on – the list is endless.  All this even probably before breakfast where the coffee may have been set on auto and waiting for us.  Yes, maybe we are going through a tough season in our life or there is a challenge we are facing – God is there.  He has given us so many reasons to thank Him, praise Him, and love Him.  Let’s focus on praising the Lord and have less time of focusing on what could be. 

 “Father, thank you for the many provisions you have given to me.  I am so blessed because of you.  I want to specifically praise you today for _____________.” 

 

For His Glory,

 Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2013

A Leap of Faith

MP900438733[1]“So the spies questioned him: ‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.’”  Luke 20:21 (NIV)

Chasing our pig through the woods, I was close enough to lunge for him! Throwing my weight toward him, my shoe caught on a root, the pig fled, and I landed face down in the mud. I was so focused on my target that I didn’t see my path clearly. There’s always something ready to trip us, isn’t there? Busyness, tiredness, endless questions—and all the while the world is watching our actions to see if we fall on our face as a Christian. Knowing this, we have to be ever alert, constant in prayer and vigilant.

Jesus was in the same position; the Pharisees dogged His steps continually, hoping to catch Him in a situation or giving an answer that would provide them with more reason to hate Him. Yet—like my chasing the pig—we can see in this verse how very close to the truth they actually were! They acknowledged that He teaches the “way” – so close, but not able to grasp!

Do you know someone like that? They know the story of Jesus and believe there is a God, but seem unable to make that last leap of faith.   Tripped by the pleasures of the world and the desires of the flesh (1 John 2:16). So close, yet so far! Can we make a difference in their lives, leading them to the Savior? Your prayer for them may be the tool God uses to bring them to Himself!

“Father, please help us to not tire of lifting up loved ones or friends to You, praying for the day when they are able to grasp the firm belief that You are the One Whom they have been searching for! Use us, dear Lord, to help some soul reach You! Thank You for Your love.”

 

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2013

Perfectly Imperfect

cb devo jul9“But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)

Years ago, I started a crochet afghan using scraps of leftover yarn.  It  ended up a hodgepodge of different types of yarns and mismatched colors. Recently, I noticed a few places where the stitches are unraveling, creating these big holes.  There are also a few loose strings hanging that I’ve neglected to tuck in and hide. When you hold it up, it is anything but beautiful and it doesn’t look like it would be worth trying to use. But you know what? When I lay on the couch covered in that afghan, I am as warm as I could be with any other blanket. It is just as useful in its current state as if it were perfect.

Do you long to be used by God, but feel worthless? Like you have too many issues, or “holes” to ever be used for anything?

Consider this list:

            Jacob was a cheater

            Peter had a temper

            David had an affair

            Noah got drunk

            Jonah ran from God

            Gideon was insecure

            Miriam was a gossip

            Martha was a worrier

            Thomas was a doubter

            Sara was impatient

            Rahab was a prostitute

 

Every one of these people from the Bible had issues, flaws, and holes. And every one of these people have their place in the greatest story ever told. You can be right there with them. Jesus came to this earth for the imperfect, the broken, filled with holes and “loose strings” kind of people. We don’t need to be perfect, just willing. God will do the rest. Our job is to let Him.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for working within us and with us no matter how imperfect we are.  Help us to remember that You are all we need to be sufficient for the task. Your power is greater than any weakness.”

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2013

Forever Changing

Young Woman Standing with Arms Stretched Out“Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.”  2 Timothy 3:7 (NIV)

 Just getting it done – I remember that well when I was in high school. Homework was a chore – a thing to mark off my list.  Cleaning my room gave me freedom on the weekend.  And reading the Word well that kept me on God’s favor list or so I thought.    But did I really benefit by “just getting it done?”  Choosing to slide by will always reveal our weakest link.  And when it comes to God’s classroom, we can’t afford to settle for less.  Mentored by the Apostle Paul, Timothy was taught powerful lessons.  Reminders to hold fast to the truths of God’s word that he had been taught from early childhood.  Encouragement to have a clear conscience.  Warnings to flee even the slightest presence of evil.  Challenged to be ready, prepared and willing to share the gospel that transformed his life. “Just getting it done”  never entered Timothy or Paul’s mind.

 Do we ever entertain those thoughts?  Doubt that we would admit it, since we often pride ourselves on being in the know.  But knowing and acknowledging are distinctly different.  Anyone can take in but only the brave, courageous, and humble recognize that acting on what we know leads to transformation.  God longs for us to not only hear the Word, but to be empowered by the Word.  I don’t want to just slide into Heaven’s gates. I want to take others with me. I want to leave an imprint on this world that catapult’s others to hold on tight to what they have learned at the feet of Jesus.  Won’t you join me?  Always learning – forever changing.

“Father, it is too easy to sit, listen and read – spurred in the moment – but discarded in a second.  Help us to hold on tight to the truths of Your Word that position our lives to act, impact and reflect Your heart.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 5, 2013

God’s Timing Is Always Best

time speeding on“I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:10-11a (NIV)

 Po, the Panda, a.k.a. the Dragon Warrior, is up near the ceiling, located 10 feet from the ground, where he had climbed to find his weakness: cookies. When discovered by his Kung Fu master and trainer, Shifu, he is asked to explain how he got way up there. His response: “This, this is an accident.” Master Shifu corrects Po by saying, “There are no accidents.”

 Have you ever found yourself in a situation that when you think about it, you ask yourself, “How in the world did I get here?” I believe you will be pleased to know that you are not alone. Everything happens for a reason.

 It is not uncommon for us to find inexplicable strength in our weaknesses. Po climbed 10 feet off the floor for a cookie when his anxiety level soared (he calmed down when he ate). Likewise, we sometimes find strength in the least expected things, such as a devotional, a book, an e-mail message forwarded from a friend, a card received in the mail, a Facebook posting, a photograph, just to name a few.   There is a time and a purpose for everything. You are where you need to be for such a time as this. Keep on keeping on!

 “Sweet Lord Jesus, we thank you for who we are and for who You have made us to be. You have a purpose for each of us and we pray that we stay the course as You prune us and work Your will in our lives. ”

 

For His Glory
Luska Suzano

TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2013

Faithfully His

A Middle Eastern woman lying down reading “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (NKJV)

Anniversaries! They can be great, or they can bring back memories that we would like to forget, don’t they? It’s been a year since our city endured a wind storm so bad that thousands of homes and possessions were destroyed! Recently a smaller wind storm came through, and beside our driveway we now have a large tree off its stump, leaning into the branches of another. The tree man has been called, but meanwhile we know another high wind could bring the tree down. In both cases we never saw the wind—only the effects of it!

Jesus told Nicodemus that our Christian life is likened to the wind: if we look for the Holy Spirit, Who is residing in us, we will not see Him with our eyes. However, everyone who watches us should be able to tell that we belong to God just by observing the path we leave behind. Are we leaving peace, joy, love and service in our path or is it destruction from jealousy, anger and harsh words? We must constantly remind ourselves that we may be the ‘only Bible some people read!’ God instructs us to strive for the “fruits of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22) as we walk through this life, so that, as the song recorded by Steve Green says, “May all who come behind us find us faithful!”

“Father, thank You for Your guidance during the tough times of our lives, and for the protection You always give. Help us to be mindful of the example we set for others as we go through our days. Thank You for Your love, Lord!”

 

For His Glory

 

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2013

Will You Trust Me?

cb devo july3“Depend on the Lord;    trust him, and he will take care of you.” Psalm 37:5 (NCV)

 Will you trust me with your child?  The time I never thought would arrive is here. My son turned 16; he has his license and my old car.  He has driven us from VA to SC, and FL; he is a wonderful driver.  When the time came for him to pick up the keys, get in the car without us, and head off to the YMCA, my heart skipped a beat.  What if started in my mind.  God gently reminded me that he has given us the freedom of choice to obey or not obey His commandments.  I just have to trust and he will take care of me and my son.   He whispers in my ear “How much do you trust me?”  I want to trust completely, but, it’s my boy; I birthed him.  God again gently reminds me “I gave you him as a miracle, remember how you almost lost him in labor?”  Yes, Lord I remember.  He is a gift from you, I will trust you.  My husband and I headed out the house to run a few errands and gave that first drive out of the driveway for our son to God.  

 What are you holding onto with clasped hands saying this is mine? God wants you to let go of and trust Him to handle it.  Is it a relationship, a child, a bill, job, or something else?   Enjoy the freedom of releasing it over to God to handle.

 

“Father, thank You for taking care of my family.  I give them to You for Your protection.  Help me to continue to open my hands and give You everything.” 

 

For His Glory,

 

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2013

Bloom Where Planted

Cb devo july jb“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3 (NASB)

Daffodils are my favorite flower. When I was a little girl every spring I would pick them whenever I saw them growing somewhere wild. There was one particular bunch that grew in the woods behind my grandmother’s house. It always surprised me to see this little bunch of sunny flowers growing amongst the dead leaves and fallen branches. I just loved that they were there every year blooming in such an unusual spot.

Do you feel like you are in a place that you don’t want to do be? Or are you in a situation that is uncomfortable? Are you just plain unhappy about what is happening in your life right now?

No matter where we are planted in life, keeping our focus on God can make all the difference.  We can always make a bad situation better if we are rooted in the promises of our Heavenly Father.

·         He loves us (Romans 8:35)

·         He supplies all we need (Philippians 4:19)

·         He will never leave us alone (John 14:16)

·         His timing is always perfect (1Peter 5:6)

·         His guidance invaluable (Joshua 1:7)

Ultimately if turn to Him and surrender all that we are going through to Him, He will supply all we need to work through it and prosper. Remembering God’s promises, can make the difference between a beautiful bloom and a withered stalk whether you are in a pile of dead leaves, or a beautiful garden.

“Father, You have positioned each of us in just the right spot to flourish and grow. Help us to seize every opportunity to trust in Your unfailing Word.

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2013

Peace Like A River

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????“O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments!  then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18( KJV)

 

When was the last time you went to the river and watched the current?  I am an ocean and river lover.There is something about the water that brings me calmness of mind and keeps me in a meditation mode. It makes me aware of what an awesome God we have, it keeps me aware of his holiness, His power, His creation, His wonders, and so much more.  Today, I was meditating on this verse and thinking of the difference between a river and the ocean.  The river is gentle and calmer.  The ocean comes roaring with its waves.  As I thought about when we obey His commandments, how God gives us peace like a river, and I thought about His righteousness as the waves of the sea.  Another translation (NIRV) reads:  “Holiness would sweep over you like the waves of the ocean.”  In other words, God wants to overwhelm us with his presence (His holiness).  When we spend time with Him daily, we stay in His presence and He overflows us with His peace.   Today, I asked my husband to go with me to the river.  I sat down and prayed this scripture.  I took time to meditate on this scripture and what an awesome God we have.  I was reminded how much God wants to bless us and extend His blessings to others through us on a daily basis.  As we bask in His presence, we have more to offer others.

 “Lord, I choose to hearken to Your commandments.  Thank You for the peace that has been like a river, and thank You for overwhelming me with Your presence.

 

For His Glory,

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

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