Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 12, 2013

Lights Out

devo feb 12“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12 (NAS)

The temperature dropped and  rain turned to ice, then snow. Big fat snowflakes fell and accumulated quickly. Suddenly the lights went out. Not a good time for a power outage. Instantly I began to wonder, “Where did I leave that flashlight? Do we have enough blankets? How long will the milk last?” Just as I started to feel my way to the cabinet to grab some candles, the lights flickered and came back on; I breathed a sigh of relief.

It isn’t fun being in the dark. Unable to see, not knowing what direction to go to avoid bumping into something, wondering how long food will last, and darkness during a snowstorm brings the cold. Luckily, we weren’t in the dark for long. However, I couldn’t help thinking about all the years I lived in darkness. I rejected the things of God thinking I didn’t need Him. I thought I could live just fine on my own, but I was wrong. When we reject God, our lives are cold and dark. Those years without God were some of the worst of my life. Without Jesus, our only hope is to fumble around in the dark trying to survive. If we follow Him we will never be in darkness, there won’t be anything to fear and He will always light the path ahead of us. His love will warm us in the midst of the coldest storm, and He is our candle when the lights go out.

“Father thank you for sending Your son into this dark world to provide us with the light we need. Help us even today, to accept that light into our lives.”

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break.

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 11, 2013

Power Packed Prayers

MP900178785[2]“Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.” James 5:13-15 (NIV).

When my son, Lukas, was four, our family went through a very tough time. What seemed like a bad case of stomach flu called for the hospitalization of our little munchkin and yielded a medical prognosis of pancreatic cancer. According to the doctors, we would need to take Lukas to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston for further exams and treatment options. When the word cancer gets coupled with the word pancreas, doctors usually keep their operating equipment away and the treatment option is usually radiation and chemotherapy.

In the midst of our anxiety, uncertainty and fear of losing our son, my husband and I turned to prayer.  Why? Because we knew from previous experiences that God answers prayers. We asked family members and friends to lift Lukas up in prayer. Many of us went on a month-long fast on his behalf. After a month had gone by, we returned to the doctor and asked that the tests be performed again. To the doctor’s amazement, the pictures showed a clear body with no signs of cancer. The tumor had not shrunk; it had completely disappeared – Hallelujah!

Lukas is a 25-year-old young man, a living miracle who is here today because of the power of prayer. God answered our prayers and the prayers of those who interceded for him. And God will answer YOUR PRAYERS, according to His will. If times are tough: pray. God is listening!

“Father, thank You for the healing power of prayer and for touching our lives.”

For His Glory
Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 8, 2013

Not I But Christ

Devo feb 8“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)

Our church motto, Not I But Christ, came out of a time of great suffering and grief for our pastor, his family, and our congregation. Our pastor preached the first sermon after his father passed away and introduced this concept of everything we do in our Christian life needs to be about Christ not us.   Almost six years later that simple concept has brought a great revival to our church, community, and places around the world.  Turning tragedy into triumph for God is one way of truly living the “Not I But Christ” motto and ministering to others instead of being ministered to.  We’ve all dealt with disappointments, trials, and obstacles in our lives but have we used those opportunities to have a pity party and say woe is me? Or have we prayed and given it over to God to see what glory He wants out of the situation? When we look at our trials from the viewpoint of how can we glorify God instead of getting bogged down with the difficulties, joy unspeakable will flood our life.  And when the world sees our response it makes a huge difference for eternity and God’s Kingdom is glorified.

“Dear God, It is our human nature to despair when trials come into our lives. Give us the strength to look at the situation from Your viewpoint and accept the trial as a way to glorify You.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 7, 2013

The Little Engine That Couldn’t!

devo feb 7“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”   Ps 73:26 (NIV)

Feelings are like a barometer gauging when we are sad, happy, frightened, angry or in need of more chocolate.  They can be unscripted, surprising and unruly.  Although we may try to stay calm, negative emotions have a way of sneaking past our defenses and disrupting our attempts at composure and serenity.   Personally, I wish bad emotions came with delete buttons.  Like an emotional version of Space Invaders, I would fire away at fear, anger, insecurity, disappointment, hurt and grief the moment they surfaced.

Even though I cannot eliminate unwanted emotions, I have learned that I don’t have to live in submission to them.  I’ve realized that I do not possess an endless supply of confidence, will power, joy, peace and contentment from which I can constantly draw strength.   Despite my best attempts to be strong and self-reliant, the reality is that I have a shallow emotional reservoir which is easily depleted.   On my own, I’m simply The Little Engine That Couldn’t!  – But, I do have an even greater God living within me who wants to be my provision.   That’s why it is important to start in God…rather than scramble toward Him after all our efforts have been exhausted.  He may not stop the storms of life, but He can still us in the midst of the storm and provide the strength we need to make it through.  He is, after all, the only solution for little engines that can’t make it on their own!

“Lord, I thank You that we are not strong enough to make it on our own.  Help us not only realize our own limitations, but to embrace them so we can find our strength in You. “

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 6, 2013

Growing Stronger

CB Devo feb 6“From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 61:2 (ASV)

Some days we all grow weak; we wonder how much more Lord?  We are hit with one burden after another.  We feel the weight of the tow truck that just ran us over.  The tears flow, the heart aches, the questions start.  Why?  The blame is cast, anger hits and then the choice is ours.  We can choose to fall on our face and cry out to the Lord like David, or we can call a friend, or we can grow bitter and choose not to deal with it.  I often wonder why God gives us the choice, but He wants us to freely call out to Him and grow stronger thru each battle.  He wants us to see Him in the midst of the turmoil and trust His will for our lives.  He wants to give, as my friend Joy likes to call them, “God winks” to remind us He is still there and loves us.

Recently I went thru one hit after another, sometimes several in a day, and wondered when will this end.  Each day, I was reminded of His love for me and His protection over my life and my family.  I was shown blessing after blessing, because I was watching in the midst of the pain for those “God winks.”  It’s all about where we place our focus.  I choose to put my focus on God and His plan. Rejoicing in the blessings, I am positioned to grow stronger even in the trials.   Will you join me in growing stronger in Him this year?

“Father, thank You for Your “God winks” and for protecting me in the midst of the storm. I choose to grow stronger in You. 

 

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 5, 2013

More Than Enough

MP900444514[1]“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.” Psalm 23:1 (MSG)

I lack, I want, I  need –  ever had those words come across your lips?  Whenever I say those words, I find that I’m looking but not seeing.   Obstructed vision distorts our view every time we scan the surface  and neglect the deep.  Like looking into murky ocean waters, the yuck on the top camouflages the hues of blue water and sea life that swims underneath.  To reach that level of beauty, I have to look deeper than what’s visible at eye level.  The same is true in life.  How many times do we look at our situation and demise that we are lacking?   How often do we long after the perceived easy life of others when our days are covered up with yuck?   How frequent does our neediness scream, “I’ve got to have this” even when our budget says no?  It’s too easy to become Eve looking for something more because what  God has provided in our garden suddenly isn’t enough.   And when life resonates with difficulties discontentment  thrives and distorts  the incredible provision of our amazing God. Despite the murky surface, He is working deep within us to transform our faith, strengthen our character and deepen our trust.  End result – a woman whose testimony screams of God’s faithfulness even when her hands are empty.  The vision that was once distorted becomes crystal clear as the plan that God was unfolding is revealed.    What was once lacking is no longer desired.  What was once wanted is no longer required.  What was once needed is no longer imperative.  Why? Because we have found that God is more than enough.
“Father, help us to be women of true beauty radiating Your glory  – inhaling and exhaling Your holy presence living in us.”

For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 4, 2013

A Good Solider

devo feb 4“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV)

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we automatically become soldiers in God’s army. And if we are going to be a good soldier, we need to do what God commands. We can only do this as we surrender to Him. We must be disciplined in our walk with God through prayer and His word. A good soldier is prepared, knows how to fight and is ready to lay down his life if necessary. Many soldiers who are wounded go back and fight. We must not give up when our feelings get hurt or when we have been hit by fiery darts from the enemy. We must stand strong and endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ unafraid to confront the enemy. As Christians most of our battles are mental, and we must use all of the powerful weapons God has given to us. (“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 2:4)  So, are we pleasing God who has enlisted us as a soldier? Are we fighting the good fight? Are we prepared with the armour to go to war? God has equipped us, prepared us and guaranteed our victory – so what are we waiting for?

“Lord, help us to endure hardship as a good soldier. Help us not to get entangled with the affairs of this life. May we please You, whom has enlisted us as soldiers.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 1, 2013

Follow The Pattern

dev feb 1“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2 (NASB)

I finished another row of the afghan I had started. As I held it up to look at my work, immediately I knew something was wrong.  Somehow the piece was growing wider instead of progressing with a straight edge.  I pinpointed the start of the wideness and began counting stitches.  Sure enough, I had added extra stitches to the row. Pulling on the yarn to remove the stitches, I thought about how easily a few extra stitches can change the look and size of a project.  If I continued crocheting, adding stitches that were unnecessary, instead of a practical afghan, I would have created something that didn’t fit its true purpose. Of course if that was what the pattern called for, then I would be fine.  But that wasn’t the plan or pattern I was trying to follow.

So often we do the same thing in our walk with God. We add conditions and unnecessary expectations in an effort to earn His love or earn our way into heaven. This causes difficulty in following Him, which leads to frustration at our failures.  It really is quite simple.  Follow the pattern that we have been given in the Bible. Believe in the sacrifice of Jesus for our benefit, and follow God’s commands. God’s love for us is not based on doing extra; it is based on our belief, faith and trust in Him.

“Lord, thank You for giving us such a simple pattern to follow. Help me to trust You completely and put my faith in that simplicity.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 31, 2013

My White Flag of Surrender

devo-Jan 31“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”  Mark 8:35  (NIV)

When is the last time we found ourselves surrendering or throwing in the towel?  Sadly, it is a fairly common occurrence in my life.  When my honey’s “Honey-Do list” grows but never shrinks…when my children commandeer myTV for their video games…when my Yorkie decides to decorate my freshly cleaned floors with wet, muddy paw prints…I pull out my white flag of surrender!  Though it is frequent, it is never pleasant.  It’s as if these inhabitants of MY SPACE decided the “My Way Highway” was for their sole use and pleasure.  But what about what Mama wants?!?!  There may be an air of humor to this, but the truth is part of me recoils at the thought of surrendering…even to God.   My preferences and plans have such a strong pull over my heart.  Yet, as Andrew Murray noted nearly 200 years ago, “Absolute surrender to God, our loving and holy Father, is the first and last duty of the Christian.”

Recently, I heard a story about two pots placed on display (both holding lights within).  The light could not be seen through the first pot because it was solid and secure.   But, the light shone brightly through the second pot which was cracked and broken because it had many gaping holes and openings.

In the same way, God wants to shine His light through us.  But, He cannot do so unless we surrender our control and allow Him to design and rearrange our lives according to His standards and preferences rather than our own.

“Lord, today we ask for Your grace and strength to surrender the control of our hopes, desires and preferences.  Have Your way with our lives that Your glory and power may shine through us!”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 30, 2013

The Father’s Business – Not Busyness

devo jan 30“And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49 (NKJV)

I’m not sure what could have been worse for Mary and Joseph – leaving the Son of God behind or forgetting that He was the Son of God. Perhaps Mary and Joseph got caught up in the busyness of parenting even to the point of losing one of their children. However, it wasn’t an accident that Jesus was found in the temple. He was about his Father’s business listening and learning from the scholars. Even when He explained what He was doing, His parents were bewildered. They had forgotten that Jesus was sent to do things they could never imagine.

How many times do we get caught up in the busyness of life, ministry, family, work, etc? Even the good things of life can distract us from our Father’s business. Do our labors bear fruit that will matter for eternity? If we continue to stay busy, we too will become frustrated when things don’t go the way we think they should. It’s the quickest way to get burned out and give up. Relationships fail, jobs become mundane and even ministry feels like a burden when we try to keep up with the level of busyness we set for ourselves. We need to take a step back and check in with the Heavenly Father. We need to make sure we are in tune with His business and following the steps we need to take to achieve it. Even Jesus took the time to stop, listen, and learn.

“Father God, Take the busyness from our lives and replace it with a desire to be about our Father’s business. Show us the areas of our life that need to be changed in order to achieve Your will.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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