Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 29, 2013

Ask Wisely

MP900443495[1]“For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.” Mark 4:22 (NIV).

Throughout my journey with the Lord, I have had many wonderful experiences. Lately, I had gotten to a place where I desperately needed God to show things to me that no one else could, so I prayed to Him and asked that He would reveal those things to me. I also gave Him a disclaimer that I would not blame Him if what I came to find out was going to be tough and cause me pain, and that I was ready to see/hear what He would reveal to me.

Since I prayed that prayer, the Lord has revealed things to me multiple times and shown me that He was the only one who could show them to me. He allowed me to see details about my life and what I am going through that, in spite of being very tough to acknowledge, these details are bringing healing.  This week we started a new Bible study in Coffee Break Women Ministries about the life of David.  We learned in the first lesson that we must be careful about what we ask for.  The Israelites asked God for a king, and they got Saul as the answer to their prayer but they suffered under his leadership. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7). God’s word is true, and we must be careful about what we ask for because God does listen and He often grants us exactly what we ask.

“Father, thank You for Your mighty power to protect and to heal. Thank You for Your Sovereign hand upon us. And Father, please reveal Yourself to us daily. May our lives be a witness of Your love and care to a world who so desperately needs to know You are there.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 28, 2013

Contagious Living

MP900443668[1]“But you dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 20 (NIV)

Vitamin C, tissues and antibacterial stuff  follows me to the office lately.  Too many things going around.  Too much coughing and sneezing; I’m try to avoid it like the plague.   Unfortunately, last Sunday  one of those things decided to visit.  Luckily for me it was just a 24 hour stomach bug. But when I returned back to work, you could see the domino effect.  No matter how hard we tried to avoid it, our interactions with people and being in close proximity to the contagious ones put us at high risk.   Wonder if the same is true when it comes to sin?  Too many people in our lives entertaining sinful actions.  Too much pretense about doing the right thing and then doing the wrong.  Too many conversations excusing those things that infect our lives like gossip, dishonesty,  jealousy, unforgiveness….and the list goes on and on.    Unfortunately, we often don’t even see the germs of sin that lurk in the air around us.  And before we know it, we’re lowering our standards.  We too begin making excuses and rationalizing the wrongs.   So what’s the secret to standing firm in the midst of sinful contagiousness?  Guarding our inner circle, those people who influence us the most, ensures that what goes around doesn’t infect our lives.  Daily building our minds up in the truths of God’s word works wonders to boost our immune system.  Praying for His Spirit to protect us, empower us and strengthen our faith is the one prescription to ensure that what’s going around doesn’t infect us.

“Father, we want to be contagious women of faith that inspire those we come in contact with to live holy lives set apart for You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 25, 2013

Tomorrow Is Another Day

devo jan 25“For His anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

How many times have you gotten to the end of your day and thought, “What a disaster! The next morning, the guilt of the previous days failures are still eating away at you.  You spend the day trying to make up for it, while desperately trying not to repeat the same mistakes.  Only to flop into the bed at the end of the day exhausted and still feeling like a failure.

Have you ever questioned yourself after a bad day saying “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I get this right?”  Well the truth is we’re sinners.  It’s in our nature. And this sinful nature makes it impossible for us to ever get it completely right. Not until we get to heaven will we be perfect and without flaws. Thankfully, God doesn’t keep score or hold grudges against us for previous behavior.

Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the cross long before we were even born. Because of this sacrifice, we can come before God every day and start fresh each and every day. No matter how much we mess up, and oh, how we do mess up, God will always forgive.

“God, forgive me and fill me with Your assurance that every day is a clean slate. Prepare my heart daily for what is to come so that I may honor the sacrifice that was made on my behalf.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 24, 2013

If God Had A New Year’s Resolution

Sunbeams Backlighting Cross“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”  1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

Although millions of people expect that a new year will bring with it a new lease on life, only a small percentage of those who make resolutions for change ever succeed.  Personally, I avoid resolutions because I don’t need another reminder of how easy it is to fail.  But, the thought got me wondering what God might change if He were to make a resolution.  Since He is perfect, there would clearly be no need for Him to change.  But, we on the other hand, are a completely different story – we desperately need it.

As I imagined the many things God might alter, I began to wonder if there was ONE simple change that would transform the Body of Christ.  Then I considered what DA Carson said about the cross.  He lamented that we have managed to dismiss the cross from its central place in our lives.   And although we have made it a decorative reminder of what we believe, the fact is that its message seldom defines and compels us.

Well, it’s obvious that the idea of God making a New Year’s resolution is silly at best.  But, the value of shifting our focus from the trivial, distracting and self-promoting tendencies of our culture to the burning, consuming truth of the cross would definitely change life as we know it.   Is it possible that the Apostle Paul realized this truth when he resolved (as in made a new resolution!) to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified?

“Lord, there is no way for us to come to the cross on human terms.  So please draw us near and teach us by Your Spirit to better understand the work of our Savior through the instrument of the cross.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 23, 2013

God Is Calling

devo jan 23“God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.” 1 Peter 1:2(NLT)

A very popular and excellent football player recently announced his retirement. The reason he quoted for retiring got my attention and convicted me. “”Now, God is calling,” Lewis said. “God is calling in so many other areas of life…..”  One of the main areas God is calling him is to spend more time with his children and family. I just couldn’t get that simple phrase, “Now God is calling” out of my head or heart. While we’re not a big sports star walking away from a lucrative career to follow God’s call, there will be times when God requires us to give up something. How many times has God called us and we didn’t want to make the sacrifice He was asking us to make?

As this verse states, God chose us and all we have to do is take a few steps of obedience. The first step is to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ so we have that personal relationship with God. Second step is allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal what God is calling us to do. When we make those steps, He has equipped us and provided the path to complete the call. Even when we can’t see where the final step will take us, God will fill us with peace and the blessings will be eternal.

“Dear God, Help us to listen to Your call and take the steps to be obedient. Give us the courage and strength to make those first few steps of faith in Your direction. Thank You for the lessons and blessings we will gain along the way.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 22, 2013

Sweet Time Out

devo jan 22“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”  Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

“You’re in time out.”  Oh those words sting.  I remember them well when my son was a runaway toddler.  Age two – four seemed like a long stride, especially to this working mom.  So the miniature rocking chair in our kitchen was often filled by that sweet little boy.  He twisted, wiggled and resisted every minute of it, but eventually he grabbed the lesson.  Sound familiar?  As adults we don’t like time out either, but sometimes it’s the only way God can get our attention.  Being sidelined definitely positions us in God’s classroom, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we were being disobedient.  Sometimes God pulls us out of the chaos, noise and distractions so that He can speak into our lives uninterrupted.  Sometimes He simply wants us to find rest for our tired souls – to climb up in His lap and seek refuge to avoid burnout.  Sometimes He re-focuses us for a greater work and that time out allows God to put everything into place for the next step. And yes, sometimes disobedience does land us in that chair – sidelined until repentance lifts us back up.  Regardless God intends for us to be learn and grow.  Unfortunately, we too often twist, wiggle and resist every minute. We fore go a temporary setback and plunge forward determined to do life our way.  And the end result – we will discover that time out will chase us until we surrender and grab the lesson.  “You’re in time out” may be the sweetest words we will ever hear.

“Father, help us to draw near to You even when doing so means letting everything else go.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 21, 2013

Inviting Hope

Young Woman Standing with Arms Stretched Out“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

“HOPE.” As I lay on the bed, the word felt branded across my forehead.  Are we steadfast in our hope? Do we really KNOW–that God has America, our town, our children, our life, under His control, or are we in despair?  Hope is a beautiful word when it surrounds us, but when we lose it – our joy, our peace and perhaps even our will to live flies out the window.  To have hope “in a future” is our motivation to get out of bed, go through the day, and endure for life.

Pilgrim, in the story by John Bunyan, lost hope and “wallowed in the Slough of Despond.” Do we do that? Our spirits droop, we know nothing except a miracle will bring about a change, and we’ve lost faith in a miracle.  That, my dear friend, is where God acts!  Turn your focus onto HIM, onto HIS abilities, HIS promises–get in HIS Word, and wallow there!  Write down each blessing today as it happens: I just took a breath; I had food; I have a job, etc.  You say, “there is nothing left in my marriage (or opportunity to change, or…)” .  Always remember: God took NOTHING and made the world!  Give Him your life for today and follow in His steps today, and let Him breathe new HOPE in you!

“Father, how we cling to Your promise that in You we have a future!  We muck it up so badly, but You, O God, can take the empty hands we extend to You, filled with “Nothing” and watch You do a miracle.  Increase our faith, Lord! And Lord, thank you for the cross.  We love You, Lord.”

 

For His Glory

 

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 18, 2013

Cleanse Me

devo jan 18“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.”  Isaiah 43:25 (NAS)

I have ministered to many people who cannot get rid of guilt and condemnation. I have ministered to a rapist, murderers, prostitutes, thieves, drunkards, adulterers, legalistic people, etc. Many who had a very hard time believing that God would forgive them of their sins. We all have committed horrible actions. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” We all have failed God and come short of His glory, but God doesn’t want us to stay condemned. Once we confess our sins, God says they are as far as the east is from the west. This is wonderful to know. When God wipes away our sins, they are remembered no more; they are washed by the blood. “But now Christ has come as the High Priest of the good things to come. He passed through the greater and more perfect tent not made with hands, that is not of this creation,  and He entered once and for all into the most Holy Place not by the blood of goats and calves but by His Own Blood, so He Himself secured eternal redemption by the blood of God.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)  We must receive God’s word that tells us that He wipes out our sins. When the evil one comes and tries to attack our mind with condemnation, we can stand on these scriptures. We can walk in freedom without guilt.

“Lord, thank You for Your blood that washes away my sins. Thank You that I don’t have to walk in condemnation. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Thank You for a clear conscience and Your sweet peace.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 17, 2013

Unpacking Wisdom

MP900178801[1]“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:  for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;”  Proverbs 1:1-2 (NIV)

Experience is a great teacher.  When I started working in an office, I joined a professional organization. I wanted to gain insight on how to be a strong team player.  I wanted to learn the ropes, so I surrounded my sphere of influence with professional women who had years of experience in my field.  As they shared their successes and mistakes, I listened and absorbed their knowledge.   End result – I gained wisdom because they were willing to unpack their business careers to a young inexperienced girl.   Wonder what would happen if we unpacked our spiritual lives and used that influence to impact the people in our lives?  Our world is complex, demanding and ever-changing.  A whole new era of family dynamics has resulted in single parents, step-parents and blended families. Economic challenges have forced tough financial decisions.  Violence has devastated our once peaceful neighborhoods.  Cancer strikes close, and empty chairs fill our homes.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to know that all the stuff that fills our bags could actually be used to encourage and inspire someone else?  Wouldn’t it be incredible if our mistakes prevented someone else from doing the same?  Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived.  Despite his title and wealth, Solomon didn’t hoard away the wisdom that God granted to him – it’s all unpacked in the book of Proverbs. A spiritual life lesson book that conveys the wisdom that God poured into him.  So what are we waiting for – let’s do some spiritual unpacking ourselves and watch to see how God works.

“Father, You have taught us many life lessons – help us to seize opportunities to share Your wisdom with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 16, 2013

Getting Ahead of God

devo jan 16“Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit. How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.  What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 (NLT)

Instead of resolutions for 2013, I am praying and seeking out personal challenges from God. I’m asking God to open my eyes to areas of my life that need improvement. It probably won’t be a pleasant road to travel; however, the benefits from being completely in step with God will be worth it.

One of the first areas I need to work on is my tendency to get ahead of God’s plans. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our dreams and plans that we don’t want to change when God steers us His direction. Then we get mad and frustrated when “our” plans don’t work out. James reminds us our life on earth is not guaranteed for a certain time frame. We have to see the bigger picture God has for us in even the littlest decisions. Through prayer, God’s Word and Godly counsel, we need to make sure each step we take is God honoring and eternal. Let’s take time each morning before we get out of bed and commit each day to God and ask Him to guide us through our decisions.

“Father, May we treat each day as a precious gift and live it to the fullest according to Your will. Give us guidance each day from the littlest to biggest decisions. Show us Your plans that will make an impact for eternity.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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