Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 19, 2013

Our Inheritance

Young Woman Facing the Sky“Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance and of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:12 (KJV)

Being adopted into God’s family, we will one day see Him face to face and partake of our inheritance. We are promised to reign with Jesus from mansions of glory. There will be no more sorrow, tears, fears, death, hunger, pain, nor suffering. We will be fellowshipping with God and believers forever. All that God has will be ours. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:7)  We have so much to look forward to. We will have peace and joy that God gives us, but we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to experience it. Remember Philippians 4:19 reminds us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. This too is our inheritance here on earth. We might not all be monetarily wealthy, but we are certainly spiritually wealthy. God has made us to be partakers of his inheritance. We must be thankful and mindful of our inheritance. When we think of the great wealth we have in Christ we will never feel poor or lacking. When was the last time we thanked God for our inheritance? When was the last time we rejoiced in our inheritance? We must not take it for granted. As we meditate on the inheritance God has given us, our hearts will leap with joy.

“Lord I want to take the time to thank You for my inheritance that I can both enjoy now and in the hereafter. Thank You for making us spiritually wealthy. Thank You that we are partakers of Your inheritance.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 18, 2013

Fearless

devo feb 18]“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b (KJV)

Before my husband and I were engaged, he did something pretty magnificent.   In fact it was this single act of love that confirmed in my heart that he was “the one.” I grew up swimming in beautiful calm lakes and beaches. My first “real” beach experience was after visiting Liberty University, I then ventured out to Virginia Beach. While swimming there I went too far out, got caught in an under-toe, and nearly drowned. I developed a fear of the deep ocean waves, and never again went in too deep.

While vacationing at Sunset Beach with my boyfriend’s family,  we spotted a beautiful sandbar.  I kindly refused his invitation to swim to it, but my boyfriend encouraged me and helped me get over that fear. My boyfriend said, “Hold on to me, I promise I won’t let you go.”  I held onto him the entire time!  We swam side by side.  When I was afraid he remained calm, encouraged me, and he kept swimming until we reached the sandbar.

Isn’t this true about our Savior, and Lord?  He wants us to experience life fully, all His goodness and beautiful plans, but fear and doubt sometimes holds us back and robs us of God’s joy!  He loves us enough to help us conquer fear and doubt.  His Son Jesus gives us the power, and when we trust God He will never let us drown even when things look hopeless!  How powerful!  Won’t you trust God and the people he has put in your life to help you?  You are not alone.

“Lord Jesus, help us to trust Your hand as we swim through scary waters in life, and may we never give up because of our fear and doubt.  Help us to experience Your true joy, and Your abundant life.”

For His Glory,

Julia Forystek Bergstrom
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 15, 2013

The Bunny in Me

devo feb 15“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…”   1 Corinthians 1: 27a  (NIV)

As I progress along this journey of life, I must confess that I often feel like I’ve got the horsepower of the Energizer Bunny when what I really want is the force and strength of a high-grade, combat-ready, all-terrain vehicle!!  I desperately long for the capacity to roar through the hills and inclines of life, yet here I am…slowly, gradually buzzing along.

Consequently, although my aim is to live as a modern-day, Proverbs 31 Wonder Woman, I am sometimes better suited for the role of Forest Gump… clinging tightly to my “box of chocolates.”  No matter how diligently I strive toward excellence, my best efforts are frequently met with resistance from the limitations that adorn my life.

To fail is never easy and to crawl through life at the pace of a pink, battery-operated bunny can be frustrating.  But, there’s good news!   Through the reality of weakness, God’s glory shines brightest through our frailty.   Some may live according to the notion that “weakness is not an option.”  But, I accept it as a prized commodity in God’s economy.  For example, Abraham Lincoln was actually quite a failure before the presidency.  Not only had he lost eight prior elections, but he also went bankrupt, was rejected from law school, failed at various vocational efforts and suffered an emotional breakdown.  He was well-acquainted with weakness, yet God used him to change the world…because his frailty set the stage for God’s power to be revealed!

“Father, I thank You for the weaknesses that bring us to the end of ourselves and on our knees before a holy God.  Grant us the hope to rise in the face of defeat and the strength to press on…knowing that Your glory is best revealed through imperfect vessels.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 14, 2013

Love Of My Life

Rose On Wood BW“Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Red shoe box decorated with white hearts – a slit in the top – perfect for my valentines to slide right in.  Tiny little hands clutched that box as I stepped onto the school bus.  It was the day my “love tank” would be filled with all those silly, crazy valentines. The girls giggled and the boys smirked.  Love was a simple commodity – easily given no strings attached.    So why does love become so complex and complicated the older we get.  Maybe it’s because we allow the wrong things to fill our “love tanks.”  Maybe it’s a result of us not filling someone else’s “love tank.”  Maybe it’s because we keep our love tightly clutched to avoid hurt.  Maybe it’s because our expectations exceed what we are willing to give or sacrifice.

Hope and joy filled my “love tank” unexpectedly one day.  Sweet conversations shared – just the two of us.  My heart skipped at the thought of Him – it still does.  And He not only captured my heart but taught me how to love.  He didn’t even keep a list of my wrongs – even though there were many.  And when it came to the ultimate sacrifice, His nail pierced hands spoke His love to me covering a multitude of sins.  Red intermingled with white to unveil my new heart –now perfectly welcoming my valentine.  Wonder what would happen if I loved others too – if I loved deep like Jesus?  No strings attached – just simple grace and forgiveness extended.

“Father, You have captured my heart forever – teach me how to give that love away every day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

MP900441044[1]My sweet Valentine is none other than my Lord Jesus Christ.  Would you like to meet Him?  Reply to this email, and I’ll introduce you to the love of my life.

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 13, 2013

Choosing Joy

Attractive Woman Holds Her Cap Isolated on a White Background.“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (KJV)

It was finally here!!! Displaying the power of an incomprehensible God –millions of distinct snowflakes had magnificently transformed typical landscapes into gorgeous, snow-blanketed masterpieces!   Building snowmen, sleigh rides, snowball fights, and homemade snow cream would become a reality for every excited snow lover!

During my devotions that morning, I noticed one distant bird joyfully singing a sweet melody praising his Creator.   Truthfully, my mind questioned if the bird pondered during the long, snowy, cold night if finding his food would be challenging the next morning.   Although it may have necessitated harder work, he discovered God’s provision was exactly what he needed!

How often do believers doubt God’s provision allowing worry to dominate sleepless nights?  Why does the challenge of completely trusting Him frighten us?  And, why do we hesitate to be the one who praises Him regardless?  God’s Word teaches in Matthew 6:26 that we are more valuable to God than the birds of the air; therefore, we can be assured God is going to meet our needs every morning – whatever they may be.   Facing some horrific, personal circumstances, the Lord recently challenged my heart to daily choose joy.  Like the bird it might require a little more effort, but finding joy must be intentional – focusing on God’s sovereignty.  Making this choice assures God’s child though he grieves, the joy of the Lord is his stronghold (Nehemiah 8:10) and – weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b).  This transformation will be His joyful, gorgeous masterpiece as well!

“Dear Father, please help me to determine in my heart to intentionally choose joy despite the circumstances life may bring.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

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

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