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

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

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