Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2012

Divine Delays

“O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!”  Romans 11:33 (KJV)

Did you know that some of the people who were supposed to be in the Twin Towers on September 11 were delayed by ordinary situations: heavy traffic, forgotten wallet, stopping to buy donuts, etc.? Minor details saved their lives, and yet we often get impatient not remembering that God has His hand on every situation.

While living in Florida, one night we went to have dessert with friends.  When we arrived at their home, someone else had pulled into their driveway.  My husband pulled to the right side of the road, in front of some woods, to wait until the driveway was clear.  After the other person left, we pulled into the driveway.

The next morning’s newspaper carried the account of a woman jogger who was pulled into some woods and attacked by a man.  Her interview with the police said the man heard a car pull beside the woods, and he–thinking her cries had been heard–took off running.

Normally we would never know when, why or how God uses situations that seem insignificant as He exerts His mighty power.  We were humbled that not only had He used us, but let us know it.  We need to view every circumstance we are in as a possibility that God is delivering us or someone else from evil and “rejoice always!”

“Father God, help us to remember when things don’t go as we think they should, that You may be working in someone else’s life, and we are part of it.  Help us to ponder on heavy traffic, late appointments, or the many other times we get frustrated, and realize You are in total control; we need only to trust what You are doing.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 6, 2012

May I Have This Dance?

“I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”  Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Don’t you just love the way the Psalmist David’s heart echoes a steadfast confidence?  His career path definitely wasn’t the source.  He was anointed a king yet he ran through fields more than enjoying royal privileges.  Definitely wasn’t his educational degree.  David was simply a shepherd boy tending his father’s flock while fighting off lions and bears.  Definitely wasn’t the support of his family. David’s brothers weren’t too excited to watch their brother sling Goliath in one shot.  So what motivated and upheld this deep confidence that David possessed?  Scripture reveals the secret – David was a man after God’s own heart, and God was more impressed with David’s heart than his credentials.  “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  Unfortunately, we’re quick to rehearse our load of inadequacies – you know the list of why we don’t measure up or why God can’t use our lives.  We spin our wheels trying to impress God with our activity versus impressing God with the motives, love and passion of our hearts. Unfiltered excuses flow off our lips flinging against the heart of our Amazing God that longs to enlarge our territory.  Maybe we’ve surveyed our credentials and found that royalty isn’t our destiny.  But oh how wrong we are when we discredit the confidence our God places in hearts that are loyal, undivided and committed.  There is no goodness He would not bestow or confidence He would withhold from those who humbly bow at His feet. Girlfriend we are His royal treasure, His pride and joy – now let’s pick up our feet and dance in the glory of His divine calling filled with godly confidence.

“Father help me to embrace Your confidence, to trust in who You are living and breathing in me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2012

Patterned By God

“And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” Exodus 25:40

My grandmother carefully laid an old newspaper on the floor, gently laid a dress on it, outlined it in pencil and removed the dress.  Cutting the newspaper, she had a pattern for another dress (usually made from “feed sacks!”).  As I was growing up, my mom made much of our clothing in the same manner.  By the time I was sewing patterns were common enough to afford, but I normally began cutting and sewing without referring to the “instruction sheet” first.  Do I need to say how many seams were ripped out?

Impulsiveness is something I am still trying to restrain as I continue to learn to “wait upon the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). He has, given us according to 2 Peter 1:3, “all things that pertain to life and godliness.”  He has given us the “instruction sheet” for living our lives pleasing to Him, in order to fulfill His plans and purpose for ourselves, and be clothed in the beautiful robe of His righteousness as we stand before Him. I can only imagine what my robe would look like if I made it the way I thought it ought to be, without referring to His instructions!  If only we would live our lives ’according to the pattern’ so that we would ‘love our life and see good days!’ (1 Peter 3:10).

“Father God, how we wish we could always make our choices and live our lives according to the pattern You have shown us! Help us, Father; increase our faith! Let us know as we wait for You to take care of burdens in our lives that the end result will be beautiful.  Help us not run ahead of You or walk parallel to You, but follow in Your steps.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2012

Encouraging Words

“Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.” 2 Samuel 11:25 (KJV)

Ever went thru a trial and just in the moment you felt alone, you receive a card in the mail or have a friend call with a word of hope for you?  Encouragement – everyone needs a little encouragement.  Why not take time today to look around your circle of  friends, family, and coworkers –  maybe there is someone who is hurting and just needs a little note of encouragement, a text or a phone call.   What if everyone stopped and thought about those around them?  Being sensitive to others needs in the midst of our crazy busy lives means we have to stop make that one phone call, send a text or write that one little note. We need to take the time to listen when God whispers and places someone on our hearts and obey His call of encouragement.  Saying we will do it later only leads to disobedience and forgetting.  God uses us as His vessel to reach others –  how many times have we thought about a person and later let it go?  Take that moment and stop long enough today to think about who you can encourage.  Pick up the pen or the phone, reach out and give that blessing.

 

“Father, thank you for sending others to encourage me in times of trials.  Help me to be sensitive to your whispers to encourage others.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2012

Truly His

“For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.” 1 Samuel 12:22 (NIV)

We all seek acceptance, but not everyone will like us no matter how nice we are. If we are God’s children we may even face rejection because of our faith. Whatever the reason, we can have a tendency to feel lonely, hurt, and perhaps get into self-pity. If we stay there long enough, we might reject God because we are not putting our trust in Him to heal that wound. God never rejects us, and He is waiting to hear our prayers and heal our hearts. God will not turn away his ear from us.  He loves us so much and cares about everything that happens to us. Remember when rejections come our way to immediately take it to the Lord in prayer. If we don’t, then we are the ones rejecting God’s love and comfort for us. God wants us to be pleased with Him as much as He is pleased with us. When someone lets us down, remember God is waiting for us to come to Him so He can wrap His arms of love around us. He will understand like no one else will.

“Father, I forgive those who have rejected me. Please comfort me with Your love. I need Your love and comfort. I know You will never reject me. You are always there with me.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2012

Energizing Peace

“Cease striving [be still] and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10 (NAS)

Do we ever push ourselves to get things done in our own strength?  If so, we will soon find that we become weary and discouraged.  We must learn to take time to be still in our activities, in our minds and bodies.  Our mind, soul (emotions) and bodies need rest.  We can be totally still, and still have confusion because stillness begins in the mind.  Renewing our mind with God’s Word causes us to be still and focus on Him.  Even people with quiet temperaments can appear to be peaceful but inside there’s a lot going on.  Judging from the outside, we think they don’t have a care in the world.  But as we begin to listen to them, they admit how worried and anxious they are feeling.  They have no inward rest or peace, because they are striving inside in their own strength.  As I began to minister the Word of God to them, they become less anxious and more hopeful.  I suggest some scriptures for them to meditate on to renew their mind and to be still before God.  It worked.  We must take time to acknowledge who God is and cast all our burdens upon Him. However, we cannot be still if we are carrying burdens around that are weighing us down.  We must quiet our minds with God’s Word and be mindful of his promises.

“God, I choose right now to be still and acknowledge Your presence.  I know that You are my God and You can calm me and give me sweet peace. I choose not to strive, but to be still and know You are my God.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 28, 2012

Greatly Blessed

“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” Nehemiah 9:28 (NIV)

Sitting at my kitchen counter, I glimpse the sun beginning to set.  How amazing that God would paint such a beautiful melting dreamsicle for me.   I’m reminded of His grace, His love, His protection, His guidance – all His benefits that have followed my footsteps.  Too many to count, yet so often quickly discarded.  Like a yo yo bouncing back and forth, we often find ourselves hanging in the balance of gratitude and discontent.  Maybe it’s because we’ve learned that yo yo dance so well. Like the Children of Israel, our allegiance slips. We become self-sufficient when life is good and the sunsets are breathtaking.  We fail to see beauty in His presence or we simply desire more discrediting the bounty in our hands. And before we know it, we find ourselves wallowing in the consequences of careless decisions.  Our worship becomes fleeting absorbing whatever is before our eyes rather than focused on the One true God.  We sin, we confess, and we accept grace.  We reel God back in as our Awesome Healer and Deliverer often without even a glimpse of how He must feel being strung along for the ride.  But that’s how amazing He truly is – even in my ugliest discontented state, God glimpses a righteous Son living and breathing in me.  He envisions the masterpiece He is painting.  Instantly God extends grace, love, protection, guidance – all His benefits yo yo back to me.

“Father, we are truly in awe of Your compassion – so undeserved, yet so deeply loved.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 27, 2012

My Healer

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Psalm 34:18 (NAS)

Have you ever felt like your world was falling apart?  About 10 years ago, I went through a season of depression – crushed in my spirit.  I felt like I was all by myself, however, feelings can be deceptive and confusing. At times my only prayer was, “God help me.”  I didn’t even have words to express my pain.   I cried a lot.  Now as I have matured in the Lord, I no longer lean on my feelings but stand on God’s Word.  I learned a lot after I came out of the depression. God was near to me, although at the time it felt like He was nowhere to be found.  If you are going through a time of brokenness, know that God loves you and this too shall pass.  Perhaps God is teaching you to trust Him more.  Now when I face crisis, I am established, strengthened, and settled. (1 Peter 5:10)  I no longer let circumstances dictate my emotions – God’s Word is my anchor, my hope and comfort.  Now I know that when I call upon the Lord, He will hear. For the last 10 years. I have not suffered from depression.  God says He saves those who are crushed, and there is growth to be learned from depression, brokenness, or  whatever we might face.  Perhaps someone is going through a divorce or has lost their job.  Maybe someone has become afflicted with an illness or been betrayed.  God is near, He cares and  He loves us – we can always count on Him.

“Lord thank You that You are near me in my brokenness.  Thank You that You understand when no one else might.  Thank You for Your deliverance.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2012

Glimpsing His Glory

“Then Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV)

Climb a ladder?  Maybe to the third step.  Walk a tightrope across Niagra Falls?  No way.  Yet that’s exactly what Nic Wallenda did.  Joining millions of viewers, we anxiously watched Nic position his feet on the tightrope crossing over Niagara Falls into Canada.  Over treacherous yet beautiful waters and the swirling mist slamming from all angles, he didn’t embark on this journey alone.  And even when the battering mist and wind didn’t parallel to what he had simulated in practice, Nic kept pressing through.  Focused, driven and listening to his father’s voice, Nic didn’t allow fear and intimidation to squelch this stunt.  In fact, he even broke the cardinal rule and looked down squarely facing the giant sweltering under him. What would compel a sane adult family man to risk his life on a 30 minute walk (1,800 feet) under extreme conditions?  “This is what dreams are made of,” said Wallenda. ‘I hope what I did inspires people to reach for the skies.” Nic did more than inspire us, he gave us the glue that held it all together. Maneuvering each foot precisely, you could hear praise flowing from steady lips. There was no quiver just calmness in his voice.  “Thank you Jesus.”  “Praise you Father.”  “I love you Lord.”    While neither you nor I will probably attempt such a feat, we do face the tightrope of uncertainty and trials.  Like Nic we can be victorious if we stay focused, listen to our Father’s guidance, stare our giants squarely in the eye and praise our God each step of the way.  Now that’s a life that truly inspires.

“Father, when the tightrope of difficulty lands me flat on my face, help me to reach up and grab Your hand as we glide safely through the storm together.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 25, 2012

Precious Gifts

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6 (ESV)

We recently celebrated Father’s Day, and for my husband along with several co-workers it was an extra special event.  This year marks their first time as grandfathers. It’s such a precious gift to see your child holding their own child. In an instant your heart is stolen forever in such an awesome way. It’s also a time to pass the torch and watch a new generation raise the next. Our children have watched every good thing, bad mistake, and Godly step we have made. All we can do now is pray as they begin their journey as parents.

Whether we have children of our own or are surrounded by nieces, nephews, “adopted neighborhood kids”, four legged kids, and etc.; we can’t help smiling when we see children laughing and playing. There is a certain joy a child brings no matter who they are.  And every time a new child is born into God’s kingdom, God is filled with joy. He is the proud Father that loved us SO much that He gave His Son to open the way to our adoption into heaven and the promise of eternal life. Life is truly a precious gift, and to see that gift carried on in new generations and ultimately an eternal generation is a wonderful blessing. If you haven’t experienced the joy of eternal adoption and met your Heavenly Father, respond back to this devotional and we’ll be happy to welcome you into the family.

“Dear Father God, “How thankful we are for the love You have for us and the home You have created in Heaven. We are appreciative of each precious gift we are given; may we find the joy in each child’s smile.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Love, Spiritual Living

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