Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 30, 2011

Divine Blessings

“Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me always.”  Jeremiah  35:19b (NASB)

In the book of Jeremiah there is a story told of a godly man named Jonadab, who taught his children to live in holiness and purity.  His children were so affected by his example and teachings that they boldly refused to compromise or give into temptation.    In fact, their unwavering commitment to their father’s standard was so impressive that God presented this family before the nation of Israel as an object lesson on obedience.  Then, in recognition of their uncompromising stance, God decided to bless this family.

To my surprise, however, God did not offer wealth, health or prominence to Jonadab or his crew.  Actually, He never mentioned any temporal rewards at all.  His blessing was simply this:  Jonadab would always have descendants dwelling in the presence of God.  On the surface it seems as though God looked past all the “good stuff” when digging through His proverbial “bag of blessings,”  but God did not shortchange Jonadab.  Instead, He chose to give Jonadab and his children something more valuable than gold, more lasting than health and more impactful than power and prominence.   He offered them Himself…and the gift of worshipping and serving Him!

As a mom, I cannot imagine a better gift I would want for my children than God’s presence.  Earthly treasures are fleeting, but if my children could dwell in God’s presence, then they would experience the very essence of their eternal design and purpose.   And what treasure on earth can compare to that?

“Lord, draw us to You today that we would not only know about You, but that we would know how to worship You and dwell in Your presence?  Help us set time with You above all other earthly treasures.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 29, 2011

Beyond Our Dreams

 “I (Jesus) came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of,”  John 10:10b (MSG)

One day my father announced we were going to have a yard sale.  I couldn’t believe his treasure trove, the garage, was going to be cleaned out.    And the neighbors did not disappoint us.  One man was so proud of a gadget he found and declared, “I have been looking for this all of my life.”  He asked, “How much is this?”  My dad answered, “Four dollars.”  The man humphed and then walked on.  We still talk about how that man’s dreams could have been met for four dollars, but he turned and walked away.

How many times do we long for a dream such as a husband, a child, a job, or a home?  Then one day it is there for our taking and after the, “I do’s, “ changing of the diapers, on our feet for 8 hours, or the pipes burst, we grumble and say, “Humph.”  We think we want something but when we get it, we decide we really don’t want it after all.

For years, the Pharisees waited for the coming of the promised Messiah.  They preached about it.  Prepared for it.  Then when Jesus showed up, they turned their backs and probably a “Humph” was heard.  God held out His Holy hand with the most magnificent Gift of all time.  Love, joy, peace personified in His Son, Jesus Christ. And He is still all we need to make our dreams come true!

“Heavenly Father,   You have given me all that I need through Jesus Christ.  Please forgive me for turning my back on Your amazing gifts and trying to fill my longings myself.  I know that nothing will ever satisfy my desire for peace, love, and joy except Jesus.”

 

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 28, 2011

His Presence – His Peace

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I found myself elated one minute and unsure of the future the next.   Initially, following the delivery of our little granddaughter something went terribly wrong and huge decisions regarding our daughter’s health were necessary.  In the midst of the intensity, we joyously discovered we were going to be grandparents for the third time!!!  Then sadly, our precious daughter-in-law’s daddy passed away very unexpectedly.  Emotions I never anticipated.

Ever felt like this – emotions all over the place – simultaneously fearful, joyful, & sad  – is that possible?  Yes!  Survival for me meant evidence of God’s presence – His peace, power, and protection.  Was He mindful I was experiencing an emotional rollercoaster?  Of course.  Did He hear and answer many prayers?  Yes.  Did He care?  Most definitely.  Did He intervene?  Remarkably.

Where are you today?  Huge obstacles you didn’t envision?   God’s awareness is complimented by His understanding.  Life’s unexpected interruptions are golden opportunities to look to Jehovah Shalom – the Lord our Peace where wounded hearts are mended in the presence of the King!

“Lord, whatever I face today may I feel your peace through Your presence in a new, fresh way.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 23, 2011

Giving Thanks

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

In my life, I have learned to find gratitude for the way I was created and to use my differences for God’s glory. However, this verse challenged me as I memorized and meditated upon it. Thoughts such as “Why should I give thanks for every thing?” or “It’s not fair that I have to deal with such difficulties” was another.

Have you ever questioned “why” or had a hard time giving thanks in a circumstance?  Have you thought, when such and such happens, then I’ll be thankful or when I get this, then I’ll be thankful?

I have, and I believe many of us might still. The beautiful news is contained in the last part of this verse, “in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  We must trust in God’s will believing that he knows us and has the very hairs on our head numbered.  So despite our difficult circumstances, we still need to give thanks and trust Him. Yes, IN EVERY THING not only in good times, but every thing. Exercise your thankfulness to bring Him glory!   And just when you think you cannot, remember our pilgrims and the sufferings they entailed yet still found gratitude in their hearts that first Thanksgiving Day.

“Dear Lord Jesus, I love You and trust You. Please help me to be thankful right now, in my current situation and to bring You glory.”

For His Glory

Julia Forystek
TRBC Coffee Break

Wishing each of you an awesome Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends.

Coffee Break Devotionals will resume on Monday, November 28.

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Growth | Tags:

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 22, 2011

God’s Amazing Plan

 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24 (TNIV)

I just finished Angela Thomas’ Brave Bible Study and learned more about myself than I thought possible. The main thing I learned is I am broken, but it’s okay because God has a plan. God uses the brokenness inside us to draw us closer to Him, to be glorified, and to be used to reach others. I remember Angela saying, “All we see is our brokenness; we don’t see God behind the scenes plotting our joy.” When it is God’s time, He reveals the way out of our brokenness into the joy that comes from being whole again. In the meantime, He is there with us to carry us through the rough times.

Just like a kernel of wheat produces many seeds, there are parts of us that have to be broken so we can minister to others in need. People who are at the beginning of their own brokenness need someone who has made it to the joy on the other side to encourage and support them. Even if your brokenness was something from sin or evil against you; God can use it for good and His Glory. We just have to stay close to God, continually pray, and let Him guide us to the joy He has planned.

“Dear God, I can finally say thank you for my brokenness because now I can start following You to the joy You planned for me. Give us all strength as we are in various stages of brokenness to endure and lean on You until your purpose is fulfilled.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 21, 2011

What Giving Means

“So she quickly poured all the water from her jar into the drinking trough for the camels. Then she kept running to the well until she had given all the camels enough to drink.” Genesis 24:20 (NCV)

Recently, we celebrated Veteran’s Day – a day of remembrance.  On our way to school, I asked my son, Michael, about the word he chose for his Daily Verses posting on Facebook. He had chosen “Giving” and, I wondered why not “Serving” since we were celebrating Veteran’s Day.  Michael, who is twelve, looked over at me and said, “Mom, serving is trying to accomplish something –  giving is accomplishing it; I’m so glad I chose giving today for Veteran’s Day.”  Wow, that stopped me in my tracks; I sat quiet for a few moments to absorb it.   I asked him to repeat what he said, and he explained again how giving is the action of giving freedom and serving is trying to make that freedom happen but it might not; our soldiers give us our freedom.

For Michael’s Daily Verses he posted Genesis 24:18-20 which is the story of Rebecca giving water first to her Lord and then to his camels.  I love the part that states she kept running to the well until she had given all the camels enough to drink.  How many times do we start to serve but then don’t finish the job.  Recently, we completed our Outreach Projects with our Life Groups – how about taking it a step further by following up with the people we ministered to?  Let’s make sure we are giving not just serving. We must give until ALL have been filled.  Thank you Father for giving your ALL to us!

Father, we praise You for ALL You have given to us.  Help us remember the act of giving our all for Your glory.

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2011

Capturing Our Thoughts

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”  2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)

What thoughts are firing up our imagination?  To cast down thoughts that are not of God, we need to expel them, banish them, let them go, force them to leave, turn them away, throw them, drop them, send them off, and reject them. Hurl them violently and forcefully, similar to how we throw a fishing line out over the water by means of a rod and a reel. The further you throw a fishing line over the water, the more violently and forcefully you do it. The same is true for imaginations that are not of God. Do away with them. Violently cast them down. Just as a wrestler takes another wrestler down, we can tackle our thoughts. Some of our imaginations are simply perceived incorrectly. Confront the imagination and cast it down. Are we assuming things with our imagination? Are we letting our imagination carry our thoughts to unhealthy places? What about unhealthy suspicions? Are these imaginations true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report? (Philippians 4:8) If not, we can cast these imaginations down. Bring into captivity every thought. Imprison those thoughts. Confine them with the Word of God. Capture those thoughts as if we’ve captured our enemies. By bringing our thoughts under the control of the Holy Spirit, we won’t give them room to bind us.

“Father, Help me to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 17, 2011

Bearing One Another’s Burdens

“Then they [the children of Gad and the children of Reuben] came near to him [Moses] and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones, but we ourselves will be armed, ready to go before the children of Israel until we have brought them to their place…”  Numbers 32:16-17 (NKJV)

It is truly said that we are either coming into, going out of, or in the middle of a crisis at all times.  We seem to have trials on a daily basis, but how sweet it is when we have a season of rest!  When we get that time of calm, we should remember Moses’ instructions to the Children of Gad and Reuben. Moses needed the men from those tribes (in their season of rest) that were going to live on the west side of the Jordan to come alongside the other tribes until they, too, were settled in their land – their time of rest in securing their inheritance.

When our brothers and sisters in Christ are fighting their battles, we need to be there to offer encouragement, meet physical needs, and pray with them and for them until they, too, have reached a season of rest!  When our lives are free of trials it’s so easy to overlook those around us who are in the midst of the battle, but God gently reminds us to come alongside and bear one another’s burdens.

“Father, we long to serve others as a way of serving You; to meet needs in our brethren who are weakened by a crisis.  Help us to be aware of needs, showing compassion to the family of God, until we reach that Day of Eternal Rest!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 16, 2011

Lifting My Eyes

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaver and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

My hosts had a beautiful home and had graciously given me access to all I needed. One evening, I was in the kitchen trying to find a pan to make some Ramen noodles. After opening every single cabinet, I finally resigned myself to cooking my noodles in a pot that was big enough for three pounds of potatoes. I kept wondering where in the world the smaller pots would be. There had to be some small pots somewhere in that fancy kitchen, I was certain of that. But where were they? When my friends got home I asked the wife if she had any small cooking pots anywhere and told her what happened. All she did was point up, straight above the stove, where I had stood for several minutes watching my noodles cook. Above the island hung a beautiful set of cooking pots of all sizes and shapes. I could hardly believe my eyes. In life, we too seem to look for answers in all different directions, but fail to LOOK UP for what we really need. Sometimes we have choices and decisions to make that must be made wisely by seeking God’s direction.   Yet we look around, look at others, and  look at our circumstances. What a blessing we miss when we fail to place our eyes on Him and seek our answers in Him.

“Lord God, I know I am fallible and I realize my faith needs to be injected by daily doses of Your power in order to stay strong.  Please help me stay focused on You as I walk through situations that require me to trust You are there and that You will provide me with exactly what I need,”

For His Glory

Luska Natali Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2011

Changing Seasons

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”  Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)

Love standing in the warm rays of  sunshine on a cool Fall day.  Clinging to every glimpse of color –  admiring the morning sky painted in hues of pink and dark midnight.  And when evening’s heavy fog settles in, awe reminds me that the edge of winter is before me. I smile at God’s grace letting me relish in one more day.  It’s a fading away – a moving to another place another season.  Love greets us at every transition even those we’d rather not embrace.  Mercy follows us when the road is hard and the chilling cold settles deep in our soul.  Grace covers us in the early dawn as  we converse with God  disagreeing and struggling through disappointment. Peace surrounds us when our heart still aches for yesterday.  Worship overwhelms us.  Seasons He allows – seasons we choose to question.  Moments we endure; moments treasured by a loving God.  Growth that blossoms adorned in pain moving us closer to the breath of God.  Life fertilized in His wisdom producing fragrant, everlasting beauty.  An opportunity to reflect God’s image mirrored to a hungry world while our world is emptied out.  Yet we often long for the easy life, the calm season – the tranquil path.   Simple, undisturbed seasons resonate within our souls.  Choosing the deeper places rather brings Him the highest glory.  God welcomes each season of our lives; His signature etched on each one.  He dances in the raindrops of our laughter. He collects our tears in the sleepless nights.  He jumps for joy in our victories, and He stoops to make us great in our defeats; our awesome God whispering I love you in every season.

“Our everlasting God,  we cherish Your presence in all the moments of our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Growth

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