Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 15, 2011

Trusting Him

“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:31 (NIV)

I had the privilege of visiting Power Source for parents’ night with my 6th grader. Pastor Jeremy’s message focused on busting the myth “My value as a person is based on the things you can see.”  He reminded us that we don’t need the most expensive house, car, Xbox, Playstation, etc. to prove our worth.  We are God’s children, and He is there to provide all that we need if we just trust Him.  Sometimes we try to protect our “assets” becoming afraid to let God control them.  Life is not about who we appear to be here on earth, but rather how our lives are bringing God glory.  What are we hiding behind with our newest toys?  Are we living our lives out loud for God and trusting Him to fulfill our every need? I was blessed reading one of the teen’s testimony on how their life was impacted by the faith of the head of Hope of Life (Carlos) in Guatemala. Carlos had ordered stadium seats for the soccer arena when the hospital is currently under construction; they haven’t even started on the soccer stadium.  He believes it will be built and the seats are needed.  Carlos has faith that when God gives him a vision He will provide as promised in Luke 12:31.  That simple, it’s the trust in God to provide all that we need.  Where are you in your trust of God providing for all your needs right now, do you have the faith of Carlos?  I know I want that faith!

 

“Father, thank You for examples how to trust You completely.  Give me the courage to trust You and not lean on my own insecurities.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 14, 2011

Shifting Sand

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.”  Matthew 7:26 (NIV)

There is something unsettling about sand moving out from under your feet. No matter how much you dig your feet into the sand,  a strong ocean wave can knock you down. The sand shifts with the ebb of the waves and there is no way you can control it. Trying to make it in this world without Christ as our foundation is as foolish as building a house on the sand. Without a firm, solid foundation unmovable as a rock, the house will fall when a huge storm comes along.  While we may be firmly planted in our thoughts and principles, the first wave the world sends will knock us down if we don’t have a strong spiritual foundation. Like shifting sand, the world’s ideas tend to go with the latest thing to make us happy or feel good. Relationships, vices like food, tv shows, or other addictions, and even good things like ministry will only make us happy temporarily. Unless our happiness is rooted in Christ and He is the foundation we base everything else on, nothing will last. If you’ve been standing on shifting sand, God is ready to pull you back on His solid foundation. Just reach out and make that first step.

 “Heavenly Father, May we quit going with what the world says is a sure thing and grab on to You and Your word that never changes. Thank you for being the firm foundation we need.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

Have you ever invited Christ into your life to be your firm foundation? Reply to this devotional, and we will be happy to help you get your feet on solid ground.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 13, 2011

Bestowing Honor

“Honor your father and you mother so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”            Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

Esteeming and honoring those who have spent their lifetimes investing in us should be a no brainer.  Yet often our parents are the ones that clash the most with our sense of independence.  Why?  Maybe it’s because we are too much alike.  Similar personalities when pressed together constantly drive each other crazy.  Maybe it’s because we are too different.  Conflicting views and values that collide can create an environment of disrespect. For me honor involved overlooking faults for the sake of a relationship.  It was praying for dying grace while my dad gasped for his final breaths. It was fixing his last meal and being with him as he slipped into Jesus’ arms.  Honoring my mother is communicating with her almost daily.  It’s listening to her advice and patiently allowing her to tell me the same thing over and over again as if it was brand new.  It’s helping her to see necessary modifications as she ages, yet allowing her the freedom to make those changes gradually.  Honoring our parents isn’t always easy, especially to those who haven’t experienced their love and acceptance.   Feeling cheated and longing for the illusion of the  “perfect family” can keep us disengaged and disconnected.  Regardless of where we fit, God only commands us to forgive and honor the ones He chose for us.  And when we do, He provides the peace and grace to love unconditionally.

“Father, from the moment of conception, you have ordained all of my days.  Thank you for the gift of my parents and the treasure of their love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 12, 2011

Have You Hit A Brick Wall?

“The Lord upsets the plans of nations; he ruins all their plans.”              Psalm 33:10  (NCV)

Planners are needed.  The problem is planners have a hard time moving away from their plan.  I am a planner.  I book our family vacation a year in advance.  Summer weekend trips are planned in January and February.  At any given time, I can probably tell you what is on the agenda for at least three months ahead.  The problem is…plans change and situations come up.  People close to us need us, and we must redirect ourselves and focus on the current need, not what is ahead of us.  For a planner that is like running into a brick wall.   We choose whether to lay on the floor and cry from the pain or get up wiping off the dirt from the bricks and turn around.

It’s so easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget the real reason we are here, which is to point others to Christ thru our reflection of Him.  Even during those brick wall moments, we are to share with others all that He has to offer.  Sometimes, okay a lot of times, God throws up a brick wall in front of me to redirect my plans and attention back to Him.  I’d like to say that He can now just put up a hurdle, but I’d be lying.  I need those brick walls still.  How about you?  Let’s together get off the ground and enjoy the redirection He has for our lives.

“Father, thank you for caring enough to build those brick walls.  Forgive me for needing them.  Help me to stay focused on you.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 9, 2011

Courageous Warrior

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 ( NIV)

The proverbial  bad date –  do you remember those days?  Some of us may still be living those days.  He looked so good.    Quite the charmer, his words wooed us.  Unfortunately, the excitement he generated never met our expectations.  Imposter was really a better name for this dating nightmare.  Sound like anyone you know?  Satan is the proverbial bad date for the Christian.  Disguised as good, he knows exactly what to say.  Charming even the most unsuspecting person, Satan thrives on enticing us down a path that fails to meet our expectations.  He specializes in seeking out those who hearts are bent towards disobedience.  He finds great pleasure in blinding us to the things that creep in and cause us to limp through life. e HeH

So what’s a girl to do?   Delete his number and don’t let him slide back in.  Deny him access.  Don’t entertain the thought that we can handle him.  Scripture reminds us that Satan is not a force to take lightly, and we need to actively engage God’s help.  And if we think we’ve got it under control, we don’t have to look far to see how people of faith entertained his lies and found themselves cowering in the aftermath of sin.  God’s word is clear: flee, resist and run in the opposite direction remembering our Deliverer is ready to fight for us.  We can end that nightmare if we embrace the power of God’s Word to set us free.

“Father, empower us to resist Satan’s deceptive ways.  Arm us with Your strength as we wave the banner of victory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 8, 2011

Led by The Holy Spirit

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

I’ve often heard phrases like: “let the Holy Spirit guide you” or “walk in the Spirit” but never actually could grasp how to put that into action. I’m reading “Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure, and she had a great explanation of how to let the Holy Spirit be your guide.

“The Spirit helps us desire the things that are contrary to the world. He influences our actions, our thoughts, and our passions when we let Him move in. I mean really move in-unpack His bags and even rearrange the furniture if He wants to-not as a guest but as a resident.”

The more we are led by the Holy Spirit, the less we listen to the desires of the flesh and the world that are not pleasing to God. All too often, we only let God and the Holy Spirit into our lives when it’s convenient and they don’t disrupt “our little world.”    As Christians, God is SUPPOSED to disrupt our world. We should desire to be different, and at times it’s not going to be easy. That’s why God gave us the Holy Spirit to be our guide, our nudge when we start slipping into things of the world, and our refuge when the storms roll in. Don’t let the Holy Spirit be an occasional guest in your life, but let Him move in and rearrange your life according to how God wants you to live, not the world.

“Father, Open our eyes to who we are really listening to. Are we really listening to the Holy Spirit and following your will for our lives? Or is the pull of the world and fleshly desires still a priority in our life.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 7, 2011

So Much Bigger Up Close

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

We recently took our children to Washington DC.  As we toured the museums and monuments of our nation’s capital, I found myself saying over and over to my children, “Isn’t it much bigger up close?”   Airplanes at the Air and Space Museum.  Abraham Lincoln overlooking the reflecting pool. The dome of the Capital.  From a distance, they don’t look like much – right next to them it’s a whole different image.

We’ve all seen the Washington Monument; but not until you are standing at the base of it, inches away from the large concrete blocks that make up this massive structure, do you realize the magnitude of what you are seeing. Keeping God at a distance does the same thing.  Standing back far from Him switches the roles. It keeps God small and makes us look big. The Bible says it should be the opposite. We must allow God to be big in our lives.  Getting up close is the only way we’ll see the greatness of a God who is capable of anything. When we stand in that incredibly large shadow of His and look up, we see everything at its proper size.

“Heavenly Father, help me to remember who I am in Your presence. Remind me of Your greatness daily.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 6, 2011

When Time Stands Still

 “I asked the Lord for help, and he answered me.  He saved me from all that I feared.”  Psalm 34:4  (NCV)

We can try to avoid the economy, pretend it doesn’t exist and live in our own world until it hits us personally.  The day before my birthday, I was told my hours were changing from 40 to 20 per week for at least the summer.  Ouch.

I could share how I cried, pouted, and  protested;  but I’d rather have you remember  how I grew.  I gained a new perspective of time.  My watch broke, and time stood still.   Every time I looked at it the time was 9:02.  I moved it to 11, but it remained 11 AM.  God reminded me that it doesn’t really matter what time or place we are at, He is there with us.  He holds the answers.  He wanted me to enjoy the extra time to share His love with others in the mornings, work mid day, and enjoy my boys and family in the afternoon.  God gave me much needed refreshment, appreciation, direction, and priorities that I lacked in all the days of wondering what is going to happen.   What’s truly important is our desire to serve Him, and point others to Him, and be used by Him.  All that matters is I am to obey, love others, serve, and worship Him.  I’m learning a deeper trust in Him as He takes away my fears, curbs my own driven wants and shows me my real needs.

“Father, thank You for Your grace in Your training of me to not fear, but trust You alone and providing me with a time of much needed refreshment with You.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2011

Waves of Kindness

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Hurricane Irene swirled up the East Coast leaving a surge of devastation in its wake. Forecasters marked out her path as evacuations lured residences to safer ground. A lover of the Outer Banks, my heart sank as I watched this powerful storm striking my favorite beach spot.  No respecter of persons, place or time, the effects of Irene  destroyed roads, homes and lives.  And then she moved on back into the ocean.  How would you like to be known for the destructive path you left behind?  Definitely not how I want to be remembered; however, we have encountered people who live that way.  They come in like a raging storm – they exit like a hurricane. Caught off guard, we don’t know how to mark out their path or when to evacuate.  Leaving devastation in their wake, they eventually fizzle out for the moment.  So what would bring a person to this place?  Often it can be as deep as unresolved hurt, bitterness or pain swirling into a raging storm.  Sometimes it’s as simple as the PMS or menopause roller coaster that hits us unexpectedly.  Without warning, we find our emotions raging as others run for cover.  If we find ourselves swirling out of control, we would be wise to examine the source of our frustration.  Scripture reminds us that our gentleness should be evident to all; the Lord is near (Philippians 4:5). Now that’s a thought to quiet our tongue.

“Father, it’s so easy to excuse our frustration rather than embrace Your gentleness.  Teach us to remember that You are always present wherever we go.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 2, 2011

Touching God’s Heart

“Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”  John 14:23 (NIV)

Do you know what your love language is?  Several years ago, a popular Christian book helped  us discover what love means to us.  To some it is defined by receiving gifts.  Others find being served by acts of kindness demonstrates love.  In a fragmented busy world, the gift of quality time overrides all else and showers us with love.  Encouraging words and affirmation ranked high on the list speaking volumes to our souls.  Physical presence and touch to some is crucial in reaching their hearts. So what speaks love to God’s heart?  Scripture never leaves us guessing.  God’s love language is obedience pure and simple.  We don’t have to wonder what to do or how to interact with Him  – it’s clearly defined.  A deep commitment to Him and willingness to obey His Word is the key to touching His heart.  If we have trouble following His lead then we need to examine the degree of our love.  Artificial, shallow love always focuses on pretense and convenience – halting where it doesn’t want to go.  Genuine love spurs us on to keep God’s commandments.  It recognizes that God’s laws are a protective shield keeping us from devastating consequences.  We may never know the things we have been spared when we chose to walk in obedience.  So rather than seeing the dos and don’ts, we would be wise to see God’s loving compassion wrapped up in His wisdom.

“Father, create in our hearts a passionate desire to heed Your voice and obey in love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Love, Spiritual Living

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories