Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 23, 2011

Renew My Spirit

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NASB)

Yesterday, I was going about my business when a preacher on the radio nabbed my attention.   He told the story of the servant who was forgiven a huge debt, but then refused to forgive a man who owed him very little (Matthew 18:22-35).  “Uh-oh”, I thought, as I felt a familiar “twinge” in my conscience.  Then came the part of the story where the sinful man was handed over to the torturers until he repaid the last penny.  In my own heart, I realized the Holy Spirit was convicting me about what it means to have a clean heart—a heart with no unforgiveness lurking in the crevices, and no bitterness filling up cracks in its foundation.   It was time for me to ask God to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me…

Oh Lord—if you could be but a shield about me!  The lifter of my head

Help me to forgive, though my heart is hardened

Lay down pure gold in the foundations of my temple

Carve out Your beauty in my heart of stone

Refine with fire the dust from which You created me

Let my heart’s one desire be that which You desire

Your humble will, in place of my wicked one

Your grace, in place of my judgment

Your passion for love, in place of my selfishness in life

In doing so, create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a right spirit within me!

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Posted in Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 22, 2011

Finishing God’s Way

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15 (NIV)

When God asks us to do a task we see as impossible doubt can psych us out before we attempt the task. Recently, I started running and training for a 5k. I was doing really well until I had an injury to my foot.  Determined to run the race, I had to plan out times that I was going to walk since my injury couldn’t handle the hills. Even during training, I put those limitations into my work out.  Instead of turning the situation over to God and letting Him give me the strength to overcome the obstacles, I psyched myself out.

When God told Gideon to save Israel, he quickly pointed out his weak points. No matter how much faith he wanted to have in God,  Gideon was consumed with doubts. God proved to Gideon that putting the doubts aside and being obedient to His commands would enable Gideon to accomplish the task. And it would be accomplished in an astonishing way that only God could orchestrate. My journey with the 5k also had results that could only be achieved in a “God sized” victory. I not only ran the race, but finished in a time I could never have imagined. I beat my best training time that had MY limitations built in by 5 minutes. When God gives you a task, be obedient and remember He already has the finish planned out.

 “Dear God, I am thankful that You don’t let our excuses hinder Your plans. Give us the strength to be faithful, obedient, and willing to let You push us further than we could ever imagine.’

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 21, 2011

Redeeming Best

“This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel:  I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”  Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)

Tiny fingers hitting a hot stove slither away in pain.  One cookie too many and tiny stomachs wish they’d listened.  A wayward teenager lingering too long at a party forfeits her future for the sake of imitation love .  A range of pain simple and complex all indicators that life experiences seek to teach us. From the cradle to eternity, God desires to lead us in the direction of the “best.”  So why is it we resist His tender leading when we have no reason to doubt His outrageous love?  A subtle inner voice echos a familiar chorus.  Eve heard it in the garden.  Jesus heard it in the wilderness.  And we hear “we’ve been cheated, there’s something more and we’ve got to reach for it ourselves.”  Doubt and disillusionment fills our lessons rather than enlightenment, wisdom and understanding.  Why would a loving God allow this to happen?  Why would He bring us this far only to watch our world collapse around us?  Questions searching for an answer that can only be found in the One who teaches us what is “Best.”  We see immediate; He sees long term. We see heartache; He sees wholeness. We see unfulfilled dreams; He sees the big picture.  Trusting God and surrendering our hearts isn’t always easy, but it does guarantee we will not be disappointed when He directs our steps.

“Father, You are the Giver of life – the One who has planned out each of my days.  I know I can trust You to do what’s best.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 20, 2011

Vulnerable

“For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”   II Corinthians 5:4 (ESV)

Open to moral attack, criticism and temptation defines vulnerable – a word God has been placing on my heart all week.  It all started at my annual mammogram on Monday.  Anyone who has had one knows the feeling from sitting in the Waiting Room with others adorned in your beautiful gown as your shirt to the actual procedure. Some of us have been so lucky that we get to have ultrasounds or others anxiously await for a biopsy.  There you are vulnerable and exposed.  Tuesday the word kept racing thru my head.  God reminded me of just how vulnerable we are here on earth and how we need to protect our minds, eyes, hearts, and ears from the things of the world.   We need to be in constant remembrance that we are vulnerable and not absorb the influences of the world around us. We are here to be a shining reflection of God’s love to others and actively spreading His word to those we meet.  We are commanded to be in the world but not of the world.  We are here for a short time, how are we going to use our vulnerability for His glory today?

 

“Father, thank You for the reminder that I am vulnerable.  I need You to protect me and guide me in Your will not the worlds.  Show me Your path so I may shine for You.

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Uncategorized, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 19, 2011

How Job Learned To See

 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”  Job 42:5 (NIV)

Well-known for his staunch belief in God, Job suffered indescribable hardships.  One of his most commendable traits was that he never denied his belief in God; even when he experienced great pain, loss and despair.  God did not run to Job’s side to comfort him, alleviate his pain or answer his many nagging questions.  Our mighty God, who proclaims to be “near to the brokenhearted,” (Ps 34:18) chose instead “not to draw near” to His suffering servant so he might come to “see & know” God rather than just believe He exists.

Rather than responding to our urgent S.O.S. signals and prayers of desperation, God often chooses to veil His glory and remain silent so that we can gain something greater than our healing…an insight into the power and grandeur of our mighty Savior.  Consequently, God may often withhold what we desire most because there is more at stake than an answer to prayer.  However, God’s silence is never an indicator of neglect.  Despite our dark nights and painful seasons, we can trust that the same God who laid the foundations of the earth is near and does care, even when we feel as though He has left us alone.  And although we do not always understand His ways, it may just be that He is postponing his work on the external aspects of our lives so that a far greater work can be accomplished internally.

“Father, please help us to trust in You, even when we cannot see You, make sense of our hardships or even feel Your presence.  As Job learned, help us to trust that you are all-powerful, purposeful and worthy of our trust.”

 
For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 16, 2011

Pure Worship

 “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?”  Job 10b (NIV)

Uplifted hands reaching when the body can no longer stand.  A heart searching for the heart of God when life is ending.  It’s a picture I witnessed in church.  A child of God knowing their days are running out with a longing of heaven in their eyes.  The strain to worship.  The desire to stand but unable to lift oneself up.  I was mesmerized as we sang: “I believe that You’re my Healer, I believe You are all I need.”  I wondered what God saw.  Was His hand outstretched ready for the moment when one of His children came home?  Was God’s heart beating with anticipation knowing this one would be dancing on streets of gold.  I wondered what God saw in me.  Was my worship pure, unashamed and sacrificial?  It was a question that rained on my soul drenching my spirit.  This year has been one of challenges and disappointments as I’ve fought hard to glorify God even in the midst of darkness.  Was God pleased in my worship like this one who knew he was close to kissing the face of God?  Glorifying God when life didn’t measure up.  Lifting our hands, stretching and reaching to the only One who can satisfy the longings of our souls.  Forgetting anyone else is in the room, just us and God, in sync total unity – unquenchable worshippers.  There will definitely be days when our worship has sunk to the depths of despair, but God will always be faithful to outstretch His hand.

“Father, how I praise the thought of You captivated by my worship. Ignite my heart to forever praise Your name.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

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

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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.

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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

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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

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Posted in Spiritual Living

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