trbccoffeebreak

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” I John 1:8 (NIV)

Funny, how quickly we claim innocence when things go wrong.  Have you ever been there? As a child, I remember my mother drilling us kids to determine which one of us was at fault in the latest escapade.  Often, I would attempt to cast blame on my sisters or brother; however, the truth prevailed and mom was able to uncover the guilty one.  As an adult navigating life, we too can be drawn to our own innocence even when the truth unveils another side of the story.  It’s so easy to point the finger at someone else then to re-examine our own actions and motives.  When things go wrong, we justify and excuse ourselves without a second glance.  Sometimes we will even relish in our victim role convincing others of the injustice and unfairness.  Found myself in that role a few weeks ago.  Difficult circumstances left me vulnerable to someone else’s actions.  The effects sent me to the Father proclaiming I was an innocent bystander who was reeling from consequences beyond my control.  My mind was cluttered with blame pointing rather than self examination.  The event played over and over in my mind without a thought to what I could have done.  Finally, God grew weary of my drama and gently lifted the blinders off my eyes.  While I indirectly hadn’t caused my consequences, God revealed an area of disobedience that may have impacted the results.  Seeing right through my self-proclaimed innocence, God peeled away the layers exposing the truth.  Humbled I made my confession, accepted His grace and removed my pointing finger.

“Father, Your grace is enough  – help us to come boldly before Your throne admitting we are desperate for Your truth to saturate our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  James 1:5 (NIV)

How many times do we have to be reminded when answers are needed we just have to go to the Father?  He wants to guide us and share with us, but we don’t slow down enough to ask.   If we do ask, we often forget to wait long enough for His answer.

God’s timing is always perfect.  How much stronger we would be if we spent more time at His feet giving Him praise thru our struggles or times of life’s unanswered questions.  He is there to lift up our faces and say, “I am here, all will be given to you that you need.”  I am so thankful for a forgiving God who loves us even thru our many faults extending grace and mercy generously.  Will you stop today and ask for the answer that you currently need?  Will you wait patiently for wisdom to be given to you or will you continue trying to solve the world’s problems yourself?  God allows us to be used to solve problems, but He doesn’t need our help.   When we yield everything to Him, He makes our load light and carries us through each day.

Father, thank You for providing just the right wisdom at just the right time. Thank you for reminding me of Your ability to solve problems without me.

For His Glory,
Debbie Struble

TRBC Coffee Break

‘In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”  Job 2:10b (NIV)

Amazing how quickly our words can overrun our steps.  Trying to spending time with God and get some writing done, I found myself running out of patience.  A hectic schedule at work, a husband with a broken nose and too many things on my list didn’t help matters.  My fuse had been flickering all day as challenging situations stoked the flames even higher.  Unfortunately, my harsh words spewed out of my lips too quickly and singed the ones I loved the most.  As the smoke trail of my hasty words lingered, I could see the thick film of grey ash settling over our home.  The air was stifling and suffocated the grace that moments earlier had filtered our words and actions.  In the silence, moments hovered like hours as I finally made it back to my computer and writing.  Looking for some much needed inspiration, I opened up a list of verses and ideas I had collected over the last month.  And wouldn’t you know that God had prepared a verse especially for me at this very moment:  “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”  The fiery flames of my lips were swiftly extinguished as those words rang loud and clear.  My life paled in comparison to the fiery trials that exploded Job’s world.  His fuse had been flickering all day, yet his integrity and character wasn’t singed or suffocating those he encountered.  Instead the trail of trust he proclaimed in his God exploded into a fragrant aroma of praise and has ignited our hearts for thousands of years.

“Father, teach us to surrender our words to the life refreshing power of Your love and grace igniting others with the praise that changes everything.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break