Coffeebreak Devotional

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-11-04T13:09:00.001-07:00

Who knows, whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14b

What am I doing here? Is this the job I'm supposed to really be in? Am I doing anything at all that makes a difference for anybody?

I think as women, we all struggle from time to time with questions like the ones written above.

It had been a rough few days. I'd had some tough news from family and the blues had begun to set in. I hadn't sought for comfort outright, but it came none the less. A friend called. She spent some time with me, laughing about times past, sharing about current events, offering encouragement that all was not lost...and I felt assured we'd always be friends, even though many miles separated us, and neither of us lived flawless lives. I'm guessing that event won't make any headlines anywhere. Her purpose in calling me wasn't to reshape the global economy or anything as grand as that. Her purpose was to call, say hello, check in, and chat a while. It blessed and uplifted me. It gave me a refreshing outlook once again, a boost to my low spirits.

Perhaps we are struggling with self worth, with value, with purpose. Perhaps God has brought us to this point "for such a time as this." We need to do the things we know God has called us to do. Be faithful to Him. Stay in His Word. He will use us, and do His purpose through us, for whatever situation we happen to be in currently.

He doesn't need me to be top dog of a high profile company in order to make a positive difference. I can allow God to use me in the kingdom I am in, however He sees fit. It's a fool proof way to know we are in the right place... at just the right time.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-10-28T20:52:00.000-06:00

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

This summer I took part in the Truth Project, which is a class that teaches you to have a biblical worldview. One idea that really started to change the way I think is from the above verses in Matthew. Although I knew that "we are God's light in the world," and that "darkness is merely the absence of light," I never thought about the idea that darkness can only stay around as long as light is hidden. I have never opened a closet door to find the darkness spilling out. No, the light poured in and illuminated the dark corners.

The same thing should happen with me. I've only got to look at the latest newspaper to see how dark things are in America. And that leads me to a question that I don't really like to ask, because I'm just as much to blame as everyone else: Where am I hiding my light? That thought really convicted me, because I know I'm at fault. I'm guilty of hiding my light. But if there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that it's never too late to start doing what God wants. I'm taking so much away from the Truth Project. One of the most important things, from my point of view, is that I've learned that I should live as a light to the people around me. So that's what I'm trying to do. It's not always easy, but I know where to find help when I need it. And with God's grace, I'll be that light that the world needs to see.

Written by
Annie Heetderks

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-10-14T13:00:00.001-06:00

Let the children come to me…For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.
Matthew 19:14

A few months ago we purchased my three year old her first bike, complete with training wheels. She could hardly wait to get it home so that she could try it out on the sidewalk in front of our house. While her father and I knew it might be a bit too big for her, she was determined to find success.

Decked out in her helmet, we went in the front yard to give it a go. She climbed on and wobbled around a bit without going anywhere. She couldn’t quite figure out the pedals. She climbed off and stared at it in silence. I offered her help, “Lucy, would you like mommy or daddy to help you ride it for awhile?” She shook her head, “No, I’m a big girl. I can do this.”

A few seconds later she climbed back on and again, the bike didn’t move. As she sat on it, wobbling, I heard her quietly say to herself, “I AM a big girl. I can do this. I can ride a bike. I know how. I’m three.”

I smiled as I heard her encouraging herself. And as I sat there watching her figure it out, I realized that I admired her confidence in how big she was. Many times, when I’m struggling with life, I begin pouting or looking for the easy way out. I wondered, wouldn’t God be overjoyed if for once, when circumstances were going poorly, I reminded myself that I have been a Christian for almost 20 years. In that time I have faced tough times and not once has God failed me. He has always delivered me and provided hope for me. Instead of acting like a child, wouldn’t it be better to walk through life’s troubles with a confidence in His faithfulness to me?

Not coincidentally, my world has had some unexpected twists lately. I have been tempted to worry and fear, but this time, I have a plan. When I am tempted to worry or fall apart, I remind myself out loud what I know to be true of my God. I have seen His power, I have experienced His deliverance and my future and my hope are certain. I need not worry and doubt. I am praying for the strength and the diligence to walk through this reflecting Christ’s glory. I can do this. I know my God. I am a big girl. My God is even bigger.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your faithfulness in my life. I am grateful that You do not abandon me when life gets tough. I pray that when I face trials, I will choose to remember who You are, who You have always been and who You promise I can be when I am trusting in You. Give me the confidence of a child. I desire to honor and bring glory to You when I am walking through difficult times. Amen.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-10-07T19:40:00.001-06:00

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13,14

I have always thought that the broad road in these verses referred to wrong actions, and the narrow road referred to good deeds. But lately I’ve been thinking that the two roads could also represent two different ways of thinking.
Since our daughter is in Asia, and one of our sons is in Iraq, I often find myself on the broad road of worry and fear. It’s so easy to travel down this road, but I find that traveling down this road leads to my imagination running away with me, developing even more fear and worry in me. Traveling this road is not pleasing to my heavenly Father, who is watching over all of us and caring for us every moment.

I thank God for showing me His narrow road, where there is trust in Him and an assurance that He is in control of all situations. It’s hard for me to remember to travel along the narrow road, but when I do, I find that this road leads to more trust, God’s peace, and acceptance of God’s perfect will.

Oh God, please catch me before I start going down the broad road of worry and fear! Grab me by the hand and lead me into the narrow road of trusting You. Help me to remember that only the narrow road leads to true peace and joy, no matter what may happen in this world.

Written by
Judy Mulder

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-09-23T14:35:00.001-06:00

Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?
Job 2:10

I believe that of all the Devil’s tools for making God’s people lose sight of His power and love is discouragement. The book of Job teaches us that the gift of encouragement is the strength gift, the love gift. Job’s friends meant well, but they missed what Job needed most - encouragement to believe in God’s love.

I was married straight out of high school to a wonderful, loving young man who was my hero, a football star and decorated war hero. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder wasn’t recognized then, nor was the term clinical depression. I was so busy with my three small children I couldn’t see what was happening to the man I loved, nor he me.

Although both of us were Christians from our teens, raised in the Church, as young married adults we seldom attended church. Too busy doing our own thing! The drift apart was slow and we were drowning chasing the wrong dream. Life was hard. My husband was gone most of the time attending college and working two jobs after graduation; I was lonely, frazzled, tired, scared and wondering how to be a wife and mother of three alone. How we needed words of encouragement!

As our children grew, our problems became giants. Three babies in three years suddenly became three teens. The only advice we heard were statements like those Job’s friends gave him. We were both so discouraged! Our families tended to side with whatever their child said was wrong. We got confused about just who God really is.

After the divorce, I vowed I would never give advice like that. Guess what? Unless God changes us, we are what we learn. Until recently the words Job spoke in Job 2:10 never occurred to me as words of encouragement. But they were, for shouldn’t we accept the bad and the good in others? We needed to hear words of encouragement, not words filled with fear and judgment.

There is a vast difference between putting your nose in other people’s business and putting your heart in other people’s problems. Let’s be a Barnabas to our married children and friends and help them to tell each other what each needs to hear: “You’re wonderful, I’m glad I chose you as my life’s mate and I know God is in control even though things are difficult right now.”

We need to accept others as they are; however, we also need to work on changing our wayward behavior and habits. That’s love! That is Church.

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-09-16T13:19:00.001-06:00

I have planted, Apolos watered: but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase.
I Corinthians 3:6 & 7

She was two years old (or should I say "two years bold?") and feeling every second of it. She had entered her room, opened the bottom drawer of her dresser, and flung its contents over her shoulder. It was great fun! So, she did it again... this time, she opened the drawer located above the one she'd just emptied. WHEE! Fling! Yipee Yahoo! Off the items would fly, over her head, up onto shelves, where ever they'd land, it was fun! She began on drawer number three, when her dad walked into her bedroom.

"No, no, no! STOP that! Now you are going to have to pick up all those things you just threw out and put them back."

She put her tiny hands on her hips, turned and faced her 200 pound dad and said with all the authority of a red headed two year old, "Get See-wee-us." (serious) She quickly learned that her dad was indeed "see-wee-us!" He stood there and made her pick up all the items she'd flung over her head and made sure she put them back into the drawers she emptied.

Later on, my husband and I had to go into her room and put back her dresser into an orderly fashion. We wanted our little girl to learn the lesson of hard work of putting things back and cleaning up messes she'd made, but a two year old style of organization wasn't what we'd wanted or needed for the dresser drawers.

Now there are several avenues I could take at this fork in the road for my devotional. I could write of how silly it is for us to deny doing things we know we are supposed to do for our heavenly father. I could write of the values of not doing what "feels fun at the time" only to suffer consequences of picking up messes we made later. However, I think I'll shed light on this angle...I wonder how many of the jobs I do for the Lord resemble the job my two year old did in putting things back into her dresser? She wasn't able to fold neatly, or organize short sleeves in one pile, long sleeves in another. God asks me to obey him. He is indeed serious about that! Just as we were pleased when our daughter chose to obey us, (after realizing how "see-wee-us" we were) I am sure our Father is pleased when we choose to obey him.

Perhaps it is through singing a worship song when our mood isn't yet into it. Does our obedience change the person next to us? Maybe.. maybe not, but it isn't our job to change that person. It's our job to obey, and let God give the increase, or do the changing. Perhaps it's by leading a class or loving our family or treating an undeserving person with more respect than we, in our human nature, believe they deserve. It is our job to obey. Even our best efforts no doubt look messy at best in light of eternity, but God will bless our obedience, and "straighten things out" and reward our efforts. That is his job. He will make things look better when we submit to His ways. We can watch for a bright, uncluttered outlook and count on His increase.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-09-02T14:44:00.001-06:00

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8

This summer we took a camping trip with some friends. These friends brought along their dog, Jake, who was in the process of being trained to retrieve. I watched in amusement as Jake would bring his toy for someone to throw and then bound away in excitement as soon as it was thrown. Of course, in his enthusiasm, he would forget to watch where it would land. Then began the process of directing him to the proper location.

Our friends would give him verbal instructions and hand cues. With typical puppy exuberance, he would occasionally look at everyone watching and then with ears perked, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth and a sparkle in his eyes, he would ignore the commands and run energetically around the field in search of his toy.

You see, Jake knew exactly what his objective was, but failed, in his enthusiasm and his focus on who was watching, to take the time to get instructions on how to complete the task.

Hmmm, strike a cord with anyone? I know it sure did with me! I have a goal- driven personality. I can be that exuberant and excited “puppy," putting my energy into serving God without spending time looking to Him for instruction along the way. I get so focused on accomplishing the goal I forget to seek God’s will on how I should get there.

Next time I jump into a task, I’d like to think I’ll remember Jake and take more time looking to God for His direction.

Written by
Michele Chard

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-08-26T13:13:00.002-06:00

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4

I love Tuesdays. This is the day of my women’s Bible study. I adore getting together with a group of women and learning more about the God that I so love. These women may be 20 years older than I am, but I learn from them in ways that are priceless to me. This Tuesday was no different.

We had been studying the book of Philippians and discovering the meaning of true joy. We were in the second chapter of the book and I listened as my teacher read its words. She came to the third and fourth verses and pointed out that they command us to humble ourselves not only to fellow Christians, but our families and strangers as well. Our assignment was to put into practice this humble attitude as we continued our day.

This should be easy enough, or so I thought. I was a wife and mother after all, and wasn’t looking out for the best interests of others in my job description? I went about my day considering others better than myself. In service, I entertained the discussion of an elderly lady at the swimming pool when all I wanted to do was enjoy some peace while my children were in lessons. I put down the broom when my son wanted to curl up on the couch and read a book with me. I prepared a meal to show my husband that I appreciated his long hard days at work. All the while, I was making plans for the upcoming weekend at home. The fair was in town, and I envisioned our family enjoying a rodeo and eating high-fat foods. I thought I had these Bible verses figured out.

Then my husband got home. He had other plans for the weekend. Later in the week, my husband had a meeting in Billings. We were going to bring our camping supplies, the children and I would find something to do during the day while he was at his meeting, and then we would go camping somewhere in the Beartooth Mountains later that afternoon. Well, that didn’t agree with my vision for a happy family weekend at the fair. God brought the verses from Philippians to my mind. That stopped my selfish ambition and vain conceit in its tracks. My husband relaxes more on camping trips than anywhere else, and my kids jumped at the opportunity to sleep in the camper, chase bugs and eat s’mores. I realized that this verse was not something I could ever master, and that this would not be the last time that God reminded me of this command.

God rewarded me at the campfire that weekend. After an enjoyable discussion with my husband, I gazed at the bright stars, which reminded me of the glory of God and took my breath away. I found real joy that night and I look forward to the next time God reminds me of this verse. I am excited to see the outcome of my submission to His will.

Written by
Lisa Waterman

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-08-19T13:48:00.001-06:00

Your Father knows what things you have need of before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8b

I was fifteen years old and rather bent out of joint. My dad had the nerve to ask me to spend a Friday and Saturday out on the ranch fixing fence. B O R I N G. That meant sitting in the pickup, driving s l o w l y along miles and miles and miles of barbed wire fence, putting in fence staples where old ones had fallen out, repairing broken wire and replacing fence posts that were broken. I could think of things I'd much rather do with my time, but it was a job that needed doing.

I'd had lunch earlier in the week with my Grandmother, and she said she'd enjoy spending time with me, would like to help if she could, and offered to sit with me and visit while I worked. A little background information is needed at this point, to clarify what was about to happen in my story. Grandma was blind. She also had diabetes. My siblings and I had been trained over the years, to treat Grandma carefully, since sometimes she'd bruise and not know it, and infection for a diabetic, left untreated, is a bad thing. Grandma and I got along great, and not being alone all day long was of interest to me, so I told her I'd pick her up and we'd head out for the long day ahead.

We sat in a dusty old pickup, windows down (no air conditioning). I'd watch the fence line as I drove and we'd talk. She'd hand me fence staples when I'd stop. "How many do you need?" she'd inquire. Sometimes just one, other times I needed two, three or four. She'd open up the pick up door and visit with me about different things. It did make my day go a bit faster.

After several hours, I noticed a larger section of fence was down, and three head of cattle were out, grazing on the wrong side of the fence. I was tired and dirty and wanted to just turn them into hamburger. "Oh crud," I groaned. "What's wrong?" Grandma inquired. "Cows out. Um... let me see. I'll figure out something to get them in." It was at this point that Grandma offered to stand on one of the fence posts that was down, holding the barbed wires down on the ground and enabling the cattle to walk across. I could round them up, walk them across, and then repair what was broken. I didn't give it another thought. I stood my blind, diabetic grandmother on a post that was attached to four barbed wires. I wasn't completely heartless, I gave her an old tree branch to steady herself with, as she stood there alone in the wind.

I ran out quite a ways, and rounded up the stray cattle. They got a bit excited and began running... towards my grandma..... and it was at this point (I'm not a real quick thinker, ok?) that it dawns on me what predicament I've just put my grandmother in. There she was, a bit bent over, perched on a broken fence post with barbed wire under her feet, her thinning white hair blowing in the breeze, blind to what was going on around her, cattle on a dead run heading towards her! AND I HEADED THEM THAT WAY! I didn't even have time to formulate a plan. It was over with before I could do anything about it. The cattle ran past my grandma and into the pasture where they were suppose to be. Grandma just stood there. (She obviously didn't have much other choice!) When she heard them run past, she hesitated for a bit longer, then said, "Are we done?" I could barely breathe. I was so embarrassed at what I'd just done. I ran towards her. "Grandma! I'm so sorry! I can't believe what I just did to you!" I cried. She smiled and laughed out loud, "I offered! I told you I wanted to help, and I'm glad I got to!" I swore her to secrecy, I didn't want my dad to find out what I'd just done to his mom! It was years later I told him about it (when it was safe to do so!).

Sometimes we find ourselves in predicaments. Some, like most of mine, are of our own doing. Other predicaments are just a result of living life on an imperfect earth. I didn't have time to pray for my Grandma at the moment I realized her predicament. I only had time to gasp and watch the events unfold within seconds. It's nice to know at times like that - God knows our needs, even before we ask.

Grandma lived another twenty plus years after that. We both had a good chuckle over that story, and I think she was tickled even though I was mortified.

Thank you, Lord, for Your limitless knowledge of what I need just when I need it, and for Your ability to provide it in spite of myself!

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-08-12T13:52:00.001-06:00

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV

My third pregnancy has been rough. I’ve found myself ill almost all day, everyday. Nothing stays in me and nothing even really sounds good to eat. I’ve been tired and nauseous and cranky. It’s hard to be functional, let
alone an enthusiastic mom to my two other children when I feel this bad. And all this illness wears on me emotionally.

I wake up everyday thinking about when I can nap. I wake up from every nap thinking about when I can lie down and rest again. Sometimes I don’t even know if I need a nap, I just think that I need to rest if I am going to survive the evening. As a result, my home has suffered and, well, did I mention that I am cranky? I usually have my quiet times with God during my kids’ naps. I usually straighten up, return phone calls and begin dinner. With me napping for a full two hours, I am unprepared…both domestically and spiritually. This drives me crazy.

A few nights ago, before I went to bed, I decided to look up the word “rest” in my Bible. I read the above verse and spent some time thinking about what it was really saying. I noticed that Jesus says, “Come to me” to find rest. I was struck by that. He doesn’t say, “Take a nap all you who are weary…” It made me think that perhaps Jesus defines rest differently than I do, and as a result, rest that comes from Him is true rest. Better than a nap. Better than a vacation away alone for a week (I’ve daydreamed about this too!). His rest is full of peace – and better yet, obtainable in any moment of every day. I can go to him in my thoughts while changing a diaper. I can pray to him while fixing lunch, washing dishes or playing in the yard.

Since that night, I have been trying to trust God with my need for rest. He knows my situation and my health needs. I don’t for any minute believe that He is against naps. I simply think that when I choose to spend time each day with Him, asking Him for rest and strength for the day, that I will receive it and it will last longer than when I take a nap. He is where true rest and peace are found.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the rest that you can provide for my body and soul. Thank you for providing time in my day to slow down. Give me wisdom to know what I need to do and what I simply “think” I need to do, be that napping or sweeping the floors. Help me to operate on Your strength, both when I am sick and when I am well.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-08-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
John 21:6

The disciples were fishing all night. But they didn't have any success and daylight arrives. Then some land-lubber hollers from the shore, that perhaps you just need to throw the nets on the other side of the boat.....

How do I respond to this? I am the expert, trying and trying to do something, but it has no effect. Then someone who hasn't the knowledge or expertise, happens by and gives me a new thing to try. Am I willing to give it a go? I need to be. The disciples chose to listen to the person on the shore, and suddenly they had more than they bargained for from a night's work of fishing and later some time fellowshipping with Jesus on shore. As I pursue my work, I want to have ears that listen to that "land-lubber" as well as a heart willing to give new advice a try.

The fish we can catch are bigger than the ones the disciples caught that night. We are called to be fishers of men! So let's throw that net on the other side of the boat!

Written by
Theresa Zacher

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-07-29T13:48:00.001-06:00

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
II Samuel 12:23

My brother and his wife lost their two year old son several years ago to meningitis. He had an ear infection, but was on medication. He also appeared to be feeling well. During the night, he developed a high fever and was taken to the doctor. After many tests, they found he did have meningitis. The doctor was sure the medication would take care of it. As the day went on, he became worse, and by early evening they could tell that he was in severe pain. Late that evening, we were told that he had passed away.

We made the trip to Kansas and after the chapel services, we went to the cemetery for the burial. My brother chose to speak at the cemetery, using II Samuel 12:23. My husband, who had been saved a short time, told my brother that he didn’t know how he did that! His reply to that was, “I didn’t; it was the Lord that helped me through this!”

His prayer after his son’s death was that if one person came to know the Lord through his death, the blessing would be worth it! He found out many years later that after the death of a good friend, his friend’s son came to know the Lord! He told my brother he never forgot the Scripture that was used at the cemetery! How faithful is our God! I’m sure my brother never stopped praying for that man, and he saw the fruits of his prayers!

This reminds me of one of our Pastor’s sermons. We should never stop praying for our family and friends who do not know Jesus as their Savior! At the time, I remember thinking about my nephew being in heaven with his grandma! What a wonderful time is waiting for us!

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-07-22T13:09:00.002-06:00

Enter through the narrow gate…For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13, 14

Yesterday, my grandson said something that stung. He called me closed minded. That upset me because I’m not closed minded. So I prayed about it and the Lord reminded me of an incident that happened back in the ‘70’s. I had to look up the Scripture.

My husband, Jerry, and I were refurbishing a hundred year old house in Utah. His oldest daughter, Anne, and her husband, Greg, were spending the summer helping us. Anne was misguided in her beliefs regarding her Salvation and Greg was a Pantheist, universe and God is equivalent, or Atheism for nature lovers. I was looking forward to sharing the saving grace of Christ. For the first time, I was feeling the sting of loved ones rejecting Jesus. I was not popular.

I was on the ladder, scraping the 6 coats of paint off the 3ft thick window casements listening to Greg tell me about his life experiences and why he chose to believe in Pantheism. He was an ex-Green Beret who had what he believed to be a “born again” experience on the battlefield in Vietnam. My heart broke for this sweet young man who had seen such horror. I felt he was ready to hear what being “born again” really meant. After sharing the love story of Jesus, I was unprepared for his response.

Full of rage, he shouted at me from below, “You are the most narrow-minded person I have ever had the misfortune to meet. You are like a stupid old horse with blinders on to keep it on the road and at the end of that road all you can see is this man, Jesus!” My gut wrenched and hot tears rolled down my face as I fought back the anger of being spoken to so disrespectfully. In a flash, I suddenly realized I had succeeded. I climbed down the ladder, embraced him and said, “Thank you, Greg. No one has ever paid me a higher compliment. This man at the end of that road is indeed my Savior.”

Sometimes our Lord is incredibly prompt in answering prayer. This was one of those times. I explained to my grandson the difference between being closed-minded and narrow-minded and was able to read Matthew 7:13 & 14 to him.
The narrow road can be difficult, but remember who waits at the end of it. Telling others the great love story is worth every insult we may receive. Let the tears flow! I have since learned Jerry is born again.

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-07-15T17:08:00.001-06:00

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7

I love God's little reminders that He sends via Christian radio. As I listened one morning while getting ready for my day, I heard the great story of Chad. Chad is 8 years old, and he doesn't realize he's not going to win the Mr. Congeniality Award at his school. He walks to and from school alone, greets the kids and teachers with a happy "good morning" or "have a great day", and every day his mom prays that one day he'll return home with some friends. But Chad is different and she knows it; she just wishes popularity was based on kindness.

One day, Chad bounds in and announces that he's going to make a Valentine for every child in his class. Valentine's Day is just 6 weeks away, so this seemed a daunting task to his mom. Without discouraging Chad, she hoped he'd soon forget, because it would take so much work and dedication, and she was sure Chad wouldn't get many in return. "How about if we make heart sugar cookies instead, and we can frost them and you can lick the bowl?" Or "why don't we bake cupcakes with red frosting?" "No, mom, I'm going to make a Valentine for every friend in my class, and I counted and there are 32. Can we go get our supplies tonight?"

She thought of every way to change his mind because she couldn't bear to think of how hurt he would feel when he didn’t get a Valentine from everyone. But he persisted, and every night they worked on a few together. "Oh mom, this one will be perfect for Lily! And I can't wait to see the look on Jeff's face when he gets this one." Her heart just sank.

The night before Valentine's Day, they packaged up the homemade cards and that morning, Chad left for school with a bigger bounce in his step than ever before. "Bye mom! You can bet I'll be smiling when I get home from school tonight! Have a great day!"

Once Chad left, she baked his favorite cookies so they'd make him feel better after this heartbreaking day. The hours went by so slowly, and finally Chad came running through the door. "How was your day Chad? I baked your favorite cookies and they're still warm." Chad looked happier than she'd ever seen him, with his head in the clouds. Then he said "Not one, not even one mom." Her heart sunk to her toes. And then he said "I didn’t miss even one, mom. Every person got a Valentine from me today."

I know that sometimes I get caught up in "what's in it for me?" If I go out and do that for her, what will she do for me? I have committed my life to serving God, but sometimes I feel like God should be serving me. Isn't it true that there is more joy in giving, than there is in receiving? Anytime that little devilish thought crosses my mind about what I might get in return----I simply think of Chad, and "not even one."

Written by
Shelley Olson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-07-08T20:51:00.000-06:00

May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.
Ruth 2:12

I was looking for a place to live. The son of the land-lord was returning, and he would be returning to my room, and so it was time to move!

Trying to find a new place to live wasn't as straight-forward as one would think. Since I am a foreigner (an American missionary living in Poland), I have to be registered. Registering a renter isn't really high on the list of people to rent to, since it means that one has to deal with the paperwork (waiting in line at a government office) and then later has to pay taxes on the rent.

So..... my daily struggle of trying to find a place to live continued. Each morning I was spending time in the Word, and each day the promises of God met me where I was in the process. I was less than a week away from needing to be out of my current place. During the last month of searching with no success I was still feeling peace that the Lord would provide. Today, however, I was feeling a bit of stress, knowing I had to again search the internet for available places, make many phone calls and hope for one person to be willing to register me. Today, the price or location was not making a difference to me. I only needed to find someone who would register me. Then I read the Scripture for that day.

It was out of Ruth 2:12, “May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

Everything was going to be okay, I am under God's wings. Then came some further reading that reminded me how I was going to be okay. In Ruth 4, the Lord worked out the details for Ruth, Naomi and Boaz to a beautiful conclusion. The summary was such: "Sometimes you can only do so much yourself. You have to trust that God & others will play their part too. Pray for the strength to trust."

So that day, I did pray for the strength to trust & continued my search for an apartment.

Written by
Theresa Zacher

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-07-01T18:46:00.001-06:00

…apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NASB

Slowly but steadily we climbed up a bumpy mountain road in an old Jeep. Eucalyptus trees dotted the Andes hillside. Pink quinoa grew amongst small patchwork farms, extending beyond my view. Finally we reached our destination, a Quichua Indian village, nestled in the heart of Ecuador.

My host missionaries and I were greeted with warmth and friendliness by the brightly dressed Quichua people. With lots of smiles and nods, we were ushered inside where a simple table was set with a mix match of dishes. I could smell something cooking. It was a peculiar odor, one that I couldn’t identify.

I recalled what my host missionaries had told me, “The Quichuas share their best food with us-- food they seldom eat themselves. It would be insulting for us to turn down their generosity. Some of the food, meat especially, may have set out at room temperature for days. We always silently pray before eating, asking for protection from sickness. Never once have we become sick after eating their food.”

We gathered around the table and sat in our appointed places. Being their new guest, I was given the honorable serving of a roasted guinea pig, complete with an attached head! I swallowed hard and wondered if I could really eat that. Next, I was given a bowl of broth with “chunkies” that I did not recognize. Ah ha, this is what I had smelled earlier.

As a jolly Quichua man prayed a prayer that I could not understand, I silently prayed for help to eat this food and for protection from getting sick. I was lacking faith but did not want to offend these kind people. I remembered what the missionaries had told me earlier, and I knew they would be praying for me, too.

God did enable me to eat that meal. I did not get sick, nor did I get sick for the remainder of my time in Ecuador. Each time the friendly Quichuas shared a meal, we silently prayed and God protected us from sickness.

The American food that I missed most that summer was simply a hamburger. After my long flight back to the United States, my friends picked me up at the airport and asked me what I wanted to eat. Without giving it a second thought, I said, “a hamburger!” They took me to an American restaurant, and I ordered a burger. Oh, was it ever tasty! However, a while later, hamburgers didn’t sound the least bit appealing. I was sick and learned that I had a mild case of food poisoning. At the time I did not think it was funny, but hindsight reveals a bit of humor in the situation.

While I was in Ecuador, I was out of my comfort zone and naturally more aware of my dependence on God. I felt a need for Him even when I ate a meal. However, back in my own country, I thought I could handle it. God reminded me that I still needed Him for the simple things, even when I was in familiar territory. Apart from Him, I can do NOTHING. I need Him, and He wants me to be mindful of that-- no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

Dear Lord,
I’m grateful for Your constant presence in my life. Thank You for always taking care of me. Even when I lose sight of You, You still have Your eye on me. I desire to live with increasing awareness of my need for You, whether in difficulty or ease. Amen.

Written by
Jodeen Erickson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-06-17T20:19:00.001-06:00

That whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16b

About 1 ½ years ago our 15 year old grandson (he was 13 at the time) was having some eye problems. It occurred to his mother that he wasn’t focusing. Since it was almost time for a checkup, she took him in to see his eye doctor. In the coming weeks, he was to see several doctors, the last being a specialist in Portland.

After one long day spent in Portland, the doctor came to the conclusion that our grandson had a terminal disease of the eye – one that could not be treated. He told our son-in-law that he was 95% sure. Eventually he would lose his sight, become an invalid and would probably not live much beyond 20 years. What a heavy load for our son-in-law to carry!

He called us and told us about the “diagnosis” and my husband and I felt numb. We cried and prayed a lot that night. The next day, we had to get busy and notify our family. That’s when our grandson was placed on MANY prayer chains across the country – east coast to west coast, north to south. I talked to my cousin at Bob Jones University and she told me that the school would pray for a miracle! Our daughter couldn’t seem to talk to anyone, but just kept to herself. Finally, she called and we cried, prayed and had the best conversation.

Days went by and they turned into weeks. Finally, just before Christmas, the call came that the test they were waiting for was negative! Praise the Lord! The doctor was in shock, wondering how he had misdiagnosed the situation! Certainly there were those of us that knew the hand of God was in this and that it had been a miracle! The doctor, however, wanted to do the test a second time. Again, the “waiting game” began, but it turned out negative a second time. The other test they did revealed our grandson does have a severe problem with his eyes. He was diagnosed with “Cone Dystrophy” which has to do with genetics. He can lose his sight, but they can’t say how much or if he will be totally blind - but God spared his life!

We don’t know what God has planned for him, but he certainly seems to get along well with the sight that he has. I cannot say what I would feel if a doctor were to tell me that one of my children would not live long. It certainly has made me aware of the fact that our time on earth is totally in God’s hand. All things are in His time!

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-06-10T13:29:00.002-06:00

The Lord protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
Psalm 116:6

My daughter has recently adopted a caterpillar, Fuzzbudd, into the family. She keeps him/her (anyone know how to tell the difference in a caterpillar?) in a small plastic tin loosely closed to allow it air.

This morning when I got up, I realized that the lid was open and one of our cats was taking an unusual interest in our new little friend. After removing the cat, I checked on Fuzzbudd and he/she was happily eating away at a leaf unaware of the menace of the cat or the protection of his benefactor.

I wonder how often God has done the same for me. When troubles come, I sure am quick to notice and reach out for His help. There have also been the times such as the near miss on a car accident when I thank Him for keeping me safe.

When was the last time I praised Him for all the times He has kept me from dangers I didn’t even know were a threat? Thank You, Lord, for not only protecting me from the seen, but also the unseen threats, in my world!

Written by
Michelle Chard

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-06-03T21:32:00.002-06:00

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Mother’s Day weekend wasn’t my finest. I seemed to be really struggling to demonstrate patience towards my children. For example, that Saturday I had decided to really do something outside the box and make chocolate chip pancakes for my children. I am a health food nut, so in my head I thought that this was definitely going to be a special breakfast. My children were going to LOVE it.

Nope. My oldest, who’s three, decided that she didn’t like the looks of the “black dots” in her pancakes. Her 20- month-old sister followed immediately. They both pushed their plates away and said, “Ew.” Having mentally built this breakfast up to be one of my greatest moments in “fun motherhood,” I was devastated. I cannot lie, I lost it.

“Eggs? You want eggs? You never want eggs when I make them. Why now? It’s chocolate for cryin’ out loud…what kind of little girl doesn’t eat chocolate? I can promise you, I will never make a special breakfast treat for you again. If you are just going to say, “Ew,” then I won’t even try!” (Just a sample of my rantings)

Without even going in to the specifics of the crazy things I said that morning, I immediately felt awful. As I scrubbed the breakfast dishes furiously, I realized that I had behaved selfishly and immaturely. Who was the parent here and how could God think that I was a competent mother? My children were suffering at the hands of a madwoman… who would save us now?

The following day, at church, we sang Chris Tomlin’s “Enough.” The chorus says, “All of You is more than enough for all of me/ for every thirst and every need/ You satisfy me with Your love/ And all I have in You is more than enough” Tears streamed down my face as the truth of those words sunk into me in a very real way. His grace is more than enough for my weaknesses. He is more than enough for all of me! I realized that on my own strength, I would never have more patience with my children, I would always struggle to be more flexible with them and to remain calm in intense moments.

Only God’s power, only God’s strength can change me. He made me with weaknesses so that He could change me…so that I would become dependent on Him to thrive in this life. He made me weak so that He could be strong.

I am grateful for God’s grace in a new way. I will never be a perfect mom. But I can be a mom who trusts that God is enough for my weaknesses. He can change me in a permanent way; I only have to bring my sins and struggles to His feet. There, He does not condemn me, rather He says, “Holly, I am bigger than those. Take my hand…let my love and my strength lead you to a better way. Please let me work in you.”

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-05-27T12:19:00.002-06:00

…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

Many times throughout my adult life I knew I was obviously having a problem understanding what God wanted from me. You know those times, when you pray and pray, feeling like the prayers aren’t getting past the ceiling.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and the bay was like glass. With coffee in hand, I was pondering what my husband had said the night before. He had told me he didn’t want to be a father and grandfather to my children, he wanted a divorce. This cut deeply and I was questioning how I could have made such a wrong turn in life. I knew Christ, so how did I end up here?? Tears were streaming down my face as I looked out our picture window.

What I saw made me smile. My retired neighbor was attempting to learn to wind surf. He had a new step-son and wanted to connect with him. The contrast between the men drove the knife deeper.

I laughed each time he fell, waved to him and cheered him on. He would crawl up on that board; readjust the sail and his stance until finally he was gliding across the water, yelling in triumph. In that moment of time Jesus spoke an epiphany to me. We don’t really learn from our successes - only from our failures when we recognize them and adjust our stance and sails. This life is His school room, and just like school, we can learn what our teachers expect, do it their way and reap the reward, or we can end up in Continuation School.

The testing of our faith produces patience, and the work of patience makes us perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2, 3) this is why we can thank Him in all things. For what seems to be an imperfect gift just may be what we need for God to perfect us. His Holy Spirit is constantly praying my feeble prayers in His Power and that power is what will accomplish victory over my sin and work all things for my good (Romans 8:28).

I’ve learned to embrace the trials life sends my way, assured of the love of Christ.

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-05-06T14:15:00.002-06:00

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:1, 10a

A few weeks ago we were able to celebrate our twin grandsons’ 18th birthday. They came into the world at only 29 weeks. When we saw them shortly after birth, they were so tiny and fragile. One weighed 3lb 12oz and the other one weighed 3lb 11oz. Being only 17 inches long, if you touched them, you thought they would break! Those first several hours were very critical as oxygen and ventilators helped them with their breathing. I didn’t think they would live 18 hours, much less 18 years! They were on multiple prayer chains across the country and God is good! We finally received word that they wouldn’t have to be moved to Salt Lake City and six weeks later, they were able to go home.

We have watched them grow, little by little. Both had hernia surgery at three months and one had kidney surgery at about eight months. For two years, they were on oxygen, even spending two weeks in the hospital battling RSV. Going through the crawling and walking stages, managing around oxygen tubing, was an experience. They had their own “lingo” which no one could understand except the two of them. Both boys would “talk” to each other and laugh. Since those first years, they have competed in track, basketball and football, something the doctor said they probably could never do. In the fall, they will be entering the 12th grade, standing tall at almost 6’2” and weighing about 185lbs.

I asked our daughter one time if she ever had the feeling they wouldn’t make it and she said, “No, mom, that never crossed my mind.” She went to the hospital every day and sat between the two cribs, talking to them and touching them. It was a struggle those first few years - what faith she and her husband had during those difficult times! God used this experience to draw them closer to each and to Himself. He is the “giver of life” and in today’s world that has been taken so lightly! How very thankful we are for ALL of the grandchildren which God has given us!

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-04-29T13:43:00.001-06:00

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers,
you will surely be rewarded.
Mt. 10:42

I’ve learned that for years I was one of the Devil’s best workers because that is what an inconsistent Christian is to God’s work. Having random hearing where God is concerned is not healthy to a nation or a family.

I was grinding coffee beans around 5:30a.m. in a sullen, angry state of mind. The night before, my husband had expressed his desire to have me make his freshly brewed coffee using the antique coffee grinder he had just purchased. With clenched teeth, I was vigorously turning that old crank. I had just quit my job with his blessing and felt I had earned my right to enjoy the warmth of the covers a little longer. However, I had not opened my mouth to protest the request.

Suddenly, the Lord spoke to me, “JoAnn, would you do it for me?” In the twinkling of an eye, I saw Jesus and was overwhelmed with His love for me. I was filled with resentment and He was filled with love. From that day to this when I am faced with a service I really don’t want to do, I remember that question and answer, “Yes, Lord, for you.” It makes even the worse job a joyful experience.

My Redeemer woke me up to the importance of learning to share feelings in a loving manner. You see Jerry didn’t know how I felt about his request, but the Lord did. Women often want their husbands to just know what they want. But husbands can’t know unless we tell them. Serving with a spirit of love is like giving a cup of fresh water to someone; joy and peace is the reward.

Maranatha!

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-04-15T16:43:00.003-06:00

Ladies,

Just a note to let you know that next week, April 23rd, there will be no Coffeebreak sent out. Our web administrator is on vacation! We'll be back with you on April 30th! Until then, may you experience extraordinary moments with God in your everyday life!

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-04-15T16:32:00.001-06:00

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed.
2 Corinthians 4:16

Last week I saw the face of Christ. If I had not previously believed that Jesus was alive and at work here on earth in those who love Him, I would completely embrace that fact now.

I went to visit my cousin in Washington, who has been battling colon cancer for about the last fifteen years. She has had her highs and lows, but is now at a very difficult place. Several times the doctors have told her that statistically she does not have much time and they don’t know what more to do. This is one of those times.

I was slightly anxious as we drove to her house. I hadn’t seen her in awhile and wasn’t sure what to expect regarding her condition. I was also worried about saying the right thing. We were greeted warmly by her husband when he answered the door. She was right behind him, hugging us and inviting us in. She is tiny, so tiny--just a wisp of a woman. She can no longer eat, but is fed through a feeding tube. Because the cancer is affecting her liver, she is battling with an extreme case of jaundice. I had expected her to be in bed or lying on the couch, propped up with blankets, but she was dressed and up. After welcoming us, she cheerfully chatted while she served us coffee.

Life has not always been easy for her. Some very difficult things happened in her early childhood, one of which was essentially losing her mother who became ill and could no longer care for her or her brothers. She made poor choices in her adolescent years and lived a risky life for awhile. In her mid 20’s she and the man who is now her husband started going to church. They met Jesus, with whom they fell in love and to whom they wholeheartedly gave their lives. Skepticism arose in the extended family about their faith, but my cousin and her husband clearly and consistently lived out their relationship with Christ. And never so clearly than in their battle with her cancer.

We talked about many things that day: the goings on in our extended family, their children, my cousin’s condition, the Lord, plans for a family reunion this summer if she was up to it, the possibility of them going to Hawaii again soon so she could “just relax on a warm beach.” I was impressed with the tangible peace and joy they radiated, while acknowledging the pain and difficulty of her illness. I prayed with her as I hugged her goodbye.

My cousin lives a transformed life, and although “outwardly [she is] wasting away, inwardly [she is] being renewed day by day.” I know she and her husband would not want to be glorified, but would instead want to assure everyone that it is Christ in them who sustains them. It encouraged me afresh to think on the fact that Christ is in me also, and is available for all who desire to know Him.

Written by
Chris Bushnell

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-04-09T08:45:00.001-06:00

As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Joshua 1:5b

I cannot describe the thoughts that went through my mind when my husband suffered his heart attack. One of the greatest thoughts was that of fear! I was told by the attending doctor that he had at least six blockages. He was going to need bypass surgery, hopefully that day. The surgery would have to be performed in Billings. There were so many things to do before we left for Billings, but I couldn’t bring my mind to focus on what needed to be done. I was told I had 1 ½ hours to prepare for the trip. This meant that the house had to be locked up, suitcases packed, the dog taken care of and calls to be made. As I was trying to pull my mind together, a friend called and asked if I was doing OK. At that point, I broke down and started to cry. She told me we would pray together. When we finished, I hung up the phone and a sudden peace came over me and I knew it was going to be OK.

When we arrived at the hospital in Billings, our daughter was there waiting for us. What a blessing to have her there with us those first few days! The doctor was excellent and we found out he was a Christian. He prayed with my husband before he went into surgery. As it turned out, he had to have a quadruple bypass. When the surgery was finished, he came to the waiting room and prayed with me.

Recovery went very well and we came home a few days later. While in the hospital, I met a real sweet Christian lady. We had prayer together each morning.

The experience of possibly losing my spouse taught me that I need to be faithful in reading the Scriptures and spending time in prayer to God. We don’t know what He has planned for us each day. How very thankful I am that my husband is still with me. What an AWESOME God we have that we can bring all our worries, fears and concerns to Him and He will gently take us by the hand and lead us through all of our trials. God was with me in every aspect of my husband’s surgery! As I am writing this, I am reminded of a song my mother used to sing, “What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus. What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord.”

Written by
Delma Lebien

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-04-01T16:29:00.001-06:00

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Matthew 8:27 NIV

I was recently visiting my in-laws in Missouri. We had had a great visit, but we were ready to return to our home. Traveling can be hard with two toddlers…you know – your children aren’t sleeping well, new people all around them, loads of activities and people to see, etc.

On the day we were to fly back to Helena, a terrible snow storm came through the St. Louis area. We waited, holding our breaths, to learn the status of our flight: CANCELED. While we easily rescheduled for the next day, I will admit I was frustrated. I distinctly remember thinking, “Doesn’t God know how badly I want to get home? How much work my husband has to do?”

That evening, about the time we would have been taking off in the airplane, I received a phone call from my mother. My brother’s oldest son, Max, who is eleven, had been in a terrible accident. My brother had been pulling him on a sled behind their ATV. Max flipped off and went backwards into a tree. At the time, we knew no details, only that he had been life-flighted to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital. My mother, who lives three hours away from St. Louis, was in tears. She choked out the words, “Holly, can you drive there to be with your brother?”

Could I? I was already gathering up my things. I jumped in the car, drove slowly through the snow, and arrived at the hospital within 45 minutes. Max had just gone in for an MRI and my brother and sister-in-law were trying to figure out how to orchestrate everything so that their three younger children could get back home and with a sitter.

Without going into all the details, I saw the hand of God in every single detail of that night. I sat with my sister-in-law while Max was checked in to the Intensive Care Unit and examined. I was able to pray with her and Max. My brother’s family has recently begun attending church again and I was able to encourage my sister-in-law that God didn’t do this to punish them and even though I didn’t know why He allowed this to happen, I did know that God was all-powerful and has a special place in His heart for the broken-hearted. He would work this all for His glory.

Max suffered three broken vertebrae and a cracked skull. However, he’s back at home and recovering just fine. As a result, my brother’s family is completely connected with their new church and has memorized a Scripture that I gave Anne on a note card that night in the hospital.

I’ve no doubt He had thousands of reasons for sending a snow storm to St. Louis to cancel my flight – I feel blessed to have seen His mighty hand at work and to have been there to be an encouragement to my family.

Thank you God for being in control of all things, including the weather. Thank you also for the opportunities I have to play a role in your Kingdom. Help me to trust that when my plans go awry, You are at work. Help to me look at all inconvenient circumstances in my life as opportunities to be used by You.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-03-25T13:33:00.001-06:00

...Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

I was raised in a Baptist home and really can't remember when I didn't believe Jesus was the Promised Messiah, but I never gave much thought to Mary. I knew she was very young and obviously much more dedicated to God than I was. Today my children are grown and I'm reminded over and over that my role as a mother holds much less importance in the lives of my family. Perhaps that’s why I've started to appreciate Mary and her role in the life of Jesus and His Church. What a woman! She had to be strong, sure of God and I believe full of fight to do right, ready to forgive and open to love.

I read Oswald Chambers profound statement: "What was true of the Virgin Mary in the historic introduction of God's Son into the earth is true in every saint. The Son of God is born into me by the direct act of God..." and it convicted me deeply. Crying out in repentance brings the miracle of the virgin birth in us; for the Holy Ghost enters into us just as He did into Mary! Every day is a new day where we are called upon to exercise self-control in order to obey.

Mary quickly grasped the Holy Spirit and took Him into her body and life. She nurtured the words of her God and responded, "Behold Your maidservant." She pondered the words spoken to her through others in the power of the Holy Spirit. She became highly favored and bore God's only begotten Son. She didn't stop there - she went forward in the face of criticism and name calling and raised Jesus according to God's instruction. How? She listened to His Word and believed it was truth. Do I?

Her act of obedience made my salvation possible! She had a heart for God and He did the rest. He drew her closer, she responded. What a dance of love they had!

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

2008-03-18T13:10:00.000-06:00

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103: 13-14 NIV

The trouble is my days are like my nights. Ideally, my night would start at a nice, solid, concise time. I would fall into bed tired, sleep a full eight hours, and wake up promptly in the morning refreshed and renewed, ready to tackle a new day.

Instead, I stay up a bit too late, pumped up on too much adrenaline and thinking about unfinished projects. I’m not sleepy enough because I slept in a bit too late. So I force myself to bed, sleep for a while, and get up to give my four year old some cough medicine. Then it’s back to sleep. Before long I find myself, half asleep, settling my two year old, who woke up wailing and neither of us know why. (Although if I start wailing soon, I’ll know why.) I manage to sleep through my husband’s alarm, only to have my four year old come in complaining of a wet bed, nightgown and panties. Rather than face the mess and probably disturb the baby, I have her strip and join me in bed. But it’s not long before our two month old wakes up and wants breakfast. I feed her in bed so that I can lay too long, unable to sleep anymore but somehow setting my internal clock to think I spent too much time in bed today to go to sleep early. Well, my six year old is ready for some attention. Come to think of it, so are the other three kids, though I can’t imagine why.

Another day has begun. The trouble is, the days are like my nights. I have always taken so much comfort in Psalm 103:14. God knows how I am made and how much I can handle. He’s definitely not shocked at my lack of accomplishments in life, or my inability to handle things at times. He made me, and He knows that I am nothing bust dust. How much can you expect from dust?

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-03-11T15:32:00.002-06:00

In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40

I sat on the bleachers at an out of town soccer game, watching my sons play in a closely contested game. I didn't know many folks in the stands and I was sitting in a section among only a couple of folks who knew me. The game was close, first we'd be ahead, then the opposing team. The outcome could go either way, and the crowd was well aware.

At one point, one of my sons was racing up the field along side of a player from the other team. Both went for the ball and my son slid to try to kick the ball in the direction of one of his team mates. In the process, the player from the opposing team was tripped and fell to the ground. "What a jerk!" I heard from an adult sitting near me. "Toss him out of the game!"

They had no idea that they were seated near his mom... Those comments were hurtful, and uncalled for. Both boys were going for the ball. The boys on the field weren't upset, they got right up and kept on playing. It was just a few fans that had felt it necessary to hurl slicing comments.

Is that how God feels when I decide to open my mouth to criticize one of His children? Do I leave a hurt in the heart of God Himself when I belittle someone for behavior I don't understand or that I deem unfair?

Lord, forgive me for times I've spoken things I shouldn't have. Remind me that these people that I live amongst here on earth are YOUR creation... YOUR children.. and that you love them more than I can understand. Help me, Lord, to not hurt you like that. People are precious to you, Lord Jesus, and you died for every one of them.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-03-04T17:42:00.001-07:00

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues.
Ps. 119:71

I may not know what the Psalmist was afflicted with, but I know that in my past, I have had a hearing problem. I'm reading the book of Deuteronomy written by Moses. As Moses recaps all of God's laws for His people I couldn't help but notice the many commands that are coupled with wonderful promise phrases like, "that it may go well with you." Obedience seems to be the key to blessings - something we slow learners struggle with.

I was about 6 years old and my daddy had just finished planting baby pine scrubs on either side of our front stoop. Now that stoop was my springboard to measure the distance of my mighty jumps. I was already eyeing the distance over those scrubs. When daddy finished his work he lovingly pulled me under his arm and said, "JoAnn you're not to jump off this stoop any longer; if you break one of these little trees, I will have to turn you over my knee." The next day I commenced my practice jumps and was very successful for a time. Then it happened! Daddy's warning proved true.

The secret in building character is in the follow-up. I quickly learned my earthly daddy meant business because of his love for me and who I would become. It took me much longer to realize that truth concerning my heavenly Daddy. Doing it my way seemed so important.

Oswald Chambers made a great statement, "God never threatens; the devil never warns." Parents often use those words interchangeably. However, there is a definite distinction; threats attempt to preserve our power, warnings serve to protect from danger. Our God's never-ending love resounds throughout time in His attempt to get us to listen.

The Israelites spent 40 years before they learned God meant business. He had to keep them moving in circles going over the same ground (one year for every day the spies looked over the Promised Land and refused to enter). I can identify with them. I, too, had to spend 40 years learning that the only way to hear the Lord's instruction is to keep your dial tuned on His wavelength, and even then static from the world can drown His voice. Finally I've learned the sound of My Redeemer Husband's sweet whisper. Where are you, murmuring (complaining) or trusting that, "Father Knows Best"?

Written by
JoAnn Shelton

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-02-26T12:43:00.002-07:00

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Phil 2:8 NIV

I am blessed with a friend who is always interested in my life. When we meet for breakfast, her pointed questions never fail to get me talking about me. While waiting in line at the cafe, she asked how it was going with my strong-willed three-year-old son. I told her things were not really improving and I expressed my exasperation and frustration.

Her next statement caught me off guard. She said, "You know, I really feel the Lord is raising up a generation of men who will be warriors for Christ. I know too many strong-willed little boys in this generation and I really think God is preparing those boys who will not back down...to never back down for Him. He is planning something big...and He will use Braden to carry out His plan."

Standing in awe at her statement, my heart melted and my perspective of my son was forever changed. Instead of despising his steel will, I could appreciate -- maybe even respect -- his God-given personality.

Because she was interested in my life, and not just her own, I am sure she not only changed my view of my son, but quite possibly saved his life! :-)

Clearly, her friendship and interest in my well-being blessed me in more ways than she'll ever know. God wants us to be interested in the lives of others so we can speak truth, love and encouragement into them...and in this case, wisdom. I am so thankful she chose to speak it into mine.

Written by
Angie Howell

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-02-19T19:42:00.002-07:00

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 3: 11-12 NIV

When my first baby was still a newborn, I remember constantly being stopped in the grocery store by older women telling me, “Enjoy her while she’s little, they grow up so fast.”

I remember struggling inwardly with two different responses. One thought was, “How can I enjoy it anymore than I am?” The other response was, “It’s not really all that fun you know.”

The first month of my daughter’s life felt like it lasted an eternity. She seemed to cry all the time; I didn’t know what she wanted; I never knew when she might start crying while I ran errands, and I feared it. I didn’t know how to get her to sleep, and I wasn’t convinced I was fit to keep her alive, let alone that I was really the best one for the job.

My oldest child is now six and something strange has happened now that my fourth child has been born. When I hold her in my arms it usually makes my eyes tear up because she is so precious. I can see the seconds flashing by, and there’s no way to hold on to them any tighter.

I’m probably slower than anyone else at learning these things, but I have gained a lot of confidence and experience with babies. I’ve had a chance to watch my other kids grow into fascinating individuals. I’m guessing it will only be a blink or two before my children will be grown and on their own. Maybe then I’ll stop mothers in the grocery store, and while their babies fuss in their carts I’ll tell them, “Enjoy them while they’re little, they grow up so fast.”

Why do we tell others to enjoy life before it passes? Does it actually change anything or make it any more enjoyable? Maybe after a few more years I’ll figure out how it make time slow down, or how to enjoy my kids when they’re miserable to be around, but I haven’t yet. I don’t know if talking about the speed of which life passes accomplishes anything, but it is so true, that we seem unable to say it enough. Or maybe it’s just a fact that can’t be changed whether we realize it or not.

Perhaps God has placed eternity in the hearts of men so that we can’t get used to this temporal world. It’s natural that we would fight the passing of time. Our heavenly home is not a place of death or good-byes or losses. This world is a place where goodness, purity, and pleasure are always so fleeting and fragile that we grasp it as though our life depends on it. But until we reach heaven, “I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-02-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

A couple of months ago I took a part-time temporary job as a way of making a little extra money for Christmas. It was fun, and for a time, I did not have too much trouble juggling an already busy family. I even marveled at myself at how well I was keeping the family schedule going.

Then came THAT day. Have you ever had one of those days? It started out all right. I knew I was going to have a more than average workload because I had volunteered to do a couple of extra jobs. “Don’t worry,” I gloated, “I am sure it is all under control.” I worked hard to accomplish my many tasks, but shall we say a number of complications entered the picture? So, I passed off a chaotic mess to my husband as I left for work. The poor guy did his best, but most men are not equipped to multi-task like us women (and frankly, they usually do not over commit like we do either! ha ha). He did a valiant job, but the lesson for me came when I was driving home from work. I pulled into the center lane to turn left toward our home and there right in front of me was my husband and daughter in the same center lane turning the opposite direction as he was rushing her to a birthday party. I laughed at how ridiculous it all was. We were in a race going opposite directions. Not only had we missed each other, but also they hadn’t even had any dinner, as I had underestimated the cooking time on the hastily thrown together mess of a evening meal I had made.

When I got home, I reflected on those events and how my life had changed in the previous weeks. With my newly organized schedule, I had quit doing my devotions in the morning (why is that usually the first thing to go?). In reality, I was just barely holding my days together. We rarely ate dinner as a family anymore (a precious and guarded time until now). The Lord, in His merciful and gracious way, allowed me to see that my life was out of balance and I was on a one-way course toward disaster.

I had to evaluate my day and ask myself if I was choosing the “best part.” I had added too much into my schedule and dropped the most important part. Martha did what was right and good, but for that moment, when Jesus was in their presence, Mary chose the best part and was blessed for it. Let us not forget to sit at our Savior’s feet so He can pour out the blessing of His loving presence on us, too!

Precious Jesus, King of my heart, let me not forget to sit at your feet each day. Help me to seek first your Kingdom and trust that you will take care of the details that I am worried about today.
Amen

Written by
Joanne Kauzlarich

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-02-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
Isaiah 64:6 NIV

Scripture is clear, the very best achievements of man fall short of God’s perfect, holy righteousness. All we have to offer is not good enough to satisfy His righteous requirements. We have no hope of spending eternity with Him except by accepting the gift of Christ’s righteousness, which He has offered on our behalf. So why does God still want us to live righteous lives?

My daughters give me gifts all the time. As I type, they are cutting up paper and littering scraps all over the floor. Five seconds ago, my two-year-old handed me a treasure, made just for me. It’s a one inch square of paper, folded carefully in half with some intricate code written on the inside. I can tell it’s very special by the solemnity and care she used in handing it to me. I feel honored; it’s the best she has to offer.

My six-year-old is just beginning to read. She drew me a picture of a boy washing dishes and the words coming out of his mouth say, “I HAT Too Woch ThE DICh.” (I hate to wash the dishes.) I’m delighted. She did it all by herself; it’s the best she has to offer.

The gifts of my children help me understand Isaiah 64:6 when it says, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Most of the time it takes a lot of hard work to do what’s right. After struggling and sometimes sacrificing in order to live in a way that pleases God, to hear that my righteous acts are as filthy rags to God is almost insulting. Then I think of the gifts of my children. It’s not as though the things they give me are all that nice. They aren’t perfect; they aren’t even correct. It’s not because their gifts are any good that I love to receive them; it’s because I delight in my children.

Compared to God, my best, proudest achievements are as comic as my children’s attempts to do great things. Then why, if my righteous acts are so feeble and pathetic, does He want me to do them? When I think of my children’s gifts, I can imagine our Father in heaven, looking down on the daughter He delights in. There she stands offering her filthy rags, and He says, “After all, it’s the best she has to offer.”

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-01-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
Luke 2:48

After having what I like to call a “low point” in my mothering career, I began my quiet time searching Scripture for a mother of a preschooler. I wanted to know if I was alone in my struggles to be patient and loving in all circumstances.

I found that Scripture doesn’t give us many examples of moms actually “training up their children.” As much as I long for specific examples of little John lying and how his mom handled it, I think God knew that giving us those examples would actually trap us. We would follow them too closely. God didn’t include discipline in Scripture (in my opinion) because my children are different from anyone in Scripture. And I am different from any mother in Scripture. How biblical mothers handle a situation may not work for me - and that would only frustrate me when the “technique of Hannah,” for example, didn’t fix my kid.

But this passage, Luke 2:41-51, this is exactly what I need. Mary, the chosen mother of our Savior, wasn’t perfect. She blew her lid at Jesus…a child who was perfect. I LOVE that. I take great comfort in that…not because I want to revel in my faults and my lack of patience and my anger, or even because I take joy in someone else’s sin, but because I fully trust that God loved Mary with all His heart. He trusted her with His Son. And yet, she struggled. If He can give her grace…He for sure can give me grace – for I have children who are not perfect.

I look at Mary’s response to her child, Jesus, here. She has just realized that she accidentally forgot Jesus at the temple. She asks him WHY have you treated US (me & your father) like this? Do you know ALL that I have done for you? I can relate to her frustration here and her response – it’s much like mine toward my own daughters at times.

She made it about her. Christ wasn’t following the script! But, Christ wasn’t doing anything wrong. He has to answer to God before Mary. Perhaps Mary was in the wrong for leaving him. Who knows, who cares. But sometimes, when I am in her position – panicked and embarrassed, perhaps in front of family and friends or in a situation where I cannot control my child or dealing with a behavior that I have been over with my child and I KNOW they know better, I respond the same way. I yell – and when I yell, I make it all about me.

I shall take heart. Mary was “highly favored” by God (Luke 1:28). And she didn’t get it perfect. I have to trust that I, too, am favored by God and He knows I’m not going to mother perfectly either. That’s not an excuse…but it is oddly encouraging to me as I long to be better at this mom thing. God has grace (and patience) for me!

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-01-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4

My twin sons are seniors in high school this year. Recently, they have been working on speeches to present for combination grades in History and English class. They had to prepare a written paper first, making sure it was prepared correctly, then memorize it and present it to the class. It has taken a lot of forethought. They’ve combed over their presentations, organized notes, made rough drafts and revised them, selecting just the right words to create a sound presentation. They worked hard to come up with an attention-grabbing start and to summarize and construct a conclusion that ties it all in nicely.

Have you ever thought about how the Bible does that too? I guess I didn’t really think about it until recently. In the book of Genesis, we read of the creation of the sun, the entrance of sin into the world, the curse that it brought with it, of Satan’s victory in conniving humankind, and of the exclusion from the “tree of life.” In the last few chapters of the book of Revelation, we read of a place where there will be no need of the sun. We read about a place where sin is banished, and there will be no more curse, where Satan is overthrown and there is admission to the “tree of life.”

Wow! It appears that there was some forethought to how this book was put together! These inspired words were written for our learning. They’ve been well thought out, well prepared, selected just right, so that when they are presented to us, we’ll be able to see an attention grabbing beginning with the creation of the world, and a triumphant end when “The seventh angel sounded; and there were a great voices in heaven, saying, ‘the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.’” Revelation 11:15.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-01-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5 NIV

My relationship with God is not always made of grand discoveries and amazing victories. One day that definitely didn’t feel like an award winning day, but was actually pretty typical, came towards the end of my fourth pregnancy. I am a morning person and during that time, I felt lucky to get the evening meal on the table. The process of tracking down my family, forcing them to come to my meal and then clean up their food was almost more than I could bear, let alone clean up and get the kids to bed. I felt like I was skipping most of the things I should be doing most nights and still barely making it. Finally the kids had all gone potty, they had their drink, and those in need were in diapers. They each got tucked in, hugged and kissed and put back about twice, prayed with, and then we tried to leave the room. My kids are geniuses for finding a question that will actually get a response from us at that time of night. Something about death or heaven or God’s love will usually do the trick and they know it.

Finally our escape was made. I sank onto the toilet with a sigh of relief. (Maybe that’s too much information, but this is my reality.) “I love the end of the day,” I said to my husband, “when I know my work is done…” As these words left my mouth, the bathroom door swung open, “Mommy,” said a little voice. My daughter’s toy had fallen out of bed and now she was coming for permission to pick it up because she didn’t want to get in trouble for getting out of bed. Five minutes later she was back, again, needing to go potty, again.

Come to think of it, does a parent’s day ever end? It’s a relief to know God is there on the days I have nothing left, on the days, in fact, when I’ve been running on empty for a long time already. On most of my days, I am not the conquering victor I’d like to be, but I have my own Heavenly Father whose arms I can sink into and find rest. Instead of shaming me for not being all I think I should be, He provides me with a resting place.

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-01-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’
Jeremiah 29:11 NASB

It was my day off and I had planned as many errands and much housework as I thought I could fit into one day. The first stop was getting a part replaced on my car at 8:00 a.m. I had allotted myself one hour to get this done and head on to the next store, which I guessed would open at 9:00. Surprisingly, my car was done in less than half an hour. I decided to head on to my next stop in the chance that the store might be one of those to open before 9:00.

As I pulled into the parking space in front of the store, things weren’t looking good. It looked too dark inside to be open, but I ran up the steps to check the door and read the sign, just to be sure. Sure enough, it didn’t open for another half hour. Now what? If I headed home, by the time I got there it would be time to come right back in. But to sit in the car for a half hour without anything to do would be such a waste of my time.

These thoughts had barely had time to cross my mind when someone behind me honked. As I turned around, I saw my friend pulling her car in beside mine. She, too, was running half an hour earlier than expected and was debating what she would do next. It was decided that I would jump in her car and we would wait for the store to open together.

Well, as you know, when a couple of women get together, time flies. We had the best visit and before we knew it, the store had opened and we were off to conquer the rest of our day.

This meeting was not in my plans for the day, but oh, how much sweeter it made my day to have had it happen.

Thank you, Lord, for having something better planned for me than I have planned for myself. And on this day, thank you for interrupting “my” plans to put a friend in my path.

Written by
Anna Waggoner

HSBC Coffeebreak

2008-01-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21

This summer I had the privilege of attending a huge youth conference at Purdue University. The week that we were there, the latest Harry Potter book was released. Some of our kids placed their orders and I went with them to pick up their much anticipated books since they needed a chaperone.

As we boarded the bus to return to the airport, a trend began to appear. No matter where I looked, kids and adults clutched, read, and cherished their latest treasure. We took 15 kids on our trip and throughout the various connections, we saw other conference attendees carrying the same treasure. Airport stands were filled with copies stacked high, banners waved in store fronts, and people chatted away excitedly about what the story was all about.

I began to wonder about the 5,000 kids all over the country working their way home from a weeklong conference studying and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. What if we clutched, read, and treasured our Bibles the way thousands of people were now doing with this book?

I asked the kids about what they observed as people rushed by with the book and asked about seeing the Bible carried that way. Some said it was a much anticipated book; therefore everyone wants to read it and will do what they have to in order to obtain their copy. Others shrugged it off and said it didn’t matter much to them.

I found myself hugging my Bible praising God for His Word. It is alive and active. Since that time, I have looked around my office, home, and backpack to see what treasures I am expressing. I am wearing the cross, carrying my Bible, have Jesus pictures on my walls, and a cross hanging in my truck. But the treasure I noted most important is the one I carry in my heart and express through my love for Him.

Written by
Erica Alexander

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-12-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

A couple of months ago I took a part-time temporary job as a way of making a little extra money for Christmas. It was fun, and for a time, I did not have too much trouble juggling an already busy family. I even marveled at myself at how well I was keeping the family schedule going.

Then came THAT day. Have you ever had one of those days? It started out all right. I knew I was going to have a more than average workload because I had volunteered to do a couple of extra jobs. “Don’t worry,” I gloated, “I am sure it is all under control.” I worked hard to accomplish my many tasks, but shall we say a number of complications entered the picture? So, I passed off a chaotic mess to my husband as I left for work. The poor guy did his best, but most men are not equipped to multi-task like us women (and frankly, they usually do not over commit like we do either! ha ha). He did a valiant job, but the lesson for me came when I was driving home from work. I pulled into the center lane to turn left toward our home and there right in front of me was my husband and daughter in the same center lane turning the opposite direction as he was rushing her to a birthday party. I laughed at how ridiculous it all was. We were in a race going opposite directions. Not only had we missed each other, but they also hadn’t even had any dinner, as I had underestimated the cooking time on the hastily thrown together mess of a evening meal I had made.

When I got home, I reflected on those events and how my life had changed in the previous weeks. With my newly organized schedule, I had quit doing my devotions in the morning (why is that usually the first thing to go?). In reality, I was just barely holding my days together. We rarely ate dinner as a family anymore (a precious and guarded time until now). The Lord, in His merciful and gracious way, allowed me to see that my life was out of balance and I was on a one-way course toward disaster.

I had to evaluate my day and ask myself if I was choosing the “best part.” I had added too much into my schedule and dropped the most important part. Martha did what was right and good, but for that moment, when Jesus was in their presence, Mary chose the best part and was blessed for it. Let us not forget to sit at our Savior’s feet so He can pour out the blessing of His loving presence on us, too!

Precious Jesus, King of my heart, let me not forget to sit at your feet each day. Help me to seek first your Kingdom and trust that you will take care of the details that I am worried about today.
Amen

Written by
Joanne Kauzlarich

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-12-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV

I was just unpacking a ceramic nativity set that my mom made for me. You see, she has made very few things for me, so this is a precious treasure; in fact, I have not had it out for several years because our kids were young and I wanted to protect it. I pulled the stable out of the box and started to unload its precious contents. As I unwrapped each delicate character, I found comfort in the joy and memories. Then suddenly, I was appalled and disgusted by the sight of mouse feces and urine on the wrappings and in the box. Apparently it had been “home” for a while. I was offended that a vile creature could do such a thing to my treasure that not only was a reminder of my Lord and Savior, but also a precious gift that I went through great effort to protect!

Just as quickly, the realization of what I was seeing washed over me. Is not the birth of a holy perfect Christ into an imperfect world similar? Did he not come for every depraved and “vile” soul seeking refuge and peace? And am I as overly protective of His gift that is more precious than anything as I am of my nativity scene?

Luke 2:11-12 states, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” I am in awe of my God and Savior, my Lord Jesus Christ!

Written by
Lanie White

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-12-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, "God with us.”
Matthew 1:23 NIV

So much of what we do during the Christmas season turns our attention away from Jesus, instead of towards him. Today I got out my nativity scene, and as my young daughters set it up, I was reminded again of the continual problem I had last year. The scene of Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the wise men, and shepherds looks best when you can see all their faces. But every time I set the scene up that way and leave, on my return, I find all the shepherds and wise men turned with their backs facing out, bunched up around the manger.

Reasoning with my daughters doesn’t do a lot of good, and this year, I find myself reluctant to do it anyway. To a six-year-old, four-year-old, and two-year-old, it’s very simple to determine what is important. Jesus is who everyone came to see. Jesus is the whole point, the central focus, the main attraction! Why would anyone want to look anywhere else? Why would the shepherds and the wise men travel so far, only to turn their backs on the One they came to see?

The God of the Universe humbled himself, became a man, and dwelt among us! What else in all the world is worthy of taking our attention from that?

Written by
Melody Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-11-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Moses said to the Lord, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
Numbers 27:15-17 NIV

As I studied the book of Numbers, I was impressed with the responsibilities of Moses’ job as the Israelite’s leader. Right from the start, he had trouble with the people. They didn’t want to follow his leading; it seemed easier to stay where they were in life.

Moses earnestly sought God and God showed Himself to Moses like none other. In Numbers 12:3 we read that Moses was the most humble man ever. He set out to deliver people who had been in bondage for so long and they fought him most of the way. God performed miracle after miracle to help them escape and to show them His might. Time after time the people lost their faith, fell to fear, then grumbled and complained about their circumstances. Moses pressed on, even pleading with God to forgive their lack of faith.

I don’t know if it is because I am human or if it is because I am female, but I sure don’t like to be taken for granted. As I read through Numbers, I saw that Moses was unappreciated. So when he fell short of the mark, when he struck the rock to get water and basically took all the credit for rather than honoring God as holy, it didn’t seem like all that big of a fall. But to God, it was a huge deal. God said, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” It seems unreasonable that God would give him such harsh punishment.

Our flesh tries to weigh things out and decide what is fair. We seem to put all of the good things on one side of the scale and the bad things on the other side. From what we read about Moses, the good far outweighs the bad, so he should be in… right? This one dishonoring act that demonstrated his lack of trust in God was enough for God to make a statement. Wow! I don’t think I would have taken it as easily as Moses did. I would have been tempted to negotiate with God. If that didn’t work, I probably would have tried to stack the scales where I looked good. When that didn’t produce the results I wanted, I would have become just like all of the other Israelites… I would grumble and complain.

In chapter 27 when God tells Moses to climb the mountain and take a good look at the Promised Land and then die on that mountain top, Moses sees the Land he will never enter… the Land that he has labored and sacrificially given his life up for to lead an ungrateful people to. Moses had to have had some human feelings, but the only thing recorded is, “Moses said to the Lord, ’May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.’” When it could feel like he was getting the shaft, he chose not to fall to those feelings. His desire was for the peoples’ well being. What a testimony of leadership!

When I stop and think about it, that is exactly what Jesus did - our perfect example… loving others above self. Moses gave his life for the people and they were ungrateful.

Lord, forgive me for the times I have been ungrateful to you and to the servants you have appointed to lead me. – Amen

Written by
Liz Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-11-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
Proverbs 4:25

Okay, let's face it, being surrounded by boxes and things that need to find their way into boxes is not my idea of fun. I had not been feeling all that agreeable with God lately as the date of my train leaving for Kraków, Poland approached -- the packing, the good-byes, the details to finish up. I felt like I was finally getting settled in my purpose as a missionary in Poznan, Poland, so moving to Krakow seemed uncomfortable. Then God showed me a glimpse of His agenda this week....

...Kasia had learned that I would no longer be in Poznan for a while. She was sad. "Theresa, I write to you with tears in my eyes that I won't able to see you before you leave. God is teaching me many lessons. One of which is to give time to others and not just keep my time to myself. Now you are gone and we cannot meet for coffee."

I wasn't thinking about Kasia when I was waiting for my bus. "No, that isn't my bus. Where is my bus? Oh, I guess I am a bit early," were the thoughts running through my head that morning. Through a course of silly events (in this day, I didn't read the clock correctly), I ended up at a bus stop too early. As I waited for my bus, another bus went by.....

The next day, Kasia wrote again. "God gave me a small surprise. I saw you waiting at a bus stop. A small gift to see you and a reminder of God's love for me and His willingness to be involved in the small things as well as the big!"

I arrived early to a bus stop. I think I did read the clock correctly, so I could be seen by a friend from the church! A reminder that if God is arranging the small things, then I guess the move (which seems big right now) is in God's hands too. In spite of the pain in moving, I know the move is part of God's agenda. Even during this time I will begin to demonstrate an "exciting faith" (as a supporter encouraged me to get a new view of moving)...that I will know that God has HIS hand on my life and if He needs me to move, by George, who am I to stubbornly disagree? So I will be moving - and experiencing the abundant life. Staying where I am will not give that life...living in His will, soaring on His wings is the only fulfilling place to be. So I will not only be packing, but doing it with a joyful heart!

Written by
Theresa Zacher

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-11-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

“Look at the birds of the air…. Are you not worth much more than they?”
Matthew 6:26 NASB

It came close, sucked up tight and hung on. It reminded me of its presence as it tried to dig a little deeper into my being. Its name was FEAR, and it had taken hold of me when my insides had been pierced with pain. This wasn’t the first piercing, and it seemed that each new cut went a little deeper. I trembled, I hurt, I cried and I poured my heart out to the Lord.

In the days to come, I struggled with anger toward the one who had done the piercing. A battle took place within my heart. I loved the person dearly, yet I had been hurt deeply. Worse yet, I realized my growing fear of this person. As the day approached when we would meet again, I desperately prayed that God would help me to genuinely love this person.

My Heavenly Father prompted me to reach out to another believer for prayer support and accountability, which also led me to memorize a Bible verse specifically for my situation. I chose Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The day came and I, with a friend, set out for the journey. I sat in the passenger seat of the car recalling the verse that I had hidden in my heart. Knowing that I was weak, I had also taken my special notebook of Scripture verses with the intent to drink in God’s love and strength as we drove.

I did love the person whom I was going to see, but the pain overshadowed my love. I wanted to feel love for this person, but I didn’t. Willpower couldn’t force the shadows away. It seemed that my love for this person was all used up.

As I meditated on a few different verses, God spoke to my heart telling me that I could not love that person, but that He would love that person through me. It wouldn’t be my love, but instead, His love. Tenderly, my Heavenly Father assured me of His love for me and invited me to think about my worth in Him. I felt my Father filling me with His love and knew this was the genuine love that He would enable me to share.

I turned the page in my notebook and came upon Matthew 6:26. I sat in quiet contemplation of my worth in Christ and how God values me more than the birds of the air. I closed my eyes, soaking this truth in. Peace and strength began to overtake the dark shadows. I opened my misty eyes, still thinking of God’s amazing love and what did I see?

A beautiful bird was perched on a reed alongside the road just in front of our car. The delicate bird lifted its wings and gently flew in a small low circle beside the highway, then landed on the same reed again. By now, tears were streaming down my face.

It was late winter and this was the first bird that I had seen in months, and it was the only bird I saw that day. I believe God put that little bird there just for me. He knew exactly when I would be thinking about Matthew 6:26, and He knew exactly when I would open my eyes. In His sovereignty, God lovingly placed one of His birds in the perfect place at the perfect time. It was a beautiful and thoughtful monument of His care for me! For the rest of the day, I carried not only Isaiah 41:10 in my heart, but also a visual reminder of my Heavenly Father’s love.

God’s love overtook my fears that day. His care strengthened and enabled me to love the person whom I feared…the one who had hurt me so deeply…the one whom I had run out of love for. It was not easy. However, God had equipped me with what I needed, and He did the rest. Several times throughout the day I silently quoted Isaiah 41:10. The “bird scene” replayed in my mind, and my Heavenly Father and I engaged in silent communication many times. All glory to God, I can say that love won!

Oh Mighty Father,
Thank you for loving me with such an incredibly amazing and tender love-- that I could never deserve. I praise You for what YOU did, and I thank you for strengthening me to be a vessel of Your love in the face of fear.
Amen.

Written by
Jodeen Erickson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-10-30T15:29:00.000-06:00

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’
Jeremiah 29:11 NASB

Moving with my husband to Montana six years ago seemed like an adventurous idea. However, we both began to question its logistics when I was pregnant with our first child. If their grandparents were 1700 miles away, how would our kids have a relationship with them? How would we survive without our parents around to help us?

While these questions were hard ones, the one most pressing to me was how in the world was I going to bring our new baby home from the hospital without my mom’s help? How would I know what to do?

As my pregnancy went by, we began thinking of what date to book her plane ticket. Would I go into labor early? If we booked it too early and I went overdue, it was possible she could visit for a week before the baby even arrived! We drilled my midwife for her “best guess” and each time she said, “Every baby is different.” Finally, she gave us the last day she would let me go without inducing me – two weeks after my due date. Two months before I was due, we prayed for God to guide us as we bought a ticket for my mom to come the Saturday before the Monday I could be induced. At worst, we could hang out over the weekend before baby arrived.

Our God is faithful…and our little Lucy decided to enter the world the Thursday before my mom arrived. In fact, my mom flew in the morning I was dismissed from the hospital. She rode home with us! At the time, I was just excited that it had all worked out – but now, as I look back over the past two years at God’s timeliness, I see that as we were faithful to God in moving to Montana, He has been faithful to us. Lucy took her first steps while we were home visiting my husband’s parents. My mom flew in the night before I was dismissed from the hospital with our second daughter. He’s even provided “adopted grandparents” for our girls here in Helena and opportunities for time away with just my husband. All these blessings are teaching me that if I trust God with the big picture of my life, He promises to work out the details. My concerns over what He asks of us are creatively already taken care of by Him.

Lord, help me to always remember that You will not call me where you will not carry me. Thank you for blessing me and my family with rich relationships both near and far.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-10-24T14:00:00.000-06:00

We wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of the wonderful new features of the Coffeebreak Devotional! When you receive your weekly devotional, click on the words HSBC Coffeebreak and you will immediately be taken to our official blog page.

From here, you will notice many wonderful features. One, you can click on the header and go to the website for Hannaford Street Bible Church. Along the right hand side, you can also quickly link yourself to the church's women's minstry page and other fun events happening at the church.

On our offical blog page, you will also be able to locate past devotionals. While they are not all on there yet, several are available to you. You can find them by author name or date of original post. Feel free to use these as a source of encouragement for friends and family...should someone (maybe even you) be in a challenging time, pass along a devotional to them!

Also, please note on the blog page that you are able to post a "comment." If a devotional has really touched you, please feel free to do so.

We pray that our new format is user-friendly and helpful to you! Thank you for being a part of this meaningful ministry.

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-10-16T14:58:00.000-06:00

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

If my sweetheart of a husband wrote me letter, I would read it and reread it and tuck the contents away in my heart, where I could recall it at will. How much more should I read and reread God’s love letter to me and hide His words in my heart where I can recall them when needed?

What a wonderful, loving and merciful God we serve! He looked down from His lofty home in heaven and had compassion on us who were lost in our sin and without hope or remedy. Because God is love, He provided salvation for us from the foundation of the world, through the life, death and resurrection of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

He not only provided salvation and a savior, but He wrote a love letter to us through His prophets! By getting familiar with the words He has written, we are taught how to live and love in this world. And, more importantly, by abiding in His Word (Love Letter), we can have the privilege of knowing this wonderful and powerful God intimately. His Son has opened the door for direct worship to the Father when we pray in His Name!

Written by
Estella Schmidt

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-10-09T14:39:00.000-06:00

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sometimes I think I am a farmer at heart. Everywhere I have lived I find myself wanting to grow things. Generally my plants flourish with little effort. When we moved onto acreage in the country with little water and topsoil, I knew that I would have to set aside my passion for gardening until we were better established.

Before long, I was bringing in flowers that had their origin in the first home that my parents bought, and then it was yellow roses from Grandma’s yard, and more flower starts from our last yard. Mom helped me out by bringing a few trees from her yard and other plant starts. Oh, how delighted I was! Now I could be happy.

Morning after morning I discovered that my plants were being eaten, sometimes clear to the ground. Mule deer were the culprit, so I set out to find deer resistant plants. To my surprise, the mule deer that live in my neck of the woods eat anything and everything! They would even come during broad daylight when I was outside and start eating my plants. I threw rocks at them; I blew my gym whistle as loudly as I could to scare them away and they just stared at me. Knowing that more powerful artillery was needed, I purchased a BB gun. Not just any BB gun, but the pump kind that would shoot BBs farther and harder than the average one. I soon found out that hitting deer broadside with a BB hardly fazed them. My next purchase was pellets for this gun; surely that would sting enough to scare them away.

After much frustration and loss of plants, the only solution was to fence in all of our plants. My husband spent quite a bit of time getting all of my plant protection in place. I was so excited that spring and planted many new starts and even a few vegetables in between the flowers. I still didn’t have a full fledged garden, but I was rejoicing over what I had. Now, I could be happy and give thanks.

Lo and behold, my plant protection was not enough. The wild rabbit’s cute, little baby bunnies found ways to get through the fencing and enjoyed my fresh lettuce. Where the bunnies wouldn’t go, the chipmunks did! I hadn’t realized that spinach was a favorite of theirs.

I hated the frustration and the battle of finding ways to keep my plants. When I read I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I thought how can I give thanks when the animals are winning this battle and eating all the things that bring me pleasure? I was still waiting to have things my way, then I would be joyful and give thanks.

One evening while sitting at our picnic table enjoying a wonderful dinner with my husband, we watched many birds come to feed or bathe in the bird bath; we could see the baby bunny trying to find a new hole to get to the lettuce; behind us the chipmunk was checking out the flower boxes on his way to eat bird seeds that had fallen to the ground; a mule deer in velvet crept in to drink from the bird bath that was only a few feet away, following close behind was a doe. Recalling I Thess. 5:18, I was faced with a choice. Would I choose frustration because I couldn’t control all the circumstances in my yard, or would I see the beauty and wonder in these creations of God’s and choose to rejoice and give thanks?

As I chose to take my eyes off of myself and look to God, then around me, I was filled with awe at the beauty that surrounds me every day, the mountains, green trees, fresh air, singing birds and quiet critters. God had created a dinner ambiance far beyond anything I ever could. It was there for my taking if I would only choose it. I didn’t have to plant it, water it, weed it, or fence it in. God had done all of the work and would continue to sustain it.

When I choose to acknowledge that God is in control and choose to see the work of His hand around me, I can’t help but to rejoice and give thanks. Then I am truly happy.

Lord, life is always best when you are in control. – Amen

Written by
Liz Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-10-02T13:46:00.000-06:00

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 NASB

It was Wednesday again. My schedule was packed and the phone wouldn't stop ringing at work. I was worried about my teenager flying alone across the country on her way to a mission trip that started in Miami. I didn't have time for prayer, let alone attending Moms in Touch, my small weekly prayer group.

Somehow I escaped from the office and drove to the church, where I felt impatient and irritated. But I was grimly obedient and began with praise to the Lord and soon, the worry and irritation fell away. I was focused on my Father and His perspective was so much bigger than my own. I began to relax and worship. I asked for His forgiveness on worry and busyness. I thanked Him for His goodness, specifically and with the help of my friends at the table.

I cried and then I laughed as I gave thanks for things that had gone right with my teenagers that week. And I let go and let God have the problems we had and my children. Right at the end, my cell phone rang. It was my traveling daughter's number and she was safe at the next airport. “What a fast answer to prayer!” I said, as I teased Aubrey and my friends. I left refreshed - the only time all week I spent more than five minutes in continuous prayer. I felt refocused on God's plan for the day.

I didn't have time for noontime prayer and I didn't have time to NOT do it.

Please join our Moms in Touch group at Hannaford Street Bible Church, beginning Monday October 15 at noon. We will meet each Monday to pray for our children. Feel free to contact me with any questions or if there's a better time for you.

Written by
Ellen Bush
rebush@bresnan.net

2007-09-25T14:35:00.000-06:00

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11

Woke up on the floor that morning.

"Where am I?" was my first thought. Then it came back to me. Oh, yes, I am starting the move and my furniture was carted away last night. I walked around the apartment, stepping around piles of books, linens, pictures and memories that had to quickly depart from the furniture before it was moved to the apartment of a student that I had worked with last year. Why am I doing this again...........? Another year, another move....?

I sat down and opened my Bible to Psalm 29:2 -5,10 "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon...The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever."

As I was reading this, I was thinking this must be a Psalm that talks about fearing the Lord and His might, and seeing and recognizing this might in a storm. He is mighty and in control. He is worthy of being feared. Then I read verse eleven,

"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

Reading that verse provided hope in the chaos of facing the details of my move for the next few weeks. In the midst of the chaos of a storm, I receive strength & peace. In the midst of the piles of different items needed to be put into boxes, I receive strength & peace. Isn't our God good to provide for what is needed! I'm still in the process of moving, but when things are getting overwhelming, I look for God in the storm, in the chaos. And I see His strength & peace coming my way.

Written by
Theresa Zacher

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-09-18T15:30:00.000-06:00

“Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no sons? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”
Numbers 27:4 NIV

During my young formidable years, I was surrounded by the women’s liberation movement. I didn’t grow up learning God’s Word and wasn’t able to counter the lies of the culture. I seemed to mix a little of what I heard everywhere and came up with my own belief structure - one that was very confusing and unstable. When I trusted Christ as my Savior, it still took me a few years before I started to grow and learn about God and Truth. Once I began to learn, I was like a sponge. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn and life began to make some sense. Some sense.

It is easy to get the idea that women are of no significance. The world tries to tell us that and it can seem as though the Bible sends the same message. Let’s face it, women aren’t even listed in the genealogies. That seems to send the message that they weren’t even worth counting. Rules against slavery were more protective of men. How about when Aaron and his sister Miriam grumbled against Moses’ leadership and it was Miriam whom God struck with leprosy? Even the punishment for infidelity is much more severe towards women.

I was desperate for understanding of the female role. I wondered how to have a voice and at the same time, how to always submit. As I studied the Bible, I would find passages that lent to understanding and others that added to my confusion. Over time I realized that I had to trust God, even in the places that I did not have the understanding that I longed for. I must choose to believe that God is good even when it doesn’t feel like it. One day, while reading in the book of Numbers, I came across a gem that ministered to my heart. Zelophehad only had daughters. As the people were to enter the Promised Land, these women would not inherit any land. In that culture, if you didn’t have land, you didn’t have anything, as that is how you made your living. These daughters were about to get left out, overlooked, and were not to be provided for. If there was any struggle with feelings and how they should respond, it is not recorded. We get the bare facts. The daughters came boldly to those who were in authority. They stated their case. Their closing statement was, “Give us property among our father’s relatives.”

Moses heard these women’s concern and took it before the Lord. This started the whole process of making policies dealing with inheritances that have been useful and practical from that day forward. If these women would have thrown a pity party, they may have been so stuck on themselves that they personally remained without and nothing would have been established for the future benefit of others. I am sure they faced the possibility of rejection by going to the authorities and making such a bold request. But they went anyway. They left their feelings behind, spoke in simple straightforward terms and trusted God for the outcome. Their example of bold confidence while submitting to the authority structure is surely worth following!

Lord, may we find liberty in the midst of your perfect will and never apart from You. Amen

Written by
Liz Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-09-04T13:13:00.000-06:00

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

The first time I ever sang “Grace Like Rain” (by Todd Agnew) was at our church ladies retreat in the spring of 2004. I’ve never forgotten singing it that day, because the words changed my perspective on God’s grace.

I’m a former English teacher and song lyrics always interest me. The lines of the song I love most are “Hallelujah; Grace like rain falls down on me/ Hallelujah; all my stains are washed away…” I remember being intrigued with the comparison of grace to rain. Grace, something I enjoy, with rain, something I do not. My normal response to being in the rain is to duck my head. I tense up everywhere and try to get out of it as fast as I can, being hit by the fewest raindrops that I can.

As I sang the song, I realized that God doesn’t want me to “run through” His grace like I usually do rain. What if I would begin seeing rain as what it is to creation – refreshing, renewing and cleansing? What if I slowed down in the rain, lifted my face up to the heavens, opened my arms wide and let the rain truly wash over me. I realized that if I would view rain in this way, I would experience God’s grace for what it truly is – refreshing, renewing and cleansing.

Before, I knew that God’s grace forgave me. Now, I see grace as a gift that does so much more. God desires to make me clean and I long to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Him doing so when I ask. Everytime I sing that song, I cannot help but look toward the heavens. I want that rain to hit me square on my face. I want to feel new each time I go to the throne and humbly ask for forgiveness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me as a sinner and for the awesome gift of grace you have given me through Jesus Christ. Help me to begin to understand the extent of your gift…help me to allow it to wash over my entire life, removing the shame and guilt…may it make me a new creation each time.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

Press the play button to hear the song:

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-08-29T08:47:00.000-06:00

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 24-25

When my first husband, Cliff, died in 1983, I was so discouraged and sad. After taking care of him and having been away from the church for approximately two years, I returned to church and was shocked to see that the thriving church I had last worshipped in was all but dead. I visited the church one Sunday and decided to go back once more, since the head pastor had been away and I wanted to at least hear him preach before I gave up on the church.

I was driving to church for the second time reluctantly and complaining to God that nobody would care whether I was there or not. Lo and behold, I heard a still small voice say to me, “Are you going to worship them or Me?” Needless to say, I was so taken aback that I drove to church a changed person. I was happy and ready to get in there and work!

To the best of my ability, I have tried to be in church with a proper attitude or worship. I am so thankful that my Lord loved me enough to correct me in such a personal way. I no longer am concerned if anybody notices whether I am there, for I am there to worship my God – not to be noticed by others.

Written by
Estella Schmidt

HSBC Coffeebreak

2007-08-21T20:26:00.000-06:00

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:3-5 NIV

It had been a demanding week and the longing for a reprieve over the weekend seemed to be in vain. It was Sunday evening and we still had a few church responsibilities to take care of before we could focus on preparing for the work week. Trying to make the trip into the church our “reprieve,” we decided to ride our motorcycle to town.

The half hour drive was pleasant and it was relaxing to sit behind my husband on the bike knowing this was something he enjoys. Just a few blocks from our destination, while stopped at an intersection, we were hit from behind by a pickup. The minutes that followed the accident were emotionally charged with a mixture of fear, pain, and a sense of powerlessness and confusion, along with thanksgiving and praise that we and the bike weren't hurt worse than we had been.

I was taken to the hospital by ambulance to check for neck injuries and felt blessed to know that there were no broken bones or fractures. I was told that I was just fine and was free to go. As I walked towards the motorcycle (yes, it was still drivable), I was flooded with mixed emotions again. Fear and the need to conquer fear waged war inside of me, and I understood the old saying about getting right back on the horse that just bucked you off. I chose to fight the fear and decided that I would get back on to go home. The pain from the whiplash made it difficult to put my helmet on, but we managed.

As time passed, the pain from the whiplash subsided and the emotions of that moment lost most of their grip on my heart. Several months later I noticed that I still had a great deal of pain in my neck and that I had started doing full body turns rather than turning my neck. I went to my doctor and learned that even though there were no broken bones, I had a severe sprain and the tissues and ligaments in my neck had been torn and they would take at least a year to heal. In the meantime, I needed to have physical therapy and learn ways to stretch and exercise my neck so that it would heal properly.

As I underwent therapy, I kept thinking that so much of life is like this. So often I think that choosing to press on is the choice that will please God. After all, aren’t we are told in Philippians 3:13-14 “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” While pressing on is good, I learned that I needed to give adequate time and attention to my body before I pressed on or I would be hindered with an unnecessary “limp” for the rest of my life. As that truth sunk in, I began to see other areas in my life where I had chosen to press on before I had properly healed and that I had been running the race of life with some very unnecessary limps.

Stopping my world to deal with unhealed wounds of the heart has been difficult and humiliating, but just like going to the physical therapist and having to stretch my neck in spite of the pain, healing comes and life is better.

Lord, I thank you for being my Great Physician and for being able to heal every wound of mine. Amen

Written by
Liz Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-08-15T13:24:00.000-06:00

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:13-14

As I was out in my little garden of sweet peas today doing a much needed weeding job, I got to thinking about those pesky weeds. You know, I plant those sweet peas every year and pamper them constantly hoping that they will come up. Weeds are not like that. Not only do they come up uninvited, but they don't seem to need any special treatment to thrive. If I let them, they would quickly outgrow my beautiful little flowers.

The more I ponder this, the more I think how much it reminds me of my own spiritual journey. The weeds are my flesh. Encompassed in this flesh are my sin nature and my past hurts and insecurities. As I am weeding, the weeds always seem to trick me and break off at the base leaving a root there that will all too quickly come back bigger and stronger the next time I try to kill it. Many times I think I have dealt with an issue, only to find out the root is much deeper and harder to get to. I find that as a Christian, I sometimes don't even want to admit to myself what the root is because "Christians" don't feel that way or struggle with this.

The good news is that God knows more about us than we do and He still calls us His beloved! I love that word, beloved! He is the gardener of our hearts. And it gets better - He wants to free us from all the weeds that have taken a good hold of us. Do you have hidden anger or bitterness? God can do a healing work in your life, as He did in mine, and tear that stuff out by the roots so that it will never come back to choke out your beautiful colors again. Hallelujah! He is an AWESOME God!

I will close with a little story I read in Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands. A grandfather says to his grandson, "Grandson, there are two wolves living in my heart and they are at war with each other. One is vicious and cruel, the other is wise and kind."

"Grandfather," said the alarmed boy, "which one will win?"

"The one I feed," said the grandfather.

Written by
Joanne Kauzlarich

HSBC Coffeebreak Big News!

2007-08-08T08:32:00.000-06:00

Ladies & Coffeebreak Readers!

Good day to you! Instead of receiving a devotional this week, we'd like to
share the BIG NEWS!

Coffeebreak is expanding! We are excited to begin the process of a new look & format for those already receiving Coffeebreak email devotionals! The new format will make the distribution of the devotionals easier and also bring great perks your way!

We need your help in making the transition smoothly! The week of August
13th, you will receive in your inbox an email from donotreply@emailenfeugo.com. The subject line will read "Activate your subscription HSBC Coffeebreak." You may need to check your junk mail folder, in case your computer doesn't recognize the sender.

Upon opening this email, click on the link provided. If that is not possible, copy the link into your browser and hit enter. Either way, you should immediately receive a confirmation window that reads "Email subscription confirmed."

If you do not already receive the Coffeebreak Devotionals in email, you can sign up right now by entering your email address in the SUBSCRIBE TODAY! form on the left sidebar.

Signing up on our new list server (provided by Feedburner) will not place your email address on any mailing lists. It is still private and only for the Coffeebreak weekly devotionals.

Be on the lookout - as the BIG SWITCH gets closer, we will email you with some of the new and exciting options available to you on our new list server, such as an archive of our previously sent out devotionals!

We ask for your patience during this time of transition. Thank you for being a part of this ministry - for writing, for reading, for passing it along. God is using it to encourage and reach women around the world!

HSBC Coffeebreak

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-07-31T09:18:00.001-06:00

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight, more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
Esther 2:17

Ah. A story that delights the female soul, that a king would desire you above all others in the land and make you his queen. I recently read a novel by Tommy Tenney called Hadassah; One Night with the King. It takes the story of Esther and creates a fascinating look at events surrounding the life of Esther.

Esther is everything females want to be. She is brave. She is beautiful. She is desirable, patient and wise. She is strong in her faith. However, when I read the story in its entirety, I find Esther was also things that weren't desirable. She was orphaned. How sad. No one wants that element in their Cinderella story. She wasn't the king's only lover. Ouch. No female anywhere wants that in her diary. She was forced to keep a secret that endangered her life. Hello, STRESS! While it makes for a good storyline, to live with that kind of stress, would have been horrible. Her faith in God remains evident and ultimately, it is her faith in God that is the reason this story has such a Cinderella, happily ever after element to it. She goes before the king knowing her life could (by the law) be ended in doing so. She puts her faith in God and in Esther 4:16 says, "I will go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish." She was strong in her faith. She knew she might die, but she wanted to do the right thing.

I, too, desire to remain strong in my faith, midst less than perfect circumstances in life, so that when I stand before my King, He will find favor in His sight.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-07-18T20:17:00.000-06:00

"'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
Joshua 3:6-7 NIV

Memories... memories of happy times, new places or adventures, accomplishments... we work hard at making and holding onto good memories. We take lots of photographs or video footage; we buy souvenirs; we relive and retell those memories at family gatherings; we want to make sure that we don't forget.

One summer I was attempting to "make memories" with our grandchildren. One of the projects we worked on was making concrete garden stepping stones, where the grandchildren were able to make handprints and footprints in and write their name and date. They expressed how much fun it would be to place their hands and feet in the prints the next time they came to visit and see how much they had grown.

As I was reading the book of Joshua and was reminded of God's miraculous hand in providing for and protecting His people, even to the point of making the waters of the Jordan River stop while the Israelites crossed over, I was encouraged to trust Him more. God told these people to erect a stone monument there so that when future generations, who hadn't been a part of this journey, came by, they would see these stones and ask why they were there or what they meant. God wanted a memento placed there to cause people to relive and retell the story of His goodness because He knew this would be encouraging and cause others to trust Him more, too.

As I pondered this, I was faced with the question, "Do my mementos remind me of worldly things or do they remind me of how great and mighty God is?" Do I possess anything that would cause one of my grandchildren to ask, "Grandma, what does this mean?" giving me the opportunity to tell them about an event in my life where God's hand was very evident. I have been challenged by that question and desire to make a point of saving mementos or building monuments so that when others ask what or why, I can tell them about God's faithfulness and mightiness.

Lord, help me be alert to Your presence and working in my life. This helps me trust You more and as I tell others, they are encouraged to trust You more too. Amen

Written by
Liz Anderson

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-07-12T23:28:00.000-06:00

"The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning..."
Lamentations 5:15

Wait a minute, wait a minute, now just hold on here. This is supposed to be an uplifting devotional time, isn't it? Who in their right mind uses a verse from Lamentations to start off a ladies devotion? (I never said I was in my right mind!)

My day started with a downer, and basically went downhill from there...and my "scheduled" devotional reading? It was from the book of Lamentations. Oh goody. A book written by Jeremiah about weeping, sadness...lamenting. Did God really want me to read Lamentations today?

As I read (with a less than a cheery attitude about it), I read of hope and of God's goodness, mixed in with lamenting. In chapter three, I read, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not." He is divinely compassionate. He is without failure. Ok, that isn't depressing. It's good to know on a day that started off dismal, God loves me and doesn't fail. That felt nourishing.

Reading on, I found "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore I will hope in Him." Certain things in my life may appear hopeless, but I always have security in Him. Verses twenty-five and twenty-six say, "The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord." Ok - the word wait isn't my favorite...no matter how you spell it (wait or weight!). I take assurance, however, in knowing God's Word tells me God is good to those who wait and seek. Hearing Jeremiah say in verse fifty-seven, "Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee; thou sadist, 'Fear Not.'" soothed me. I needed to call on the Lord. He is there for me, drawing near to me as I call out to Him.

On those days when sadness feels overwhelming or when losses seem to face me at every turn, I can lament...but not without hope. Psalm 30:11 tells how the Lord helps us turn mourning into dancing. Psalm 31: 24 says, "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

Even reading Lamentations turned out to be just what I needed on a day I was sure reading that book was not what I needed. Thank You, Lord, for knowing and meeting my needs.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-06-22T09:57:00.000-06:00

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him."
Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10

Friendship. It is such a blessing. So why the struggles that seem to go with friendships? I recently had lunch with a friend I had years ago. I moved, and while we did keep in contact with each other, our communications were quite limited. I enjoyed catching up, hearing how her children had grown and changed and laughing at shared "menopause moments" we'd both experienced.

We live in such a lavish world, using things and tossing them at the first signs of inconvenience. That shouldn't be how we treat friendships, but I fear at times I can let friendships slide when they begin to take work. Scripture supports friendships and tells us not to forsake them (Proverbs 27:10). John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" [emphasis mine]. I notice that it doesn't use the words, "family members" there, it says friends. Jonathan and David, Ruth and Naomi, and E lijah and Elisha were all biblical friends. Abraham was even called a friend of God! How cool is that?!?!?

The Bible also tells of troubles in friendships. Job's friends scorned him and made him cry. (Job 16:20 & Job 19:19) The apostles abandoned Jesus. (John 16:32, II Timothy 1:15.) True friendship takes work. No friend, aside from Christ, is perfect. It can be uncomfortable, even painful at times, but Proverbs 17:17 tells me, "A friend loves at all times." Is it worth the struggles? Absolutely!

As I drove home after having spent time with my friend, I thanked the Lord for friendship. There is so much to be learned from it. My friend and I are far from the same; we view many things differently. Still, I can be challenged by her, appreciate her unique views, and hope she does the same with me. Thank you Lord, for the gift of friendship. Help me be a good friend to the precious people you've brought into my life.

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-06-13T21:45:00.000-06:00

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

Priorities. Sometimes we have them right. A lot of times, especially for me, they are a bit out of whack.

I had one hour to finish the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) newsletter. My kids were napping. The project was almost done and ready to email to the church secretary for printing. As I set my glass of water down on the coffee table next to my laptop, it tipped. Water went rushing everywhere.

Panicked, I grabbed the laptop and lifted it off the table and onto the floor. I began mopping up the water, trying to stop it from getting to the printer. Once I took a second to breathe, I began to lift up some of the other items on the coffee table to make sure they were ok. It was then that I noticed my husband's Bible, the one I gave him in college, was soaked.

I realized instantly that had I been reading my Bible more, it may have been more of a priority for me to rescue my husband's Bible before I rescued the laptop. (My husband interjects here with an "It's ok she rescued the laptop!" comment. You might understand where he's coming from!) Even though the cost of replacing a laptop is greater than the cost of replacing a Bible, I had to face the fact that I didn't even give it a thought! I could have grabbed the Bible, tossed it on the couch, and then dove into saving the laptop, but the thought did not cross my mind.

God just gave me a little nudge - a little poke. He wants me to see where my treasure lies. I need to spend more time with Him. I need to make a habit of putting Him first. I am thankful He still let me save my husband's laptop, but I am even more thankful for the simple lesson taught.

Written by
Angie Howell

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-06-10T17:21:00.000-06:00

"Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Joanna, wife of Cuza....these women were helping to support them out of their own means."
Luke 8:1,3 NIV

I was scheduled to teach women's Sunday school the following week. I had spent several hours preparing my lesson on Joanna...a woman who served Jesus because she was grateful to Him for healing her. I intended to draw out many points from her life, but I was focusing on this main one: If we are aware of, and truly grateful for, the healing that Christ has done in our lives, we will then desire to serve the lost in whatever way we can so that they too can have the powerful healing of Christ in their lives.

This point lingered with me as I went about my day to day life. I wondered how I could apply it in my own life. In what way was Christ asking me to serve the lost? Enter Tony. He moved to Helena to work for my husband's company the Monday before I taught Sunday school. My husband offered to let him stay in our home until he found a place to live. Now, I usually love houseguests, but this particular week was a stressful one for me. I had a lot to do - and extra laundry and food and a man sleeping in our playroom wasn't on my agenda.

On Wednesday, during naptime, I was reviewing my lesson. I went to the refrigerator to get a glass of cold milk - and we were out. My first thought was, "Argh...Tony drank the last of the milk. When is he going to find a place?" I shut the door, grabbed a glass of water and returned to my lesson on Joanna. I read Luke 8:1-3. Again, I pondered what that looked like in my life. What little details could I take care of with a grateful heart so that God could work to heal the lost?

I'm guessing you can see the irony here. God placed a "lost" in my home - and while I was busy preparing a lesson on serving with a grateful heart, while I was busy brainstorming how I could help serve others, I got frustrated that our "lost" houseguest had drank the last of the milk. Instead of being grateful that he could stay in the home of believers, instead of being grateful that we had milk to offer him, instead of recognizing that I was running errands that evening anyway, I chose to focus on me...what I lacked because of what I was giving.

To me, that realization was much bigger than an empty milk carton. I think I often shy away from giving all I have - my time, my possessions, my energy - to bring the Good News to the lost. I focus instead on what I might lack as a result of it. I praise God that He used Joanna to show me how to serve with a grateful heart. I praise God that He brought Tony to our home to help me learn about how that should look in my daily life.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-06-02T14:01:00.000-06:00

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 28:19 NIV

After the birth of my first child, I began to view the world in a whole new way. Suddenly, I became even more concerned with the state of things - knowing that I would eventually be sending children into it. However, as I kept up with the news, I quickly became aware that there were many problems that needed to be tackled...too many for me to process!

I guess what I am getting at is my frustration with myself for lack of participation in social issues. Our world has many problems (AIDS, poverty, child sex trafficking etc.). Whenever I read about a new problem I want to do something to fix it - now. I find it encouraging that Jesus does care about people in the here and now, as opposed to just where they are going to spend eternity. I think as Christians we sometimes feel suffering is permissible as long as people have been baptized. Of course, I wouldn't say this directly, but I think my actions frequently imply this. And if you think about it, the notion that God does not care about the condition of people in the present does not seem to jive with Jesus' life on earth. Why would Jesus bother to heal all those people if suffering is only a temporary stop on the path to eternal glory? Why would he bother to feed the 5,000?

I think the tension that is chafing me is that life is to be lived somewhere between, "Go into all the world and make disciples" (Matt 28:19), "As you do unto the least of these so you do unto me," (Matt 18:5) and "make it your ambition to live a quiet life and work with your hands," (1 Thessalonians 4:11). What does it look like to do all three at once? How can I balance my world as a mother with my role as a Christian on this earth?

What does it mean to live a world changing life right where I am? Is being the difference for one person enough? How about 5 people? What about just making a difference to my own kid and my husband? How big an impact are we supposed to make? The problem is, there is no textbook answer. However, I think it is a question I will continue to ask myself - constantly. By wrestling with this idea regularly, I keep my spirit in tune with what God does want from me today.

Written by
Angela Haddick

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-05-23T10:22:00.000-06:00

"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."
Ruth 1:16

Mother-in-law.

Those three words send chills up the spine. Still, many of us long to be a good mother-in-law. I find myself searching for things that define a good mother-in-law. What does she do? What doesn't she do? What really, bottom line, is the goal of a wise mother-in-law?

Naomi must have been a good one. Ruth apparently thought so. The verse we read about Ruth telling her mother-in-law that she didn't want to leave her... that she would go wherever her mother-in-law went, and would live where she lived, and make Naomi's God, Ruth's God... Wow! It flies in the face of typical views of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships. When I read the first chapter in the book of Ruth and search for what it was that Naomi did that made her so likable, so worthy in Ruth's eyes, I can't help but notice the compassion in verses eight and nine. Naomi herself had just lost a husband and two sons. She had to have been overwhelmed with grief. Still, she reached out and looked out for the best interests of her two daughters-in-law. She said, "'Go, return each to her mother's house; the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.' Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice and wept." Naomi didn't expect any favors from her daughter-in-laws. She, instead, looked to their best interests. She was kind to them, she showed true compassion for them, she thanked them for being good to her sons, and she gave advice that in Naomi's eyes, would have benefited her daughters-in-law the most.

So... what does a good mother-in-law do? God has taught me that she learns to look out for what is best for those that marry into the family. What doesn't she do? Expect favors in return. I suppose that advice could be given to any relationship. Friendships, spouses, relatives... It's an unselfish attitude, one that looks for the best for others and denies self.

My new role of mother-in-law is one I approach with apprehension. I'm scared. I want to do a good job. I want to pattern my new role like the one Naomi offers, and seek the best interests of my new family members. God has my best interests in mind, and wants me to do the same for others..

Even if looking out for others means working hard to change the traditional view of a MOTHER-IN-LAW!

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-05-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

"And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:20

College was an interesting season in my life, full of new experiences, adventures and ideas. It was exciting, yet it was also difficult as I struggled with what to do with my life and how to live out my faith. Often, it seemed, God was a silent partner in my struggles. I so badly wanted Him to show up visibly in my life to give me direction on decisions I had to make or encouragement in my sometimes very weak faith. During those years, I struggled with wondering if God was really there and, if He was, why was He so silent and invisible? I yearned to have tangible reassurance of His presence and His guiding hand in my life. I often wished I could get a letter in the mail from Him in which He would expound on His love and acceptance of me, and then would give me explicit details concerning what actions I should take for my future.

One summer night, sitting on the steps of the house I was renting as I attended summer school, I again poured out my heart to my God, begging Him for some communication that I could hear and recognize as being conclusively from Him. I remember looking up at the dark, cloudless sky. The breeze was warm and gentle, lifting my hair and playing gently with the nearby leaves. There were bright stars out surrounding a beautiful, full moon. The sky was so clear that I could make out the dark patches on the moon.

Suddenly, a cloud just larger than the moon covered the moon completely. Surprised, I looked around and wondered where the cloud had come from. Seconds ago, the sky had been completely clear. I heard a gentle voice speak to me, saying, "Chris, is the moon still there?" I froze for a moment. The gentle voice nudged my thoughts again, "Chris, is the moon still there?" I whispered, "Of course, it is, Lord." Then His voice reassured me that He was always there, like the moon, even if events, my own doubts, or His quiet obscured my ability to sense His presence. I sat quiet in the realization of the nearness of His presence, no matter if I could tangibly sense it or not.

The memory of that experience has come back to me often throughout my life. My faith in His presence and love for me is exercised when my knowledge of His presence and love for me is not something I can experience in a tangible sense. This reality has comforted and reassured me in uncertain times.

Written by
Chris Bushnell

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-05-02T07:33:00.000-06:00

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

Following the birth of my second child, I felt like I dropped off the planet. Functioning seemed all I could manage between meeting the needs of my 19 month old and my newborn. I began feeling guilty that I wasn't serving anywhere. I enjoy serving, but I just had no idea how to fit it in! All I did was sleep, cook, change diapers, nurse, etc. So what did I do? My Type A personality developed a system.

Taking into consideration my available time, I decided that one act of service that I could do was write encouraging notes to people. I enjoy writing and so I determined to write one encouraging card a week. It felt really good to still be contributing something to the kingdom!

I loved looking out for women who needed a card. I prayed about who to send them to -and then, one week, I came up short. I had no one in mind! What was I to do? I prayed and got nothing ... what was going wrong with my system? It was a few weeks before I felt God calling me to write a card ... only this time there were two women on my heart. I remember thinking, "Which one do I send this week, and which one needs to wait until next week?" As I prayed about this, I know God was shaking His head at me ... why couldn't I send two out this week?

In that moment, I had this realization: God didn't need my "system." He doesn't follow a system. God wanted me to simply listen to Him and respond when He needed me – maybe once a week, maybe once a year, maybe a small task, maybe something bigger. I realized that although I thought I had started my system because I missed serving, I now know I started my system out of fear. Fear that if I didn't start serving, He would ask me to do something I couldn't handle right then ... something that would send me over the edge as I adjusted to life with two children.

I think that fear really pained God. He is my Heavenly Father ... He loves me more than anyone – why would I think that He didn't know my situation and wasn't aware of my limitations – He created them! God gently reminded me that I can trust Him with the details of my day to day life and circumstances. If I choose to listen to Him as I go about my daily living, I will hear Him speak to me. He will ask me to serve, but I have to trust that when He does, He will provide the time, the energy, the resources – and that He will never ask me to over commit. He has my life in perfect balance. It is me who struggles to rest in that beautiful balance.

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to always have an ear toward hearing You speak to me each day. Help me learn that You know where I am at in my life at this moment ... and that You will only call me to do what You know I can accomplish in Your power. Help me to be willing to trust that Your power can allow me to serve... as you ask.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-04-18T09:54:00.000-06:00

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
2 Peter 3:18 NASB

Warm sunshine poured through my kitchen window. There sat my plant – healthy, green and outgrowing its pot. I was reminded of the need to transplant this lush creation, so I set about doing that very thing. As I gathered my garden gloves, a bag of soil and a bigger pot, my thoughts drifted beyond the task before me. Not only was I thinking about my plant but also about life. I enjoyed my hearty ivy and could clearly see that in order for it to keep growing, it needed more room-- a bigger pot. I thought about life and the fact that sometimes I, too, need to be transplanted to a situation with more room to grow.

As I carefully tucked dirt around the roots of my plant, I contemplated what this foliage might experience in the days to come. Sure, it may be droopy after being taken out of its familiar pot, but it would adjust. Then it would grow; it would become even bigger and more luscious.

Again, I thought about my life. Leaving the comfortable confines of familiarity is not desirable at times. God, in His infinite wisdom, lovingly transplants me so that I can grow in strength and inner beauty. The process can be a bit disconcerting at times, but the result is definitely worthwhile.

That day, it was as if God spoke to my heart saying, "When you, my child, are removed from your place of comfort and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings, remember that you are being carefully transplanted to a situation that will enable you to grow." Sensing a warm embrace from my Heavenly Father, I looked upward; He tenderly assured me that He enjoys me, His creation, and that my growth brings Him glory.

Father in Heaven,
I choose to trust Your loving wisdom. May You be glorified through my life as You strengthen me to grow. Amen.

Written by
Jodeen Erickson

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-04-11T10:26:00.000-06:00

"A merry heart does good like a medicine."
Proverbs 17:22

The evening started off sober. My blind, diabetic grandmother needed some help, and my sister and I decided we'd give my parents a much needed break. We'd go help Grandma this evening. She had some wounds on her legs that needed daily care. She was in her 90's, weak in many ways, but determined not to give up. Diabetes complications made the wound care challenging. We knew Grandma was frail, her skin tore easily, and infections were almost impossible to cure in her condition. We nervously handled the removal of the old bandages from the calf of her leg. We carefully, cautiously cleansed the wounded area, and did our best to keep the new gauze we were to apply, sterile.

Grandma was sitting on a kitchen chair at her table, the place she'd read the Bible (braille) and where she'd sing hymns on her omnichord, the place she often greeted visitors who stopped by... I've seen her in that chair numerous times. She had one leg resting on a stool in front of her. My sister was on one side of her outstretched leg, I was on the other. We began gently wrapping her leg with gauze. We got to a point where we either needed to lift her leg, or she needed to, so we could finish wrapping it.

My sister asked Grandma, if it would be better for us to lift the leg for her (carefully so we didn't tear her skin) or if she wanted to try to lift it herself. Grandma didn't hesitate - she just lifted up her leg on her own strength, quite surprising to both of us.. but in the process, she bonked my sister, who at that point was leaning over Grandmas leg, right in the nose! I couldn't help but chuckle! Grandma was a bit startled for just a second, but then she realized what had just happened. We all started laughing. My ninety year old blind, diabetic Grandma had just kicked my young able bodied sister in the nose! It started as a snicker, then a chuckle, till finally we were all laughing so hard, I thought Grandma might fall off the chair! In that moment, a lot of the tension that previously filled the air disappeared. My sister and I talk about that moment frequently. Such a sober moment turned into a hearty belly laugh in a split second. God is good.

Perhaps I remember this story because it was one of the last hearty laughs I had with my Grandma and sister. Less than a year later, Grandma went to be with the Lord. I'm sure Grandma is sharing many stories and chuckling heartily, filling all of heaven with laughter.

Proverbs 15:15 says, "He that is of a merry heart has a continual feast." Much of life offers sober moments, tentative situations, grueling tasks. It reminds me that God can use a merry heart to lighten a moment that once seemed burdensome. We just need to not be afraid to laugh a little... not take everything so terribly serious.. and go ahead and enjoy a chuckle! Be blessed by a grin and some laughter - God has gifted us with moments to giggle at... don't hold back! Enjoy a "continual feast" of laughter!

Written by
Melody Foster

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-04-04T18:36:00.001-06:00

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!"
Philippians 2:6-8

I was raised in a Lutheran Church. In the Lutheran Church, we celebrated Lent and Advent. So for a time in my life, during Lent I was trying to get a better understanding of what Jesus had done for me on the cross. I suffered one year, fasted another and one year I wanted a better understanding of the humility that Christ went through when He became man and died a most humiliating death. So I shaved my head.

At first it was strange looking in the mirror, but I got used to it, so no real humility there. Then I went out into society. People always looked at me. I could feel their eyes looking at me. In the grocery store I could hear people talking about me. The worst, though, was at church. Some thought I had cancer, others who talked to me before would not talk with me now and still others, even in my own church, talked about me. I realized at this time how superficial society is.

About two or three weeks after I shaved my head, I was becoming humble, or was it that I was feeling sorry for myself? I started crying and talking to God. This is the moment God revealed to me that He was not looking at the outside, He was interested in the inner being. He showed me that being humble was not degrading myself. Being humble is by giving of myself, when I am willing to serve others as Jesus did when He served me on the cross.

At Easter time I am always reminded of the wonderful blessing it is that God loves me so much! All of me!! He served me through humility on the cross and gave my life worth so I could serve others.

I wish all a blessed Easter!!

Written by
Ruthie Hill

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-03-23T11:23:00.000-06:00

"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
2 Timothy 2:21

Have you ever had one of those days? I seem to have my fair share, but recently I experienced one of the worst. Not a major disaster or life changing event but just a "I don't think I'm going to make it" kind of day.

"Puddles" is the best description of this day. I was supposed to meet with someone in authority to discuss the tension in our relationship and what I needed to do to change it. Today of all days, I needed to do my devotion time. My daughter was crying even before getting out of bed because I told her we needed to study spelling before school, since she and Daddy forgot to do so the night before. (Puddle #1) My son was defiant, lost his temper and yelled at me in frustration. I, of-course, lost my temper and went upstairs slamming doors. I wanted to puddle, but did not yet because I didn't have time - we had to get to school. After prayer and apologies, I dropped them off at school, and thirty minutes later I got a call that I needed to go back because the book fair was closing and we hadn't bought the promised books yet. I'm in sweats, no-makeup, bed head hair - you get the picture. I don't want to go - so much for a devotional. An hour later, I get home and suspect my refrigerator is not working. This was confirmed by the puddle of berry juice and meat blood in the bottom of the freezer. Yuck! (Puddle #2)

While I quickly transfer the food to the garage freezer, I start the soup I promised to bring to that meeting I'm now really not looking forward to. I also needed to shower, so I put the soup on low and ran upstairs for a quick rinse. As often happens, my shower time became my time with God. I was stewing over what might be said at the meeting, how I was to respond, why such a difficult day, you get the picture. Unfortunately, I wasn't listening for God's answers, I just wanted for Him to hear me. By the time I got done with my whining and the last puddle drained out of the shower, my soup had boiled over, WAY over, and now a puddle of tomato soup sat inside my stove top. (#3) I was on the verge of tears, but it was time to go and I didn't want to be late, so I salvaged what soup I could and packed up to go. The meeting was even more painful than expected and resulted in further puddles. (#4, 5, and 6) I was more emotional than my norm but I attributed it to the events of the last 3 hours. However, I needed to hear the words said. I needed to hear them with a softened heart and realize my mistakes without being defensive.

In hindsight, I believe God used the events and "puddles" of the morning to get my pride out of the way and soften my heart. I learned some things I needed to do in consideration of others that without this meeting, I would have never recognized on my own. So I guess the day was in a sense "life-changing."

Isaiah 64:8 says, "But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand." Having thrown a few pots I understand that it is impossible to work with hard clay but that is how it always starts out. You knead it, beat it, and massage it, until it is moldable. Then you put it on the wheel and you add lots of water to soften it until it is shapeable and you carefully put both hands around it to gently shape and mold it. Sometimes you have to take a tool and scrape off unwanted clay. As it becomes more the shape you desire, it also becomes increasingly important to keep it centered or it will collapse and you have to start all over. Always there is a puddle of water in the wheel well to keep it soft.

As God shapes me into the perfect servant vessel, sometimes He holds me carefully in His gentle hands, but sometimes He uses less than gentle circumstances to soften and prepare me for the next step. May I become a vessel of honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

Written by
Lanie White

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-03-13T22:21:00.000-06:00

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:37-39

My back aches and my nerves are on edge. I've been holding my baby daughter for hours. It's been 10 weeks now and I am actually closer to sleeping in her crib than she is! The time has come to teach her that sleeping in her own bed IS a good thing...for all of us! (My husband shouts "Amen!" here!)

Later on, listening to my daughter cry in her crib, my impulse is to lift her from this struggle. I wonder if she knows how much I love her. I desperately want her to know that I love her more than she'll ever understand and that I must allow her this struggle for the long-term benefits she'll reap. I know this because my "grown-up" mind comprehends the world she does live in but has absolutely no clue about. Sitting on the couch, hearing her cries intensify, the Lord takes his hammer and smacks me between the eyes. I realize that I am but His helpless child. The struggles He sees and allows me to endure are for my benefit. He understands my world through a wisdom, I, as his "baby" cannot. I see that my daughter and I are the same...struggling and sometimes crying out, not understanding why we are being forced to be uncomfortable.

As I stand looking down on my precious sleeping baby girl, my Father is looking down on me, communicating how much He loves me, even though He allows me to struggle. He alone knows a kingdom I do not comprehend and He alone knows what is best for me. I find comfort knowing the love I feel for my daughter is but a drop to the immense love my Father has poured out for me. I can conquer anything with a love like that!

Written by
Angie Howell

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-03-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,"
Ephesians 3:20a NASB

A senior at Bible college...with spring banquet only a couple of months away! Thoughts of a new and beautiful dress motivated me to start saving. You know how it is in college...money is tight and there wasn't a lot of time for extra jobs. I managed to save a few dollars each week. My savings grew as did my excitement.

Then one ordinary night, tragedy struck. The somber news spread throughout the dorm: our classmate's mother had just died. Amidst the tears and quietness, a pool of money was collected to help our classmate get back home. It was my turn. How much could I give? Immediately my dress savings came to mind. But I REALLY wanted a new dress. Should I give it all? Yes, I knew God was asking for all of it. I put my savings into the ball cap being passed around and thought to myself, "It's okay; I'll just wear one of my old dresses."

I didn't think about a new dress again until one day a girl who had been staying with me got asked to banquet by one of the guys at school. She needed a dress and wanted me to go shopping with her. I had been asked to keep an eye on this young girl, hence she had become my shadow in the previous months. Yes, I would go. The day arrived, and she informed me that her aunt would be joining us.

Upon arriving at the mall, my friend's aunt generously stated that I was expected to choose a dress also and that I wasn't allowed to turn the offer down. I hadn't told anyone that I wanted a new dress but wasn't able to purchase one now. How did she know my desire? How could she know? Hardly believing my ears, I drifted toward the dresses I would have previously been able to afford, but this generous woman steered me toward the more expensive ones.

The three of us had a wonderful time, and would you believe it? I ended up with the most beautiful and exquisite dress-- much nicer than I had dreamt of! My friend's aunt said that it was a thank you gift for befriending her niece, but I knew that ultimately it was a gift from the Lord.

That day, God taught me a spiritual truth in a tangible way. I learned that my Heavenly Father's arrangements accomplish significantly more than anything I can ever conjure up on my own. He provided "exceeding abundantly beyond" what I had EVER imagined.

Father in Heaven,
I thank You and praise You for being the caring Provider that You are. Please help me to be in tune with Your voice and to follow Your leading, moment-by-moment. Amen

Written by
Jodeen Erickson

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-02-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

I bought seeds yesterday. I know that it is February and snow is falling outside my window, but those seeds were something that I bought with joy. There are beautiful purple morning glories, daisies, bright pansies, orange poppies, and zinnia. The seeds for bright green beans, snap peas, fresh herbs, and juicy tomatoes are there as well. The rainbow of colors is dazzling to my imagination. They represent so much to me. They represent the promise of warmer weather, butterflies, shorts, campfires, and lazy afternoons when the sun's rays are less intense. They are all packaged up in a small envelope with a picture of the future they behold.

I know that summer will come and I want to prepare for it so that I can enjoy it fully. I have planned my vegetable beds, hanging flower pots, perennial garden, and I am even going to attempt acorn squash this year. There are gardening books on my coffee table full of facts and ideas I have never considered before. I can look outside and feel comfort knowing that the cold winds that blow over the brown landscape will eventually make way to new life. What anticipation I have for that day, for it will be a season of new life. What joy!

I had to take a moment to ask myself how I could be so excited about my future garden in the middle of winter. I think it is easy to say that the promise of a brighter future helps me get through the every day boredom of winter. I believe that God wants all of us to find the joy of living for Him to overshadow the difficulties we face in our current season. He has promised us a wonderful future, greater than anything we could even ask for, complete with the creator God himself. I get excited just thinking about it! This excitement encourages me to prepare. If I prepare for that great future on a daily basis, I can get through any season of life that I encounter. Perhaps I will take a risk and step out in faith, like the squash that I am going to attempt in my garden this summer. After all, the gardening book said I could do it! His Word gives me the knowledge I need to have faith and to trust that the small things I do now for the kingdom will reap a harvest in the future season. Even though I face hardships on a daily basis, all I have to do is look to my God to get back that joy. It is all written down in His book. I know that this season shall pass. Preparing for that fabulous tomorrow will give me all of the joy I require.

Written by
Lisa Waterman

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-02-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

Apparently this is a challenge for me because God seems to bring it to my attention on a regular basis. On a recent flight home, my plane was delayed and so I had time to kill in the airport. My plan was to start reading a new book a friend gave me called Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I took a seat along a wall, not for the purpose of helping me focus, but because it gave me the best view of the people.

I love people and I love people-watching. As I looked around, I was struck by the oddity I presented with a book on my lap. Four seats down, an older man was talking on his cell phone. He was a biologist, as well as a professor. Around the corner was a mom with a teenager and two young children who were watching a movie on their computer. Another gal with dread locks was talking loudly on her phone. Then a young 20's something man invaded my space and plugged in his laptop. He sat across from me and began tapping away, while simultaneously making a cell phone call to change his flight to Venice next week. Italy? What does he do that a trip to Italy sounds so routine? Within 5 minutes there were two more college students with computers on their laps, cords running across the seating area and headphones on.

Meanwhile, I've read only a few pages. Packer writes, "Knowing about God is crucially important for the living of our lives. If we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it, the world becomes a strange, mad, painful place and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God." The impact of the contrast to what I was seeing and what I was reading was overwhelming. Even I sat there with a cross around my neck, a study book about knowing God on my lap, a Bible in my bag, a desire to know God more, and yet I found myself completely distracted by the people. People God created, people God loves. How many know God? Do they even realize that they are missing something? What is it they are plugged into?

Our world is so full of distractions, we now carry them with us as laptops, IPODs, cell phones and more; it is difficult to stop and ponder the things of God. We may no longer know what we are missing! Even when I think I am plugged into God, I am easily distracted. Paul writes, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him....I want to know Christ" (Phil 3:7-10).

I want to know Christ.

Written by
Lanie White

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-02-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

"Pray continually."
1 Thessalonians 5:17

We thought it was so cute when our two year old daughter learned to clasp her hands together and say "pay" (translation: pray). We all clasp our hands together and her father or I say a simple prayer before dinner and as we tuck her into her crib each night. It wasn't long before she began wanting to pray each time she was placed in her high chair...at breakfast, snack time, noon, snack time, and dinner. It became part of our routine.

Recently, we had a really rough morning. The girls and I had errands to run and my four month old chose to cry the entire time we did them. We returned home later than we should've and I had two little girls who were well past their naptimes. I settled in my infant and then hurriedly lifted my toddler into her high chair. As I placed her lunch tray down, she said, "pay." In my stress, I said to her, "Honey, we don't need to pray right now, right now we need for you to eat." I continued to prod her on and finally was able to carry her up into her crib. As I closed the blinds, she again said to me, "pay" and clasped her hands together. Thinking this was being used as a stalling tactic, I again said to her, "Honey, it's nigh-nigh time. I love you!" and closed her door.

As soon as I closed her door, the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 came into my mind. What had I just taught my daughter? That sleep and food are more important than prayer? That when we get busy or stressed, it's okay to put God on the backburner? I was mortified. What I can learn from my child... no wonder Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).

On that stressful day, when my toddler woke, I cuddled with her in the rocking chair and prayed with her. In my prayer, I asked God to forgive mommy for letting her busyness get in the way of talking with God. I also thanked him for using my daughter to teach me a valuable lesson about faithfulness.

Written by
Holly Hauskins

HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

2007-02-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
Hebrews 10:22 NIV

The theme for the women's retreat was "A Heart of Service." One of the sessions dealt with recalling someone who has impacted our life for Christ. The purpose of this exercise was to encourage us in doing good deeds and to remind us of the value of serving others.

As I reflected upon this, I thought of the young woman who had taught me what God had to say about sin - that it is punishable by eternal death in hell. She also shared the Good News, that God loved me so much that while I was still a sinner, Christ died to pay the price for my sins. She was a part of that glorious moment when I acknowledged my sin and separation from God and accepted Jesus as my Savior. This happened years ago, and it has been nearly twenty years since I last saw her. Because she has not been a part of my growth, nor been able to watch me develop, it might be easy for her to overlook the significance of that work. I decided to write her a note of thanks and listed some of the fruit that resulted from her act of love toward me.

I recalled that my sins were forgiven and I am no longer separated from God. I have the benefits and blessings that come with being His child and the assurance that I will spend my eternity with Him. Our four children know Him as their Lord and Savior and serve Him in various ways. So far we have four grandchildren who are being taught His ways and are being nurtured to trust Jesus. We have lived our faith in front of many unsaved relatives and sometimes have had the opportunity to share our beliefs. A few have made professions of faith.

Working alongside my husband in the benevolence ministry has afforded me the opportunity to do small acts of encouragement for other believers and to be a part of sharing the Gospel and Biblical Truths to live by with countless individuals who seek assistance.

I have shared the Gospel message with numerous women and children and seen the harvest of a few and had the opportunity to help others learn His Truths through various ministries. As I head in women's ministry, I have been focused on equipping leaders to reach and teach others for God's glory.

By touching my life for Christ, this woman has had a hand in touching all of these lives. How many lives.... only God knows, but He definitely receives glory through the work that has been done. I am grateful she shared Christ with me that day. As I attempted to acknowledge the eternal value of her work, so as to encourage her, I found that God had used it to inspire me to become more "Kingdom minded." We may never know the extent to which our courage to share the Gospel can reach! It seems like such a small investment to yield such a large return!

Lord, ignite a passion in me to build your Kingdom! - Amen

Written by
Liz Anderson

This is a Test

2005-08-15T12:07:00.000-06:00

This is a Test