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