Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 30, 2012

Releasing Yesterday

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” I Peter 5:10 (NIV)

The only thing I enjoy losing is those extra pounds that sneak up on me as the holiday season approaches.  No matter how hard I try, they return and the struggle starts all over again.   While we have no problem letting unwanted pounds go, navigating seasons of personal loss are quite a different story.  Whether it’s the loss of a dream, a marriage, a child, a job, etc. we need time to grieve and process those deep emotions.  Healing needs to take place, and for each person that time frame is different.   But something transitions in us when we reach that year anniversary of our loss.  When my daughter left this world to live with her Heavenly Father, the days that followed were filled with reflections looking back.  Instinctively, I relived what we did that last year: how we celebrated Christmas, what we did for vacation  and how we celebrated her birthday.  Clinging to each memory, I had no desire to let go for fear I would forget.  Gently God opened my eyes to the reality that I couldn’t live today or press forward for tomorrow if I was still clinging to yesterday.  And what I thought I would forget, He promised to keep fresh. What I feared the most and clung so tightly to was actually smothering out the blessings that God desired to pour out on my life.  Regardless of your loss, God promises to be with you each step of the way, and when it’s time to transition to today and release yesterday, He will carry you.

“Father, You who gave His only Son knows the heart that aches from loss. Teach us to cling to You rather than yesterday.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 29, 2012

God’s View

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed, it was very good!” Genesis 1:31a (NKJV)

Looking out an airplane window, I saw blue skies and the sun shining.  Down below, however, there was  nothing except thick, white, billowy clouds.  They looked like huge piles of Cool Whip.  It was awe-inspiring to realize that God is so personal in our individual lives.  His amazing power to create the entire universe does not hinder Him from seeing through the “clouds” into our very hearts and actions!  With my human eyes nothing on earth was visible: with His Omnipotent eyes, nothing is invisible!

The white was almost too bright for my eyes, and it reminded me of when Moses had been in the presence of God so long the Israelites could not look at his face! And the beauty of the Lamb of God is likened to the white such as no “dry cleaner” on earth can attain!  The beautiful sight of white clouds reminded me that God sees me clothed, not with my filthiness, but the robe of Christ encompassing my human form.  Someday, that robe will have a crown and rewards added to it, so that they may be laid at the feet of Jesus!  How incredible that is!

Such a gorgeous creation God has made for us to enjoy, even if we do have to fly above the clouds to see some of it!  He’s so incredible, so magnificent, and we take Him so lightly!  Oh, that we would have a holy reverence for Him as we walk here on His earth!

“Lord God, we honor and praise You for the glory and majesty of Your creation!  Help us, God, to always look at the things of life as representing You, as we long for the day when we look upon Your face!”

 

For His Glory

 

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 26, 2012

Encountering Jesus

“Now early in the morning, He (Jesus) came again into the temple and all the people came to Him and He sat down and taught them.”  John 8:2 (NKJV)

What does your morning look like?  If you’re like most  of us a lot of unexpected things can occur once our feet hit the floor.  A sick child stands outside our bedroom door.  Homework mysteriously gets lost.  Breakfast lands on someone’s clothes  instead of their mouth.  And just maybe, we make it out of the door and to work on time.  All within the first hours of our waking moments – just another day or an opportunity to encounter Jesus.   An early morning invitation landed twelve ordinary men the job offer of a lifetime – to be fishers of men.  Early in the morning, Jesus came to the temple, sat down and taught the people.  Long before daylight, Jesus went out and departed to a solitary place to pray.  Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene encountered the risen Lord. Early in the morning, Jesus restored weary fisherman and invited them to feast at his table.

Amazing things happen when we invite Jesus into our morning.  The ordinary person is transformed into extraordinary.  Wisdom flows and prayers are answered.  Restoration and contentment accompany those who begin their day at His table.  And even the unexpected unleashes renewed strength when God invades our space before the world creeps in.  Sipping your coffee – read His word.  Packing lunches – breathe a prayer. Dressing for work – put on the armor of God.  Hugging your children – feel His arms holding you close. All within the first hours of our waking moments –incredible opportunities to encounter Jesus.

“Father, how sweet to know that You eagerly awaken me so that we can be together before the morning fades.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 25, 2012

My Deliverer

“They reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.”  Psalm 107:27,28 (ESV)

Have you ever embraced God as your deliverer?  Ten years ago, I cried out to the Lord in desperation and told Him I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I told Him I would serve Him for the rest of my life if He took me out of that dark cloud of depression. He did. I asked the Lord why it took so long and why I had cried out so many times but He didn’t answer. He spoke to my heart and said, “Because I didn’t have all of you.” In other words, I wasn’t totally surrendered to His will. When He saw that I was ready and meant business, He delivered me from a pit of depression. You see I hit rock bottom; I was at the end of me. God wants us to be serious and mean business with Him. Does He have our heart, soul, strength and mind? He wants us to come to a point of complete surrender, then He will deliver us from our distress. He spoke to me through Luke 10:27 letting me know He didn’t have all my heart, all my soul, all my strength, and all my mind. If we are at a place of desperation, then God promises to reach down and set us free. Today, I am full of joy because He has all of me. I find joy in His Word. Does God have all of you?

“Father, I give You my heart, soul, strength, and mind. I surrender all to You.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 24, 2012

God’s Battle

 “The Lord says this to you: ‘Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of this large army. The battle is not your battle, it is God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15b (NCV)

 Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, not sure what to do next?  A battle is raging. Heavy hearted, full of anticipation of what to do next?   The phone is lifted, dialed, no answer.  The text is sent, no response.  The hunt is on to find someone who will sympathize and give advice to no avail.  Tug of war is raging – the strong will to take on whatever versus the calling of the Spirit to give the Lord the problem.  Finally the will gives up and surrenders the battle over to prayer where it should have started.  The Holy Spirit brings this verse to mind “The battle is not your battle, it is God’s.”  YES, that is the Word needed for peace.  The battle is not mine but God’s.   Why is it so easy to take on the battle when it is not ours to battle?  The pain is deep, the baggage is heavy, and none of it is for us to bear, yet we try.  We have the best resource of encouragement and help within us, the Holy Spirit, yet our sinful nature tries to prevent us from relying on God from the start. Strong wills are brutal; they come with extra pain and stress.  Let go, and let God take care of the battle. Sit back and sing praises to His Holy name for those things He is currently doing directly in the front lines of our lives.

“Father, thank You for the peace You provide and for taking on my battles, today I give to You my battle of_________ (fill in the blank).”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 23, 2012

Following God’s Voice

“It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.”  Deuteronomy 1:2 (ESV)

Have you ever been riding with someone and wondered why a short trip is taking longer? You probably have a set way to get to the destination, but you have to leave it to the person driving to go their way. It can be frustrating because you think your way is best, but you have no control over it. I am pretty sure the Hebrews were quite frustrated with a journey that should have only taken 11 days ended up taking 40 years. Talk about some serious detours and wrong turns; however, God was leading according to His directions. There were no wrong turns.

God’s directions were planned to teach the Israelites obedience and to appreciate His goodness in the wilderness. One would think they would have caught on before 40 years, but they didn’t. It is hard to see goodness when our wilderness is a dry, dusty journey to what appears nowhere. When we feel we are just going in circles and not making any progress at all. Eventually we catch on, start trusting God and depending on Him even when we can’t see where the journey is going to end up. The Promise Land blessings, after our time in the wilderness, are even sweeter because we can look back and reflect on God’s provision in the driest season of our life. Trust God even when you can’t see where the next step leads – the blessings in the end will be worth the journey.

“Father God, The wilderness road is a tough one at times. Give us the strength to trust You and to depend solely on Your directions and guidance when the dust storms cloud our way. Thank You for the blessings at the end of the journey.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 22, 2012

Standing Strong

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 (NIV).

I have lived in Virginia for 14 months and boy, do I enjoy this place. I have been learning so many lessons by watching the mountains. These famous Virginia mountains are a spectacular sight that provide beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Whenever I have the time, I pull up in the parking lot behind the Wingate hotel, sit in my car listening to praise and worship and watch the sun set, while speaking to my Father. These moments in my life have been priceless. And all for the free gift of the mountains!!!

Yesterday as I drove down Candler’s Mountain Road, God revealed another lesson.  The fog was so dense that you couldn’t see the city down below, and the only visible parts of the mountains were the tips (or tops).  The fog may come and go, and fog may cloud the world around us, but as Christians let’s be like the mountains –  standing tall, strong, and unshakeable. The cloud may cover most of the mountains at times, but the tops will still be visible. No fog will outshine the power that is within us, i.e., the power of the Kingdom of God, which, in spite of any weather-like conditions, remains within us – keeping us, strengthening us, and enabling us to remain in Him.

 

 “Dear Heavenly Father, there are so many times when life’s circumstances cloud our vision and keep us from seeing what You have prepared for us. Please help us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that the fog will dissipate and the light of Your Son will shine and help us overcome whatever difficulties we are facing.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 19, 2012

Aha Moments

 “I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees you;” Job 42:5 (NASB)

As Christians, we sometimes get settled into just hearing God’s voice through prayer and reading His word. Our senses can become dull because we don’t “see” God in our lives. We can get set into a routine, and then God has to open our eyes spiritually to get our attention. Job was surrounded by God’s blessings and hand of protection. It wasn’t until everything but his dependence on God was taken away that he could “see” God. It’s then the Aha moment hits and the light bulb clicks in our brain illuminating what God is doing.

Sometimes God physically gets us to our lowest point before we look up and “see” Him. Other times it takes stepping out of our comfort zone and interaction with others before that Aha moment hits. Those moments when you put the pieces together and are completely overwhelmed at “seeing” God in your life are a true blessing. It might take a few laps around the wilderness before the light bulb turns on and you “see” God, but hang in there because the moment is so worth it.

“Dear God, How thankful we are that You give us those A-HA moments. The moments that humble and overwhelm us because You love us enough to reveal Yourself to us in a personal way. Help us to endure the wilderness while we wait for that moment.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 18, 2012

Abundantly Blessed

“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (NAS)

Challenged by a friend during a season of doubt, Ann Voskamp began keeping a list of God’s goodness. That list ultimately turned into her first book “One Thousand Gifts” – a New York Times bestseller.  A dare to live fully right where you are – transforming the disappointments of life into positives.  I found this book when disillusionment was circling my life.  Discouraged over a season of loss, the title of the book grabbed my attention.  Not only was it a good read, it challenged me to focus my heart, eyes, and mind on the goodness of God.   Wonder if that friend hadn’t challenged Ann if she would have ever written this book?  The very thing that was hard to hear out of her friend’s mouth is the very thing that God is using to deepen thousands of people’s gratitude.  Enjoying the benefits of friendship is awesome – love that girl time.  But sometimes God calls us to a deeper walk with our friends  – the place where we know we need to risk everything for the sake of saying the truth in love.  Have you ever been there?  I know my life has been enriched by others who encouraged, inspired and yes at times said tough things.  God encircled my single parenting years with godly women who challenged me on several levels.  Embracing their feedback, I often rethought decisions and refocused my priorities.  Their divine intervention resulted in a dare to live fully right where I was.  Wonder what would have happened if they hadn’t take that risk? Wonder what will happen if we don’t take that risk?  Abundantly blessed by authentic women who are passionate about God and impacting others – it’s on God’s bestseller list – a must read to change our world.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 17, 2012

Feeding My Soul

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water!” Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

How often does it happen to us that we run into someone in a store and say “glad to see you!”?  We have a friend along and  try to cover up the fact that we are not doing introductions because we can’t recall a name?  Embarrassing!!  We do a ‘one-sided’ intro, “This is my friend, Suzy! She and I are hitting the mall for great sales today!”  Hoping it is not noticed that a real name exchange has not taken place!  We walk off, saying to our friend, “Oh my, was it too obvious that I could not recall her name” or perhaps even “Didn’t know who she is, but she’s in my large Life Group Class?”

I was hit by a thunderbolt when my son was very young: I asked the pastor some off-the-wall question that showed my lack of Bible knowledge–more importantly, lack of true knowledge of Jesus Christ! It hit me like a ton of bricks that I would never be able to introduce my son to Someone about whom I had little knowledge!  That impacted my life so hard that I began getting up exceptionally early in order to devour God’s Word, long before the household awoke. We have to make our Bible reading a priority.  It will not come because Momma read hers every day, or we heard it in Sunday School or Worship each week. It comes as we read and meditate on it in the early morning, before life interferes and duty calls!

“God and loving Father, thank You more than we can say for Your Word! Forgive us for treating it lightly or letting our minds roam as we read.  Please help us to seek You early, and let the Word be planted deep within our souls!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

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