Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 17, 2012

Ministry Moments

 “At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.” Mark 5:30-32 (NIV)

In the midst of a crowd on the way to minister to a little girl, Jesus took a moment to minister. It wasn’t planned, scripted or a big action on His part. He was in the right place at the right time and sharing a moment with someone in need. As a matter of fact, He had to stop and find the person that He ministered to. Ministry isn’t about a set time or place rather it’s about being willing, ready, and obedient when God gives us the opportunity.

 We can sometimes lose the joy of serving and ministering to others because we overthink it. We think it has to be a scheduled time of year or a certain type of activity. Usually an opportunity is right before us; we just have to be in tune with God and willing to share a ministry moment with others. Even a smile and kind word to a stressed out waitress or cashier is a ministry moment. Those moments are priceless, a blessing to be a part of, and most importantly a glimpse of God’s love. You never know if that moment will lead someone to God and eternity in Heaven.

  “Dear God, Thank You for blessing me with ministry moments that I truly treasure. I can’t wait to see the seeds that were planted bloom. Help us to always be open and obedient to act upon the little and big opportunities you give us to minister to others.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 14, 2012

Faithful

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.”  Psalm 119:30 (TNIV)

Missing the warm sunshine on my Labor Day holiday, I opted to get some writing done while the tv hummed in the background.  A new show was debating the stability of marriage – could people be faithful to each other and remain in a committed marriage?  It was quite interesting to hear the comments of the panelists who felt it was better to be honest upfront  – admitting, “ I’m here now but can’t commit for the long term.”  Wow – whatever happened to “until death do us part.”  Faithfulness seems to be a lost art in the media, probably because celebrity divorces fuel tv ratings and magazine sales.  And if we’re honest, the dissolve of  marriages often fill our prayer “gossip” circles as well.  Perhaps,  we just want too much.  Faithfulness requires sacrifice, commitment, unconditional love, perseverance, trust…..and the list goes on and on.  Perhaps, we are settling for too less. It’s no wonder the divorce rate continues to soar  or maybe that’s part of the reason for faithlessness.  Parents who chose to walk out on their family left a strong message for little eyes to read.  And now, we are seeing the reality of those selfish decisions impacting the next generation.  Life will always present us with the easy out –  the perceived escape without any strings attached.  And if we fall into that trap then we will live fractured lives – searching for the elusive thing we’re not willing to give.  Faithfulness is a choice – just like the choice God makes each day to be faithful – even when we are not.  Let’s commit to set our heart on His laws so the next generation won’t settle for less.

“Father, guard over our decisions and strengthen our relationships.  Help us to choice faithfulness to You and our families a priority.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin

TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 13, 2012

In The Midst of Trials

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NASB)

Feeling like a break will never come?  The interview didn’t lead to the job that seemed to be a perfect fit.  The checkbook shows a negative balance, yet the bills aren’t all paid.  The car needs repairing.  The first payment of the school bill is due.  Sometimes we walk thru trials wondering:  “God can you hear me?”  “Do you see me crying?”  “I know you promised never to give me more that I can handle; I think I’m at my breaking point!” All common thoughts we may experience, but how do we handle times when His answer is no?  When we give our challenges to God, he reminds us that HE alone is able to overcome the world, and that means whatever we face today. By submitting our comfort to God, He will help us conquer and move past trials.  Many times, I find myself saying I’m giving him something only to take it back.  Ever do that?  It’s so natural for us as women to try handling, juggling and fixing it all – only that isn’t His plan. God desires the greater joy of allowing Him to wipe our tears, lift our chins and fix our issues. Growing through our brokenness is a direct result of allowing God to mold our character and revive our spirit even in the midst of great tribulations.  It’s a guaranteed promise that we can hold onto.

 “Father, thank You for being there  when I fall to pieces and for picking up my pieces.  Give me strength to accept your no and move forward with you experiencing life changing spiritual revival.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 12, 2012

Taking Every Thought Captive

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)

Put aside or cast down – does it really make a difference?  Amazingly there’s a huge gap when it comes to casting down thoughts that are not God centered.  Putting them aside offers the temptation to pick them back up occasionally or regularly.  Casting aside means we banish, expel, force them to leave and reject any ungodly thoughts.  Hurling them forcefully resembles throwing a fishing line out over the water.  The further we cast a fishing line over the water, the more violently we do it until those thoughts are far away.  What thoughts are firing up our imagination? Are we assuming things with our imagination? Are we letting our imagination carry our thoughts to unhealthy places? What about unhealthy suspicions? Are these imaginations true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8)?  If not, cast these thoughts down. Bring into captivity every thought. Imprison those thoughts. Confine them with the Word of God. Capture those thoughts as if we have captured our enemies. Don’t give them room to bind us. When we bring those thoughts under the control of the Holy Spirit, we will find that peace will rule in our hearts and minds.  Humbleness will overtake pride and love will reign over hate.  Jealousy and envy roots will die.  Gossip and discouragement will fade.  Put aside or cast down – it really does make the difference.

“Father, Help me to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 11, 2012

Where I Belong

 “But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control; will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)

After living in Moscow for two years, I thought I was pretty good at understanding the Russian language. One time, I was visiting a different city where the dialect was a bit different.  While staying there, a neighbor frantically tried to tell me something; however,  I couldn’t understand what she was saying.  We played the usual charades, but she and I both walked away very defeated because I was still in foreign territory.

Sometimes I even feel like a foreigner in the United States.  I don’t understand the cruelty I hear on the news.  I am confused listening to parents scream obscenities at their children.  I shrug my shoulders while reading news articles.  I walk away feeling defeated,  but God reminds me I will never feel at home  on earth because I am an alien –  a foreigner. The Bible tells us that we are citizens of heaven.   Our lives may be grand on earth, but there will always be a longing that goes unmet while our feet are on this ground.  One day we will be completely at home, at rest and at peace.  Until then, just remember, we are aliens and strangers in this world, because we were made for heaven.

“Dear Lord:  I long for heaven! I love my life here, and I am so thankful for all the blessings You provide every day.  My life is but a breath, and I am thankful that my true citizenship is in heaven with You!”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 10, 2012

Weathering The Storm

“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29 (KJV)

Striking suddenly without warning, the extremely high winds rose within minutes accompanied by spraying rain and lightning from all directions.  Fear gripped hearts as darkness draped the skies with an unimaginable furry.  The aftermath of damage was mind boggling.  What I had considered a typical spring thunderstorm would actually be later described as a derecho – a storm known to arrive without warning empowered by a force equal to a land falling hurricane.  Sometimes life’s unanticipated storms arrive as a derecho don’t they?   Recently, helplessness seized our family’s hearts when our 4 month-old grandson was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.  Arriving without warning, the shock and disbelief were overwhelming, pain indescribable, and uncertainty insurmountable.

One of God’s specialties is calming His child’s heart with peace that surpasses all understanding and as we navigate the furry of life’s storms, we learn and grow.  God never promised our cross would not get heavy or the hill wouldn’t be hard to climb.  He did promise to go with us – sustaining and encouraging along the way. There’s comfort in awareness ‘this too will pass’ as each new day becomes yesterday’s tomorrow embracing new dimensions, goals, direction and purposes in life.

What storm are you facing?  Don’t attempt to understand – cling to the One who gives the empowerment of courage, strength and grace by taking one day at a time.  It has been said faith is full assurance in the heart – assurance He is in control and sees, cares, and comforts.  The result: living by faith allows believers to experience God’s sustaining peace when life falls to pieces.

“Dear Father:  May Your peace be evident in my daily faith walk with You.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 7, 2012

Redemption’s Song

“Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.  Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:42-43 (NIV)

It’s the stuff dreams are made of – the elusive one more chance.  The sequel that is never ending.  The Bible is filled with stories of men and women whose label disqualified them.  Where pasts reeked of unworthiness and missed potential.  Yet redemption granted rose up within them and propelled them to dispel the common theory – once a loser always a loser.  They released the strings of those names tied tightly suffocating their voice and grasped a hold of God’s gift  – another chance.

How often do we squeal “no more” and stifle the joy that one more chance brings?  Within the realm of healthy boundaries do we seek to restore or do we watch silently as hope fades?  Or do we ourselves long for another chance and yet allow pride, fear and insecurity rob us of the exhilarating ride one chance grants?   Rahab the prostitute,  Jonah the runner, Thomas the doubter, Paul the murderer and yes, my name is on that list of disqualified and unworthy. We all are if we’re truly honest, and yet God gives us another chance – forever rewriting the sequel to our lives.  Unworthy yes.  Undeserving yes.  Disqualified – aren’t we all.  Yet open hands nailed to a cross granted redemption’s song, and His quivering lips offered another chance even in His dying moments.  The elusive one more chance to turn and run towards God.

“Father, the amazing gift of starting over is more than we deserve – thank You for seeking lost and weary sheep.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 6, 2012

Filled By His Grace

“Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” Romans 11:20 (TNIV)

 A friend recently shared that she had been feeling down and unhappy.  She was totally unaware of why she felt the way she did. Gently, God reminded her that she was allowing her family and friends to fill her instead of God. End result, she was drained from the emptiness she had allowed.  I sat back in awe as I too had felt that way many times, as I’m sure many women feel.  Why is it so hard to spend time in the Word, in prayer and let God overflow us?  Why do we tend to let our spouses, children and friends be the center of our lives?  Disobedience on our part is why.  I’m reminded daily  – God is God and I am not!  If I don’t place Him at the center of my morning, day, afternoon and evening, I slip into depression.  I get weak, lonely and feel out of sorts.   Perhaps you’ve felt that way too, but we are never alone on this journey – God is our hope. We need to stand in faith and run to Him for fulfillment.  We need not be arrogant but tremble at His feet as we realize He alone can fill us, overflow us, and give us what those around us are unable to give.  Let’s together fall back down at His feet and fill back up so that we too can overflow with His grace.

“Father, thank You for girlfriends and for life lessons.  Prune us in Your image and overflow us with Your grace and mercy.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2012

Live & Keep His Word

“Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live and keep thy Word.” Psalm 119:17 (KJV)

The God of love and grace longs to deal with us bountifully and give to us freely.  God’s resources are not limited but rather are plentiful and producing in abundance.  He is liberal in bestowing gifts, favors and generosity.  One of the things God wants to produce in our lives is the fruit of the Spirit. Another thing He wants to give us liberally is wisdom to live the abundant life. God never wants us to be mediocre. He wants to give us favor with God and man. His salvation is free to us, but He paid it with a price.  There is nothing we can do to earn it; however, we do have to receive salvation by faith. He has given us gifts of the Spirit. He wants to extend his mercy to us.   All this bounty, abundance is available through Christ Jesus when we accept a relationship with Him. When we realize how much He has given to us it makes us want to keep His Word. If we keep His Word, we will live, not just mediocre lives but amazing lives. There are many people that are living but are not alive in Christ. His Word keeps us alive. Are you alive in Christ today or do you feel like you are just existing? Be encouraged, the Word of God will revive you.

“Thank You Father that You deal bountifully with me. Help me to keep Your Word and be revived through Your Word that I might live an abundant life.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 4, 2012

God’s Bucket List

“And you will joyfully give thanks to the Father who has made you able to have a share in all that he has prepared for his people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:12 (NIV)

My niece has already made her Christmas list.  Every time we go in a store and she sees something, she informs me that it is on her list.   As adults, don’t we all have our own wish list?  It is filled with dreams we aspire to come true,  places we want to go, and milestones we want to reach in our lifetime – our bucket list.  I wonder if God has wish lists for us?  Have you ever thought that every time we receive and obey a truth, pass a test, or grow in His likeness that perhaps He checks these off His list.  As I read through the Bible, I can see God’s wish list for me – things He wants me to receive or accomplish like:

  1. Receive the gift of salvation (John 3:16)
  2. Seek Me in Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
  3. Meditate on My word (Psalm 1)
  4. Seek first My kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33)
  5. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17)
  6. Will receive crowns ( I Corinthians 25, 2 Timothy 4:8)

Just imagine God smiling each time He witnesses our spiritual growth and “checks” an item off our list.  Our Lord wants us to grow in His likeness while on earth.  As we have our own lists, let us make sure we are seeking God’s insight.  How surprised we might be at how different our lists look when we seek to include Him in our wishes and desires.

“Dear Lord, I wish to grow in Your ways.  May I not be selfish in seeking my own desires, but seek to obtain and accomplish only those things that pleases You.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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