Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 3, 2012

Pray & Walk Away

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”  Matthew 6:26-27(NIV)

While I can quote all kinds of catchy, spiritual phrases about not worrying; I rarely ever stick to them. I’ve tried the “Let Go – Let God” and “It’s in God’s Hands.”  My newest one is “Pray and Walk Away.” Easier said than done.  My natural instinct is to be concerned – translated worry – but the Bible calls it a waste of time.  And the reward for worrying: stress, frustration, disappointment and usually more trouble.

If God takes care of the birds, then we know He has even better things planned for us. One of the things my Granny always did was to lay things at the feet of Jesus. If your name was on her prayer list, you were prepared for God to shake things up. God expects us to bring our burdens (big, small, silly, serious, life or death) to Him because He has the answers. When we pray and leave our burdens at His feet, we need to walk away and wait until He answers in whatever manner Hechooses. Instantly our burden is lifted off of us and more blessings follow as we watch God’s answer unfold.

“Dear Jesus, Help us to lay our burdens at Your feet then walk away and let You take care of them. Give us the strength and peace of mind to wait patiently for Your answers. May we enjoy the freedom of not carrying the burden that we don’t want to pick it back up.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 31, 2012

My Hiding Place

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.”  Psalm 27:5-6(ESV)

Hidden in the day of trouble – that’s where we want to be – how beautiful that God would hide us away in His shelter where we are safe.  Concealed under the cover of His tent, God lifts us high upon a rock. When our heads are bowed down, He lifts us up even above our enemies. What battles are we facing today? Who are our enemies? God knows what we are going through, and He will take care of us as we walk in love and faith.  He is our refuge and strength – a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

We don’t need to worry or fret. God has promised to be there with us; we are never alone. It is so wonderful to receive his Word mixed with faith (Hebrews 4:2). If God is for who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). What beautiful promises God has given us!  If we trust, believe and act on His promises, we will have victory.

“Lord, thank you for concealing me under the cover of Your tent and lifting me high upon a rock. I shout for joy and make melody to You.”
For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 30, 2012

The Time Is Now

“Whoever is not willing to carry his cross and follow me cannot be my follower.” Luke 14:27 (NCV)

 Living life our way, living on the edge – a fun way to live life and a great motto for our society –  selfish, full of greed, and “It’s about me” mode.  It’s hard not to fall into that category.  Problem is a life full of fortune, ease, and freedom is not the life we committed to when we said yes to Christ.  Being a follower of Christ means daily taking up one’s own cross and dying daily to self.  It means raging through the rapids of trials.  Dealing with sorrow and loss – being watched as we endure the cross for His glory not ours.  How many times have we started through the valley and given up only to later see the impact it could have made. It means risking our pride and sharing with co-workers, neighbors, and friends about our relationship with Christ and how He has changed our life.  It means missing out on some of the fun, bucket lists and wants so we can serve in local shelters, host a life group, or give of our precious time to listen to a hurting friend.  Not always what we want  – but what He requires.

Are we willing to die to self and carry the cross?  Are we willing to say yes to God and no to self?  It’s not an easy thing to do, but God never promised us a land of milk and honey on earth – our reward is in heaven.  Will you commit to being His follower today?

“Father, thank you for the opportunity to carry the cross for Your glory.  Give me strength as I rage the rapids and fight the battles of self.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 29, 2012

His Verdict

“The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:23 (NIV)

Devoted even when the cost is high.  Faithful even though others are not.  Yielded and submissive even against our best judgment.  Not quite common traits of those who seek their own justice, but David’s determination to be righteous and faithful to the Lord shouts his integrity. Three thousand chosen men joined Saul in his attempt to find David, yet God delivered this king right into the hands of a shepherd boy.   Even though the world would have rightly justified David defending himself.  Even though he was justified in his own mind, David chose to be different – his integrity kept him on the right path.  Hearing the  advice of a friend and confidant – “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands” -sounded good. However, integrity is never measured in black and white but rather shades of gray.   Moments when the temptation unveils a perceived right in justifying a wrong. An attitude ruled by resentment camouflaged as vindicating  unfairness. Regardless of the unfolding invitation, God is the only justifier of our lives.   There is no relief in our getting even, but peace adorns those who humbly submit and totally surrender to God’s authority.   Ultimately, God rewarded David by sparing his life on many occasions and ensured his destiny as Israel’s king.  Releasing our defense – not the popular vote.  Relinquishing our rights – not a common trait.  Accepting God’s verdict – shouts integrity – and that’s what He desires.

“Father, when our wounds yell justice may our hearts whisper Your name.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 28, 2012

With All My Heart

“To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:7b (NIV)

 First months of marriage are all so exciting! Sure, there are tiny little problems to overcome, but we work through them.  We take rides, go for walks, and do other fun things together.  Then children start coming and hubby’s job gives him longer hours.  Before we know it babies turn into small people who have ball games, piano lessons, or swim meets.  Disciplining children and escalating financial stress starts to take its toll.  Unfortunately,  we often feel like we’ve been treated unfairly and begin losing that loving feeling.

Wonder if we have lost our first love for God?  Do we think He failed us in letting someone die, when we prayed fervently that they would live? Or did we lose a job and cannot let the bitterness die?  Possibly our spouse is not as dedicated as we are, and he is pulling us away from  worship,  church friends, and the group we were close to. God wants our whole heart, soul and a love so faithful that He is on our mind in an exciting way each  morning to see what His will is for the day. He hasn’t gone anywhere, but have we?  Draw near to Him again, James tells us, and let Him draw near to You.  Make that first move back to your first love!

 “Father, we confess we are often unfaithful and let the busyness of our lives distract us from that first love we had for You.  Help us to put You first each morning and to review our day when we lay down at night to see that we have remained in Your perfect will for us!”

 For His Glory

 Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 27, 2012

Accepting Best

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”  (John 14:13 NIV)

The dreaded “no” – a word none of us want to hear, especially my fourteen year old niece. One day she asked for something, and I told her “no.”  Her response: “But Lissa, you never say no to me.”  Now that is not exactly true,  but I was surprised by her bold expectation.    As I considered the way she made her request and argument, my heart leapt with conviction.  How often do I approach God with a request and stubbornly tell Him not to tell me no?

Jesus told his disciples that they could ask for anything.  He even said that when we ask in His name, whatever we ask would be given to us (John 14:11-14).  It wasn’t an open invitation for the will of man to reign, but rather an opportunity to participate in the will of God through prayer.  It’s about asking for things that bring glory to God.  It’s about the will of God being done, not the whim of man.  There are many people who live by the “name-it-and –claim-it” theology.  However, God doesn’t have to answer our prayers in the way we want,  just like I cannot give into every whim of my nieces.  I must pray and ask God for what I want but understand that  His will is always what’s best.  This is a toughie –  No doubt!  But God knows more than we know, and His ways are not like our ways.  So no matter what we pray, we can trust that His answer of “No” or “Yes” is always best.

“Dear Lord, You are my Father and I know that you have a plan for me.  Please bind me to Your will and teach me to desire Your heart above all else.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 24, 2012

Foundation of Truth

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”  Matthew 7:24-25 (NKJV)

While the casual vacationer might be tempted to ignore the sign “Keep Off The Dunes” and walk on top of the sand, an avid beach lover knows how vital dunes are to the survival of a beach home.  The higher the sand dune around the home, the less erosion occurs when storms threaten and waves crash closer to shore. But when the dunes are non- existent, the foundation of the structure is compromised.  And the house once built upon the sand will come crumbling down.  I know that story too well. Last Fall, our beach property stood firm and strong during a raging hurricane only to crumble into the ocean five days after the storm hit.  What we thought had survived actually had been weakened over the years as the sand and dunes were ripped away.   Wonder if that ever happens to us?  Do we post “Keep Off The Dunes”  signs in our minds to filter out things that wear down, distort or desensitize vital truths from God’s word?  What are we doing to ensure external influences are not compromising what we believe?  How about the tv we watch, movies we attend, books we read, music we listen to?  Are we creating a vital defense of protection around us that ensures erosion will not occur?  Jesus said it best:  The house founded on the rock (God) will never crumble down.

“Father, teach us to guard our hearts and minds so that Your truths will create a protective barrier around our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 23, 2012

Songs of Joy

“Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy.” Psalm 47:1 (ESV)

Every week I call my 15 month old grandbaby, Natalia. I start singing the song Jesus Loves Me, and she repeats some of the song to me.   Natalia claps her hands then laughs. Just hearing her singing brings great joy. I just want to reach over, squeeze her and kiss her. Can you imagine how much more delighted God gets when we sing songs of praise and hymns to him? As I thought about how much I look forward to hearing my sweet grandbaby’s voice, I began to think how sweet our songs sound in the ears of God.  He wants us to be joyful and have a song in our heart. When we walk in the fruit of the Spirit of joy, we will naturally make a sweet melody unto the Lord. We will clap our hands, begin to praise God and sing.  We will find ourselves filled with joy. Try singing the song, “I’ve Got The Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down In My Heart.” If you add a little clap to it, you will see how it brings your spirit up. Clapping our hands and singing to God with loud songs energizes us and keeps the joy in our hearts. Is any among you afflicted?  Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms (James 5:13).

“Lord, I choose to be joyful in You. I choose to clap my hands and shout loud songs of joy unto You. I choose to keep a song in my heart and bring great delight to You. May my song be a sweet melody to Your ears.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 22, 2012

Divine Protection

“You are my help. Because of your protection, I sing.” Psalm 63:7 (NCV)

Driving thru crazy wind, our family ran into the hotel as the lights flickered.  Deciding to forgo the elevator, we walked up four flights of steps after a HOT day in the amusement park.  Arriving to our room wet, tired and drained, I got a text from my neighbor: “A storm came through and there are large tree branches on your front step. You can’t park in your driveway where you normally do, and we don’t have power.” Another text from a friend: “There is a HUGE storm coming your way and it’s awful.”  Thankfully we were safe, the power never went off and we enjoyed a sweet night of slumber.

God protected our family from firsthand experiencing the storm of 2012 for reasons we don’t know.  What we do know is God is faithful. He knows my son is terrified of storms.  From what I understand about this last storm it now has many terrified.  God’s protection over our minds and our bodies is so incredible. He thinks about the smallest details and provided a time of rest for us before a time to serve.  All I could think about that night was what a blessing from God as He already provided the tickets for the amusement park, the inexpensive hotel and the ability to miss this terrible storm.   I had no idea until we arrived home how blessed we were – we had a hole in our roof above our son’s room and where the branches landed is where my car would have been.  What has God done in your life lately to protect you?  Have you considered it a blessing and thanked him?

 

“Father, thank You for providing for needs for our family before we even realize we need provisions.  You are a God of blessings and we thank you!” 

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 21, 2012

Hope Filled Prayers

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Moving from Florida to Northern Virginia twelve years ago, she was one of the first people I made friends with.  In her mid-twenties, my new friend had been married several years to an angry, verbally abusive husband.  Now almost twenty years later, I have watched her suffer greatly.  There were two ropes that kept her tied to this marriage: the two children (now in their early teens) and her love for the man who did not deserve it.  Often she has called to vent, cry, seek counsel or just talk and I could see no end to her misery.  This morning she called, then asked if I were sitting down.  “You’ve filed for divorce,” I exclaimed.  “Not quite,” she said, “He got saved!”  She was ecstatic!  Her every dream for the marriage had come true, and she had remained constant in praying for this man that I had given up on and written off as hopeless.  She is, she said, married to a new man and last Sunday, they renewed their vows.

Later, I wanted to weep out my shame for not having prayed with faith and for judging that someone was beyond the reach of God. I knew I had not helped one bit through faithful prayer and that I had been too lacking in faith. I pray this lesson never leaves me – no one, no matter how bad, is beyond the saving grace of Christ!

“Father–how much shame I feel that I took Your sovereignty lightly and did not pray with faith! Help me now to encourage all those with unsaved spouses to never give up, even when it seems so hopeless.  You, Lord, are never lacking in power to save anyone! Praise Your holy name!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Gratitude, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

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