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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 16, 2012

Refreshing Waters

“I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Isaiah 41:18 (ESV)

Do you know that God causes rivers to flow from them that believe in God? We don’t have to stay disappointed or rejected; we don’t have to lose hope, feel like a failure or stay disillusioned. We can have new dreams. God will hear us. We don’t have to live in fear and doubt. God will supply our needs according to His riches in glory. He specializes in opening blind eyes, unstopping deaf ears and setting captives free. God wants us to experience living miracles. He will make what is dry to flow with life and cause a desolate desert to flourish with gardens. We can have new life, joy, peace, new journeys, new purpose, vision, hope, new goals, and new dreams (Psalm 36:8, Psalm 46:4, Revelation 22:1, Isaiah 32:2, John 7:37-39, Isaiah 35:6, Isaiah 43:19).  When we allow God to revive us, He will take us out of dry places. By meditating on His Word, believing His Word and obeying His Word,  we will receive hope.   God is still at work in our lives (Philippians 1:6), so be encouraged  – the rivers of His refreshing waters will quench our thirst and nourish our souls.

“Lord thank You for working in my life. Thank You that my hope is found in You alone. Thank You that You will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 15, 2012

Embracing God’s Spirit

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Exposed, naked and vulnerable – not exactly how I want to feel.  But isn’t that what happens when we lack self control.  The walls of a city were meant to protect, shield, preserve,  and seclude its people especially in times of war.  Failing to exercise self control in our lives results in the walls of protection falling at our feet. Unprotected, we allow others too much access and become vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.   Without a fortress, we are merely sitting ducks, easy targets, with  no bullet proof vests – just naked vulnerability. People and circumstances  begin to influence our lives, calling the shots and dictating our actions.   Discipline is thrown out the window, and we carelessly maneuver through our days allowing our emotions to rule.  Whatever feels good at the moment is what we do.  But wait a minute isn’t that like a disaster waiting to happen? Isn’t that so out of control that we rebound into rash decisions that result in costly consequences?  Wonder what would happen if instead of lowering those walls, we built them up by embracing God’s Spirit calling the shots?  Exposure and free access would go out the door because God’s mighty shield would encircle our lives causing us to refrain, rethink and refocus rather than react.  We would guard our hearts and minds from temptations that would seek to ultimately devour us.  We would be enabled to stand strong, even when peer pressure is knocking at our door.  When we lock arms with God’s Spirit then we join forces with Him and are empowered to exercise self control even in the toughest of circumstances.

“Father, the benefits of being controlled by Your Spirit far outweigh the temporary  delusion of my freedom.  Thank You for protecting my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 12, 2012

Unfading Beauty

“…the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” I Peter 3:4 (NIV)

Maneuvering through the crowd, she smiled making eye contact with each person in her path.  Dressed in jeans and t-shirt, her graceful moves were captivating.  I watched her from a distance as her eyes searched out for the One sitting alone.  I glanced her direction as she hugged the One whose weary eyes revealed a burden too heavy to bear.  Instinctively she stooped to hear the words from the One whose chair screamed a loss of freedom. Reaching out her hand, she welcomed the One who stood cautiously inside the door.  With tears coursing down her cheeks, she knelt in prayer beside the One whose child had strayed.  Effortlessly she listened and listened and listened absorbing the heart wrenching stories never distracted or bored.  Simply she spoke in whispers of grace and love.  Softly she answered in quietness of strength. Who was she?  A famous Bible teacher?  Perhaps a Pastor’s wife?   Perhaps she was a famous celebrity  – everyone seemed to know her.  Her name was not important. Where she sat didn’t really matter.  Her size, color nor age dimmed the unfading beauty that flowed from her gentle and quiet spirit.  She was simply One who was of great worth in the Father’s eyes. She had become God’s hands, His feet and in the silence of those brief moments she radiated His beauty.  Life will attempt to still away priceless moments to be One that makes a difference.  The choice is up to us – will we be that One?

“Father, You find great pleasure and delight in those whose lives reflect Your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2012

Victorious Warrior

“Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” Psalm 144:1 (KJV)

Did you know that the Hebrew word for rock is strength? God is our rock, and our strength comes from Him alone. The Psalmist David was happy and blessed because he acknowledged where his strength came from. Not only do we need strength, but we need skill to fight against Satan. Strength without skill is really weakness. We need knowledge; God says we perish because of a lack of knowledge. We need wisdom and discernment to apply the knowledge that God gives us in His Word. He also tells us to ask for it.

There are many battles that we face, but remember the battle is God’s. There are some things that God has given us and expects of us. We can’t just stay complacent and expect the battle to be won without skill, wisdom, and knowledge. We must put on the whole armor of God and be ready for the battle. He equips us and teaches us how to use it. We must remember to use the skills God has given us so we can stay strong and victorious. Who is fighting your battle?

“Lord, thank You for fighting my battles. Thank You for the skills, knowledge, and wisdom You have given me. Thank You for Your armor. Thank You that You teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”
For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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