Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 6, 2012

What Would Jesus Do?

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25 (NIV)

Sometimes it is a great feeling knowing we can run to the store without makeup on and no one will know us.  Attending a conference, I am sitting in a hotel room in Chicago where I know no one.  Today, I was sitting at a meeting having a casual conversation with other attendees when lunch was served.  I did what I always do. Bowed my head and gave thanks for everything the Lord has provided.   After lunch, a lady told me she recognized my school on my nametag. Knowing it was a Christian school, she had been watching me.  She said, “I wondered if you were going to pray for lunch when no one was looking or nobody from your work was there.”  I smiled back to her, and we began talking.

Walking away, I began thinking there is never a time when we are “off.”  There is never a time when our actions and our words don’t matter.  Arrested, beaten and thrown in prison for preaching the gospel, the Bible tells us that Paul and Silas were beaten within an inch of their lives.  They were in stocks, and they had every right to complain, gripe, question God or just scream.  But what did they do?  They prayed.  They sang, and “the other prisoners were listening to them.”(Acts 16:25 NIV)  Did you catch that?  “The other prisoners were listening to them.” This reminds us that someone is always watching or listening.  What will they see in our actions?  What will they hear in our words?

“Dear Lord, I pray that You will “set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips,” (Psalm 141:3).  I pray that my words and actions will represent You well today.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 3, 2012

Hearts Like His

“And, we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

One in a crowd of strangers isn’t quite my idea of fun especially if that crowd is 600+.  Yet standing among a sea of writers and speakers,  I never felt lonely or disengaged.  Smiles and light conversation welcomed me.   Adoring praise rose as voices worshipped.  Energy filled the room as inspiring messages challenged and refueled our souls to pursue God’s calling with devotion, discipline and perseverance.   How sweet for God to ordain and provide my own personal retreat.  Quiet moments of reflection mingled with deep conversations between women who shared a desire to give God’s message of hope.  Settling into my room each night, I allowed my heart and mind to savor the wisdom.  I cherished the solitude God placed before me – forcing self out of comfort into obedience.  Uninterrupted, unplugged and readily accessible – I had no trouble hearing His faint whispers .  The rush of deadlines, stress and craziness was discarded miles away, and now I was free  – free to know Him in a deeper way.  To listen intently as He shared His heart with me.  To experience unity with those who exchanged comparisons and resumes for the shared joy of bringing God glory.  Perfect moments orchestrated by a God who delights in seeing His daughters grow.  In a world that thrives on drama and discord – how awesome to see a better way – a better choice.  To cheer one another on to greater heights.  To encourage the use of our gifts for His glory.  And to exchange self for the best – to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul.

“Father, the joy of serving You is intensified when we join hands and hearts together in perfect harmony.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin

TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 2, 2012

Through God’s Eyes

I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:” Proverbs 24:32 (NIV)

Being impatient and tapping your nails or huffing and puffing doesn’t speed up things when stuck in a long line. Recently, I went to the post office and there was one person at the counter. I only needed one stamp and a stamped envelope. There were a couple of people ahead of me with packages,  so I settled in to wait. By the time my turn was close a pretty long line had formed behind me and a couple of the people were not so patient. Including one who kept tapping her nails on the counter. If she had been observant she would have noticed:

There was only one worker, and he had a lot going on. The couple with several boxes in front of me was actually mailing care packages to military personnel. And one of the boxes they didn’t have to mail because it belonged to a relative of the postal worker; the military person had just come home.

By being observant, I was extra nice to the postal worker and went out of my way to make him smile. I also made sure I thanked him and wished him a good day. I was able to see blessings in action while enduring a wait for a simple stamp. How many blessings have we missed by being impatient? Has being impatient ever helped a situation move faster? The next time we are in line, let’s determine to show God’s kindness to others rather than become frustrated.

“Dear God, Help us to take things as they come. Whether it’s fast or slow. Everything is in Your timing and Your will. Open our eyes to people and situations around us so we may bless others.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 1, 2012

When Friendship Blooms

“A friend loves at all times,” Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)

Recently I had a birthday which was made exceedingly special as my dearest friend sent me flowers.  You may think, what is so special about that?  Let me tell you some lessons I have taken from those flowers:

First, they were sent from a heart full of love.  My friend loves me when my house is a mess, I look my worst, I’ve blown it with my family and when I vent. And when she vents, she knows that what I say comes from a heart of love that wants only her best.  I can be my real self around her. Secondly, they were sacrificial flowers.  None of my grown children could afford them, and they knew I’d understand. But my friend couldn’t afford them either, and yet she gave up several things in order to do this for me!  Third, they preached a sermon on enduring, precious agape love called friendship. It has been almost two weeks and although I pulled some flowers out, they are still a gorgeous arrangement!  The dead ones were like the things we’ve said that needed to be forgotten, leaving only the ones that edified each other. Fourth, they inspired love!  The next day some of my family came by, and one of the grands exclaimed over them.   The following day cards and a gift magically appeared!  Most importantly,  they remind me how much my Father has blessed me with this friendship, with His creation of beautiful flowers, and with His love that transcends earthly love.

“Holy and Wonderful Father, don’t ever let me take for granted the beauty of friendship!  Help me to be a friend who builds up and reacts in love.  As I hum “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” I realize Your friendship and love is so much higher, so much greater than anything we know on this earth, and I worship You, Lord!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 31, 2012

Embracing God’s Wisdom

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Unexplainable moments in our lives often propel us to zero in determined to uncover the hidden truth.  Unfortunately, there are some things in life that we will never understand – what do we do with those things that leave us doubting, wondering and confused?  Where do we turn when a load of messy dumps right in the middle of our seemingly normal life? Amazing  how quickly God’s name arises in the midst of tragedy, even by those who claim He didn’t exist in the first place.  It’s as though their perceived non-existence of God gives them the right to point blame in His direction.  But how can you blame someone you don’t believe exist?  How can you question the character of God when one doesn’t know anything about Him?   And what about His power and authority to force everyone to yield control  in all situations so pain is eliminated. Most people don’t want His name breathed in the classroom or heads bowed in prayer yet they want God to intervene, stop and change tragic events. Unfortunately, the world wants God on their terms.  I’ve lived there myself when the death of a child, loss of a marriage and disappointments  raged against me.  Shaking my fist, I allowed the unexplainable to distort the image of the God I knew.   But I’m so glad He didn’t leave me there.    Our God never forces His creation, rather He lovingly compels each of us to relinquish the unknown in exchange for the love and wisdom of the Almighty.

“Father, one day You will reveal all things – until that moment, I will place my trust in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2012

Tomorrow…..

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14 (KJV)

Opening night and fun with friends suddenly turned tragic.  We’ve all heard the news of the young man opening fire, killing and injuring many at a movie theater.  One person asked other friends to go with her. They decided not to go, but she went. She didn’t know that she would not make it back to her earthly home. God does not promise us tomorrow.  We must live a holy life so that we are ready whenever God takes us home. Many people planned to go see the movie, but how many people were ready to face eternity? In just seconds or minutes people died. God’s Word reminds us that our life is like a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. We must stop, think, and examine our hearts. Had that been us, would we have been ready to meet Jesus face to face? Can we say it is well with our soul? Would Jesus say, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord? Let’s determine to live each day with love in our hearts and always forgiving those who hurt us. We want to make sure we are at peace with God and with others.

“Lord, Help me to be ready when it is my time to go. May I walk in love. May I walk in holiness. My I walk in forgiveness. I choose to live wisely. I choose to serve you today in whatever capacity you have called me to do so, even if it’s just encouraging someone.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 27, 2012

Cleanse Me

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

Have you ever left laundry in the washer?  Or even better yet, did you ever put the clothes in, pour in detergent but somehow didn’t  hit the start button?  In those moments of lapse in my mind, I often blame it on overload.  Too many hands going in too many directions accomplishing little while my mind tries to catch up.  I loaded the washer, showered, dressed  and ran out the door to do an errand.  Couple of hours later, I ended up back at home and  remembered I forgot to put the clothes in the dryer.  Opening the washer door, I found the clothes were never washed.  Not only were they dirty but now the detergent made them sticky and stinky.  Ever found yourself desperately in need of spiritual washing?  You know like times our attitudes get sticky or we sit among the murky waters of stinky  selfishness.  Perhaps we even find our lives going in too many different directions rather than catching up with God.  When our dirty stains start to show,  we temporarily pour on the prayers of confession but  shut the door to change in our hearts.   Cleansing can only come when God’s truths pour over us revealing the residue of our sin.  And as we cycle through forgiveness and life transforming repentance, His grace and mercy wash over us removing our stains.  Fresh, new – whiter than snow – God calls it.  The ultimate clean that finally says, “Enough is enough – I’m going do life God’s way.”

“Father, come and cleanse me  – let your grace flow down and cover all of me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 26, 2012

Welcome Home

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  Romans 15:7(ESV)

Our church slogan is “Welcome Home.”  Walking down our common area called Main Street, I smile because even during the week people are “at home” here.  Moms chill out while their kids play in the indoor playground, co-workers chat over lunch, people study or spend time on their computers, and even a few groups pray or meet for Bible study. THAT is what being a welcoming place is all about. On Main Street there are no requirements to be a member, no charge for internet or to use the playground.  I love seeing kids excited about coming to our church, even if it’s just to play in “Kids Cove” (indoor playground) because it gives them a positive connection to church.

Not everyone God puts in our path will fit our ideal description of a person to hang out with or even talk to. However, if we follow Christ’s example we will reach out to EVERYONE. Whether it was the adulterous woman, the local church leaders, or the little children; He took time to reach out to them on a personal level. God welcomed us into His family through the blood of His Son without any reservation –  just pure, selfless love to live with us in heaven for eternity. The only thing He really wants us to do is to share that love with others and welcome them into our lives, churches, and eventually the family of God.

“Father God, How thankful we are that You welcomed us into Your family. Help us to put aside our personal feelings and reach out to others as Christ reached out. May we have a full house not only in our earthly House of God but the eternal House of God.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2012

Everlasting Hope

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NKJV)

Did you know you can find hope in the scriptures? Not only do we find hope in the scriptures, but, we also find patience and comfort. God wants us to learn from his Word and receive the hope we are looking for. When we lose hope, we lose joy and peace. When our hope is gone we become faithless, weary, confused, worried, and resentful. However, when we come back to God’s Word, we are fortified and enriched. Attempting to live a healthy Christian life without searching the scriptures and meditating on them will never work. We will become spiritually malnourished and sick. We need our spiritual vitamins to replenish us – like Psalm 119:24: “You are my hiding place and shield. I hope in Your Word.” This verse again reminds us that we find hope, protection and security in God’s Word. So when those feelings of hopelessness rise to the surface what’s a girl to do? Simply start off the day with God’s Word, sing His praises, pray His Word and watch as hope sparks ignite our soul.

“Lord, thank You that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures can find hope. Thank You for the joy and peace Your Word brings to us. Help us to stay diligent in Your Word.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 24, 2012

Extravagant Love

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.  Mostly what God does is love you.  Keep company with Him and learn a life of love.  Observe how Christ loved us.  His love was not cautious but extravagant.  He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us.  Love like that.”  Ephesians 5:1-2 (MSG)

Have you ever stood silently during a time of worship and just listened to the voices around you?  A sweet aroma – a fragrant offering – that’s what God hears.  Have you ever watched someone serving others even in the midst of their own hardships?  An incredible sacrifice – that’s what God sees.  Have you ever walked with someone down a lonely path?  A courageous soul – that’s who God carries.  Have you ever held the hand of a loved one gasping for their last breath?   A precious saint – that’s who God longs to greet.  If we could see for just a moment what God sees it would literally take our breath away.  If we could hear the praises that fall upon His ears it would leave us speechless.  If we followed the footprints in the sand and watched Him carrying the weary it would melt our hearts. If we watched

God hover over His dear child in that hospital  bed it would remove all our fears.  Oh that God would give us His eyes, His ears, and His heart –  our lives would forever be changed.  We would no longer judge sinners or condemn the saints.  We would walk in grace and extend mercy.  We would clothe ourselves in love and specialize in carrying the wounded. We would walk fearlessly knowing who’s waiting on the other side, and we would worship without hesitation dancing before our King.

“Father fill our lives with more of You. Give us a heavenly view consumed with loved and guided by mercy.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

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