Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 26, 2012

Glorious Power

“For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”  Romans 1:20 (NKJV)

All nature seems to be opening to the beauty of a new Spring!  What glorious flowers and trees are bursting with blooms: redbud, dogwoods, daffodils–life is springing up all around us. It amazes me that there is so much beauty even in areas where no-one sees. God enjoys His creation, even when seen by only Himself, saying “it is Good!”

As I reflect on this, I realize what a comparison there is between the resurrection and Spring itself.  As God designed the world, I can’t help but wonder if He planned the resurrection to be in the Spring, symbolic of the bursting forth of the “Rose of Sharon.”  What a beautiful picture God paints as Christ came out of the grave and took away the sting of death, while the victory of the grave brought a new “season” to life and believers!  He burst from the tomb by His own power, while creation itself opens to new life with glorious beauty!   The same power that the Bible calls His “glorious Power” is available to strengthen us every day.  We need only to call upon Him, rest in Him, and give control to Him.  What a joy!

“Holy Father, give us eyes to really see Your majesty as all creation celebrates the beginning of a new season!  Help us to be strengthened by Your glorious power as we strive to walk closer to You.  We love You so much, Lord, and thank You for beauty.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 23, 2012

Glorious Deliverer

“Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” Judges 8:27 (NIV)

Shaking, terrified, and oozing insecurity – not quite words to describe a valiant warrior.  Yet when Gideon finally embraced God’s call, he led the troops to defeat the enemy. However, Gideon’s victory lifted him up to an unexpected place – one in which he became a Deliverer in the eyes of the people.  The Children of Israel often fell into the trap of misplacing God’s glory. Longing for a visible ruler, they sought an earthly King. Gideon became their choice, but this warrior wasn’t interested.  Instead, Gideon accepted gold from the people to make an ephod. Transferring their worship from him to a golden ephod must have eased his conscience, but God’s word bears the reality that it became a snare to Gideon and his family. Talk about glory gone bad – amazing how quickly we too forget who our Deliverer is.  Looking for a hero, we grasp for a visible image.  Close friends who wage war alongside us.  Counselors who navigate us through difficult healing processes.   Teachers who lead us to the truth and family members who intervene.  All innocent bystanders who unknowingly find themselves wearing our Deliverer title. When the enemy presses in it’s important to surround ourselves with godly wisdom, encouragement and prayer warriors.  Special people divinely appointed by God to wage war but never intended for us to misplace His glory.  When we know the source of our intervention is God ordained, then we eliminate the need to cling to the visible images and praise the One true God who sets us free.

“Father, You are our great Deliverer the only One who can defeat the enemy.  Thank you for giving us everything we need to be victorious.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 22, 2012

My Heart’s Desire

“With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine.”  Ephesians 3:20(NCV)

I prayed for one clear open door.  Two actually opened, but God filled my heart with joy for the one.  Months of working part time, waiting and wondering  what God had in store. Why was I going thru this valley and what were the lessons I needed to learn.  I recited Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 3:20, and Isaiah 41:10.  The door that filled me with joy was my church, the place where my heart is; they called me and wanted me.   I was blown away, humbled, honored, and jumping for joy at even the thought.  Could I really work for the church?  Who am I?    Satan began working overtime placing doubts in my head,  but joy  overflowed my heart.  My spirit leaped at every message, every glimmer of hope.   I’ve experienced several true miracles in my life but this one, this one blows them all away.  I honestly don’t deserve it.  I know I trusted God to fill a need, I gave it to him and He gave me an Ephesians 3:20 testimony.    What seemed so impossible became a reality.

Are you currently waiting?  I can without a doubt say God is able to do abundantly more than we ever ask or imagine.  He can place that desire in your heart.  He can work out the details of life that seem so impossible.  He can provide the need that maybe you aren’t even aware that is there.  He wants to do it. He wants to grow you, prune you, and use you.  You just have to Let go, and let God!

“Father, thank you for the abundance You have blessed my family with and for the honor to serve You in Your house.  I am unworthy and humbled at Your great mercy.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 21, 2012

Ready For Home

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waited for Him.” Isaiah 64:4 KJV

Do you know God is making preparations for when you see Him? He is preparing a banquet table for us; He is preparing a mansion for us. He prepares for those that wait on Him. It’s wonderful that we can have a relationship with God now. It’s wonderful to experience His peace, love, joy and victories. We can have an abundant life now. But, what awaits for us is not conceivable. Eye has not seen and ear has not heard of the things He prepares for those who love Him. We can’t even imagine or dream what heaven will be like. Are we preparing daily to meet our God?   We don’t know when that final hour will be, and we don’t want to have regrets. How are our relationships with others? Do we have a clean heart, clean hands? Do we have a clear conscience? God cares enough to prepare a place for us. Do we care enough to prepare our hearts daily? Do we care enough to be prepared in season and out of season for someone that asks about the hope that lives within us? Are we ready to share what God has done for us? Do we have a fresh testimony? May God we draw others closer to Him every day as we anticipate our future home.

“Father, help me to be prepared at all times. Thank You for making preparations for me.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 20, 2012

When I Can’t Sleep

“When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” Psalm 63:6 (KJV)

Mid-life certainly includes many peculiarities wouldn’t you agree? Among many I’ve noticed sleep patterns became erratic.   Some nights I fall asleep fine.  Other nights after taking forever to fall asleep, I’ll awaken at 4 am – my body saying it’s time to begin my day.  Frustrating to say the least.  How about you?  Sleep patterns vary throughout life.  I miss sleeping so peacefully during childhood.  Teenage and college years were known for sleeping in, staying up late –  filled with fun and laughter better known as intentional sleep deprivation!!  Then, babies introduced me to a whole new interrupted sleep pattern – wee hours of the night were often tiring and trying.  Certainly various other factors such as illness contribute as well.

Accepting these sporadic occurrences, I began utilizing them.   Instead of concentrating on what I can’t control, I determine to dwell on memories of what Christ has done and will do in my life.   This strengthens my faith walk with Him and confirms He hears and answers prayer.  It also provides a great opportunity to recite Bible verses, alphabetically think on God’s attributes, and pray over my children.

Worry is a sin and accomplishes nothing.  My solution:  submit to God those things only He can mend/control.  True submission provides peace of mind. The next time sleeplessness is apparent try meditating on the Lord, His Word, and pray.  He is only a breath and heartbeat away.  He is in control – after all He has the whole world in His hands.

“Dear Lord, teach me to trust You completely as I submit to You.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 19, 2012

Serving Kindness

“What good does it do if, when you sin, you patiently receive punishment for it? But if you suffer for doing good and receive it patiently, you have God’s approval. This is, in fact, what you were called to do, because: The Messiah also suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his steps.”  1 Peter 2:20-21 (ISV)

When we suffer for doing good, we tend to retaliate, prove our point, and have the last word. Eating out  with a couple of friends, we were surprised that the waiter only got one order correct.  We all remained calm as he got very upset, impatient and acted as if it were our fault that he brought the wrong food. We did not react to him, but rather showed him lots of love. He came back afterwards apologizing for his behavior.  Now we could have responded the same way he responded to us.  We could have defended ourselves and justified our behavior. Instead we showed mercy, patience, and extended grace. He couldn’t believe we didn’t get upset. We told him we knew he probably had a lot on him and ended up giving him a nice tip. By responding with kindness, he saw how he had acted and apologized.  When we are treated badly or unfairly, we must show the love of Christ. It speaks volumes, and God might speak to the person through that incident.  When someone mistreats us wrongfully remember, they did it to Jesus too. How have we responded lately to people and situations? Was it Christ like? Are we willing to humble ourselves and not have the last word?

“Father, help us to follow Your example of love and humility in times of suffering wrongfully. May we extend grace to those around us as You have extended it to us.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 19, 2012

Priceless & Proud Moments

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17(NIV)

Everyone that has children, a sibling, niece or nephew, and even our four-legged children, can tell stories of their proud and not so proud moments. My son is a new dad, and I’ve told him several times when you have children, it’s not about you anymore. Recently, he spent a couple of hours assembling a toy for his son and friends. He didn’t even stop for food; he was determined to get the project finished.   What a selfless moment this new dad showed and it definitely made me a proud mom.

When we think of Jesus making God proud, we know that Jesus is perfect and there’s nothing He could do to be better. Oh but there was – when He went through the full baptism like any other person, He showed obedience to God’s will. Just like a proud Father, God burst forth from the heavens and said He was well pleased with Him.  God’s first words were “this is my Son.” Words of love and affirmation are the greatest parenting tip ever given. God is up there in the stands rooting for His children – the ones adopted into His family through the blood of Christ on the cross. When we are obedient to His will, He is up there shouting, “They are my children, I love them and am pleased with them.”

“Dear God, How thankful we are that You call us Your children and have adopted us into Your eternal family. Reveal to us the areas we need to be obedient in so we can make You proud of us as we follow your will.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 16, 2012

Amazing Our King

“Out of the midst of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV)

Desperation always takes us to a deeper place. For some it turns their hearts away from the only One who can transform their emptiness.  Cheap imitations fill us with temporary hope that washes away in the rain.  Led down unknown paths, we easily find ourselves deeper down rather than rising up.  Bound and chained by our own failed solutions, desperation’s cry for deliverance fades in the distance.   So how does severe trial and extreme poverty well up into rich generosity – a reaching out when the inner soul is vulnerable, exposed and broken?  Those who seek God allow desperation to draw their hearts closer to His – the One who overflows emptiness with joy.    Leaping over puddles of discontent and raw emotion, desperation finds its home nestled under the shadow of God’s wings.  Protected.  Covered.  Nourished. Under the umbrella of God’s love, desperation births generosity – the moving of one’s focus from self and lack to glimpse the world  through His eyes. That’s where we find the Macedonian church.  Faced with severe trials, persecution and poverty,  their spirits soared up and out.  The secret ingredient – an unwavering trust in the One who conquered death with resurrecting hope.  Remove the essence of hope and you lose the fragrance of joy.  The sweet aroma of one being lifted up in the midst of desperation, clinging to God’s promises and  nestled in His arms produces  a generous offering that amazes our King.

“Father, take us to a deeper place – a closer walk.   Lift our spirits as we dance around your throne praising Your name – Your grace is enough.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 15, 2012

Letting Go

“But the Lord’s plans will stand forever; his ideas will last from now on.” Psalms 33:11  (NCV)

As a child, I loved roller coasters: the thrill, excitement, and the dare.  Now when I get to the top of the hill and see the drop, I respond in a different way.  My hands tighten on the rail, my heart skips a beat, my stomach goes to my head, and I lose control in fear until we reach the bottom.  The same thing can happen with our walk with Christ. Sometimes, we can be so fearless in sharing Him with others. We can go from wanting no one that we meet to miss the opportunity to learn about Him – to being afraid of what someone might think or say.  We can go from the thrill of complete devotion to Him – to  fearing a deeper relationship.   Satan  makes earthly living seem so enticing.    We can see what he offers on earth: the money, fame, etc.; but we must trust the rewards in heaven.  I love to hear my friend say, “Our reward is in heaven and what a reward it will be.”  She never wants thanks on earth as she trusts completely in the gift of Christ.

Do we trust Christ when we feel ourselves going up and down the big hill of growth?  Are we able to enjoy the ride and let go of that tightly squeezed bar and raise our hands in obedience while screaming  in our loudest voices “Here am I Lord, use me and grow me!”  Join me in letting go and letting Him!  Raise your arms with me and let’s be fearless.

“Father, I’m ready to let go and let you.  Stretch me, grow me, and use me. “

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 14, 2012

Confidently Surrendered

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

We can be confident that whatever we’re going through God is performing a good work in us. Sometimes we cannot see nor feel what He is doing in us, but we can rest assured He is performing a good work in us. Whatever trials we are going through, He is shaping our character through them. He is giving us wisdom, strength, humbling us, guiding us and developing the fruit of the Spirit in us. He is teaching us many lessons so we won’t make the same mistakes over and over again. He teaches us how we can help others, how to be more compassionate and understanding. He is teaching us to be more patient and longsuffering. Many times we ask why am I going through this, and these are some of the answers. We can be confident that whatever we are going through God is working out a beautiful plan. Some of the trials we go through might not feel good or comfortable while we are going through them, but we can rest assured on God’s promises. This is how we can rejoice through our trials. We do not have to lose our joy and peace when going through trials if we keep in mind that we can be CONFIDENT that God will CONTINUE the GOOD work in us. God will not drop us, He will not stop working in us if we are His children. Be encouraged, be confident, He is continuing a good work in you.

“Father I thank you that I can be confident that you are at work in me and you are doing a good work and will continue it to make me more like you.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

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