Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 24, 2012

Everlasting Love

“Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis.” I Corinthians 2:14 (GNT)

Each day our lives are full of stuff:   folding laundry, fixing breakfast, waking up the kids, making sure they get dressed,  brush teeth, lunches packed, not to mention getting ourselves presentable and all before 8 AM when we start our workday.  We move thru the day step-by-step crossing off things on our list, only we still feel empty like we are missing something.  We think back on what we might have forgotten…. It’s the extra time for God.  Our hearts crave God; we crave His Word, His love.  God created us in His image, we are made to crave HIM, made to glorify and serve Him.  We get lost in our day, our priorities, and our stuff.  Yet thankfully He created us with a reset, a yearning for Him.   We are brought back to our knees for that fulfillment.  No matter what we try to cram in our lives nothing satisfies us like God.  Give in to your heart’s desire say “YES to God.”  Open your heart to His will, His agenda, and His glory.  I can assure you He will not disappoint you, He will only fill you with a love that is indescribable.  A fulfilling love and endless love.   Maybe you don’t know God yet, please email us and let us share Him with you.  Maybe you know Him but have been running, His arms are wide open for you to run right back.  He’s calling your name…listen carefully….____, I am here let me fill you with MY EVERLASTING LOVE.

“Father, fill me with Your everlasting love.  Open my heart wider and fill me with Your spirit of love, wisdom, and encouragement.”


For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 23, 2012

Pleasing God

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

What has God called us to do? Does it look insignificant in our eyes or the eyes of men? Whatever it is whether it appears to be significant or not, we need to do it all with our heart as unto God. We need not look for the applause of men. God is watching whatever we are doing, and when we have the right attitude it pleases God. Whether we are cleaning bathrooms or teaching a class, we need to do it as unto the Lord.  If God has called us to do something that seems insignificant, we shouldn’t despise small beginnings. He could be testing us to see how we handle what He is calling us to do. Only when we do it wholeheartedly as unto Him will He entrust us with more. He watches us all the time, sees our heart attitude and is willing to give us favor.  If no one is noticing what we are doing or giving us praise, remember God notices us. Pleasing Him, not men, is the key.

“Father thank You for what You have entrusted me to do and the calling You have on my life. Help me to do everything wholeheartedly as unto You. I know You watch me all the time, and it is You that I want to please.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 22, 2012

Fight Like A Girl

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”  Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

I have lived in Virginia for 18 years, but I can honestly say that until recently I never stopped to consider our state’s flag.  It is really remarkable.  Draped in her dazzling combat toga, a woman stands victorious atop her defeated foe.  In her hands are the weapons of valor and heroism.  On the ground by her feet are the crown and chains of her enemy “Tyranny ” confirming her triumph over his oppression and bondage.  She’s one no-nonsense gal!

Although I was surprised by her domineering presence, I was really moved by the spiritual implications of her posture.  So often, women are considered as frail, weak and insecure.  Yet here (on our flag!) a woman stands as the symbol of heroism and strength.  Now I am not advocating a Women’s Lib agenda, but I do like the idea of standing victorious over the spiritual enemies in my life.  Scripture tells us that great opposition awaits those who pursue God and long to become more like Christ.  Yet, truth be told, if Lady Virtue visited the battlefield of my life (and my home), I cannot help but think she would scowl at my wimpy warring posture then tell me to grab a toga…and start to fight like a girl!      And although I’ll forego the toga, I’d like to learn from her example and get serious about overcoming the enemies in my way!

“Lord, I pray that You would infuse our hearts with a readiness and determination to stand against the forces of darkness which threaten our homes and our lives.  Show us how to apply Your armor so that we, too, can stand victorious over Satan and his schemes.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 21, 2012

In God We Trust

 “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)

The surprising news of a long awaited child would send any woman into celebration, but the angel of the Lord gave Manoah’s wife some very specific commands. She was told what they were to eat or drink in preparation for the conception and birth of the child. The boy, Samson, was meant to be a Nazirite of God from birth until the day of his death (Judges 13:7). Manoah and his wife raised the boy exactly as they were instructed by the angel.  However, Samson grew to be very strong, attractive, and careless. He fell in love with Delilah, who tricked him into revealing the source of his strength. A little nagging on her part and too much confidence in his own heart amounted to a very sad outcome.  Samson succumbed to Delilah’s questioning and revealed the source of his strength.  And when his hair was cut while he slept, he was seized by his enemies. Delilah ultimately collected eleven hundred shekels of silver from the Philistines for unveiling Samson’s secret. Eyes gouged out, Samson became a helpless prisoner of the Philistines. Because of his disobedience and carelessness, the power of the Lord had left him. Each day, we too are faced with situations that put our hearts at risk of falling out of God’s will. We must be careful and faithful to our calling, trusting more in Him and less in ourselves, so we can be victorious.

“Lord God, You have created us for Your pleasure. Help us to have the strength to say ‘no’ to those things that can come between us and You. May our strength always lie in the confidence that You are near and that You are all that we need.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 20, 2012

No Greater Love

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (KJV)

Valentine’s Day is about real love.  How unfortunate that we often turn such a beautiful holiday into something we dread?   Way back, St. Valentine intended to show his love, and this month we can remember and celebrate such an occasion whether we are married, single, widowed, or dating. What greater love is there than for someone to die for us?  Jesus, my friend did this.  Love is not just about a physical relationship, love is not about expensive presents, love is not about having a boyfriend, or a great date!  You can have ALL those things and still no love.  Our secular world tells us that is what we need, and we should have artificial satisfaction on Valentine’s Day!  Nothing is farther from the truth.  I have experienced such GREAT love every single Valentine’s Day, even all those times when no boyfriend was in sight.  So how can we experience joy on this holiday?  Whether we have a boyfriend or husband, our joy and love comes from our Creator and HIS love.   Enjoy and celebrate His love.  God is love!  Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Lord Jesus, we love You! Thank You for loving us! Help us to celebrate love and understand what true love is!”

For His Glory

Julia Forystek
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 17, 2012

Joyful Wisdom

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Proverbs 3:13 (KJV)

How many times do we regret things we say? How many times do we make wrong decisions? Ever find your foot in your mouth?  God gives us the perfect prescription for avoiding mistakes and bad judgments. When we choose to walk in His wisdom, we avoid hurting people and ourselves. By getting in the habit of asking for God’s daily wisdom, we can apply His truths and learn from our mistakes. And when it comes to our personalities, God is faithful in revealing to us anything that causes friction with others.  There are those that are confronters and are very direct but lack tact in what they say. There are those that are always interrupting when they are having conversations with others. There are those that are afraid to confront and need to learn to be assertive. There are those that don’t know how to say no; they are people pleasers. Some have co-dependent personalities and need wisdom to be delivered. We are all a work in progress desperately in need of God’s wisdom and understanding so that we can change our behavior. And when we apply His guidance, we will quickly find happy is the one who applies God’s wisdom.

“Father, help me to walk in wisdom and understanding. Help me to see and understand my shortcomings. Give me the wisdom to change.”

For God’s Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 16, 2012

God’s Love Letter

“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (ESV)

Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett’s love story is remarkable.  After meeting one time,  they corresponded only through letters, which revealed their thoughts and character. Robert and Elizabeth gradually fell in love, and the next time they saw each other face to face was the day when they were finally united in marriage.

What a picture for us of our relationship with our Lord! After our initial meeting Him in salvation, we then read His Word and find we are falling in love with Him through the revelations of His thoughts, promises and insights into His character! The more we read, the more we should want to read!  His words should be like Robert’s to Elizabeth: we should dwell on them all day as we go about our tasks, letting them comfort our hearts and fill us with joy.  One day, sometime in the future, or possibly soon, we will join Him in the home He has prepared for us who love Him! What a joyful day that will be, and how ready we must be when His call comes to us individually!

“Dearest Father, work in our hearts until Your presence is so felt in our lives that we would ache if we hurt Your love for us.  Grant us the joy of living in Your will, meditating on Your love, and spreading it to those we meet.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 15, 2012

What Do You See

“But I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ just as Eve was tricked by the snake with his evil ways.” II Corinthians 11:3 (NCV)

So many thoughts circle in my mind.  What are they thinking?  Where have they been?  What is their story?  What can I do to help them?  What am I fixing for dinner?  Will I be able to get it all done?  How can I juggle this schedule and still be a good mom and wife?

It is so easy for our minds to be led astray from God.  There is so much pressure to be your best, look good, volunteer here, move up the corporate ladder,  wear this brand of clothes,  etc.   Just as a computer retains each entry imputed into it, our minds file away everything we see and read.  What are we watching on TV?  What books are we reading?  What goes in will come out.  I think of the song “Oh be careful little eyes what you see,” what truth there is in that song.  It’s important that we guard our minds from filth and things not of God.  We must guard our eyes from what we watch, read, and see.  That may mean canceling that subscription to our favorite magazine.  Changing our reading lists or our favorite TV show.  Eternity is so much bigger.  Satan wants to lead us astray and uses our weak points to do it.  Will we give in and say we can handle it or will we give it to God?  He gives us the choice.

“Father, protect my mind, guard my thoughts.  Guide me to things that are pure and glorifying to you.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 14, 2012

Forever His

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” I Peter 1:8 (NIV)

He has numbered each strand of our hair.  He created every part of our being and orchestrated every moment of our lives.  He has danced with us in the breeze and held us close in the storm. He has felt every pain; He has wiped every tear. He calls us by name and draws our wandering heart from afar.  Though our life is just a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow; God treasures us above all creation.  Though we falter in our walk and are unfaithful to His calling, He has caught us each time we have fallen.  Even when we demand our own way, God continues to fulfill His purpose in our lives.  With the purest knowledge of all that we are and the sin that covers us, He never turns away.  He has seen our weaknesses and tendencies to doubt.  Yet God has stood beside us with a love beyond our comprehension and helped us to rise again.  With the power and might of His voice, He has reached out through the rain and carried us through the raging storm.  Planting our feet on higher ground, God has sheltered us under His wings.  Because of you – because of me – arms stretched wide and blood ran from His pierced side. In the midst of extreme pain, joy was birthed.  God’s love redeemed us, set us free and captured our hearts; we are His forever.

“Father,  just one glimpse of your unfailing love draws me in deeper. Help me to radiate that love so others will be drawn to you.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 13, 2012

The Perfect Excuse

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men”. Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Lying comfortably in the TV room watching a movie, I suddenly noticed my ironing board, which had been hidden – by me – behind the door.  In fact, I haven’t unfolded that ironing board in a long time. I used to iron virtually everything, but now I don’t iron anything.  Excuses started to pour out of my mind like cereal falling out of a box. “I am a very busy person and don’t have time to iron.” Another good one was, “Who needs an ironing board and an iron when we have the convenience of Cleaners?” I knew that ironing board had been resting behind the door; I just purposely ignored it.

Do we ever create excuses about anything in life that we may be doing, or in this case not doing? We are called to be salt and light to a world that needs the Lord.  If we don’t fulfill our responsibilities, we immediately spill out an excuse for it.  Whatever the topic,  we always come up with the perfect excuse and those excuses can create very unpleasant situations. We’re not perfect, but with God’s help we can be diligent and careful with how we handle our responsibilities.

“Lord, as I look at my life, I can see many ways in which I could improve.  I want to live a life that reflects You, and I pray that Your Spirit guides me and leads me as I walk the path You have set before me.”

For His Glory 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

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