Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 29, 2011

Sacrificial Love

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

We welcomed our first grandbaby into the family December 8,  and I had been warned that he would steal my heart. From the first second I got to hold him that was definitely true. It’s a love you cannot describe unless you have experienced it. You think that you love your children SO much, but there’s something about a grandbaby that magnifies that love.

As I look at Jacob, my mind thinks about the love God has for His Son and the world. I would sacrifice about anything for Jacob to be healthy and happy because he is related to me by blood. I cannot grasp the love God has for us that He was willing to give His Only Son so that we can have eternal life. Instead of being related to God by blood, we were adopted into His family through the blood of His Son. A love so sacrificial – He gave the gift of eternal life and the hope of being in Heaven forever with Him. It’s the hope that carries us each day in this world. When we reach out to God and invite Him into our heart, we receive the gift of eternal life, along with His guidance for each step you take.

“Father God, How thankful we are that You loved us so much You gave Your Son to give us eternal life.  Help those that haven’t accepted that gift to reach out and invite You into their life. For those that already have accepted Your gift, help us to cherish it and to share it with everyone we meet.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 28, 2011

Sowing Fruitfulness

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop–a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:8 (NIV)

Honestly, I hate math.  I don’t like to think about anything mathematical if I can help it, but one day I found myself thinking: “If I were an equation, what would I look like?”  Perhaps something like: ME=THE SUM OF MY EXPERIENCES.   No, I reasoned, I am much more than that.   What about: ME=TRUSTING GOD THROUGH LIFE’S EXPERIENCES?  That was better but it still didn’t encompass all I wanted my life to equal.   I thought of one last equation:   ME=TRUSTING IN THE LORD AND BRINGING HIM GLORY THROUGH MY LIFE EXPERIENCES.  Yes!

The parable in Matthew 13 speaks about a believer who has living proof of the fruitfulness of their faith.   In other words, there will be some Christians who walk more closely with the Lord and accomplish more for His kingdom than others.   Their fruits encompass being filled with patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control.  Others live in habitual sin and sear their consciences.  They live a bumpy Christian walk—back and forth between the world’s ways and God’s ways.

The more I get to know Jesus, the more I want to follow Him with reckless abandon.  My heart’s desire is to be one of those servants who yields a hundredfold, not a paltry 30, or less!  With tears in my eyes, I beg the Lord to help me to be faithful!   I want the equation of my life to be one that says “LESS OF ME=MORE OF YOU.

“Oh Lord, come fill me with your power to live righteously for your glory! I want to hear the words: “WELL DONE YOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!”

For His Glory

Ruby Sand
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 27, 2011

Figgy Pudding Is Not The Problem!

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  I Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

If I see one more dish of Christmas cookies, I think I might just scream.  Since when did these festive little treats become such a threat to my waistline?  How can a cookie have such power over my capacity for restraint?  I’m reminded that I am not the first woman to battle the temptation to eat something.   Woman’s first temptation was centered on food.  Although our circumstances may be quite different,  if Eve gave into the temptation of an apple, then we’re right to expect a struggle combating the allure of scrumptious holiday fare.  And yes, that includes those peppermint mocha lattes.  (As  if “seasonal” supposedly means “consume all you can before the holiday is over!”)

If you’re like me and are struggling with tempting holiday treats, I would like to offer three thoughts for consideration:

  1.  You are not alone.  We, your consuming companions, are right there with you, doing our best to resist the lure of over-indulgence.
  2. You do not have to become the victim to the temptations before you.  Although this is easier said than done, we have been given the power and authority over cookies, cakes & other holiday samplings.  Prayerfully engage each day, each meal and each hour if need be and ask God to be glorified in your eating.
  3. Find a friend to stand with you.  Resolve is always strengthened in the company of others.

May God guide you & keep you this holiday season!

“Lord, grant us all the strength this holiday season to make right choices and to withstand the temptation for over-indulgence.  Help us to learn how to honor you in all we do – including our eating.”

For His Glory,

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 26, 2011

The Wonder of Christmas

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

How uplifting to go into a store or turn on a radio and hear the beautiful old Christmas carols in all their magnificence.   Exalting the birth of our Lord, these songs haven’t died over the hundreds of years they’ve been sung!  And yet even as glorious as they are, how incredible it would have been to actually be one of the shepherds on that hillside who heard the angel choir singing praise of “Glory to God in highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  How incomparable to have been Mary, so full of Godly characteristics that she was chosen to bear and raise the Son of God! Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene wrote it so beautifully in “Mary, Did You Know.”  Meditate on these incredible words they wrote:  “Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven’s precious Lamb, and this little Child you’re holding is the Great–I AM!”

“Oh, God our Father, help us to never forget the wonder and glory that You came into Your creation, as sinful as it had become, so that we can be saved! Help us to never let go or get over the miracle of Christmas and the victory of the resurrection!

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 23, 2011

The Heart of Christmas

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NIV)

Christmas is here – I’ve experienced it waiting in long lines at Target.  I’ve seen the lights in my neighborhood and streaming traffic on the interstate.  I’ve smelt the cookies baking and tasted the goodies that arrive daily in our office.  I’ve felt the brush of shoppers searching for the best gift, and I’ve heard the ringing of the bell on the side of the street.  I’ve watched a dozen movies, some I’ve seen over and over again.  Yes Virginia, Christmas is here or perhaps just maybe it never left?  I’ve experienced the wait for a miracle and watched, as God amazed me.   I’ve seen the lights of hope dancing in weary eyes tired from fighting disease eager to go home.  I’ve smelt the fragrance of worship as a mom lifted her hands in praise proclaiming God’s greatness while surrounded by her three children displayed in caskets.  I’ve tasted the goodness of God among His people in utter desperation, brokenness, sorrow and defeat.  I’ve felt the brush of angel wings drawing the weary under the shadow of the Almighty. I’ve heard the sound of His voice whispering, speaking hope to when a year of loss unfolded over and over again.  And in the midst of it all I’ve seen Christmas sprinkled over all of my days.  Yes Virginia, Christmas is here – He has always been here.  Jesus the Christ child sitting at the right hand of the Father –  ever present,  interceding,   always loving.  With arms stretched wide,  He’s the gift  you can’t wait to unwrap – the true Heart of Christmas.

“Father, how sweet to know that Jesus is Christmas, and He lives within the heart of each of Your children. “

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas as

celebrate the birth of our Savior.

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 22, 2011

Surrendered To His Will

“For nothing is impossible with God.  I am the Lord’s servant,”  Mary answered.  “May it be to me as you have said….”  Luke 1:37-38a (NIV)

Stepping out of her comfort zone into the unknown, everything Mary was told by the angel went against what she was taught and had believed in.  How easy it would have been for her to think she was having hallucinations and dismissed the very words she heard.  However, her heart and mind was prepared to accept God’s message to her. Just to make sure she understood how God could do the impossible, she was reminded of her relative Elizabeth.  Elizabeth had become pregnant with John the Baptist in her old age, which even Elizabeth’s husband didn’t believe was possible.  How many times have we felt led by God to do something that seemed impossible and impractical – perhaps a huge change in our life or something that pushes us out of our comfort zone.  Mary didn’t fret about the negative that could come with what the angel said would happen.  She left it in God’s hands and surrendered to His will for her life.  Although it can be scary to step into the great unknown, remember that it is not unknown to God. He is right there with you each step of the way.

“Dear God, how thankful we are that Mary accepted the unknown.  Help us to not over think the changes and challenges you bring into our lives, but repeat the words of Mary, “May it be to me as you have said.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 21, 2011

The Wonder

 “…We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  Matthew 2:2b (NIV)

What is it about the Christmas season that makes all adults begin to act like children?  It just began to snow outside, and I could hear my coworkers squealing with joy at the first snow of the season.  As adults, we remember the excitement, suspense, guessing games, wonder and joy of Christmas that we experienced as a child.

Instead of looking at Christmas through the eyes of an adult, the long lines, the bills, the traffic, the busyness trying looking at it through the eyes of a child.  For seen through the eyes of a child it is pure wonder and joy at the first glimpse of Christmas lights, the carols we sing, and the cookies we can taste.

Is it possible for us as adults to come as children to the Christ of Christmas?  Yes, we can come to the manger as we bow down to worship the newborn King, to the Cross and to the empty tomb of our Savior and Risen Lord.  We need to come as children eager to learn, eager to laugh, eager to live, eager to serve, and eager to love.

“Lord, please never let me lose the wonder of a child at Christmas.  Renew within me the simplicity and purity of a childlike love and faith in You.  May I come to worship you with adoration this Christmas.  Remind me that I am Your child both now and for eternity.”

 

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 20, 2011

God Is Our Guide

“For this God is our God for ever and ever he will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14 KJV

Have you ever watched a blind person with a guide dog? Have you watched how closely the dog guides them?  The dogs are trained to avoid things that are on the ground, stop at curbs and maintain a straight line for the owner. Without the dog, the blind person can fall and get hurt.  A guide dog can help a person to have independence and freedom to a certain extent. However, like us, they too need someone to guide them through all of life’s paths and that person is God. If we are not guided by the Word of God, we are like a blind person trying to make it without their guide dog. Have we stopped holding God’s hand? Are we trying to make it without our road map, God’s Word? If so, we will stumble, fall and hurt ourselves if we don’t depend on God’s Word to keep us on the straight path.

God wants us to put our total dependence and trust in Him.  If we are not in the Word of God, we are in danger. We can step out of the straight line and take the wrong path. It’s never too late to find our way back to God.  God sheds light on our path through His Word, and we don’t have to walk in darkness. Even a blind person can be physically blind but not spiritually blind. God gives light to all who seek Him. We have the comfort of knowing that He will guide us throughout the days of our lives and eternity.

“Father guide me through your Holy Scriptures. Light my path. Thank You that You will be my guide unto death.”

For His Glory,

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 19, 2011

What Are You Missing?

“You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which the LORD swore to give your fathers.”  Deuteronomy 6:18 (NAS)

Have you ever felt invisible?  Sometimes we feel like all we’re doing at work, home, school, church, and with friends goes unnoticed.  Most of the time that’s a trap that Satan throws us in and lets us wallow; however, it could be God’s protection.   How proud would we be if we knew what people thought of us, or maybe we are protected from their ill thinking of us?    Who are we living our lives for?  Recognition?  Awards?  Money?  Fame?  It’s all temporary; yes it can be fun for the moment, but what happens when the moment is over? Heaven is the only thing eternal.

What would it like look like if we lived just for His Glory?   How much more would we give?  How much more would we do?  How much more would we stay in His word and on our faces in prayer?  I am blessed in having the ability to give time to others praying, encouraging , and touching their lives  in ways beyond my ability.  Because I said “Yes, Lord use me” and put myself out there to be used,  God opens the doors and He is willing to do the same for all His children.  What door is He waiting to open for you?

“Father, I want to be used by You.  I want to be open to Your will in my life, show me which door You want me to walk thru so that I can glorify You.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 16, 2011

Cleansed

“He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.”  Psalm 24:4-5 (NIV)

Engrained in my mind as a child, I wouldn’t even take a penny off the street unless I was certain it belonged to me.  In first grade, I lost my ice cream money at school and when the teacher found a quarter near my desk, I refused to accept it.    I was the only one missing out on a delicious treat and tears welled up in my eyes, but I wasn’t convinced it was mine for the taking.  While most of us wouldn’t  dare steal something that belongs to someone else – we still may harbor things in our lives.  How many times do we steal someone’s joy by sabotaging their victory?  How many times do we steal a  pen from work – innocently dropping it into our purse?  How much time do we waste – stealing from our employer?  Have we ever stolen someone’s idea to make us look good?  How much time, resources, or talents do we waste in our lives stealing away from the purpose God created for us?  Steal no way – but when we examine these traits, we might find we have hinged on the verge of taking some things that don’t belong to us.  Stealing is saying God hasn’t provided what I need and demonstrates a lack of trust in God.  It cheats us out of God’s best and leaves us wallowing in guilt with dirty hands.  Solution – simply accept what He has for us, seek His cleansing for wasted moments and lift clean hands in praise to our all Sufficient God.

“Father, purify our hearts and help us to examine our lives to ensure our trust is firmly planted in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living

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