Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2012

Release The Shackles

In the past we also were foolish. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We spent our lives doing evil and being jealous. People hated us, and we hated each other. Titus 3:3  (NCV)

Ever wish you could go back and change a part of your past?  Stop that thought in the tracks.  Yes, there are parts that we can say were complete disobedience; we were wrong.  Painful memories are an integral part of our personal story, which God now chooses to use for His glory.   When we share our story, we allow it to be God’s story of how He uses the unworthy for His glory.  He uses our pain, hurts, and disobedience to help others turn and run back to Him.  In the middle of our disobedience, Satan blinds us with our own pride and prevents our healing.  He tries to stop us from sharing, because he knows that our story can change others.  He doesn’t want us to turn back to God, ask for forgiveness, share it, or grow.  Satan wants us to retreat and be burdened by our disobedience.  God says ask for forgiveness; accept His complete forgiveness and share with others so healing can begin.  When we share, we stop Satan in his tracks.  We open up thoughts others may not have had if we didn’t share.  Rather than broadcast our story to the world, we need to allow God to place in our path those who need to hear it.  And as we see the weights and shackles being lifted off others, we too will be blessed.

“Father, use my story to help others come back to You.  Use me to share of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness so others can be healed.” 

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 5, 2012

Perfectly Precise

“[There is] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 4:6(NIV)

While I typically find the Bible to be inspiring and applicable, I have to admit that the passages outlining the details and dimensions of the Old Testament Tabernacle felt a bit irrelevant.  Obviously, understanding the significance of the Tabernacle is important; but do we need to be concerned with all the mundane details?   I mean…should we care that a certain curtain for the Tabernacle was 4 cubits wide and spun from goat hair?  (And what is a cubit, anyway?!)  Yet, because all scripture is useful (2 Tim 3:16) and God is perfectly precise, I knew there had to be a reason He chose to preserve the intricacies of this historical blueprint.

Intrigued, I did a bit of research and learned that this in-depth account serves  as a great object lesson for the way God designs and orders the intricate details of our lives.  After all, if He cared so much about a tent made by the hands of men, would He not care even more for that which He crafted by his own hands?  There will always be seasons when the events of our lives feel unplanned and haphazard.  But as the detailed specifics of the Tabernacle reveal, our God is not prone to acts of chance or disorder.  When we wonder if there is sovereign purpose to the hairy circumstances of our lives, we can be certain God is not only aware of what’s going on, but He is working in, through and over those details with unwavering precision.

“Lord, I thank You for this wonderful illustration of how much You care about the small things in life.  Help us rest in You today and trust that You are carefully overseeing ALL aspects of our lives.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 1, 2012

Calgon in the Midst of the Storm

“Praise be to the God…who comforts us in all our troubles. “   2 Corinthians 1:3a,4a  (NIV)

What does an “ordered life” actually looked like.  A clean house?  Well-mannered children?   Enough money to pay the bills? A stress-free, Calgon moment?  I’ll admit this sounds inviting, but are these the true indicators of peace, order and tranquility?  The truth of the matter is that not even Calgon can wash away the stressors of life.  Barricades, locked doors and foamy bubbles can veil…but not extinguish our problems and daily hassles.

How should we respond when the calm, placid waters of our life look more like a bubbling caldron of busyness and chaos?  One suggestion is to begin by recognizing that stressors are a part of every life and nearly every season.  In fact, scripture assures us that in this world we will have tribulation.  And even though we often approach personal challenges as unexpected intruders or indicators of failure (or worse that godly women are impervious to the raw, edgy, tiresome moments of life), the reality is that these threads are part of the fabric of life.  In fact, these are often the very instruments by which God works most profoundly in our lives.  So, if some stormy seas are threatening your hopes for a tidy, well-ordered life, just know that the answer may not lie in trying to calm the storm… but rather learning to meet God in the midst of it.  Our Lord may not want to still our choppy waters right now, but He can and will still our hearts.

“Lord, I pray that You would still our hearts today.  Despite the busy circumstances and challenges that surround us, draw us close to You and help us to find shelter…in You…during every season of life!”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 29, 2012

Words Hurt

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Romans 15:1-2 (MSG)

 What was the last thing we said to co-workers, family members, and friends today?  Was it words  to help them feel better about themselves or was it words that cut deep?  Sometimes we forget the power of our words.  Recently, I heard some ladies talking to each other: one informing the other of their new nickname.  It definitely wasn’t a name I’d want to call my best friend or even tell her.  It was one that would hurt.  Maybe the one thought she was being cute, maybe she just didn’t think anything about it at all.  Instantly, I remembered what I say to my boys regularly, “What would Jesus think if He were standing here?”  I wonder how the receiver felt the rest of the day knowing her new name.  It hurt my heart as I wondered how much better our lives would be if we followed the command of Romans 15:2.  Instead of cutting each other down in fun, we would lift each other up in love.  Maybe just a:  “Do you know your smile brightens my day?”  or  “Your love for the Lord inspires me.”  All simple words, probably ones we feel, yet rarely say.  Let’s all challenge each other to lift one another up in love.

“Father, use my words to encourage my sisters in Christ, and even more use my words to open someone’s heart to You instead of hurting them.” 

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 28, 2012

Temporary or True Change

“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 (NIV)

 It amazes me how clean and quiet everything looks after a snowfall. A brown yard covered in leaves has a whole new look with a pure, white coating of snow. Nothing has changed underneath; however, it’s just covered over long enough to look different. Soon the snow will melt, and the yard will be back to yucky brown leaves.

I’m studying the book of James through the Beth Moore series at my church, and she reminds us to “not become a forgetful listener.”  When we’ve heard a sermon or gone through a Bible study, it’s like a fresh snowfall in our hearts and lives. We have enthusiasm to apply what we have heard. If it’s a message on prayer, we purpose in our minds to pray more. If it’s a message on serving, we are ready to jump on the first opportunity that comes along. However if our hearts haven’t changed, the spiritual snow will melt away leaving us stuck in the mud of good intentions. When it comes to reading and studying God’s Word, he requires that we truly apply His principles so we are changed from the inside out. Until we have a change of heart and live what we read, we can’t fully enjoy the freedom and blessings God’s Word offers.

“Dear God, There are so many Bible studies and sermons that have “stepped on our toes” but only temporarily. Show us the areas where we need to put action to Your scriptures and begin to change from the inside out. Thank You for Your Word that gives us clear instructions that leads us to blessings when we follow them.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success

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

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