Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 15, 2011

Heritage of Faith

“ …. we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Psalm 78:4b (NIV)

I recently spent the day shopping and preparing for my first grandson. As I set up the room, I laid out a quilt and hung a wall hanging which was lovingly made by my grandmother. I couldn’t help but soak in the memories of twenty-three years ago when it was given to me for my son. However, there is something even more special in the room –  a Noah’s Ark Children’s Bible.  This was one of my son’s first Bibles and is now his step-son’s. I am thrilled to not only pass along a few baby items to my grandson but to see our family’s faith being passed on as well.

We are to share with our children the things God has done in our lives, especially the gift of salvation. In turn, they will pass their faith to their children. Some of us are first generation Christians and don’t have anything from previous generations to pass along. This gives us an opportunity to not only start the heritage of faith for our children, but we can pray and witness to the previous generations. God can and will do a mighty work in the lives of our family; we have to be steadfast in prayer and live by example.

“Father, May we be blessed to continue to see our heritage of faith passed on to future generations. Give us wisdom to witness to previous generations that still don’t know you.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

If you haven’t had an opportunity to start your heritage of faith by accepting Christ, please respond to this email. We would love a chance to get you started on an amazing journey that leads to eternal life in heaven. No matter what stage of life you are in, it is never too late to accept Christ and pass that faith on to others.

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 14, 2011

Contentment

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 (KJV)

Did you know we can be content no matter what we are going through? Paul admitted that he learned to be content. It was a process to be worked through and the same is true for us.   One of the first steps is to identify those things that are making us discontented and what God’s word says. How many of these things do we find ourselves doing, or not doing?

  1.  Allowing our peace to be robbed by comparing ourselves to someone else, desiring what they have or wanting to be like someone else. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
  2. Ungrateful for the blessings God has given. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
  3. Self-absorbed instead of looking to God or thinking about Him. We should be God conscience not self-conscience. (Isaiah 26:3)
  4. Not reaching out to others. Reaching out to others brings joy, as we forget about our own problems. (Galatians 6:7)
  5. Complaining and feeding a critical spirit. (Philippians 2:14)
  6. Taking God’s Word for granted and not reading it. (Joshua 1:8)
  7. Not accepting who God has made us to be. (Psalms 139:14)
  8. Not using our talents and gifts for the Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

We can choose today to be content in the state that we are in. It is a choice, and being in relationship with Him will bring contentment. Write a list of at least ten things you are grateful for, and you will begin to see how your attitude and behavior will change. Gratitude guarantees contentment. Have an attitude of gratefulness all day long, every day.

“Father I choose to be content and grateful today.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 13, 2011

He’s Waiting

“The marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”   Revelation 19:7b  NASB

Reading the book of Ezekiel, I came upon a passage that nearly took my breath away.  In Ezekiel 23, God tells the prophet about the consuming sorrow He felt because of the two women He loved and eventually lost.   As I read on, I learned that these “women” were none other than a metaphorically representation of Israel and Judah.  I started wondering why God would speak so vividly about this situation.  Couldn’t He have just called them “Israel & Judah” to begin with?   The more I thought about it, I realized that God chose this language because He did not approach these two people groups as a parent scolding wayward children.  He loved them the way a groom loves a bride.  And the fact that these “women” not only flirted with compromise, but repeatedly sinned must have been a slap in the face of their beckoning bridegroom.

As this unique passage reveals, God is not aloof, looking down upon us the way that we might look at tiny ants on the sidewalk.  He’s beside us and within us, longing to love us…and have us love Him in return.  And just as He abhorred the idea of a diluted romance with Israel, so He must also detest the idea of a limited, tainted relationship with us.  So, as ladies in waiting, we must do all we can to put aside distractions and draw near to our beckoning bridegroom.  He’s waiting!

“Lord, help us draw near and stay near to You today.  Infuse our hearts with an ever increasing love for You.  Help us to love You, as You long to be loved.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2011

Empowered By His Strength

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)

Every day, I have my “to do list” ready to go so my day will be productive.  I can even hear the cheering of the crowd in my head as I put that check mark next to an accomplished task.  I want to be a productive person! I want my work to matter.   No matter how much planning or preparation, I will still have those days where things do not go quite as efficiently.

Overwhelmed by our to do list, we face constant demands that vie for our attention.  We sift through the essentials and then we go to bed overwhelmed and exhausted.  Next morning, we do it all over again. I’m so glad we don’t have to face our life lists alone!  God offers to come along side of us giving us strength, perspective, and wisdom as we need it.  That Proverbs 31 woman shows us that we need to face each of our tasks with God-power and a Godly-perspective.  Once you read verse 17 and keep on reading it just gets better.  Verse 31 shows us that she “…fears the Lord…”  Her source of strength is rooted in faith and her dependence on God.

Your life list looks different from mine.  We all have unique ministries, friendships, jobs,  and responsibilities.   No matter what you do, God can and will give you strength for each task when you prioritize Him and fear Him.

“Lord, I was created by You and for You.  Please remind me on a daily basis that You are my strength and that everything that I do is for your honor and glory.  Help me prioritize my life list today so I will glorify You!”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 9, 2011

Who’s Driving Your Emotions

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 (NIV)

Lunch time adventures always seem to follow me, so my little incident shouldn’t have been a surprise. I left the office, ran errands and maneuvered through traffic while gulping down my lunch.  It was an unusually warm November day, so  I reached over and twisted the top off my Diet Coke.  Within seconds, I was covered with fizzing warm soda.  It spewed on my steering wheel, dashboard and of course my white blouse.  All while I was driving down Rt. 221 headed back to the office.  Sticky fingers searched for at least one napkin, tissue or anything.  All I could do was laugh.  Have you ever find yourself in a sticky mess – one you never anticipated?  It happens all the time.  Stress and overload can cause our fuses to run short.   Our mouths and actions can spew out all over the people in our path.   And if we are not careful, we will leave the sticky residue of our out of control emotions.  Unfortunately, sticky doesn’t come off easily it requires some major soaking in warm water – cleansing.  The same is true with our emotions. Until we surrender them to God and seek His help, we will continue to spew out of control.    So what’s a girl to do?  How about giving our day to God before it has a chance to get overwhelming?  How about meditating on scripture, taping it to our steering wheel or placing it below our computer screen?  Bet that will solve a lot of frustration when my eyes are constantly reminded to give His Spirit full reign in my life.

“Father, when life gets challenging a good laugh lifts my heart and softens my lips.  Help me to avoid the stickiness of emotional overload.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 8, 2011

Outrageous Faith!

“He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” Luke 17:6 (NIV)

Sometimes we allow ourselves to be intimidated by our circumstances forfeiting the opportunity to shout a big “hooray” for overcoming them. In our first home, we had a large refrigerator that was never moved for me to clean behind it, just because I attributed heaviness to its large size. I wiped the door, the one side that was not against the wall, and the top of it, but always wanted to clean behind and underneath it. I went to extremes at times like getting a large ruler, wrapping it in a rag and sticking it under the fridge to remove as much dust as possible. One day, I finally decided I would move that fridge out of its space even if it were the last thing I ever did. I placed myself in front of it and outstretched my arms so I could “bear” hug it.   To my surprise, the huge appliance just slid out without toil. All those years fearing the monster of appliances and there it was, in the middle of my kitchen.  All it took was for me to believe I could do it!  It is easy to allow our thorns and trials to overshadow what God has in store for us. When we truly believe that we can do all things through Him, we will come out victorious and those intimidating circumstances will fade in comparison to His mighty strength.

 

“Father, please help us to use our circumstances for Your glory. May we have faith like a mustard seed to tell our fears to exit our hearts and minds.”

For His Glory,

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 7, 2011

Restoration

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want! He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.”  Psalm 23:1-3a (NKJV)

In our home, we have some pieces of furniture made by two of our grandfathers.  Each piece had to be stripped, cleaned, sanded, and varnished from nearly 100 years of use, until they sparkled and shone as though they had just been made.  We are so proud of them both for the people they represent, the time they took to make them, and the fact that they now grace our home.

As I reflect on Psalm 23, I am awed that our Savior and King, the Great I AM, “restores our soul” when its been dragged through the grit and grime of daily living.  He takes us in His hands and wipes the stains of the world off; He gently smooths out the hurts that others inflict, and reminds us of His love.  He tells us we’re beautiful in His sight, and that nothing, NOTHING, will ever separate us from His undying love.  He has restored my soul, given me what I need to sleep peacefully, and I can wake to a new day with opportunities to serve Him.

Dear Father, please don’t let me forget for one moment how completely You love me, and how lovingly You restore me when I have had to be in the world for a day!  Let me be an outpouring of love to others, as You have loved me.  

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 5, 2011

Worth The Wait

“Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again.” Genesis 8:12 (NAS)

Have you ever been in a holding pattern waiting to take off?  So much ahead that we are ready to be a part of it.  Maybe it’s here, but then you find out it could be there.  No decisions to make because the final answer hasn’t arrived.  Maybe it won’t, maybe the current location is the correct location.  Head’s spinning, wondering, trusting, and waiting. Where are you?

Maybe we’re like Noah working so long, gathering and loading – watching for what God has spoken, only to wait again while those outside think we’ve lost our mind.  Then the rain came, and came, and came for 40 days.  In an ark for 40 days with family and animals, nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, just trusting and obeying.  Waiting for the earth to dry up.  Waiting to get out of the boat. Waiting to start over.  The excitement, apprehension, thoughts of how to rebuild, things to do differently.  So much to absorb, yet with God it is possible.  With God the strength is found.  When closeness is required, growth is unavoidable.  How would Noah advise us today on how to handle our waiting patterns?  Probably, he would ask are we learning the lessons we are meant to learn while we are waiting?  Let’s ask God what He has in mind for us. It’s easy to get caught up in the future of what will be and miss what is now.  Don’t miss the opportunity of the moment that is right here, right now.

“Father, forgive my impatience, grow me, shape me, mold me as I trust you for the answers.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 2, 2011

Childlike Faith

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 (NIV)

“God is great,  God is good , and we thank him for this food. By his hands we are fed; give us, Lord, our daily bread.”  Childlike faith simply expressed with folded hands looking to the face of God.  I remember those days –how about you?  Gathering around the table we longed for our turn to pray through closed eyes that peeked to make sure no one else was looking.  Sheer sweetness to the very heart of God.  Fully trusting, fully confident and unafraid because God is great and God is good.   Wonder how often we now reflect our trust, our confidence and our courage in our God who is great and good?  Do we simply express our faith in the One who has given us our daily food, nourished our soul and given us all that we need?  Or have we forgotten His greatness?  Have we refrained from accepting His goodness?  Childlike wonder and awe often slips away as adult logic slips in.  We reason with life. We contemplate the yes, no and wait responses to our prayers.  We wring our hands or shake our fists when life yields a daily bread we’d rather not taste.  And at times we even extinguish our prayers as we fail to acknowledge His touch on our lives. But God’s sheer sweetness is still found in the heart of His child who simply expresses their faith with folded hands looking intently to the heart and face of God.

“Father,  remind me daily that You alone fed my soul with the Greatness and Goodness that flows from Your heart.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 1, 2011

Sound of His Voice

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV)

 

What sweet comfort in knowing that God is truly in our midst. He is always present with us. If we don’t feel like He is with us, we can trust in the fact that our walk with God is not one of feeling but of faith. His Word says that He is mighty to save and will rejoice over us with joy. Made in His image, we bring joy to Him.  This is so very precious to know that the Lord God Almighty loves us so much that he takes the time to sing over us. How precious is that? When is the last time we sang a song unto the Lord? This is also precious to Him. Whatever we are going through we can know that God is singing a beautiful song over us. He has not forgotten us. He knows what we are going through. We are not alone, God is in the midst of us, and He will save. If you have a broken heart, He is singing sweet songs over you. If you are rejoicing, He is still singing sweet songs over you.

“Father, Thank you for caring enough to take the time to sing over me. Help me to remember that You make beautiful songs for me. Give me a new song to sing to You. You rejoice over me with joy. May I always find delight in You.”

For His Glory,

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Worship

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