Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 23, 2012

God of Wonders

“I will mediate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12 (NIV)

Memories are the snapshots that tag along with us as we journey through life. Have you ever felt as though a memory was slipping away?  My daughter has lived in the presence of Jesus since the age of two.   Months after she left this world, I found myself overwhelmed with the fear that I might forget her.  After all, we only had enough memories from those two short years.  What if I didn’t remember what her voice sounded like or I forgot the smile that graced her face?  Pictures helped, but I longed for the remembrance of her real, daily presence in my life.  So I asked God to keep those snapshots of her fresh in my memory bank.  Recalling her first steps, her laughter and joy rather than focusing on what I lost.  Remembrance is an incredible treasure – one that soothes the ache of loss and invigorates steps of faith.  It’s the crucial element that deepens our relationship with God.  Like the Psalmist, we can intentionally purpose in our minds to recall God’s faithful deeds –  His miracles and mighty works on our behalf.  If not, we will allow those moments to fade away like a distant memory blowing in the wind.  And when life gets hard, our mind will not reflect on the awesome deeds of our mighty God.  We will have no memory bank to draw from if we have failed to fill our minds with the goodness and loving character of our God.  Unveiled in scripture and in the lives of each of His children are the incredible memories of God’s faithfulness – choose today to keep Him fresh in your thoughts.

“Father, how awesome to know that Your works are unfolding in my life creating a scrapbook of memories we will one day share for eternity.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 20, 2012

God’s Comfort

“As one whom his mother comforted, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13 (NKJV)

When I was young and nursed both of my babies, I remember how they looked at my face and made cooing noises. They stared into my eyes and seemed so serene and safe in my presence. I was so attentive to them and held them with such tender love just like God holds us next to his bosom. We too need to be still before God looking into His face and remembering He loves us with an everlasting love. He is always there to comfort us if only we allow Him. Are we running to others to find the comfort that only God can give? When we go through hurt and disappointment, God is always there to comfort us.  Sometimes we resist Him and refuse His comfort. One of the ways we refuse His comfort is by not receiving His Word. In His Word, we will find much comfort. Also when we pray we need to be still enough so that we can hear Him speak to us. Praying is not just talking all the time but also listening. As we hear His voice, He will comfort us. Are we being still enough to hear His voice? Are we in the scriptures receiving His comfort?  God wants to comfort us. Are we allowing Him to do so?

“Father, thank You that You love me with an everlasting love and You are always there to comfort me. Thank You for Your word that brings so much comfort to me.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 19, 2012

Embracing God’s Spirit

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 (NIV)

Do you ever find yourself caught up in a web of urgency? You know like everything has to be done right now.  All the children have to be in different directions right now.  Your boss needs that project completed yesterday.  We head out the door, speed down the driveway always in pursuit of the most urgent need.  Funny thing is – we often find ourselves reacting urgently to things that aren’t urgent.  Rushing down the expressway one day, I saw a cop flash those pretty lights in my direction.  He pulled me over and wanted to know where I was headed in such a hurry.  Sad truth, I wasn’t really in a rush to get anywhere – a mode of urgency had become my pattern of reacting.    We often find ourselves facing every decision or circumstance in life the same way.  There’s no time to pray about the situation or if we do, a short pray is ushered to God’s throne and we disconnect before He has a chance to speak.  Or we text a friend for advice instead.  Either way, we short circuit wise counsel when we insist on making urgent decisions. Only when we embrace God’s divine wisdom giver, the Holy Spirit, and slow ourselves down will we reap the lessons He so longs to teach us. He promised us a friend, a comforter, a counselor would come, and Jesus left this world knowing we were in good hands.

“Father, You know all the details of our lives and You are readily available 24/7 to lead us in the right direction.  Thank you for the incredible gift of your Spirit living within us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 18, 2012

Sparkle Time

“The LORD their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.”  Zechariah 9:16 (TNIV)

Up early to walk our sweet Princess Shih Tzu, we stepped out the door and quickly discovered the cool brisk air and first frost.   The grass glistened with beautiful sparkles as we walked.  Couldn’t help but ponder the sparkle of the streets of gold in Heaven.   Wondering just how wide will they be, will they shine and sparkle or just shine brightly?   Makes one dream about Heaven and the beauty that we can’t even grasp in our mind.  We think about the colors of Fall, the colors of Spring and beauty that they hold; however, it pales in comparison to what we will one day experience in Heaven.

What an encouragement to know we have a shepherd who is anxiously awaiting our arrival and preparing a place for us.  Have you ever thought about the fact that God looks at us as a sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown?   What a thought to ponder.  We are a sparkle in God’s life.  Now that brings a smile to my thoughts and heart.  A precious thought to ponder when we are tough on ourselves, feeling down and out, having a bad day, or even as the New Year has come upon us and we have made the resolution to lose that 10 pounds again this year.  We can be reminded that we are more than beautiful in God’s eyes, we sparkle.

“Father, thank you for the reminder that I am more than beautiful; I am a sparkle in your land.  Help me to shine brightly for you.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 17, 2012

Bread of Life

 “In the sweat of your face, you will eat your bread.”  Genesis 3:19a “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.” Mark 14:22 (NKJV)

When my son was about two, our pastor visited our home. After asking a really dumb question about Jesus, I realized I couldn’t introduce my son to a God I barely knew?  That motivated me to read my Bible through each year (sometimes twice) and memorize scripture which was very hard.   One day while correcting my children, my son shouted, “You have a verse for everything we do!” (I assure you it was not meant as a compliment!)

As a new year dawns, what better time to make a decision to read your Bible through.  The two verses above are so applicable to true Bible study:  Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Life. In Genesis, God told Adam and Eve that they would eat their bread by the sweat of their brow.  Reading your Bible and praying are NEVER true habits; they are disciplines.  Let a phone call come or visitors, etc., and how do we start our day? Seldom do we say, “Please excuse me while I read my Bible and pray.”  It will indeed be by the sweat of our brow that this year we eat of the Bread of Life every day, and for 2012 have a goal to read our Bible completely through.  The rewards will be amazing!

“Father, please strengthen us in our inner self as we make a decision to read your Word and talk to You every day this year.  Grow us in our faith so we become a well-watered plant that we may in turn bless others who need to eat of the Bread of Life and drink the Living Water.”

 

For His Glory

 Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 16, 2012

Great Expectations

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. “ Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

From the moment we wake up, we set expectations.  We expect a busy morning, lots of traffic on the way to work, we expect to be busy at work, and we expect to spend time with our family in the evening.  We also have expectations of how people will treat us and expectations of the future.   Expectations are usually based on our past experiences whether good or bad; unfortunately, some expectations can be unrealistic.  We expect to make a low grade, expect not to receive the promotion, expect this diet to help us lose 10 pounds in a week.   Our expectations can lead us to develop patterns of thinking which can weaken our faith or block our goals.  However, expectations can also help us to be hopeful, accepting, secure, and optimistic.

For all of our expectations, we need to look to God to lead us.  The path God chooses or leads us down might not be what we expect, but it will be for the best.  It will be better than we can ask, think, or expect.  We are so fortunate to serve a God who knows the desires of our heart.  So as we are going through our day, expect God to bless us and fill us with His love, peace, and joy.  Our expectations won’t be disappointed when we anchor them in God.

“Lord, I am so glad that You are in control of my life; I just need to sit back and let you control it.  I expect today that You will bless me and guide me throughout my day!  I praise You that You are the God of hope!

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 12, 2012

Reflecting Beauty

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” I Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

“Honey you are talking really loud!”  Those were the words my husband heard while talking on his cell phone.  As soon as he finished the call, my wonderful husband reminded me that he had picked up that loud voice from me.  And unfortunately, he was correct.  Growing up in a family of loud talkers, I realized early in life if I had something to say I would have to talk over everyone else to be heard.  Funny how we take on the traits of those we spend the most time with.  Not only has my husband taken on my loud voice, but I’ve taken on his perpetual lateness.  No matter where we are headed, you can guarantee the Martins won’t be early.  Good traits and sloppy habits; we pick them up without even realizing it. So whose traits have you allowed to take up residence in your life? How about radiating Jesus’ beauty to the world in 2012?  If we commit to spending daily time in His presence and take on His traits of love and grace, then those who cross our path will recognize His Spirit living in us.  They may not pick up the Word or attend our church, but we can be a walking beacon of light shining through loud and clear.   The choice is up to us; we can rub shoulders with the world or reflect the heart of God.

“Father, may we truly radiate the beauty of Jesus to a world desperate seeking Hope.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 11, 2012

Joyful Obedience

“Whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23 (ASV)

Do you remember as a child your parents saying, “I want obedience immediately, not the second time or the third but the first?”  God requires the same – obedience the first time.  Never an easy thing to do; it takes practice.  It takes complete willingness, focus on what is required, and doing something we might not want to do and at a time that may not be the most convenient to us.  What truly matters is not our will but His.  I remember a story about someone who felt God wanted them to go pick up rocks for days and they did it.  Every day in the sunshine, rain, and wind.  Finally at the end of it all, they realized it wasn’t about picking up the rocks but rather being obedient in something they might not have wanted to do. It might have looked silly to others, but it was what God commanded.  God asked Jonah to go to Nineveh, but he ran in the other direction.  God then provided a fish to save him and gave him time to think about what he was doing until he was completely broken and willing to obey.  What is it that God is asking of us right now?  Are we running the other way?  Sitting in the fish wondering why?  Or are we obeying?

“Father, I have run from your will for my life, I’ve sat and wondered why, and now I’m ready to obey no matter what.  Help me to have the courage to obey.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 10, 2012

Why?

“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust…” Psalm 40:4a (NIV)

Have you ever found yourself asking God WHY? Why did that prayer go unanswered?  Why did tragedy strike?  Why did God remain silent?  As I look over my life most of my “why’s” seem to surface when God’s plans deviated from MY plans or expectations.

In Scripture there is one story in particular which brings the question “WHY?” to the forefront of my mind.  It is the story of Hosea who was a man of God living in a day when Israel was turning from their faith.   And although we might think God should have rewarded Hosea abundantly for his life of obedience, the fact is Hosea got dealt what we might call “a bad hand.”

Rather than abundant blessings, God gave Hosea a wife, Gomer, made famous for her poor homemaking skills (and wayward vocational efforts).  Was it fair?  NO.  But, I’m not so sure that God ever intended for “fair” to be the barometer by which we measure life’s circumstances.

In fact to demand “fair” is really like reducing God to a cosmic vending machine.  Just put in a few of the right things and then PRESTO…we get what we want…or at least what we deserve.  The problem is that God never promised “Fair.”   This is a difficult concept to embrace, but as Hosea’s story exemplifies life comes to us on God’s terms not our own.    And when those terms do not match the décor of our rosy expectations, they are still Holy terms.  So if you are asking “WHY,” join me in praying for the grace to stand in faith, even when we cannot see or understand the terms of God’s plan.

“Lord, please grant us the strength and grace today to trust You – especially when life does not seem fair.  Help us to rely on Your goodness rather than what we see or feel.

For His Glory
Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 9, 2012

Random Acts

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” Matthew 7:12a  (NIV)

Every New Year, we make resolutions to do things differently than the year before. This year I’m going to lose weight, exercise more, read my Bible all the way through, spend more time with my family and etc. Any of these sound familiar? I’ve made resolutions and quickly blown every one of them. The reason is because changes should be done out of a desire to make the right choices on a daily basis. If we don’t go into them with the mind set of changing our lifestyle, we won’t succeed.

This year, I will continue with choices I made last year to eat right and exercise because I made the lifestyle changes necessary and saw the results. So that leaves resolutions pretty much not necessary this year. Instead, I’m going to offer a challenge to each of us to perform at least one random act of kindness each week. Shortly after Thanksgiving, my daughter told me about a lady who celebrated her birthday by performing a random act of kindness for each year of her life (38). It was really neat to read the ways she impacted others. I think this is a challenge we can all stick with because sometimes it’s easier to do for others than ourselves. The funny thing is we will be blessed just as much as the people we encounter. I challenge you to keep track of your random acts so you can reflect on how many God moments those acts brought.

“Dear God, Show us ways to reach out to others this year. Give us guidance and direction as we seek to make a difference in other people’s lives and in return be thankful for the blessings we have.”

 

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Growth

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