Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 17, 2011

Pain – Worth the Gain

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17 (KJV)

Obedience requires discipline. Necessary and sometimes painful, yet birthing a teachable spirit requires cooperation, submission, and a willingness to change one’s behavior.  Does it always happen?  No!  Ask any parent or teacher.  Some children/teenagers disobey completely mindful of disciplinary actions awaiting them at home. Quite simply, the pain is perceived to be worth the gain.

Being a child of God is no different.  His children blatantly disobey Him.  Why?  Because actions somehow conclude disobedience will be worth it.   Unfortunately,  wrong choices bring much trouble, suffering and are accompanied by a ripple effect.  The question remains.  Are the consequences worth sin’s repercussions,  the extended heartache, not to mention others becoming entangled in our web?   Never!!

Anything that displeases God is sin, therefore, obedience delights Him. Beginning today seek God. Repent.  Refocus.  Do what’s right because it’s the right thing to do!  Begin serving Him today out of delight rather than duty.

“Father, please help me to delightfully obey You today in everything I do.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 14, 2011

His Wonderful Light

“But you are a chosen people [woman], a royal priesthood, a holy nation [daughter], a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

When I’m in front of the classroom, I love those “ah-ha” moments that my students have after I’ve taught a concept.  It is like I can literally see the light bulb come on over their head.   One day in Science class, I was teaching the children about the rotation of the sun.  We went outside and began looking at and outlining our shadows on the ground.  Have you ever noticed that a shadow does not suddenly appear? It grows slowly as the sun becomes brighter and brighter.  We make shadow puppets on the wall or play the shadow game with our kids, but how are shadows created?  Shadows are created when light is blocked.

Often in our Christian walk there are “shadows” of doubt that creep into our lives.   When we focus on ourselves, how inadequate we are, or what others might think, we create opportunities for those shadows to grow.  With these thoughts, we cast a shadow in our minds and block the light of God’s truth in our hearts.  So when we find ourselves standing in the shadow of self-doubt, instead of wishing for more self-confidence, turn towards the Light.  The shadows will disappear as our heart focuses on God’s truth because we were created to live in the Light!

“Lord, Your Word says that I am a holy daughter, a woman belonging to You.  Help me to remember that You have called me out of the shadows of my doubts so that I can tell others about the true Light, which is You!”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 13, 2011

Where Are Your Eyes?

“He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” Matthew 8:26 (NIV)

When a child is standing on the side of the pool, looking at their mom in the pool with arms outstretched, it’s a simple choice to jump into her loving embrace.  To jump where we know we will land takes faith but not at the level of jumping off the high board as an adult with no one to catch us. Faith is easier in good times, but its stretched when the storms of life hit.  The disciples experienced a storm even when they had Jesus in the boat with them, but they still feared the unknown.  Jesus was asleep during the storm because His faith in His Father was strong.  The disciples should have had strong faith with Jesus on board, but they still doubted.  Even when we know our God is able and right there with us, we too get side tracked and lost in our own issues.

When was the last time your faith was tested?  We can be thankful even when we are weak in faith because Jesus still calms the storm for us.  He only gives us what He knows we can bear.  We just have to keep trusting more each day.  Our Father will never let us down, He will always be there with us.

 

“Father, thank You for the reminder that we are human and You are not.  You are always there to calm the storm; we just have to give it to You.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 12, 2011

Altar of Grace

“In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered why there were so many shepherds in scripture?  Maybe it was because lambs were in high demand.  Innocent creatures lain bleeding upon an altar because of our need to be cleansed.  I’ve often wondered what church would look like today if we had no mediator – no advocate. What if we had to purchase a lamb and walk down that aisle entrusting our pastor to intercede on our behalf. As the blood would spill on the ground would we finally realize the price tag of our sin?  Would it be enough to transform our hearts and quicken our spirits?  Unfortunately, some of us would find ourselves  piling up credit card debt to the shepherds to cover the price of our sin.  Desperately lost and in need of a Savior, we would walk that path too often.   Eclipsing the pain of the cross, Christ saw the bigger picture in His suffering – redemption to the world.  Was His death justified?  No.  Did He deserve it?  No.  Was it fair?  No. Was it God’s divine plan?  Yes. Was God glorified through it?  Yes.  Without pain, suffering and anguish we would not have free access to the Father;  the gap between God and man would still exist. Our malls aren’t bombarded with shepherds making a quick sale on Saturday night.  Our sin debt has been paid in full, and we can gather at His feet without the intervention of anyone else.  We’re privileged, treasured and welcomed – maybe it’s time we realized He is enough to transform our hearts.

“Father, Your gift of salvation is freely available to all who come seeking forgiveness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2011

Inner Strength

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11(NASB)

As a young girl, Wonder Woman was my favorite super hero. She would fight bad guys wearing red high heeled boots, bullet proof bracelets, and a perfect hairdo of endless waves.  My favorite part was when she changed from normal Diana into strong, powerful Wonder Woman.  She would spin around in circles, removing her glasses and letting her hair down. Many times I could be found doing the same. I grew up believing if I could be like Wonder Woman, then I could do anything. As an adult, I sometimes find myself spinning in circles desperate to become a super woman who can handle anything with perfect calm and assurance.  What I didn’t’ realize was Wonder Woman and Diana were the same person.  She was powerful for what was already inside her. She didn’t have to change.

The very same power that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside of us.  Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us everything we need to accomplish whatever is before us on any given day.  We may wish we could change into a super hero, but it’s not necessary.  With Jesus we already have an inner super hero.  With Jesus, we are strong.

So spin if you must, but not out of desperation, throw your arms in the air, let your hair down and spin for the pure joy of the change that has already taken place.

“Dear Lord, thank You for the inner strength You have provided through Your Spirit.  Guide me each day and help me accomplish what needs to be done.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2011

Praise One Another

“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17 (NIV)

Great job!!  I’m proud of you!  I believe in you! You can do it!! Encouragement invigorates hope, inspires vision, and revolutionizes lives. Aligning with self-esteem programs in schools, churches, and the corporate world these principles invigorate better performance.   Why?  Statistics prove egos respond to positive feedback.

God echoed these words from heaven when Jesus was baptized (Mark 1:11) and again at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:5).   Wonder if Jesus was motivated to please His Father even more following His blessing?
Daily affirmation opportunities are all around; but we often go about our day ignoring kindness, sacrifice, thoughtfulness, consideration, great attitudes, etc.  Why not consider the employee who goes the extra mile, an obedient child, a loyal friend, a faithful pastor, or the spouse always placing his mate’s needs first?

We must be intentional.  Incorporating praise will most definitely encourage productivity in any walk of life.

“Dear Father, please use me to be a positive and uplifting encourager to someone today.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 6, 2011

What’s On Your Mind

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)

Now that I’ve moved into a new city, I am struggling with driving.  There are so many ramps, roundabouts, back roads, and interstates.  Every time  I climb into my car, I could be off on another adventure.   I think I hear the GPS lady sighing with frustration as she says, “Recalculating” to me.  Fortunately,  I do know how to drive to work and to drive home now.

One day during my drive home, I was thinking about a conversation I had and was so distracted I found myself somewhere I did not want to be.  I had to turn on my GPS just to find my way home.    Just like I was lost driving home, our thoughts determine a lot about the direction of our lives.  Runaway thoughts will take us somewhere, and sometimes it is where we do not want to be.

If we spend time thinking about how aggravating a co-worker is, how someone else was promoted first,  the lack of money or  success, we could find ourselves filled with resentment.  And that’s just the beginning, our thoughts can move into a lack of patience, hurting feelings, and discontentment.

Our thoughts are powerful and require a great deal of self-control.  If we allow them to come and go carelessly, we will not be focused on the things of God and wind up somewhere we didn’t choose to be.  We need to choose carefully what we think about, because our thoughts will determine who we are and how we live.

“Dear Lord, Please help me today to keep my thoughts captive and focused on everything that is pleasing to You and that will bring You glory!”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 5, 2011

Frazzled

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won your fight with these false prophets, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” I John 4:4 (NLT)

Feel like everything you try to do keeps getting shut down?   You wake up realizing you set your alarm for PM instead of AM.   Heading to work, your car battery dies.  Finally at work and the phone rings.  It’s the nurse at school, your child is sick. Off to the doctor we go only to find out that it’s allergies, but he thinks your child should see a specialist.  We stop at McDonald’s for a treat, but they are out of chocolate chip cookies and sweet tea.  All this before noon – it’s a good day.  Don’t give up faith, or let that smile turn upside down –  remember God has this.  It might seem like your world is crazy, but really it’s a hiccup in what the plan was supposed to look like.  In God’s eye’s it’s a great redirection of your eyes.  Satan try’s to divert our attention by raining on our parade, and believe me it can be a torrential storm but he has no hold.  I know friends who are fighting battles I can’t comprehend; I can only lift them up in prayer.  God is always going to come out on top; He’s already conquered this world.  The bigger the challenge – the greater the growth potential.  Painful?  Yes, but the reward is more that we can imagine. Which will you choose in your rain storm – to dance or to retreat?

“Father, You are the great conqueror.  I have nothing to fear or to feel as though my parade has been rained out.  Thank You for Your subtle reminders.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2011

Captivated By Our God

“…Holy Holy Holy is the LORD of hosts:  the whole earth is full of his glory.”  Isaiah 6:3 (KJV)

Oh Lord would you meet me, right here, in the craziness of life?  I have so many things to do on my “list of things to do,” that sometimes I feel like all I ever do is my “to do” list!   Please help me to sit quietly at Your feet right now and realize a few things:

  • While I am rushing to make school lunches—You are on the throne!
  • While I am shooing my children out the door or driving in 8 o’clock traffic—You are still the Lord God Almighty!
  • While I am complaining about other drivers—Jesus is still the Son of the Living God, the Savior of the world!
  • And while I am at work, doing laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, helping  with homework,  wiping noses,  PMS-ing,  cleaning up another mess,  taking care of a sick child, talking on my cell phone, or running errands—the four living creatures are still surrounding your throne singing, “HOLY HOLY HOLY IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY WHO WAS AND IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”   (Revelation 4:8)
  • And even while I am sitting here, the angels and the living creatures and the elders by the thousands upon thousands are saying loudly:  “To Him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” (Revelation 5:13b).

“Dear Lord, help me to sit at the foot of the cross… at Your feet, at Your throne—to soak in Your glory, power, awesomeness and holiness!   HOLY, HOLY, HOLY ARE YOU LORD!!!!”

For His Glory

Ruby Sand
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 30, 2011

Bubbling Over

 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.” Colossians 3:16 (ASV)

When you wake up do you wake up singing God’s praise?  I love those mornings when I wake up with a hymn on my heart; what a way to start the morning praising the Lord for his goodness.  How refreshing to only be in praise to Him who deserves it.  When we fill our souls with songs and the Word, we start to overflow.  And within moments that overflow bubbles out in our dreams, when we wake up, and in our words to our friends and associates.  I love to hear others quoting scriptures and singing praises to the Lord.  It makes my heart sing with them.  When we praise each other, we bless each other.  This is how I believe God wants us to live –  lifting each other up with joy, thanksgiving, and encouraging each other in His Word.  If we aren’t filling up with His Word it’s hard to spill it out.  So let’s challenge each other in scripture memorization and spending more time in the Word.  Digging deeper, so we are full of scripture bubbles.  Remember how fun it was as a child and even as an adult playing with bubbles and  watching them float in the air?  As adults, let’s bask in the glory of God’s bubbles of his Word.

“Father, thank You for Your Word and for hymns to sing of Your glory.  Help me to bubble over and out  to those around me of Your goodness.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Worship

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