Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2011

Running God’s Race

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

I recently took up running as a way to lose weight and to live healthy according to God’s will.  Posting my runs on Facebook is keeping me accountable and allowing me to encourage others to take their own steps to a healthier lifestyle. I’ve learned that it’s hard to run if your shoes laces aren’t tied; you get tripped up. It’s just as hard to live for Christ if we have sin as an obstacle on the race course that God wants us to run. When we throw off the sins blocking our way and embrace the course God has placed before us, we will reap eternal rewards.

For some of us, we need to reach out and invite God into our lives before we start running our race. Frustrated and tired, we will just keep running our race in circles if we do it without God .We would love to tell you how to turn your life over to God completely and get a fresh start on the course you need to run. God is ready and waiting to give you a new outlook on life and to remove the obstacles that have blocked your course.

“Father, Help us turn our lives and everything that is hindering us over to you so you can clear our path. Thank you for giving us clear direction and the energy to run the race you have placed before us.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2011

Nourishing Our Soul

“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”  Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

When was the last time you really enjoyed a meal? You know like sat down and savored every bite.    Enjoyed the fellowship of those you love.  You weren’t even in a hurry or racing through the drive thru window with your lunch falling out your mouth.  Done that too many times. When my speed power lunch was over, I was exhausted.  Back at work, I couldn’t even remember what I had devoured earlier.  Only the stains on my blouse revealed the truth – I’m sure it tasted delicious.  When was the last time we really savored the Word of God?  You know like sat down and tasted every word enjoying the fellowship He so longs to give.  Chewing on each phrase, slowing digesting those nuggets of truth that nourish our souls.  For years, I bought into the formula:  Gotta read three chapters a day plus Psalms and a Proverb.  Magic formula for getting it done, but not always the best recipe.  When I still my soul, cleanse my heart and slowly read His words, God spreads a delicious feast before me.  It might be one verse or one chapter.  It might be one word that convicts or encourages.  It might be a sweet taste of His love. It might be the one thing I need to hear to get me through the day.  Transformation versus a power lunch with no memory of what I devoured – doesn’t take me long to know what truly pleases the heart of God.

“Father, fill me with the transforming power of Your word.  Teach me to linger until my soul is satisfied in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2011

Pursuing Wisdom

“When the Queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.” I Kings 10:1 (TNIV)

Wealthy and beautiful, the Queen of Sheba had everything: gold, silver, servants to clean her house and do laundry and bring her chocolate whenever she wanted.  Well, almost everything. When she heard about famous King Solomon, her heart was so moved that she traveled  across the desert over 1000 miles to visit this man who knew God personally.  Camels can only travel around 20 miles a day, so the trip took her six months each way.  The Bible says that she took all of her servants, spices, gold, and gifts to give to Solomon.  Once she met Solomon, the Queen talked to him for hours asking deep questions about God.  She must have been satisfied by his answers because she said, “Blessed be the Lord your God” (I Kings 10:8).

Jesus mentions the Queen of Sheba in Matthew 12:42.  The Queen of Sheba took great pains to find wisdom, yet the wisdom she was seeking was from man.  The wisdom we have access to through Jesus far out shines that of Solomon.  If the Queen of Sheba would travel six months to find truth, how much more should we search for wisdom by just opening our Bibles and our hearts to Him?  Isn’t it great that we don’t have to travel thousands of miles riding stinky camels to find the wisdom we seek?

“Lord, thank you for allowing me to have wisdom through You!  Please help me use that wisdom in a way that pleases You and so that others may see the love You have given me.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2011

Loving People

“Peter fairly exploded with his good news:  It’s God’s own truth nothing could be plainer.  God plays no favorites!”  Acts 10:34 (MSG)

We sort laundry, bills, toys, school supplies, coupons, etc.   Sorting comes natural for us, but if we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves sorting people too. You know like the ones we avoid because we don’t have the energy to listen one more time.  You know like the friends we wish we had versus the ones we write off – they just don’t fit with our group.    It’s all about preferences and choices – sorting the leftovers to a pile in the corner.  I never remember a moment when I loved that corner myself so why would I dare put others there?  I’m so glad that scripture reminds us that God doesn’t play favorites.  We are all equal in His eyes, and He takes great pleasure in our uniqueness. The twelve closest friends of Jesus had little in common and to the world, they looked like a group of misfits.  But Jesus saw what this diverse group could accomplish when they were united together. One’s strength would empower another’s weakness.  One’s laughter would uplift another’s spirit.  And in the midst of it all, one (Judas)  would chose to make it all about his preferences.  Regardless of our size,  age, wealth, career or personality – God is refreshed by the woman who genuinely loves people.  After all, aren’t we all on the same team?

“Father, I’m so thankful for the women You have placed in my life.  Different – yes.  Awesome – you better believe it; but how sweet to take this journey together.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 12, 2011

Refreshing My Soul

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”  Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

Sweltering heat got you running for cover?  It’s been the hottest summer I ever remember.  Driving down Rt. 221, I witnessed a gathering of cows in the pasture.  Yes, all the cows had claimed their corner under a large oak tree.  Most were sitting and a few standing, but those cows had no intention of moving.  No rain was in sight, no thunder in the distance yet during the heat of the mid-afternoon shelter was a high commodity.  Been there myself – where the heat of life sent me running for cover. In need of hydration, my parched soul desperately ran to the fountain of life and drank of God’s goodness.  Drawing near to His heart, I found rest and refreshment in the shadow of His wings.  And you know what, I wasn’t alone.  There was quite a gathering;  yes many claimed their corner with no intention of moving.  They all came for different reasons.  They all stayed for different reasons.  God’s shelter is a high commodity – one filled with the promise of rest yet infused with the power of our Almighty God acting on our behalf.  So what are we waiting for – my feet are hitting the floor.  Can’t wait to feel His presence covering all of me as I read His word, speak “Good Morning Lord”  and shower Him with my love.  And there’s always room for you to join us!

“Father, how sweet to hear Your whispers, to feel Your presence and experience my Most High God hovering over me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 11, 2011

Climb of Faith

“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

Life is filled with valleys and mountains that often seem too high to climb. The only thing that can get us to the top of the mountain is one step of faith at a time. We may have moments that we slip and go backwards a bit.  Sometimes we might get so focused on the top of the mountain and getting out of the valley that we lose sight of what got us to the top. However, it’s not really what’s on top of the mountain that matters the most. Those hard moments that seemed like they would send you right back to the valley. The times you couldn’t see the path leading to the top for the tears you were shedding. Days where the cold, biting winds of people discouraging you saying you’ll never make it. Overcoming all of these and reaching the top is what God wants us to learn. Speed isn’t important, but the steps we take along the way make the difference. He wants us to have faith in Him and believe that we can make it through anything in His strength.

“Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate the tough times. It is through the tough times we feel you even closer and learn so much about ourselves. Making it through the trials is what makes us stronger and ready to face the next challenge that comes along.”

For His Glory
Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 10, 2011

Divine Protector

“The teaching of the wise is the fountain of life.” Proverbs 13:14a (NIV)

One of the great things about living in Florida is the beautiful ponds all around the homes.  Right outside of my house was a cute little pond that on a daily basis I would see ducks, geese and sometimes some beautiful swans.  I would love to take my niece out to the pond and feed the ducks and fish.  It was so quiet and peaceful.  One evening we walked out to the pond, and I noticed these red flags all around the pond.  I looked at them, thought about them, but kept right on walking up to the pond.  Then I noticed it…an alligator had moved into our pond.  Believe me, I jumped back and grabbed Kylee up in my arms, and we moved far away from our pond.  Just as those flags were meant to warn us, God has provided “red flags” for our protection. The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings about evil and encourages us to seek wisdom.  In Proverbs 13:1-14 there are several red flags which are vital to living the Christian life:

1.  Don’t ignore instruction and rebuke (v.1)
2.  Guard your mouth (v.3).
3.  Beware of the pursuit of riches (v. 7).
4.  Avoid dishonesty (v. 11).
5.  Don’t disrespect God’s Word (v. 13).

Powerful warnings meant to safeguard those who choose to heed God’s word  – He is the raiser of red flags – our Great Protector.

“Lord, thank you so much for giving me those red flags to protect me.  Please help me see them, turn and run from them.”

 

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 9, 2011

Multi-Tasking

“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

One more text and I’m done.  Oops gotta respond.   Pulling out my notepad, I began listening to the speaker.  My mind drifted to that proverbial list of things I needed to do, as if I would really forget them.  Back to my note taking, but then a text  message – had to respond.  Between nods of my head and the flicker of my nails on my cell phone, I marveled at the way I was able to keep focused and text at the same time. My brain was a marvelous multi-tasking machine.  As the speaker finished, I sent one last text and responded to an email while walking out of the room.   I moved thru my entire day in that same mode – always accessible, always responding  – a multi-tasking pro.  Or was I?  At what price was I shortchanging  “what was happening in the moment?”  Now don’t get me wrong, I love technology but if we’re not careful all that multi-tasking spills over into our relationships with people.  Unfortunately, we can be guilty of no one having our full attention including God.  I love the fact that Jesus, knowing His ministry on earth was three short years, took the time to steal away with the Father.  I’m sure His heart beat with a sense of urgency as the days quickly evaporate, but His need to accomplish the Father’s will was superseded by His dependence on being with the Father.  What’s happening in our moments with God?

“Father, too many times I find myself slipping You in between so many other things.  Help me to be fully devoted to You,”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 8, 2011

Our Mighty Fortress

 “ The Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” Psalm 94:22  (NIV)

In need of a fortress, a safe place?  We all are.  After watching the news or reading the paper, we hear about so many hurting people.  Stock prices dropping, people losing their jobs, marriages ending  – no wonder we’re seeking relief.  When we suffer who do we run too for refuge?  Some run to alcohol, drugs, family, or friends.  Some will even take drastic measures running to another part of the country to hide.  Some crawl in bed, pull the covers over their heads or just ignore what is going on around them.  It’s okay to cry or become broken because this is the place where God ministers to us the most.  When we run to God, He offers the comfort that we crave.  I have personally seen God offer comfort and peace when those without Him would have been completely broken over the news they just received.   Because they know God is with them in those moments, they can experience His peace while trusting all the answers to Him.  God is able to heal, transform, redeem, and provide our needs before we ever even know we need them. What a blessing to feel his arms around us in our trials, to have that peace wash over us and be reassured we can’t do this but He can.  He is able and willing!  The question is who will you run too?

“Father, you alone know my hurts and deepest desires.  Thank you for being the comforting arms to run too when I’m hurting.  Thank you for being the solid rock on which we can stand and trust. “

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 5, 2011

Divinely Exquisite

“Oh yes, You shaped me first inside then out; You formed me in my mother’s womb.  I thank You, High God – You’re breathtaking!  Body and soul, I am marvelously made.”  Psalm 139:13-14 (Msg)

Created in the very image of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – we are divinely exquisite.   Don’t you just love the way those words flow through your lips. His work is perfect in placement.   His work is perfect in value.  So why do we struggle with our place in life? Why do we confuse our calling?  Why do we question our value?  Unbelievably, the careless swirling chatter in our minds overrides the thoughts of our Master Designer.  We’ve discarded His label and taped on a cheaper imitation.  We’ve opted out of the best and settled for the good. We’ve reduced our price and determined we’re only Bargain Store material.  And that’s just the short version of how we often see ourselves.  Innocently, we claim a mistake was made because this couldn’t be His plan.  But in reality we are refusing to accept His place, calling and value  – begging for a do over. Never once has God issued a recall or reject. He didn’t give us the wrong parents or short change our gifts.  He didn’t look us up and down and shake His head in  disappointment.  Rather, our Creator God sees all that He has made and it is very good.  Did you hear those words – we’re not just good – we’re very good. We are at the center of His attention; the apple of His eye. Now that’s worth thinking on. When we fill our minds with His thoughts and truths, our lives will sparkle and shine.  Divinely exquisite – we better not forget it!

“Father, how quickly we lose sight of how precious Your thoughts are of us.  Every hair on our head is numbered, every tear we cry is collected and there is not a moment when we are out of your sight.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

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