Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 4, 2011

Igniting Our Praise

“Therefore by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”  Hebrews 13:15 (NAS)

I love singing in the choir at church. Wednesday nights are our choir rehearsals, and it is so interesting to watch everyone come into the choir room.  Everyone is usually dragging after a long day of work or sad because of news they have just received. Oh how the atmosphere changes once our director, Scott Bullman, walks into the room.  There is an actual buzz that begins to happen; everyone knows where we are headed, to the throne room of God Almighty to give Him praise.  Scott’s attitude and enthusiasm reminds us that we are here for one purpose and that is to praise our Lord.   One of my favorite parts of choir practice is when he brings in a “word.” Recently, he reminded us that praise is something we must do in spite of how we feel. It is the choice of every believer and is to be an act of the will. We must offer it even though there are no answers to prayer, no positive feelings, and with everything going wrong. It may cost us something to bring our praise to the Lord when we are in the midst of trials; however, as we confess the Word (fruit of our lips), faith is released. There is power in the spoken word. As we give Him praise, it causes us to forget the situations and circumstances that loom as giants before us and focus our faith upon God.

“Lord, give me a heart that brings praise to You continually.  Let my lips show forth Your praise no matter what the circumstances I am facing or how I feel.” 

For His Glory

 Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 3, 2011

Joy For All

 “It is the same with you.  Now you are sad, but I will see you again and  you will be happy, and no one can take away your joy.”  John 16:22 (NCV)

Joy snatchers lurk around every corner.  Some days we are so empty, sad, and broken over circumstances in our lives or those around us.  I pray daily for many around me who are hurting.  One in particular who has touched my heart is a sweet 3 year old who has been diagnosed with Leukemia.  She has the most beautiful smile.  I’ll never forget a recent visit when she got upset. Her mom picked her up, held her close and the sweet 3 year old’s sadness turned to joy.   The smile on her face was priceless.  She endures
much fighting this illness but God’s promise holds true, joy is there to be had when we place our trust in Him. God never promised us life would be easy.  Satan has a strong presence on earth.  God did promise no one can take our joy; He is always there with us.  He alone is able to move mountains.  We have the hope of his returning and having no more pain or suffering.  We have him now to hold us close and walk with us thru our sufferings.  In John 16:22 the little word THEN sticks out strongly, I will see you again THEN your hearts will be full of joy.

“Father, thank you for our joy!  Thank you for your promises.  Heal sweet Issabele and thank you for the joy her smile brings.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 2, 2011

New Mercies Every Morning

 “ Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

I’ve been on a weight loss journey for the last couple of months and while most people don’t like to weigh themselves everyday, it’s become part of my routine. It is refreshing to see even the slightest difference in the numbers on the scale. It shows that my hard work is paying off, and I am moving closer to my goals. Could you imagine what our day would be like if we got excited about seeing what differences God is going to make in our lives each day?   God is faithful and each day He has new mercies for us. He doesn’t hang on to the mistakes and sins from the previous day. Once we have repented of them, He  moves on to give us a fresh start. We all too often miss so many blessings of God’s grace and mercy because we hang on to the past. We may confess the sins with our mouth, but are we truly releasing them from our heart? It’s not until we completely repent, turn away, and leave the sin with God that we can embrace the mercy God offers.

“Dear God, We are thankful that you give us a fresh start each day, so we can learn and move past the mistakes and sins to enjoy the new day. Help us to take the
burdens of the day to you in prayer and fully commit to leaving them at your feet.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBCCoffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 1, 2011

Victorious Together

“For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6 (NIV)

Thousands of dedicated men and women have sacrificed and served our country.  Not missing a beat, they’ve left family and
careers behind to fight for our freedom. And not a single one of them headed off to the war zone alone.  None of them were self-reliant nor did any of
them resist the wisdom and strategic plans of their military leaders.  So why do we try to wage spiritual warfare singlehandedly?  Dedicated yes.  Willing to sacrifice and serve our God – yes.  If you searched our faces, you wouldn’t find anyone more serious about defeating strongholds and raising the flag of victory.  But often, we miss the mark by falling prey to one of Satan’s greatest lies – we can do it alone.  We don’t need counseling, we don’t need accountability, we don’t need anyone else’s input – we can do it alone.  Have you ever said those words?  Have you then found yourself scrambling for cover as the enemy’s attacks hedged you into a corner wondering what went
wrong?  God never intended for us to do life alone. Instead, He created us to partner together.  He desires for us to dig deeper into the Word and allow His Spirit to empower us.  Fighting for our freedom will never be sweeter than when we leave self-reliance behind and embrace God’s strategic plan.  And when we join forces praying together, seeking Godly wisdom and applying the truths of God’s word, we can be victorious.

“Father, how incredible to know that You fly the banner of victory over us before the battle begins.  Help us to leave self behind and join together in one voice to defeat the enemy’s attacks.”

For His Glory

JanetMartin
TRBCCoffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2011

Clothed With Dignity

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)

At one time, I owned a large Day Care.  One of our methods of discipline for the children was a “time out” chair.  You know, it is a chair away from everyone and the child can sit and just think about what happened or cry until their anger is gone.  Do you know there are times when I need a “time out” chair?  Sometimes I’ll snap at my sister, be aggravated with a co-worker or even get into a, “Did not!” “Did too!” argument with my brother.  I need someone to come over to me and say, “Melissa, you need to sit in the time out chair.”

At those moments, I am anything but a godly, Proverbs 31 woman.   I think of the mature things I should have done or said.  I see myself as I wished I’d been: calm, gentle, and dignified.  How do I sometimes drift so far from the woman I want to be?

When I see the word dignified, I imagine a self-controlled woman making deliberate choices about what she says and does.  I imagine a woman whose personality is unchanged by circumstances and exhibits grace under all challenges.  Proverbs 31:25 tells me that dignity is something to be desired.  I believe that a woman clothed in dignity is one who knows who she is in Christ and chooses to act in ways consistent with her high calling as a high child of God.

Now when those frustrating times begin to get the best of me, I have to remember I am a woman chosen by God .  He has given me the strength to deal with daily challenges, and I can be a woman of dignity.

“Lord thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a woman of dignity.  I know You see my potential.  Please help me give up my selfish nature and replace it with Your gracious spirit.  I know I need Your help.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 18, 2011

Run To His Open Arms

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.    He freed me from all my fears.”  Psalm 34:4 (NLV)

The phone rang; it was my husband on the other line, “Honey, I have to fly to Pittsburgh for work and won’t be home until late tomorrow.   I hate being gone, but I don’t have a choice – I love you.”  My heart sank; I’m a hopeless romantic.  God has worked in my life many times because of depending too much on my husband and not enough on God to fill my needs.  So I knew God was reminding me, and maybe you so fill in your name:  “________,  I love you with a love that no one or nothing else can offer you.  I’m giving you this time to spend with me; will you allow me to be the Lover of your soul?”  I’m sure I’m not the only one that must learn this lesson over and over.  Maybe it’s not your spouse that is put before your relationship with God –  maybe it’s children, work, family, hobbies, alcohol, drugs, books, soap operas, etc.  I don’t know, but you do and most importantly God does.  He created us with a passion for Him, which can only be filled by Him.  We can only be completed by God, and the more things we try to stuff into that place, the emptier we will be.  Isn’t it time to embrace God as the Lover of your soul?  Give Him the time He desires and that we need. Soon what is inside of us will be splashing out onto others, and they will clearly see Him in us.

 “Father, thank you for loving me when I’m unlovable and put others and things in front of You.  Thank You for the many chances You give me to always come running back to Your open arms.”

For His Glory

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2011

Held By His Wisdom

“Does not wisdom call out?  Does not understanding raise her voice?”  Proverbs 8:1 (NIV)

Desperately seeking to protect our children, our voices will carry a different pitch when danger lurks insight.  I remember yelling, Christopher Shaun (you know you gotta use the whole name thing).  His hand had slipped out from mine and his tiny feet took off instantly.  Within moments, I saw my little boy headed towards the busy street; I was terrified.  Needless to say, I didn’t dare whisper or sweetly entice him to return.  The shrill pitch of my voice could have been heard around the world – Mommy voice overtook me.  Luckily, my son had heard that voice many times.  Right before he took that step into the street, my son turned towards that shrill sound and stopped.  Nothing like a heart stopping moment to send your voice up the scale.  And there’s nothing like a child of God slipping into danger that will ignite the voice of God.  I’m sure He’s used my full name many times.  Desperately seeking to protect us, God’s wisdom calls out to His children.  Seeing the danger lurking ahead, God longs for us to heed His voice and halt our steps. Right at the edge of our reasoning, stands our God consumed with love seeking to get our attention.  And when we turn towards Him, we will reap the fruits of His wisdom and protection.

“Father attune our ears to hear and respond to Your voice. You can be trusted to lead us in the right direction.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2011

Accepting All Circumstances

“Pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (NIV)

“Give thanks in ALL circumstances” –  Wow that  jumps out at me. We have no problem giving thanks for circumstances when they are good or the way we think things should go. However, are we willing to thank God for the circumstances that bring hurt, disappointment, loss, and tragedy? If we are doing as the first part of this verses states “Pray CONTINUALLY,” then we will be empowered to be thankful for the tough times. Keeping that constant communication with God is the lifeline we need to make it through the good and bad times that come our way. When we build up our relationship with God to the level of complete trust, we can accept all circumstances by giving God control of them.

Recent events that have happened in my life have given me the insight that I can’t change the circumstance, but I can change my attitude towards them. People make mistakes because deep down we are still sinful in our human nature. However, it’s God’s grace that turns these mistakes into blessings. It’s also God’s mercy that takes our hurts and heals our hearts.  By choosing to see our lives from God’s viewpoint, we finally realize that even a life turned upside down can be filled with gratitude.

“Dear God, Help us to be thankful no matter the circumstances. Show us that good, bad, happy, and sad moments are all under Your control. You are there with us to either walk beside us or carry us through the circumstances in life.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2011

Sweetness of His Grace

“If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.”  Proverbs 1:23 (NIV)

Reaching inside the oven, I intended to touch the top of a delicious muffin to see if it was done.  Instead, my finger hit the side of the pan.  Ouch!  Ouch!  Instantly, I drew that finger back, but the redness was already appearing.  When my husband heard my scream, he ran into the kitchen and made me put my finger on an ice cube for twenty minutes.  I didn’t enjoy it at the time, but today I am thankful because I don’t have a blister and the pain is very minimal.

Ever find yourself reaching in or testing a hot, fiery oven of sin?  Ouch!  Ouch!  We were looking for pleasure, but instead we met the sting and throbbing pain of sin.  Sometimes, we ignore the pain and keep trudging on.  Other times, we draw back and hover in the corner wallowing in the guilt and shame.  However, the best reaction is to cry out to God and respond to His correction. We may not enjoy it at the time, but if we respond to His rebuke, He promises to pour out His heart to us.  God’s desire is always relationship, revealing Himself to us even when we mess up.  His rebuke doesn’t come without His love attached, and rejecting His rebuke is ultimately rejecting His heart.  If we seek forgiveness for the sake of “feeling better” then we miss the whole point.  Forgiveness cleanses us so our sin is not wasted but rather purified to receive God’s knowledge at a deeper level.

“Father, thank You for melting away the shame of my sin with your grace and lovingly sharing Your heart with me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2011

Soul Searching

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23 & 24 (NIV)

“The more I study, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I know. The more I know, the more I forget. The more I forget, the less I know, so why study? “ As a teacher, I laughed and laughed when I read this on one of my student’s t-shirts. That afternoon at parent pick-up, her mother had a shirt on that said, “The older you get, the more you realize how little you know.”

I think for us this is definitely true. I especially think this is true regarding our own character. For example, you may have always thought of yourself as a forgiving person, but then someone hurts you.  Suddenly, you discover you’re not as forgiving as you thought. We don’t really know our hearts the way we might think. We need to ask God to show us what we’re really like so we can grow and change. God knows everything there is to know about us, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

King David wanted so much to please God that he opened himself up completely to God’s scrutiny. Psalm 139:23 & 24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”   David knew that he might not like everything God had to say about his character, but he knew it was important to hear from God. David had the right attitude – what about us?

“Lord, please reveal to me my heart and help me as I strive to make it a heart that is pleasing to You.”

 For His Glory

 Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

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