Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 9, 2011

Courageous Warrior

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 ( NIV)

The proverbial  bad date –  do you remember those days?  Some of us may still be living those days.  He looked so good.    Quite the charmer, his words wooed us.  Unfortunately, the excitement he generated never met our expectations.  Imposter was really a better name for this dating nightmare.  Sound like anyone you know?  Satan is the proverbial bad date for the Christian.  Disguised as good, he knows exactly what to say.  Charming even the most unsuspecting person, Satan thrives on enticing us down a path that fails to meet our expectations.  He specializes in seeking out those who hearts are bent towards disobedience.  He finds great pleasure in blinding us to the things that creep in and cause us to limp through life. e HeH

So what’s a girl to do?   Delete his number and don’t let him slide back in.  Deny him access.  Don’t entertain the thought that we can handle him.  Scripture reminds us that Satan is not a force to take lightly, and we need to actively engage God’s help.  And if we think we’ve got it under control, we don’t have to look far to see how people of faith entertained his lies and found themselves cowering in the aftermath of sin.  God’s word is clear: flee, resist and run in the opposite direction remembering our Deliverer is ready to fight for us.  We can end that nightmare if we embrace the power of God’s Word to set us free.

“Father, empower us to resist Satan’s deceptive ways.  Arm us with Your strength as we wave the banner of victory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 8, 2011

Led by The Holy Spirit

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

I’ve often heard phrases like: “let the Holy Spirit guide you” or “walk in the Spirit” but never actually could grasp how to put that into action. I’m reading “Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure, and she had a great explanation of how to let the Holy Spirit be your guide.

“The Spirit helps us desire the things that are contrary to the world. He influences our actions, our thoughts, and our passions when we let Him move in. I mean really move in-unpack His bags and even rearrange the furniture if He wants to-not as a guest but as a resident.”

The more we are led by the Holy Spirit, the less we listen to the desires of the flesh and the world that are not pleasing to God. All too often, we only let God and the Holy Spirit into our lives when it’s convenient and they don’t disrupt “our little world.”    As Christians, God is SUPPOSED to disrupt our world. We should desire to be different, and at times it’s not going to be easy. That’s why God gave us the Holy Spirit to be our guide, our nudge when we start slipping into things of the world, and our refuge when the storms roll in. Don’t let the Holy Spirit be an occasional guest in your life, but let Him move in and rearrange your life according to how God wants you to live, not the world.

“Father, Open our eyes to who we are really listening to. Are we really listening to the Holy Spirit and following your will for our lives? Or is the pull of the world and fleshly desires still a priority in our life.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 7, 2011

So Much Bigger Up Close

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

We recently took our children to Washington DC.  As we toured the museums and monuments of our nation’s capital, I found myself saying over and over to my children, “Isn’t it much bigger up close?”   Airplanes at the Air and Space Museum.  Abraham Lincoln overlooking the reflecting pool. The dome of the Capital.  From a distance, they don’t look like much – right next to them it’s a whole different image.

We’ve all seen the Washington Monument; but not until you are standing at the base of it, inches away from the large concrete blocks that make up this massive structure, do you realize the magnitude of what you are seeing. Keeping God at a distance does the same thing.  Standing back far from Him switches the roles. It keeps God small and makes us look big. The Bible says it should be the opposite. We must allow God to be big in our lives.  Getting up close is the only way we’ll see the greatness of a God who is capable of anything. When we stand in that incredibly large shadow of His and look up, we see everything at its proper size.

“Heavenly Father, help me to remember who I am in Your presence. Remind me of Your greatness daily.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 6, 2011

When Time Stands Still

 “I asked the Lord for help, and he answered me.  He saved me from all that I feared.”  Psalm 34:4  (NCV)

We can try to avoid the economy, pretend it doesn’t exist and live in our own world until it hits us personally.  The day before my birthday, I was told my hours were changing from 40 to 20 per week for at least the summer.  Ouch.

I could share how I cried, pouted, and  protested;  but I’d rather have you remember  how I grew.  I gained a new perspective of time.  My watch broke, and time stood still.   Every time I looked at it the time was 9:02.  I moved it to 11, but it remained 11 AM.  God reminded me that it doesn’t really matter what time or place we are at, He is there with us.  He holds the answers.  He wanted me to enjoy the extra time to share His love with others in the mornings, work mid day, and enjoy my boys and family in the afternoon.  God gave me much needed refreshment, appreciation, direction, and priorities that I lacked in all the days of wondering what is going to happen.   What’s truly important is our desire to serve Him, and point others to Him, and be used by Him.  All that matters is I am to obey, love others, serve, and worship Him.  I’m learning a deeper trust in Him as He takes away my fears, curbs my own driven wants and shows me my real needs.

“Father, thank You for Your grace in Your training of me to not fear, but trust You alone and providing me with a time of much needed refreshment with You.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2011

Waves of Kindness

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Hurricane Irene swirled up the East Coast leaving a surge of devastation in its wake. Forecasters marked out her path as evacuations lured residences to safer ground. A lover of the Outer Banks, my heart sank as I watched this powerful storm striking my favorite beach spot.  No respecter of persons, place or time, the effects of Irene  destroyed roads, homes and lives.  And then she moved on back into the ocean.  How would you like to be known for the destructive path you left behind?  Definitely not how I want to be remembered; however, we have encountered people who live that way.  They come in like a raging storm – they exit like a hurricane. Caught off guard, we don’t know how to mark out their path or when to evacuate.  Leaving devastation in their wake, they eventually fizzle out for the moment.  So what would bring a person to this place?  Often it can be as deep as unresolved hurt, bitterness or pain swirling into a raging storm.  Sometimes it’s as simple as the PMS or menopause roller coaster that hits us unexpectedly.  Without warning, we find our emotions raging as others run for cover.  If we find ourselves swirling out of control, we would be wise to examine the source of our frustration.  Scripture reminds us that our gentleness should be evident to all; the Lord is near (Philippians 4:5). Now that’s a thought to quiet our tongue.

“Father, it’s so easy to excuse our frustration rather than embrace Your gentleness.  Teach us to remember that You are always present wherever we go.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 2, 2011

Touching God’s Heart

“Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”  John 14:23 (NIV)

Do you know what your love language is?  Several years ago, a popular Christian book helped  us discover what love means to us.  To some it is defined by receiving gifts.  Others find being served by acts of kindness demonstrates love.  In a fragmented busy world, the gift of quality time overrides all else and showers us with love.  Encouraging words and affirmation ranked high on the list speaking volumes to our souls.  Physical presence and touch to some is crucial in reaching their hearts. So what speaks love to God’s heart?  Scripture never leaves us guessing.  God’s love language is obedience pure and simple.  We don’t have to wonder what to do or how to interact with Him  – it’s clearly defined.  A deep commitment to Him and willingness to obey His Word is the key to touching His heart.  If we have trouble following His lead then we need to examine the degree of our love.  Artificial, shallow love always focuses on pretense and convenience – halting where it doesn’t want to go.  Genuine love spurs us on to keep God’s commandments.  It recognizes that God’s laws are a protective shield keeping us from devastating consequences.  We may never know the things we have been spared when we chose to walk in obedience.  So rather than seeing the dos and don’ts, we would be wise to see God’s loving compassion wrapped up in His wisdom.

“Father, create in our hearts a passionate desire to heed Your voice and obey in love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 1, 2011

Broken Into Beautiful

 “The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin.” Psalm 51:17 (NCV)

 What does it mean to experience brokenness? I think of it like a broken mirror reflecting my image – my sin, my plans, and my desires.  When I am a broken mirror, all of ME is broken, shattered. I realize I am nothing, but sinful flesh. God does the breaking and puts the pieces back together giving me A BRAND NEW MIRROR reflecting Jesus: His plans and desires. It’s a moment by moment death of self, so Christ can radiate through me. The Lord has been teaching me the importance of brokenness in my own life.  It is painful, uncomfortable and humbling; but, so worth it! The love Jesus showed by His death, burial and resurrection is worth being broken. He is looking for brokenness in His Body, not the “perfect”, “put together”, “beautiful”, and “independent.” God is looking for hearts that are repentant and surrendered to Him. He is looking for people who know they are unworthy sinners saved by GRACE and Grace alone. No works make us more or less children of God. Only brokenness restores us as God’s love pours out on us so we may overflow His love to a world in need of His grace.

 “Lord , You are Great and I am small.   I need You moment by moment, not just when I first received Your Grace. But, forever may I live broken, seeing my frailty and Your Greatness so that Jesus is glorified on the earth. I am weak and You are strong. I am broken and You are the Healer.”    

For His Glory

Semone Eason
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 31, 2011

Sweet Fellowship

“Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” Revelation 3:20 (NLT)

“Your husband brought a stray home for dinner,” my guest echoed as he came through the front door. A smile graced my face as I replied, “There’s always room for one more at the Martin table.”  Our guest’s wife has been out of town taking care of her ninety year old mother, and I could tell this meal meant more than nourishment; it was encouragement to his soul.  My husband kept the chatter and laughter going as they devoured a simple meal.  Nothing extravagant just sweet fellowship amongst friends.  Reminds me of the Father’s table.  How I love the fact that there are no strays – everyone is known and loved.  There’s always room for one more at God’s table.  Nothing fancy or extravagant just sweet fellowship.  Nourishment for the soul, laughter to lighten our load and deep communion that draws us closer.  I love entertaining – opening up our home; but more importantly, I want to share God’s table with others.  It might be a co-worker I’ve prayed for a long time.  It may be a family member who has strayed far from their faith.  It might be a stranger, I’ve met along the way.  What about you – are there any strays in your life?  Maybe you’re the one who has been missing?  An open invitation is always extended – we just have to be willing to open the door.

“Father,  reveal to me the people you have placed in my path that need to be reminded of your acceptance and grace.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 30, 2011

Prayer Makes The Difference

 “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”  Nehemiah 1:4(NIV)

When Nehemiah heard about problems in his hometown, the first thing he did was fast and pray. It wasn’t a quick “heaven help me” kind of prayer instead it lasted for days. Nehemiah didn’t just ask for a solution from God, he offered up repentance for the sins that led to the destruction of the walls in Jerusalem and exile of the Israelites.

How many times do we run into problems and instead of admitting our part in creating some of them, we just want quick relief? Even better, we come up with our own plan to “fix” them.  A recent sermon by a dear former pastor brought this warning/reminder: “Many times we come up with a plan and then ask God to bless it. Then we wonder why it failed.”  Without confession of any sin that may have led to our problems, we are apt to repeat the same thing. It’s a cycle that can only be broken when we are truly repentant and ready to give everything over to God. Like Nehemiah we need to keep praying, waiting for God to reveal the next steps and then act upon it without wavering.

“Father, Help us to get the action plan of identifying the problem, praying for YOUR solution, and then acting upon what you tell us when problems arise. Thank you for giving us the wisdom to get through any situation.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 29, 2011

Holding Onto God

 “Save me, O God,  for the waters have come up to my neck.” Psalm 69:1 (NIV)

While sitting by the ocean watching my boys boogie board, I’m reading Psalm 69:1 in the Angela Thomas study “Brave.”  I look up and see my youngest son riding the wave to the sand.  What a reminder of the many times we stand head deep in the water holding on tightly to the raft.  We’re totally afraid to pick our feet up out of the steady sand in complete trust of God to let Him take us to dry ground.  When we finally give Him complete control, He brings a wave and carries us in.  We like my son can say “WEEEEE” and enjoy the ride out of the deep waters of whatever may be holding us back.  Why don’t we try this week holding onto God and lifting up our feet in obedience to Him for whatever He has in store for our lives?  We might just land on a beautiful shell as a reminder of His faithfulness.

 

“Father, today I lift my feet in obedience to You, trusting You and looking forward to what You have in store for my life.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

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