Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 3, 2011

Our Spiritual Genes

“….But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.” Isaiah 51:8b (NIV)

We all have family treasures that have been passed down through the generations. We also have family medical problems that get passed down as well. My daughter recently went through yet another ear infection and whined about having bad ears passed down from her Dad. I told her welcome to the family gene pool. While we can’t control what medical conditions are passed along, we can control what we pass along spiritually. Our children and others watch our spiritual walk closely. They are noticing not just what we are doing at church on Sunday, but how we act the rest of the week. If we want to pass along a family treasure that will last longer than any material item, we must pass along salvation and a strong walk with God.

“Dear God, Thank You for giving us an opportunity to have salvation that lasts forever. Help us to walk with You every day in a way that we would want others to follow and pass along.”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 2, 2011

Special Delivery

“Now then, just as the LORD promised, He has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time He said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!” Joshua 14:10 (NIV)

She sat quietly at the table with a smile on her face full of wisdom and grace.  When she was questioned, she spoke of the different ways God is using her to serve in the local community.  Taking bears to the local hospitals, she also visits those in the nursing homes.  She glowed with excitement talking about all the cards she sends.  She glowed with joy not because she is doing it, but because God leads her to do it and He uses her to bless others.  She talked of just that night how someone gave her a hug because of the joy that her card brought them at just the right time.

What a blessing to be encouraged by this person sharing how she shares with others.  Lessons are taught all around us when we truly listen.  It’s not anything that is so overwhelming to do or even time consuming.  It’s just doing it.  Think about all the little things in our own lives that have made a difference.  We can all learn from this precious woman.  All we have to do is pick up the pen and paper, or gather the bears and go – simple ways to share the love of Jesus moment by moment.

“Father, don’t let me miss another opportunity to give a smile or hug to someone who needs it.  Show me ways to encourage others for you.”

 

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2011

Wisdom Seeker

“For the Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”  Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)

A frazzled receptionist greeted me when I returned to work from my lunch break.  Our voice mail system was crashing.  All phones were forwarded to voice mail, but the system wasn’t working.   I sat down at my desk and picked up my cell phone.  A quick call to my landline would indicate if our customers could leave a message, so I dialed my direct line.  Cell phone held to my ear, my head turned as I heard a phone ringing.  Oh my goodness, someone’s trying to call me.   Recognizing the number on the display was a company cell number, I finally gave in and grabbed the phone.   Funny thing no one was on the other end.  Second time I spoke a little louder,  and the third time got even louder.  All of a sudden I realized there was a weird echo in my left ear which was glued to the cell phone.  I had called myself.  I was talking to myself in one phone and listening to my voice in the other.   Doesn’t that sound familiar?  We dial up God, are given an audience with the Creator of the Universe and then we talk for ourselves and for Him.  Answers flow off our lips, because we talked it over with God and this is what we need to do.  However, too often we’ve been listening to our own inner voice conforming God’s answers into what we really want.  Without letting any silence flood our prayer time, we chatter away endlessly as though God has nothing to say. Quieting our voice and mind is crucial to hearing God’s voice.  And when we stop and listen for His input, we will be amazed at the message He leaves.

“Father, we struggle to listen and search out Your wisdom.  Help us to wait patiently and eagerly anticipate the sound of Your voice.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2011

Everlasting God

 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?   My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalms 121:1-2 (TNIV)

I had the wonderful privilege of serving in Russia for two years. I taught in the public and private schools and help begin children’s ministries in several churches. It was an experience of a lifetime!

One of the hardest things was riding the train from the city I lived in  Podolsk, to Moscow every day. I cannot accurately describe how crowded the train was on a daily basis! As the train slowed down, everyone would take their positions trying to see exactly where it would stop so they could be right in front of the doors. If you were the unlucky person in the back or you misjudged the door position, you would turn around and push with your back to squish everyone in so the door could close and you were on the train. There was no need to hang onto anything, because the people in the train were so tight everyone would just sway together. I dreaded the train every day except Saturday or Sunday. During the week, the train was unbelievable, but during the weekend, it was like a sigh of relief not to be smashed against the window or strangers (who often forgot to brush their teeth).

As I was riding those trains, I would often think about why the trains weren’t crowded on Saturday or Sunday.  Naturally it was because everyone was taking a break and not working. But then I would be so thankful that we serve a God who never takes a break and who is always working for me and through me. I love that! I love the fact that at the end of the week when I’m exhausted or at night when I’m sleeping God is still working!

“Lord, Thank You for always being there for me!  I am so thankful that no matter where I am, You have gone before me!”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2011

Joy Instead of Sorrow

“I will turn their mourning into gladness;  I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”  Jeremiah 31:13 b (NIV)

This year is still young, and some of us have known a lot of people going through sorrow due to the loss of family members. Many of these losses were sudden and not expected to us; however, nothing takes God by surprise and His plans are sovereign. When we pray for healing, God graciously and lovingly teaches us that sometimes He doesn’t give earthly healing. He chooses to take our loved ones home so they can enjoy a new body in heaven.  In the midst of our grief, God is right there with us carrying us through moment by moment – day by day.  His abiding presence turns our mourning into gladness as He gives us joy  and comfort. Mourning is part of the process of letting go and saying not goodbye, but see you later. As Christians, we have the comfort of knowing we will see our loved ones again in heaven. In the meantime it’s okay to cry and laugh as we remember the special times we had with our loved ones.

“Dear God, Help us to understand that our loss is heaven’s gain. Give us the strength to allow you to give us joy in place of our sorrow.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2011

In The Midst of the Storm

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”  1 Thessalonians 1:6 (TNIV)

The dream was so vivid.  In the distance I saw a storm.  The closer I got, the stronger the winds and then the sound of the wind whipping my car.  The storm seemed to clear.  I watched a couple cross the street with their umbrella at the stoplight, but as I looked back there it was a tornado funnel cloud. It was growing and headed straight for me.  The light was still red; I was stuck waiting for what seemed like forever, wondering do I gas it and drive as fast as I can to get away or pull over and then what?  What do you do when you see a tornado funnel?  Then I woke up.

God reminded me with this dream that many times we see the storm in the distance, and we gas it trying to run only to allow it to grow larger catching us and spinning us out of control.  Maybe we pull over, sit and wait alone only to have our worlds rocked.  The answer He wants is for us to trust, stand firm and know that He has us in His grasp.  He is there is in the middle of the storm waiting for us to say “Help, I can’t get through this without you.”  He then gently scoops us up, wipes our tears and comforts us while the storm passes.  Oh, the joy of trusting Him in those uncertain times of desperation and embracing the peace that passes all understanding – joy does come in the morning.

“Father, I thank you for always being there to comfort me in those uncertain times and for holding my hand and wiping my tears during the storm.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2011

Glorious Awakening

“And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all.”  Acts 4:33 (NLT)

What is sweeter to the soul than a promise kept?  Trusting someone’s words, believing in their character and relaxing securely in the predicted outcome – it’s a rare occurrence in our society.  Words are easily spoken, character is often compromised and security runs out the door.  But chiseled into the nail pierced hands of our Savior, we find the refreshing aroma of His promises kept.  Despised, rejected, crushed, broken, and bruised beyond recognition, Jesus deliberately chose to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life opening wide the door to Heaven’s throne.  His love was proven, grace was given and when the stone was rolled away our Risen Lord revealed His glory!  It’s a hope planted within us; a priceless freedom lavished in our souls.  So what are we doing with the promise kept? A small band of disciples, who had cowered in fear and abandoned the cross, found themselves captivated once again with His presence.  Sins had been forgiven and grace applied.  Their lives were forever changed as the power of the resurrection stirred their hearts to proclaim the truth.  So what are we doing with the promise kept?  Are we captivated by His presence?  Have we accepted His forgiveness and received His grace?  Have our lives been forever changed?  Are we proclaiming He is the Way, the Truth and the Life?  One day He will return for us – what a glorious day – will He find us living in the power of the promise kept?

“Father, You are our Savior and Redeemer.  Bearing the marks of our sins,  You find great pleasure in our faithful witness to who You truly are – Our Risen Lord!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2011

Ready For The Trumpet Call

“For this reason we also,  since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”  Colossians 1:9 (NKJV)

Ten young, single ladies waiting for a chance at love – sound familiar?  Matthew 25 unfolds the story of a man who was coming for a wife.  Five women gathered their lamps and oils, while five foolish women gathered only their lamps.  The night drew near and the women fell asleep.  At midnight they heard someone yelling “See the man is coming go out to meet him.”  The wise women filled their lamps so they could see.  The foolish women had no oil to light their lamps so they hurried to purchase more oil.   The man came and took the wise women; however, the foolish women were locked out and told by the man “I do not know you.”

What a great reminder of how we are to be ready when Jesus comes.    So many times we rush out the door unprepared for the day; we even leave Jesus out of our day.  What happens if He comes and our lamps are empty?  What happens if we put off accepting Him and agreeing to live our lives for our own glory rather than His?  The trumpet can sound at any minute- no one knows the day or hour.   Will the door be open or locked?   He is calling your name, the question remains, are you listening and answering?

“Father,  help me to be a wise woman  always ready for the trumpet to sound.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

Life Transforming Prayer:

Jesus, I realize I’m a sinner, come into my life today Lord Jesus.  Thank you for dying on the cross so that your blood will cover my  sins, Thank you for rising again three days later, so one day I can live eternally with you, Forgive me of my sins and accept me as a Child of Christ. Thank you for your forever love and my salvation. Teach me now to live like you and share with others about you. “

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 21, 2011

From Hosanna to Hatred

“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:9 (NIV)

“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.  They all answered, “Crucify him!” Matthew 27:22 (NIV)

How quickly the mood of the crowd changed on Jesus. First He was welcomed into Jerusalem with a crowd waving palm branches and worshiping him with shouts of Hosanna. Then spurred on by the Chief Priests, the shouts Jesus heard turned to crucify Him. There was nothing that changed about Jesus between these two events, but rather the hearts of the people changed based on what others were saying.

How many times have we worshiped God openly and then later took or used His name in vain just because of who we were with? It is very easy to go with the crowd and get caught up in the moment. It’s even harder to stick with God and show the change He made inside of us no matter who we are with. Jesus died on the cross so that we have access to salvation and freedom from sin. That freedom needs to be shared with others, even if they have taken His name in vain, so they too can have the same access to salvation. We have to take the step to speak out about Jesus and not go with what the crowd tells us.

“Dear God, How thankful we are for your son’s sacrifice on the cross. The sacrifice that gave us eternal life and freedom from sin. Give us the courage to openly share Christ with others and not blend in with the crowd.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 20, 2011

A Beautiful Mind

“Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.  You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness – righteous, holy and true.”  Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

I love surfing the web. Finding recipes, downloading articles, checking out websites, catching up on Facebook, etc. Unfortunately all that surfing tends to bog down my computer causing it to operate really slow.  Easy solution – I defrag my computer to clear out the scattered bits of information and organize my disk space.  Amazing the difference it makes, and I’m back up to speed in no time. I don’t know about you, but my mind can get bogged down with scattered and runaway bits of information.   A tiny seed of doubt, fear or discouragement slips in and before we even realize what’s happening, we’re bogged down with careless thoughts.  We entertain a thought for a moment and an hour later it’s mushroomed beyond our comprehension.  And if we’re not careful, those thoughts will impact our emotions and actions as well. Not to mention all the wasted energy we expend trying to maneuver through them. God’s solution – clear out the clutter and defrag Your brain.  Halting a thought before it has time to seize any unoccupied space terminates any chance of that same thought taking root.   Recognizing Satan’s lies and deliberately choosing to saturate our minds with God’s truths will enable us to function at our best.  Next time we find our minds conjuring up the unthinkable, we would be wise to drop to our knees and seek a spiritual renewal.

“Father renew my mind with Your thoughts and teach me to walk in the freedom that comes from trusting in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

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