Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 19, 2011

Exactly What We Need

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

One time in college, I was at the mall having a very relaxing day. I went out to my car and when I tried to start it there was no sound, no creak, nothing! I just knew I had done something wrong, and once I turned the key again it would start right up! So I turned the key one more time and  again nothing.   So, I walked back in the mall to call someone. (Yes, this was before cell phones and YES, I’m THAT old!) I tried everyone on campus I could think of and I was feeling rather defeated, so I called my Dad. My Dad is the one I always turn to when I have problems, especially with cars. When I told my Dad the problem, he calmly said, “Melissa, I’m 8 hours away, what can I do?” I didn’t know, I just knew I needed my dad to tell me what to do.

Psalms 34 is one of those passages I go to when I need God to tell me what to do. I often find myself on my knees talking to God and asking Him to show me the next step. I never have trouble with verse 6, “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.” Isn’t that glorious? I can call on the Lord and He will answer and meet the need. If you have been going through a difficult period in your life, crushed by some unkind deed, or if you have lost a loved one and are feeling the pangs of loneliness, remember the psalmist’s words, “the Lord is close to the broken hearted” (Psalm 34:18).

“Lord, thank you for always being there for me, when I have no one else.  I am so glad that I have you to lean on for all those answers that I’m searching for.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 18, 2011

Lunch?

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. ”  Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

“Lunch plans?”  She responds, “Let me look at my calendar.”  How many times do we say that in a day?  Let me look at MY calendar.  I am a wife, mom, employee; I’m busy. I need Outlook just to make it thru the day and hope that I don’t overbook myself or forget an important appointment.

The real question – is it my schedule or God’s?

Listening to a Priscilla Shirer lesson on Jonah, I was taken aback when she mentioned it shouldn’t be my schedule but God’s.  It’s not about me but Him.   Are we trying to fit God into our schedule instead of fitting into His?  As conviction sets in, I realize that too many times in my own life the answer is yes.  However, by trusting God with our schedule and allowing Him to lead, we will never be disappointed.  Try it today –  give Him your day, I’d love to hear how it turns out.  One day at a time hand it over to Him, open up the fist you have clinched so tightly, and one finger at a time give Him yourself.

By the way that offer for lunch might be someone God has placed in our life for such a time as this, and we might miss an opportunity He has scheduled for us.

“Father, I’m here with my hands open and Outlook open – show me what my schedule should be today.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 15, 2011

Daily Manna

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4: 12 (NIV)

My eyes envied that cake.  In fact, I could actually taste it on my  lips as the waiter walked by.  Unfortunately when my turn came to order dessert, the luscious cake was completely gone.  Needless to say, I was disappointed as I slowly devoured my fruit cup.  Now under normal circumstances, I would have enjoyed strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelon.   But not today, I still wanted that cake.  Amazing how our hearts desire what we can’t have.  It’s a condition that goes all the way back to Egypt.  The Children of Israel desperately desired freedom and miraculously God delivered them.  However, a few steps into their wilderness experience and the Children of Israel allowed their eyes to envy Egypt and misplace the reality of their hardships.  Once again, God heard their cries and miraculously provided daily manna – straight from heaven, easily at their disposal. But it wasn’t what the Israelites wanted. Are we really any different?  How are we responding to God’s amazing provision – daily manna – in our lives?  Are we gladly accepting it or are we discontented, grumbling and complaining? The choice is up to us.   We can have joy and contentment or bitterness.  I choose manna – it might not look like what I want. It probably will not taste like what I desire and it definitely won’t resemble what I envisioned.   But God is providing what He knows is best  – daily manna – extensions of His love. Are we embracing His goodness?

“Father Your table is spread before me and its bounty is beyond belief.  Help me accept Your offering and walk away full to overflowing.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 14, 2011

Instant Connection

“At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.” Daniel 9:23 (NKJV)

One of our pastors, Dr. Towns, recently spoke on the “Lord’s Prayer.”  What a service we had and how it made my mind begin to swirl. I began to read in the Bible about different prayers. I think the one that captured my attention was Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:23.

Can you imagine hearing these words directly from heaven? “As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given….for you are highly esteemed.” After all Daniel had been through, the angel’s comforting words must have been extremely welcome! Now this was not the first time God heard Daniel pray. Daniel prayed when things were going well for him, not just when he was in the lion’s den. He prayed because he enjoyed talking with God. Sometimes we neglect to pray for long periods of time. When everything is going our way, we forget to thank God. We get busy and don’t really see the need to spend time talking with him. Then a problem pops up and we need help….now! We pray fervently and want God’s answer immediately. We feel frustrated if our prayer isn’t answered promptly! We need to follow Daniel’s example;  God responded to Daniel’s need even before Daniel finished his prayer – their relationship was that close.

“Lord, thank you for always being there to listen, even when I cry out in a soft voice.  Help me to remember not to just come to you because I need something, but because I just want to talk to you.”

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 13, 2011

Change My Attitude

“Turn my heart toward Your statues and not toward selfish gain.  Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.” Psalm 119:36-37 (NIV)

As children, we used to throw a fit and pout in an attempt to get our way. Even as adults some of us try the same tactic. Only this time it’s not our parents but our Father God that we are pouting to. Have you ever clearly felt God directing you towards an action, relationship, or change that you just really didn’t want to do? I definitely have, and I unfortunately can still throw a fit and pout like a little child. The silly thing is, when I finally let God change my attitude and I obeyed, I was very blessed.

Part of our walk with God will be a twisting and turning path. There are going to be times we are perfectly content with the direction we are going and can’t imagine why God would ask us to change. Those changes are opportunities to grow in our spiritual walk and to gain blessings in areas we never could have imagined. So the next time God sends a change of direction to us, we need to remember to stop and ask God to give us the right attitude about the new direction. Going into it willingly will make it more exciting, and we will gain the blessings from the beginning.

“Dear God, Work in our hearts to have the right attitude towards Your will for our lives. Help us to take changes in our walk with You as new opportunities and not obstacles.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 12, 2011

The Finished Product

Then the Lord said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are.”  Exodus 32:9 (NLV)

The deadline is near; the project guidelines have been set.  The group has met and started the plan.  The completion is near, and then the boss changes his mind on what he wants.  The process must start over from the beginning – hours spent now gone, wasted in others minds.  The group doesn’t like the new changes, and disgruntles start.  The project is further delayed.  The chatter is loudly heard “I think it should be done this way!”  “If only he would listen to me.”  “Why does he think this will work better, we were already so close to finishing.”  The boss steps in again and says “This is what I want, now do it.”  The process is started again the new way, when it is done all can look back and say “Oh, now I get it, this is amazing, I’m so glad we switched to this plan.”

Sound familiar?  Even in our own spiritual lives we argue with God.  We think surely this is not what you really want from us.  I am helping so many more by doing it my way.   Maybe if I do this instead it will be ok, I don’t really have time for that.   We miss the big picture, it is not about what we want or think it is about His Glory, His way.  God knows we have rebellious spirits and still allows us to do this work to further His kingdom.  He has picked us, why do we continue to think we know best?  Only the Father knows best!

“Father, help me in my rebellion to see Your way is always best.  Show me the WOW factor of obedience.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 11, 2011

Divinely Transplanted

“By faith, Abraham when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”  Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)

While I’ve never been guilty of purposely neglecting my family, I have on many occasions excused my plant duty.  Having neglected my inside plants, I wasn’t shocked to find them limp.  So this weekend, I showered them with water, fresh air and sunshine. Mission accomplished – my plants were once again revived.  Two days later, I had to recount that statement.  My favorite plant was wilting.   Even with some special attention it was no longer thriving. My neglect hadn’t only withered its leaves, but had also stunted its growth.  My plant had become root bound and the confines of its small container left no room for its roots as they twisted around themselves.  Easy solution –  transplant my dying plant into a bigger container.  Sound familiar – do we every stunt our own growth?  Do we ever settle for “this is all there is” instead of following God’s transplanting into “unknown territory?” Finding comfort in our contained world, we often want to stay where we are.  The Christian life becomes easy and uncomplicated; we could do life on auto-pilot.  But God’s desire is that we flourish, grow and stretch outside ourselves to produce vibrant, transforming growth.   Complacency is the great enemy to business success and it is no different in our spiritual lives.  If we want to fulfill God’s calling, then we must be willing to exchange our comfortable surroundings for a divine transplanting.  .

“Father, the road ahead my be full of surprising twists and turns, but in the end it will yield a life thriving in the midst of your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2011

Love In Action

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

It is so easy to say I love you; the tough part is showing it. God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins. We were sinners and by all rights not worth loving, let alone dying for. That just shows how much bigger love in action really is. By following Christ example, we need to reach out to those we don’t think we can love. The key is reaching out in God’s love, not what we define love to be. If we allow the love of God to be displayed in our lives, we will be richly blessed by the impact it will have on others. Sometimes it is the simplest action like a smile, a kind word, or helping someone out at work. We just have to be willing to open ourselves up and share our lives with others.

“Dear God, Thank You for demonstrating Your love through the cross. Thank You for such an unselfish example to follow. Give us the courage to find ways to put Your love in action in other people’s lives.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

Having trouble grasping the love God has for you?  We would be happy to share with you how you can embrace the love of God in your life.  Simply comment to this post.

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Posted in Faith

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2011

Whispers of Hope

“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”     Psalm  56:3 (NIV)

Last month I received an e-mail from a dear friend.  In her note there were no warm salutations or tidbits of small talk…just an urgent request for prayer.  Silas, her 17-month old was dying.  In a strange and sudden turn of events, a random ear infection had developed into a life-threatening illness.  After his organs began to fail and his brain ceased all normal activity, doctors indicated that death was imminent.

Amazingly, this was not the first time my friend walked this tearful path.  Three years prior, she laid a little boy to rest who shared the same unexplainable illness. As I have watched this mother endure these unspeakable circumstances, I have been humbled.  Naturally, she has wept and ached for her sons.  But she has not demanded answers or thrown angry accusations at God.  On the contrary, she has submitted herself before her God refusing to doubt or challenge His goodness.   In fact, when I visited her in the hospital, she said, “I do not presume to know God’s will.  But, I know He CAN heal my son…so I am just asking that He WILL.”

This precious little boy has not given up the fight for his life.  And although some doctors do not feel very optimistic, his mother’s fierce hope in God remains.  I do not pretend to understand God’s ways, but my friend’s example reminds me that regardless of what we face, TRUSTING in the heart and hand of a perfect God is the only real option.

“Father, we pray now for little Silas that you will bring complete healing to his body.  We pray also that you will help us to trust you when we face circumstances that challenge our faith and weaken our resolve.  You are good and perfect…even when life is not.  We love you Lord!”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2011

Moving Forward For His Glory

In Loving Memory of Kris Tollerson

“His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”  II Samuel 12:21 (NIV)

Entering the hospital,  I was told at the top of the elevator, “Your friend is eternally healed.”    I had spent lunch breaks and evenings praying for God’s healing of her body. Our class held prayer meetings pleading for God’s mercy and supernatural healing power.  We knew her testimony would be one to glorify God in so many ways.  She was the one in Bible studies who corrected you if you misquoted a verse.  She served God by obeying His call to go on missions trips.  Certainly God would be able to heal her from cancer and turn it around for His glory.  God had other plans.  He is using her story differently than we pleaded.  God promised us we will meet again.  Now we help her family heal with God’s help in obedience to He who loves us with an eternal love.  We continue her passion for Christ and share God’s word with all we meet.   It is important to not stop life when our prayer is answered differently than planned.  It’s so easy to fall into bitterness and miss out on divine opportunities from God.  Like David, we are to cry out when we have not yet been answered; but once the answer is clear, we are to get up from our knees in prayer and move forward for His Glory. The question is what will the future of the story hold – will it honor and glorify God?  Grow, dig deeper, find the passion and use it.  Get up and follow God’s calling.

“Father thank You for the peace You give us.  May we continue to honor, glorify, and reach others for You.

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

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