We equate numbers with success. The more we have the better we think it is. The world promotes and understands success this way. Numbers are great but once that becomes your ultimate goal, life can become an illusion.

In the past, many corporations began with an understanding and passion to stick to a plan of growth. Over time, as corporations grew, obedience to the original plan wavered. In 2008 during the financial collapse on Wall Street, huge companies began to fall. Somewhere in their scheme of things a different desire took hold, and they began to focus on a different target. When this happens, God takes a backseat and we learn to drive.
CLIMB’S Roast began with a vision. No matter what transpires, this ministry is built on God’s vision, not ours. What we need to keep in mind in the decision making process is to be obedient in all things, even when things don’t seem to add up. As other coffee roasting companies chase their set goals, our path to success is most likely different. We seek the aroma of God and where He leads. 

   
The next time you decide to set out on a vision, remember that God will supply all you need, not the world.

Psalm 139:7 “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”

“God in the Roasting Room”

Have you ever felt you didn’t matter? Somehow your life is less than you expected? You were called to so much more and deep inside you feel God is slighting you? I would guess many feel they fit this description.

As a coffee roasting company we spend much time in the roasting room. It’s away from everything else. The roasting room is located in the back of the building. No windows, no people, no music, no carpet, no desk, and no one to pat you on the back saying, “Good job.”

What has become apparent is that what I used to do was for the affirmation of others, to be accepted by others. The roasting room is hardcore work. Sweat and passion run hand in hand. The only voice I hear is God’s voice.

Perhaps the question to ask is would I “do” if no one else cared other than God?

What I’ve discovered in the noise and shadow of the roaster is the quiet voice of God encouraging me to become more of who He desires me to be. To know that all that matters is His presence. To recognize that God is in the place where I am, even in the roasting room. The next time you feel you don’t matter, you do. God is with you always, even in the roasting room.

Coffee Tip: Sometimes the best cup of coffee is enjoyed alone.

Philippians 1:14- “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

Espresso machines are costly. They are unique and make some of the richest flavors of coffee the world seeks to indulge in. What separates this machine from ordinary coffee brewers is the amount of water pushed through a small opening into a fine grind of beans. A true espresso machine runs pressure at 9 bars or 135 PSI. (Pressure per square inch)

The pressure is so intense that when the concentrated liquid comes out into the glass it looks like dark oil laced with a “crema,” a foam topping that looks like copper. This desired drink could only be created by high heat and extreme pressure. Once you witness this process regular coffee makers seem boring.

A life lived in the mundane with no purpose, no passion, and no desire to be what God created us to be seems like a simple cup of coffee. Who wants to be slow dripped into a regular pot seemingly with no ambition or aspiration?

Contrary to this, a life lived chasing daylight with purpose centered in Christ many times requires pressure and sifting. Through intense trials and faith journeys God desires us to live a life rich in flavor for the benefit of others, not only for ourselves.

The next time you feel under pressure and the world gives the impression of squeezing you beyond you’re comfort zone, God may be seasoning you to be the greatest cup of inspiration to those who seek something other than a simple cup of java.

Be espresso!  

Coffee Tip: Espresso is not a type of bean, roast, or blend. Espresso is the “way” coffee is prepared- shooting pressurized, hot water through a finely ground coffee.