Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2014

Erasing Jealousy

MP900443687[1]“Now you are still not up to it because you are still unspiritual. When jealousy and fighting exist between you, aren’t you unspiritual and living by human standards?” 1 Corinthians 3:3 (CEB)

Why do people fight for positions or become angry when others are promoted? Why is there jealousy in the body of Christ? It stems from insecurity and not being content. When we are not satisfied with what God has given us then jealousy can overtake us. By crucifying our jealous thoughts, we can avoid actions we would later regret. As we learn how to appreciate the talents and gifts God has given us, we won’t give in to jealousy. When we know who we are in Christ, we will be secure in God. We won’t need to compete with others and desire the things that others have. We won’t covet ministry positions. We will rejoice with others rather than being envious of the position God has entrusted to them.

How do we respond when someone exhibits jealousy? Ask God to show them how they can be content in the place where they are at. Pray that they will embrace the gifts and talents they have and that they will know how special they are in God’s sight. Humbly pray that God will show them their sin and they will chose repentance. Extend mercy and grace to them. Encourage them by pointing out the good in them.

By focusing on the role God has ordained for us within the body of Christ, jealousy will fade in the light of spiritual maturity. Working together as one, we will truly glorify Him.

“Lord help us to be content with who we are and what we have so that we won’t give in to the sin of jealousy.”

For His Glory,

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Love, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2014

Changing Course

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

In traffic, sometimes we get to a crossroads and must choose quickly which direction to go: left, right, or straight ahead. It is important to choose wisely. One direction will take us where we need to go while another will take us in the wrong direction; thus causing consequences, such as being late or even missing an important appointment. In more tragic instances it may even take us into the path of destruction; therefore, we must be cautious and wise when making our decision.

In life, we also get to “crossroads” and must make a decision as to which direction we should go in our actions and conversations. During a recent gathering, I witnessed a conversation among friends that made me somewhat uncomfortable. I felt like if I didn’t say anything, I would be condoning what they were doing, which I considered improper behavior for a Christian. I pondered at first if I would come across as being judgmental or as portraying myself as better than them. In the end, I decided my walk needed to match my talk so I spoke up and detached myself from the situation.

I am sure I do and say things that are not always praiseworthy. However, when I feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit telling me that I must stand up for what I believe to be right, God always takes care of the situation. In this particular instance, I chose to go home early and had no doubt I did the right thing.

“Dear Lord, search our hearts and help us to seek Your guidance when the path brings uncertainty. If our hearts direct us the wrong way, please help our ears to hear the voice of Your Holy Spirit and bring us back to the path of righteousness.”
For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2014

Sin Abounds..Grace Abounds More

Cb devo april 1“But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 5:20b-21 (NKJV)

Working through a Bible study, I was led to Romans 5:18-21. I read it once in my mind, and then had to read it out loud. More than once. I was literally preaching to myself. These words, that I have read many times before, seemed brand new. In verse 18, we are reminded that the gift of salvation is free. Sometimes the world looks at Christians as being exclusive. Setting out to keep others out. But God’s word clearly states that salvation is offered to all. You can’t get more inclusive!
Adam’s actions resulted in the fall of man, and the actions of Jesus was the cure for this sin. Anyone who accepts Him as Savior is “declared right” before the Lord. That is the justification scripture is talking about. Even though our sin is massive, the grace of God is even bigger. And the free gift offered by grace is eternal life. WOW!
Do you ever feel down in the dumps or worried about things that are inconsequential? Do you start to beat yourself up for your imperfections and insecurities? One way to counter some of that is to mediate on these beautiful words in Romans. You can rest in the truth that if you have accepted Christ as Savior you are saved. And that should bring exceeding joy!

“Dear Lord. Thank You so much for grace that covers all of my sin. I can love You because You first loved me.”
For His Glory,

Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2014

Surrounded by Courage

cb devo mar31“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Be strong and courageous – ever felt like you needed those words? Life loves to drown out our parade. Change likes to rock our contentment. And sometimes our world shifts right when we least expect it. But in the stillness of the night and the quiet of the dawn, we can still hear Him say, “Be strong and courageous.” Our greatest cheerleader and life coach meets us in those places and moments where shaky ground crumbles beneath tired feet. God knows what has been left behind and what lies ahead.  He is fully aware of what we’ve seen, heard and feared. He is completely prepared to take us to the next level – to move us past the heavy feet locked securely in place. Whatever God has in store and wherever God plans to take us – we do not go alone. Be strong and courageous He shouts through the crowd. Be strong and courageous He echos through the valleys. Just like He did for Joshua. Encouraged by Moses, God and the Children of Israel –those words surrounded Joshua as he faced the challenge of a lifetime. And God made sure Joshua would not forget. Where do we need to be strong in the midst of extreme weakness? What challenges are we facing that require courage beyond our human ability? When have we needed to replace terror and discouragement with confidence and boldness? God will surround us with everything we need – He will guide us each step of the way, and we can count on Him to settle our world in His timing.

“Father, empower us to leave fear and doubt behind and embrace the power of walking courageously with You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 28, 2014

Amazing Our King

Woman with Arms in the Air“Out of the midst of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV)

Desperation always takes us to a deeper place. For some it turns their hearts away from the only One who can transform their emptiness.  Cheap imitations fill us with temporary hope that washes away in the rain.  Led down unknown paths, we easily find ourselves deeper down rather than rising up.  Bound and chained by our own failed solutions, desperation’s cry for deliverance fades in the distance.   So how does severe trial and extreme poverty well up into rich generosity – a reaching out when the inner soul is vulnerable, exposed and broken?  Those who seek God allow desperation to draw their hearts closer to His – the One who overflows emptiness with joy.    Leaping over puddles of discontent and raw emotion, desperation finds its home nestled under the shadow of God’s wings.  Protected.  Covered.  Nourished. Under the umbrella of God’s love, desperation births generosity – the moving of one’s focus from self and lack to glimpse the world  through His eyes. That’s where we find the Macedonian church.  Faced with severe trials, persecution and poverty,  their spirits soared up and out.  The secret ingredient – an unwavering trust in the One who conquered death with resurrecting hope.  Remove the essence of hope and you lose the fragrance of joy.  The sweet aroma of one being lifted up in the midst of desperation, clinging to God’s promises and  nestled in His arms produces  a generous offering that amazes our King.

“Father, take us to a deeper place – a closer walk.   Lift our spirits as we dance around your throne praising Your name – Your grace is enough.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 27, 2014

Cops of Souls

Woman Holding Small Globe“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”John 3:16 (NIV)

 I was having lunch with friends today and during a chain of conversations, the husband shared that he had known first-hand what being poor was all about. When he was a child, he lived in the streets for seven years. Along with living in the streets came a high level of vulnerability, because one who sleeps out in the open is susceptible to all kinds of dangers. When my friend shared his life experience with me, I thought to myself, “We, Christians, at some point in our lives, also lived in poverty and vulnerability to danger, as we lived without the Lord in our hearts.” God is the most prized treasure we can have and our only assurance of a life in heaven when we leave this world.

 Today, my friend is a policeman, a man who protects people in his community. In a similar manner, without the uniform or badge, Christians should spend their lives seeking to protect the souls of those who do not know the Lord, by sharing with them about Jesus. Leading someone to Christ is the best protection we could ever provide the neighbors in our communities.

 “Father, being a part of Your family is the best present we can have. Please enable us to reach out to others and shine Your light to them, so they too can call themselves Your children.”

 For His Glory,

 Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 26, 2014

Drifting Away

MP900438647[1]“Be not led astray, my brethren beloved;”  James 1:16 (YLT)

One just doesn’t end up in a mess overnight.  Backsliding is a subtle thing.  One gradually stops reading the Bible, stops praying, and then starts giving into sin. Their heart becomes hardened towards God; they can no longer hear His still small voice.  Filled with guilt, their joy and peace evaporates.  They stop attending church periodically until one day they just stop going altogether.    When they see someone who loves God, they want to run the other way because it reminds them of where they were and should be with God.

Hebrews 2:1 tells us “Take heed lest we DRIFT away.” A decaying farm house often changes so slowly that the farmer is unaware of the change until it is beyond repair.  Soil corrosion may be so gradual that the farmer is unconscious of the threat to his field until the wroth of his land is permanently destroyed.  Sometimes one can end up in disaster and not know how they got there.  No current may be detected on the surface, but the undertow can cause a drift that can take us away from God.  Subtle influences, pressures of worldly affairs, are things that can cause us to drift off course from God’s ways and teachings.  

We must catch all the signs of going astray and return to God.   God loves us so much that He addresses us as His beloved (my brethren beloved).  It grieves Him to see us go astray, and He is always waiting for us with arms wide open ready for us to repent.  

“Lord, I choose to draw close to You so You can draw close to me.” 

 For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 25, 2014

Just Do It

Y“Jesus said to his followers, There are many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest them.” Matthew 9:37 (NCV)

 Want to quit?  Are we tired?  Do we think there are others who can do what we do? There was a show many years ago of someone struggling with worry.  They went to a psychiatrist for help.   The advice given to the worrier was “Just stop it” Not the answer they wanted to hear.  “Just stop it” Stop worrying, stop feeling sorry for yourself.  This advice is good for us as well to stop letting Satan’s voice take over our thoughts.  It’s not time to stop; it’s time to do.  The time is now! 

 Jesus came to earth to serve; He traveled from city to city, country to country to share the love of the Lord.  He suffered far more than we could ever imagine for each one of us.  Even when He asked the Lord to take this cup away from Him if possible; never, ever did He give up.  He kept going.  That is the example for us to follow.  Is it always easy?  No.  Jesus would just do it and so can we, with His help.  Every person we come in contact with is a person we can share Jesus with.  Every person is a person we can encourage with a smile or a simple word or someone we can reach with the wisdom of the Lord.  We have His Word to share.  Don’t grow weary and stop what you are doing.  We have a mission.  Keep going, the harvest is full and the workers are few.  Get out there and do something for the honor and glory of the Lord. 

 

“Father don’t let me grow self-centered or stagnant.  Help me to  always focus on You and outward never inward.  Help me just do it and change the world for You.” 

 For His Glory,

 Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 24, 2014

Perfect Selfie

devo june 2 pic“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Arm stretched for the perfect selfie – got it!  Ah the perfect memory captured instantly – tweeted to friends, posted on Facebook – let’s see who else? Oh, You want to see?   Really God do You have time for this? Aren’t  You like busy running the world?  What would You want with my selfie?   Oh I get it, You really want me to look at my selfie.  Hair day – not to bad.  Loved the outfit and my friends – so sweet.  Yes, God I see  – it was perfect just the way I remembered.

 What do you see God?

“Do you see My kindness in your eyes?  Do you see My grace on your lips?  Do you see My love in your smile?  Do you see My hope, My joy, My peace – sweet girl of mine – Do they see Me in you?  Ah the perfect moment – when you reflect Me to your world.”

 Arm stretched revealed the imperfect selfie – got it!  Ah, the reflection of me not reflecting you – captured instantly, tweeted to friends, posted on Facebook – wonder who else sees?  All those hidden attitudes, whispered words and unforgiving edges – wearing on my face from dawn to dusk.  Covered my blemishes.  Moisturized my wrinkles.  Highlighted my features.  But how did I leave for work without You?

 “Forgive me God….teach me Father…..give me a makeover…Jesus – strip away the old me so all that is left is the perfect reflection of You living and breathing through me.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 21, 2014

Practicing Kindness

Two Young Women in Front of the Computer Talking“ [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”  Romans 12:10 (KJV)

 Walking in kindness should characterize our lifestyles if we are children of the Most High.    We never know who we will meet that God will use to help us get to our destiny.  Never judge a book by its cover.  We might miss out on the blessing God intended by judging someone wrongfully and by not showing kindness.  Maybe someone has asked us to do an act of kindness for them and we refused.  Maybe that was the very person God was going to use to bless us in return in some other way.  We should not give to get, but we do reap what we sow.  We must show gratitude and be thankful when people show us kindness.  We must never take for granted when someone helps us.  We must show kindness in return.  We can also miss out on blessings by not being grateful.  When we walk in kindness, we will be focused on giving to others rather than expecting.  When we are busy being kind, our joy will be full.  Sowing kind seeds keeps us in the joy of the Lord.  When we are focused on being kind, and looking for ways in which we can show kindness, we forget about ourselves.  We won’t stay in a pity party, but rather we will live an abundant life.  We won’t have time to focus on ourselves because we will be busy looking for opportunities to do kind deeds.  What acts of kindness have we done today?  Let’s look for opportunities to be kind.

 “Father, I choose to be affectionately kind to others.  Thank You for the many opportunities You give me to show kindness to others each and every day.  May You be glorified in our lives as we demonstrate kindness to others.  Help us to be mindful to daily walk in kindness.”

 For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

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