Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 20, 2014

Glorious Deliverer

cb mar20“Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” Judges 8:27 (NIV)

Shaking, terrified, and oozing insecurity – not quite words to describe a valiant warrior.  Yet when Gideon finally embraced God’s call, he led the troops to defeat the enemy. However, Gideon’s victory lifted him up to an unexpected place – one in which he became a Deliverer in the eyes of the people.  The Children of Israel often fell into the trap of misplacing God’s glory. Longing for a visible ruler, they sought an earthly King. Gideon became their choice, but this warrior wasn’t interested.  Instead, Gideon accepted gold from the people to make an ephod. Transferring their worship from him to a golden ephod must have eased his conscience, but God’s word bears the reality that it became a snare to Gideon and his family. Talk about glory gone bad – amazing how quickly we too forget who our Deliverer is.  Looking for a hero, we grasp for a visible image.  Close friends who wage war alongside us.  Counselors who navigate us through difficult healing processes.   Teachers who lead us to the truth and family members who intervene.  All innocent bystanders who unknowingly find themselves wearing our Deliverer title. When the enemy presses in it’s important to surround ourselves with godly wisdom, encouragement and prayer warriors.  Special people divinely appointed by God to wage war but never intended for us to misplace His glory.  When we know the source of our intervention is God ordained, then we eliminate the need to cling to the visible images and praise the One true God who sets us free. 

“Father, You are our great Deliverer the only One who can defeat the enemy.  Thank you for giving us everything we need to be victorious.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 19, 2014

The Smart Thing To Do Sundays

cb mar19“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing, son the seventh day He rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2 (NIV)

 Over the past few months, I have spent most of my Sundays doing something I am not really used to doing. It’s really an odd thing, but I have found it very helpful.  It is not really conventional. We have gotten away from it for many reasons. Although for most of us, it’s a good thing. So, here’s what I’ve been doing…

Resting

As in, sleeping. After church and lunch, I have been climbing into my bed, tucked nice and warm under a heated blanket and sleeping . Allowing my body and mind to catch up on the sleep I desperately need. Going into a deep slumber away from the busyness and chaos that is the life I love, but need a break from sometimes. 

When I first started sleeping on Sunday afternoons, I felt guilty. I questioned myself for not being productive when I have a mile long to do list. But God reminded me of something. A very simply truth. An old truth from the first pages of the Old Testament.

“God rested on the seventh day from all the work He had done.” (Paraphrased from Genesis 2:2).

If God Himself rests…shouldn’t we?  Maybe not everyone needs the extra sleep; however, there are different ways to rest. Maybe we make sure Sundays are spent with family and friends. Maybe we make sure we don’t work on Sundays (unless it’s really necessary). Maybe we take a break from our computer and phone. There are lots of ways to take a break to rest. I am thankful for rest.

 “Dear Lord, thank  You for modeling for us that we need to rest. We pray that You will make a way for us to rest, and give us the desire and willingness to do so.”

 For His Glory

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

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 18, 2014

Knowing The Scriptures

Woman Reading a Book at Home“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”  Matthew 22:29 (KJV)

 Do you realize we can go astray when we don’t know the scriptures and the power of God?  It is not just in knowing the scriptures that we are kept by God but knowing His power also.  We can have head knowledge without power from the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit that illuminates the Word of God and gives us revelation to understand it and apply it.   We get deceived easily, and we make wrong decisions from a lack of wisdom.  When we know the power of God, we can avoid doing so much damage in our walk with the Lord.  When we are empowered by God, He delivers us from falling into temptation.  When we are empowered by God, we have the strength to be overcomers through Christ Jesus.  When we are empowered by God, we can avoid falling into a pit, and we will make wise decisions.  When we know the scriptures, we will keep the right company.  When we know the scriptures, we will not be confused about doctrine.  We will not be deceived by sheep in wolves clothing, and we will discern properly.  Knowing the scriptures can save us from a lot of harm and a lot of heartache.  Knowing the scriptures will keep us close to God, help us to be better witnesses and teach us to live a better life that pleases God.  Knowing God’s Word and His power can help us to do exploits for God.

 “Lord help me to keep Your Word so that I don’t stray away.  Teach me Your Word and empower me to serve You better and live a victorious life.”

For His Glory,

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 17, 2014

Leading God’s Way

CB Devo Mar 17“So now, go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”  Exodus 3:10 (NIV)

 A great leader never forgets the ones who’ve followed.  A humble leader never forgets where he came from rather than focusing on where he’s arrived.  A loving leader never disregards his calling for the regret of missed opportunity.  Moses was an amazing leader. One who endured grumbling and complaining  from every possible angle.  The Israelites were a people who came out of bondage only to self-inflict bondage labeled “discontent.”  Nothing God provided seemed to satisfy these freed slaves.  No miracles were big enough to keep their focus in the right direction and fuel their gratitude.  And if that wasn’t enough to compel a leader to flee, jealousy reigned in the heart of his brother (Aaron) and sister(Miriam).  Aaron, the one who had been at his side; his spokesperson to the mighty Pharaoh .  Miriam, the one who had led the people in worship.  Yes, Moses had a long list of reasons to just give up and quit.  And we probably do too.  But he didn’t.  When faced with the rebellious outcries of the ones he led, Moses bowed down face first into the desert dirt seeking God.  And when God desired to intervene and wipe them out, Moses interceded begging for their lives.  What motivation would drive deep within the heart of such a criticized leader?  Years in the desert tending sheep caused this shepherd to know that wandering sheep still need a shepherd.  What do the people we are leading need?  Are we willing to put personal agendas aside for the sake of intervention, grace and mercy to bring them back when they slip away?  Amazing leaders don’t see position rather they see value in people like you and me.

 “Father, the flock You have given each of us is a huge responsibility – empower us to serve them with humility and mercy.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 14, 2014

Sweet Patience

reflected orchid and candle“Love is Patient…” 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NLT)

 Patience – when I think about what God’s word says about patience, part of a verse in 1 Corinthians comes to mind: “Love is patient.” In our fast paced society, it is so easy to become impatient, which can lead to anger.  The biggest issue here is the consequences of anger, which include thoughts and behaviors that are not in line with how God wants us to think and behave.  What consequences have we experienced as a result of our anger? For me, the biggest consequence is feeling bad. Oh, how I despise guilt! I frequently remind myself of two Biblical facts:

1.) We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

 2.) If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse

      us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:19). 

When I do get angry, I ask for forgiveness and commit to try harder…and I have made progress! But, going back a step or two, how do we deal with impatience? First, we can work on preventing it. This can be accomplished by slowing down, praying, and focusing on how the Holy Spirit is guiding us to think, feel, and act. Second, it is critical to take time to reduce and relieve stress so that you (okay, we!) are less likely to become impatient. Finally, ask yourself this question: “If the world knows we are Christians by our love, then when we are constantly impatient with others, what message are we sending?”  I pray this is motivation for you to work on these emotions that are difficult to master.  Give yourself some grace but hold yourself and one another accountable…including me. 

 “Dear Lord, please help me to be more patient so that others will know me as a Christian by my love.”


For His Glory

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

 

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 13, 2014

Unveiled

cb devo mar 13“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

 Hiding away on the edge of the curve shaded by the grove of trees on the bank – one mound of ice, cold snow.  Remnants of a harsh winter that’s still lingering. The sun was beaming, the temps were rising  and my window was down.  But that isolated spot on the curve perfectly avoided the warm March sunlight.  Wonder if we have any places that are untouched by the son’s light?  Places we like too much to let Jesus in.  Places we cherish because they require change.  Places we’ve kept hidden under cover, icy, cold yet lingering too long. Eventually that mound of snow will melt; but before it does it will lose its sparkle.  Dust, dirt, anything the wind blows its way will land on its surface – leaving yucky behind. There’s nothing more ugly than a mound of dirty snow.  There’s nothing more ugly than a life that turns yucky because it has lost its sparkle.  When we allow Jesus to touch our vulnerable spots shaded by the grove of pretense, we find that His light melts away the harshness.  And the watered down puddle that remains nourishes the soil underneath.  Now that my friend is amazing.  We need some nourishing down deep.  We need the rays of Jesus melting away those habits that keep tripping us up.  We need to feel His touch  softening and thawing our cold hearts so that what was hidden can be transformed by His light.

 “Father melt away those things I tend to cover up and help me to radiate beauty that comes from being close to You.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 12, 2014

Managing Anger

Angry, Frustrated Woman“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 (NLT)

 For years, I facilitated anger management courses. I tell people that I kept leading these courses because I constantly needed reminders about how to control my own anger. I was only half kidding. Or, maybe I wasn’t kidding at all. As a Christian woman, it is difficult to accept the fact that my patience is easily tested. I find myself becoming frustrated and turning into a person I don’t like…forgetting all about my goal of trying to be like Christ in those (all-too-frequent) moments. So I’m not punching walls or breaking plates, but I am still filled with this (at times overwhelming) emotion even when the situation does not warrant the intensity of what I am feeling. Working in the mental health field, I have learned that there are many reasons for anger. Yet, most of the time people don’t come for anger management because of righteous indignation (you know, the kind that Jesus had). Instead, they came because they did not get what they wanted when they wanted it. And, I am talking small stuff (over bread being crushed at the grocery store, the customer service rep getting an attitude, someone taking “your” parking space…). Ladies, is this you? It has certainly been me at times. While clearly not all anger is bad, the Bible reminds us to be slow to get angry. S-L-O-W. We must slow our thinking down and our emotions down and our behaviors down.

 

“Dear Lord, thank You for creating me with all kinds of emotions, including anger. Please help me to heed Your words to be slow to anger.”

  For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 11, 2014

Rejoicing Everyday

MP900443668[1] “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

When one has been in captivity for so long like I have (10 years of clinical depression), you don’t take your freedom or joy for granted.  I know what it is to live an abundant life now.   When I get up in the morning, I have a habit of praying Psalm 118:24 back to the Lord.  I begin to thank God that He will give me the grace to face what comes my way and rejoice in Him regardless of the circumstances in my life. With God on my side, I can face anything.  One way of showing God my gratitude for the rest of my life is by telling Him EVERYDAY that I will choose to rejoice in Him no matter what trials He presents to me.  Rejoicing and praising God comes to me as naturally as eating and sleeping.  It is no longer an effort.  I have practiced it until it has become a way of life to me.  

When God does a great miracle in our lives, we can’t afford to take it for granted and keep quiet.  Because I exercise my faith through the Word of God, I remain in a joyful and optimistic mode.  Even when hard times come and suffering is present, I can still rejoice in my God.  Another scripture that I quote daily is, “Thou he slay me, yet will I trust him.”  How can I not trust my God?  He has done incredible miracles in my life.  I stand in awe of His presence, His working power and love.  Let’s make it a habit and a choice to rejoice in God always.  

 “Lord, thank You for the new found freedom in You that I will never, ever take for granted.  Thank You for abundant living.  I choose to rejoice in You today and always as a testimony of Your healing power and love.”

 For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 10, 2014

Claiming Victory

cb devo jan9“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,”We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”  But the men who had gone up with him said,”We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”  Numbers 13:30-31 (NIV)

 It was the adventure of a lifetime – twelve leaders – one from each tribe of Israel chosen to scope out the Promised Land.  They had heard about it, probably even dreamed of the moment they would step foot on the soil. And now, they were part of the elite chosen to go first, to see first, to explore for 40 days and then report back to Moses. I don’t know about you, but perhaps I would have felt pretty special to be one of that twelve.  What a huge responsibility.  What a great chance to taste and see the good they had heard so much about.  Isn’t that how most adventures with God start?  We love being chosen, special and first.  But like these men, we ladies often allow our perspective to minimize our God.  Ten chose to come running back with defeat and fear written all over them. Two lone rangers chose to inspire and motivate dancing to the sweet song of victory.  Where would we find ourselves –  proclaiming defeat or claiming victory?  Would we be willing to taste good mingled with battle, challenges and unknowns?  Or would we cower in the corner, hiding away and missing the adventure?  Forfeited opportunities rob us of the joy found in maximizing our God – viewing life from His perspective.  Are we opening our eyes to the view that says He is awesome, mighty, powerful and specializes in turning impossible into glorious?  How we long to be like Caleb and Joshua who confidently and boldly stood their ground even though the seeming wisdom of the many drowned out their praise.

 “Father, lift our eyes from earthly reasoning and reveal to us the power of taking You at Your Word.”

  For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 7, 2014

Waiting With Courage & Expectation

A Middle Eastern woman lying down reading“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.”  Psalm 27:14 (ESV) 

 Ever noticed how our energy becomes drained if we try to manipulate circumstances?    When we try to do it in our own strength then we will get depleted.  Why?   Because it’s our strength that we are operating from rather than relying on God’s strength.   However, when we trust God and wait on Him patiently He energizes us.  God gives us supernatural energy – the Holy Spirit who empowers us to wait with expectation. A person who waits with expectation is one that is excited and holds on to courage.   They don’t allow their heart to be troubled because their faith is in God.   A courageous person is an optimistic person.  Rather than focus on their circumstances, they keep their eyes on God.  They take God at His Word and believe His promises.    The courageous person’s faith is active.  A person who is not courageous will just wonder if things will happen; they will take a passive approach because their faith is not in God.    As we wait on God we must believe, receive, and pray His Word.  As we wait on Go, we choose to praise Him no matter what the circumstances.  Let’s be people of courage, strength, and faith.   Let’s allow our faith to make us optimistic.  Let’s not cease in praying as we wait.  Be strong.  Take courage.  Wait on the Lord with great expectations.  

 “Lord, I choose to wait on You with great expectations.  I choose to rely on Your strength and not mine. I take courage as I wait on You and not allow my heart to be troubled.  I sing a song of praise.  I wait with a merry heart.  Only You can do that through me as I trust in You.”

 For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

 

    

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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