Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 22, 2014

Giving Love Without Expectation

MP900178801[1]“I will gladly spend myself and all I have for your spiritual good, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.”  2 Corinthians 12:15 (NLT)

 Often times people will say, “I treated her to lunch, I did this, I did that, and she hasn’t done anything for me in return.”  When our motives are pure, we won’t expect anything in return. God is the one who blesses us, especially when we know we have helped someone who can never repay. When we help the poor, we will greatly be blessed. One of our blessings we receive is found in the joy of giving. You can’t put a price tag on the joy we will experience. The more we love God, the more we will love people. We cannot expect everyone to give out love in the same way which we show it or give it out. We must love unconditionally. With God we can be sure He will always love us much more than we are capable of loving. The more intimate our relationship with God, the more we will be able to reach out in love to others. Remember, the more we love with the love of God, the less we may feel loved many times. We must love regardless of whether we are receiving that love or not. When we show the love of Christ, the world will know we are Christians. Talk is cheap, but actions speak. We must choose love even when we feel rejected. We must pour love on everyone we come in contact with – yes, even our enemies.

 “Lord, I choose to love unconditionally. Love through me Lord. May I be a vessel of love that the world might see Jesus.”

For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 21, 2014

Perfect Timing

cb devo 21“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

Waiting can be hard. As I sat in the birth center for the second time in a week waiting for my new nephew to be born, I was anxious.  I was concerned about my sister- in-law’s pain, the baby’s health and also about the long night that lay ahead. I can think of other times I have had to wait anxiously for my husband to propose, news of a loved one’s surgery, my next paycheck or for a job offer.  God wants us to wait for His timing and not rush ahead, yet often we grow tired of waiting. Our impatience causes us to try to get things done or fix it our way. The end result is the sad fact that we made it worse or made no progress. It is only when we wait on God’s timing that we will find peace and strength. Just as God knows when each baby is due to actually be born, He knows how and when what you are waiting for will be answered. It is when we wait and trust in His timing that we are replenished and find strength.

“Lord thank You for knowing when the time is right for those things I am waiting on. Please give me patience as I wait for Your timing.”

For His Glory

 

Melissa Hester
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 20, 2014

God – Spotter

devo feb 18]“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV)

From the sounds of the groans coming from the work out bench, I was positive I couldn’t lift that much weight.  As the girl struggled to lift the bar one more time and get it back in place, her arms wobbled.  Immediately her spotter jumped into action helping her align the weights back into position and onto the rest.  She breathed a deep sigh of relief.  For the first time, she had lifted the most weight ever. Despite the fact she needed her spotter to assist at the end, you could see victory in her smile.  Don’t we want to taste that kind of sweet victory?  Don’t we want to stretch, take in a deep breath and push past all the obstacles?  Even if our hands are wobbling underneath the weight of a heavy load there is nothing  more gratifying than knowing we can make it, and we don’t have to do it alone .   At first glance – it may have seemed much more than we could accomplish – far too much for us to even attempt. And that’s exactly where God wants us – desperately dependent on our God spotter to help us along the way.  We’re never alone in this journey called life; He’s always present – by our side – ready to act on our behalf.   Our sovereign God knows what we can handle, what we need to learn and where we need to grow.  We might groan, moan and feel overwhelmed, but  God is available 24/7  to act on our behalf.

 “Father, life is so much sweeter with You by my side.  Knowing that You are standing with me, empowering me and encouraging me guarantees my victory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 17, 2014

Joy In Unrelenting Pain

MP900443668[1]“Then I would still have this consolation – my joy in unrelenting pain – that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.”  Job 6:10 (NIV)

 Ever longed for vindication, reprieve and yes , even an explanation?  Has our soul ever cried out for understanding and  gotten nothing?    Even Job’s friends who came to comfort and console ultimately turned against him, accused him –  his joy in unrelenting pain.  While I have never experienced the depth of Job’s sorrows, I have marched alongside the edge of loss and suffering.  Buried beneath the layers of pretense, I have labored long and hard – searching deep to uncover my joy in unrelenting pain.  And the secret – well it’s found in Job’s words:  “I had not denied the words of the Holy One.”  You see when we are in the midst of difficult heart wrenching moments it is so easy to lift our eyes off of Jesus and onto the stuff that’s causing our pain.  It’s normal to get consumed with self-centered thoughts and loud questions that scream for answers.  Job had those too.   Life will always present us with opportunities to stare pain in the face and determine our victim status.  Job had every right to question, doubt, struggle and become discouraged.  It wasn’t his right that was at stake, it was his knowledge of the Holy One.   Unfolding in the pages of Job’s story is a man who chose to align himself with the words that defined God’s character rather than the visible, tangible suffering surrounding him.    Like Job we can cling to the words of the Holy One  – His character will sustain us and fill us with His unspeakable joy.

 “Father, unanswered questions are best left at Your feet where pain is freed and our joy is made whole.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 16, 2014

Prayer Changes Things

cb devo jan 16“Never give up praying.  And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful.”  Colossians 4:2 (CEV)

 Has the thought prayer changes things ever been made real in your life?  Recently we have been writing names on cards of people who burden our hearts and placing them at the church altar. A simple gesture – take a card, write a name on it, place it on the altar and pray over it.  Seems simple – the difficult part is to continue praying over those names left at the altar.  So many times we pass along a prayer request and leave it there, forgetting it’s our request and our burden to continue to pray over.  When we continue to pray day after day, we see results.  Many individuals whose names are on those cards are coming to Christ.  Those burdened hearts of friends and family are creating a ripple effect of lives being changed.  Who do we need to place on a card and pray over?  Have we  given up on that friend or family member?  God hasn’t; He is still knocking and asking for yur continued prayers over them.  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of the Lord so who are we to give up on them?  Write down that name and pray, pray, pray.  Keep your eyes open to watch God move.  Then celebrate and spend time in praying thanking God for what He has done.  Give all the praise and glory to Him.  We can’t wait to hear your story of how God moved.    

 

“Father, please touch my friend _______________ with Your hand of grace.  Let them find You and accept the free gift of eternal life.  I thank You in advance for Your saving grace.”

  For His Glory,

 Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 15, 2014

Purity of Heart

cb devo jan 15“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

 Ever wonder what a pure heart entails?  God wants us to have a pure heart, so let’s take a look at some scriptures that can help us:

 1.     “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who do not put their trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.” (Psalm 24:3-5)

2.     “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” (Philippians 2:14-16)

 God also wants us to have a steadfast spirit. And, how can we have a steadfast spirit? Let’s take another look at some more verses:

 1.     Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

2.     Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant (steadfast) in prayer. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 12:12)

 “Lord, create in me a pure heart, renew a steadfast spirit within me. Help me to have a knowledge and wisdom of the scriptures so I can have a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. Thank You for the understanding of Your word.”

 For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 14, 2014

A Time To Dance

cb devo jan 14“A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;” Ecclesiastes 3:4 (KJV)

Our life is made up of moments and each moment carries an emotion. I have looked back on pictures from the past year and they speak volumes about what was going on at that moment. Sometimes the best pictures that capture life are ones you don’t know have been taken; such as this one of my husband and I from a dear friend’s wedding. We have never danced in public, and I really don’t like my picture being taken. However, I cherish this picture because it captured a sweet, happy, and loving moment in our life.

 Our church and several of my friends suffered losses of loved ones this past year. Some were after a long illness and others were completely unexpected. I know each one of them took time to look back and remember precious times with their loved ones through pictures and stories. Don’t wait to look back on memories, take time today to enjoy each one. Embrace the emotions that go with it because weeping can lead to laughter – mourning into a time to dance. When God is at the center of our lives each moment is precious, counted, and eternal.

 “Father God, How amazing each moment and memory You have given us is. Help us to cherish each second of the day and to make the most of the time we are given to impact others for You.”

 For His Glory

 Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 13, 2014

Smudges of Dark = Shades of Grey

cb devo jan 13“God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.”  Genesis 1:4 (NIV)

 Gradual slippage –day slides into night and night greets morning sky.  We never move from one to the other all of a sudden – it’s gradual, slow and then the light of day or dark of night overtakes us.

Sound familiar? We move gradually from light of right living into darkness of sin and then it overwhelms us.  A smudge of dark on white – grey – just messy chaos leaking into once pretty.  The gradual desensitizing of our minds and hearts evolves slowly.  Doesn’t always mean we have been entertaining sin  – often means we haven’t been entertaining good – Bible reading, study, prayer, focus, etc.    Too many compromises and not enough of Jesus.  Our relationship with God puts up the filters through which everything else in our life runs through. If the filter is clogged – then too many unguarded moments will rule our decisions. Regrets will fill our plates as shades of grey color our lives.  God always feeds us at His table – we are the ones who chose to go away empty. When was the last time we moved out of dark and into light – purposeful right living – void of chaos?  Making the right choices, doing the right things and all for one reason to stay away from the slippage of dark invading our spaces.  Are we hovering near the edge?  Are we holding on loosely to keep from slipping?  Are we running fast in the opposite direction aiming for the light?  This world will offer us much in 2014.  Glorious opportunities to take on, entertain carelessly and yes to even dabble with our greys. Wouldn’t you rather shine in the light then flicker in the dark? 

 

“Sweet Jesus how blessed we are to draw near to You, to run to You and to sit at Your feet rather than dance in the twilight of bad choices.”

 

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 10, 2014

Friendship With God

cb devo jan10“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV)

 God has invited us to a wonderful friendship with Him. How do we begin to have friendship with God? We begin by sharing our feelings, dreams, shortcomings, desires, problems, fears, and plans. He doesn’t want us to come half way with Him. He wants our complete heart – unmasked and transparent before Him. God already knows what is on our hearts; we just need to express it to Him. He is longing for us to come into His presence. He wants us to delight in fellowship and friendship with Him. The wonderful thing about pouring our heart out to God is that we are safe with Him – it goes nowhere else. There are certain things we can’t disclose to the closest of earthly friends, but we can certainly disclose them to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  As our Heavenly Father, He longs to hear from us daily.

 Is your heart heavy today? Begin unloading with the One who truly cares. He will take your load and give you peace. He will comfort you and give you direction. In His presence, you will have fullness of joy. When was the last time you had a little talk with Jesus? He wants us to spend quality time with Him. He doesn’t want us to rush it. Wait in His presence in your time of prayer until you know that He has inclined His ear to you and has spoken to you. Prayer is a two way thing. We must hear the still small voice of God. We must quiet our spirit so we can hear from Him. True quality fellowship with God is oh so sweet. Try it; you will find peace and sweet release.

 “Thank You for Your faithfulness dear Lord. Thank You for the honor of Your friendship.”

 For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 9, 2014

Our Smallness…His Greatness

cb devo jan9“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

 Courage is not defined by overcoming the impossible, but rather by the day to day moments that move us through the impossible.   So, what impossibilities are knocking at our door in 2014?  Perhaps we’re faced with some old habits that aren’t taking us where we want to go.  After all, we didn’t mean to keep them, they just sort of jumped on board for the ride and we let them stay.  But 2014 is inviting us to be more like Jesus and less like us.  So change is about to happen, and we need His strength to change our course. Perhaps we’re stepping out of our comfort zone – having to place our trust fully in what we cannot see.  Each move we make on shaky ground intimidates us to the core, but we’ll regret it if we stay behind and not press through. We need His power to take us to greater heights.  Perhaps the unexpected, the unwanted has drifted into our lives and we’re tired, lifeless and filled with despair.  Each breath is exhausting, and we need His hope to lift us up so we can glimpse the light of a better day.  Old habits, new challenges and the unexpected – desperate for intervention.  God’s invitations to courageous living are extended to those who won’t settle for just another year.   So what are we waiting for?  Let’s be fearless in the face of the unknown.  Let’s bravely wear more of Jesus.  Let’s persevere despite the odds.  And when 2014 flips to 2015, our smallness will reflect the greatness of our amazing God.

 “Father,  empowerment to walk courageously only comes when we desperately reach outside of ourselves and cling to You.  Help us to enjoy the beauty of a life well lived.”

 For His Glory

 Janet  Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Worship

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