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

Leave a Comment

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

Leave a Comment

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

 

 

Leave a Comment

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

Leave a Comment

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

Leave a Comment

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

 

 

Leave a Comment

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

Leave a Comment

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

 

 

    

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2014

Sovereignty’s Reign

MP900400219[1]“O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?”  Deuteronomy 3:24 (NIV)

 God’s sovereignty doesn’t move out the moment our bad news moves in.  But it sure does feel like it.What we dreaded and hoped against lands us face down and sovereignty seems to scatter.  How could God, what has God, and of course why would God – questions surrounded in doubts and fears. The dreaded diagnosis that shatters our hearts and the immediate chaos leaves no room for sovereignty.  Yet sitting with one who awakes from surgery and hears the word “cancer,”  I realize that God doesn’t walk away when the dread settles in.  Instead, we gather and pray and He fills her room.  We remember, rehearse and recall His perfect orchestration of our bad circumstances.  We see how He intervened and moved her name up the list rather than landed her in the waiting room.    We search out the questions and unwrap the sections we can’t explain – how God so perfectly protected, lined up and initiated every person in that operating room.  Mysteries of His divine intervention lift spirits and engage hope deep where disillusionment longs to reside.  My sweet friend dressed in hospital gown surrounded by white walls outshines the most beautiful flowers sitting on the shelf. Her spirit is strong, her God is real and we who came to encourage are inspired deep.  God’s sovereignty reigns big and large even in the midst of tears mingled with praise.  And we sit, rehearse, hold and pray because the One who planned it all shouts loud and clear – I’ve got this.

“Father , help us to lean, rest and cling to You confident that You will take our bad moments and weave them into shouts of hope.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 5, 2014

Victory Awaits on the Other Side

cb devo mar5“…he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.” Matthew 8:18b (NLT)

 We’re all familiar with the story in Matthew 8: 23-27. Jesus and His disciples get in a boat and head to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  A sudden and terrible storm comes up with breaking waves that threaten to sink the boat. Obliviously, Jesus is not worried because He is in the boat sleeping. The disciples are terrified and wake Jesus asking him to save them. The disciples are scared for their lives, afraid they’re going to drown. Jesus asked why they are so afraid then states, “you have so little faith!” Jesus stands up and rebukes the wind and waves.  All becomes calm leaving the disciples in awe and probably scratching their heads.

 How many of us miss Jesus’ prior instruction in verse 18? Jesus instructs the disciples “…cross to the other side…” When Jesus says you are going to the other side make no mistake about it, you ARE going to the other side!  There’s no storm of life, scheme of man, or obstacle of the Oppressor going to stop what the Lord says will happen. When we are in the middle of the lake of life and our boats are being tossed about, the winds are swirling and the waves are crashing. Stand strong and courageous. You may have lost your oars, your boat may be full of water and the winds taking you in the opposite direction. Stay calm having the faith to rebuke the fiercest storm. Our Father is taking us to the other side.

 The storms of life have no other choice but be still, be calm and step aside and get out of our way because God says we’re going to the other side where our victory awaits.

 “Father, how sweet to ride out the storms of life with You by our side.”

 For His Glory

 Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Mountain Blend

Leave a Comment

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

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories