Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 25, 2013

Loves Common Thread

Young Woman Enjoying Christmas Lights“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

Love Christmas traditions and memories etched in our minds from childhood.  Gathering with friends, I listened as each person shared their memory of Christmas’ past.   From the special gifts they received to the best desserts from Mom’s kitchen – each memory was unique and special – we could see it in their eyes. Like the wide eyed wonder when tiny feet dance across the floor to reach gifts under the tree Christmas morn.  We could hear it in the depth of their voice – like the telling of the Christmas story.   We could feel it deep pulling at our heart strings.   Like a Christmas carol filling the silent night air.  And the common thread – well it really wasn’t about the presents, food or shopping.  Woven together in each story was a bond of love with family and friends.  Just like the very first Christmas when Jesus entered this world – love was the common thread.  Wonder what God’s favorite Christmas memory would be?  Would it be the moment Jesus took His first breaths?  Perhaps it was when the angels sang or the wisemen came.  Maybe, just maybe His favorite Christmas memory was wrapped up in us the moment we welcomed Jesus to be a part of our lives.  For the One who gave His all, for the One who spared nothing – the ultimate gift ushered in a chance for us to be redeemed.  Gifts that leave us wide eyed in wonder dancing through our days.  Gifts that leave us breathless and captivated.  Gifts that reach deep into our secret places and weave our hearts with His.

 “Father, the gift of Your Son has forever changed my world – Your endless love has captured my heart and I am forever yours.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

cb devo 25aWishing you and your family a

Merry Christmas as we

celebrate the birth of our Savior.

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 24, 2013

Hope For The Brokenhearted

MP900443687[1]“A man’s cheerful heart gives him strength when he is sick. You can’t keep going if you have a broken spirit.” Proverbs 18:14 (NIRV)

 

It is so wonderful to know that there is hope, healing and deliverance for those broken in spirit. If we have a broken heart we can become depressed, hopeless, fearful, troubled, and even bitter. It is so wonderful to know that in God’s Word He says he is near to the brokenhearted and delivers them. He gives the broken-hearted strength. God also gives peace to the broken in spirit. He does not want our hearts to remain troubled and fearful. It is wonderful to know we can cast our anxieties on Him, and it’s even more wonderful to know that he DOES care for us. He will also give us rest. We can take refuge in God. We must remember that God has overcome the world and that makes us overcomers. If you have a broken-heart meditate on these verses. Pray them. Personalize them. Affirm them. Believe them and then thank God.

 1. God is near to the broken-hearted. (Psalm 34:18)

2. God gives strength to the broken-hearted.  (Psalm 73:26)

3. God gives peace to the broken-hearted.  (John 14:27)

4. We can cast our anxieties on God and He cares for us. (I Peter 5:7)

5. God will give rest. (Matthew 11:28)

6. I can take refuge in God.  (Psalm 18:2)

7. God has overcome the world and we can be overcomers. (John 16:33)

 “Thank You Lord for Your nearness, peace and caring for us. Thank You that we can cast our anxieties on You. Thank You that You are our refuge, deliverer, and healer of broken hearts. Thank You that we are more than conquerors.”

 For His Glory,

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 23, 2013

God Came Near

CB devo 23 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Between work, ministry and home life can be exhausting especially during the holidays.  Preparing for guests in our home, packing up the family for Grandma’s house and yes trying to find those last minute gifts – our lists are endless. In fact that hurried state of being can often cause us to make poor food choices because they give us a quick energy fix. However, taking the time to slow ourselves down, eat healthy and carve in some exercise really does make us feel better and more productive.  And the real key is to slow ourselves down in the morning to spend time with our greatest energy giver – Jesus.  I’m reminded this morning that when the babe arrived, the world was still and quiet ushering in the most precious gift of all.  His presence in that manger was easily overlooked, and we today can easily overlook His presence.  The One who came with his head nestled in a bed of hay came to give abundance to us, and we can easily overlook the abundance He has showered upon us. He came to be the source of all we need, and we can easily overlook who He is in pursuit for what we want to fill us.  This Christmas let’s not overlook that God came near and is still near to us today. Whatever we are facing, whatever is missing, whatever mess ups we’ve experienced – Immanuel – God is with us.  He is present to meet our every need.


“Father, help us to never forget that Jesus came so that we could have an intimate relationship with You – how truly blessed we are!”

 

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 20, 2013

Christmas Cookies

cb devo dec 20“Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”  Luke 1:56 (NIV)

Creamy butter, fresh eggs, sugar crystals, nutmeg, vanilla – the perfect combo for Christmas cookies.  It’s one of my favs. Why?  Well, maybe because it’s just the right balance of sweetness and melt in your mouth softness.  Maybe it’s because I’ve used it forever and it works every time. Maybe it’s because it’s the easiest dough for cutting out all those stars, Christmas trees, sleighs and Santas.   Maybe it’s because these sweet treats dunk perfectly in a warm mug of hot chocolate, latte or cappuccino. Dare I share the real reason – it has absolutely nothing to do with the recipe although they taste yummy.  The real reason they’re so special, so treasured is the name etched in the upper right hand corner.  Smothered in sticky cookie goodness you can barely see it, but I can still trace it letter by letter – D▪e▪b▪b▪i▪e.  Ah…for a moment my life transcends time and I’m baking them for the first time while little fingers reach for mine covered in dusty white.  A recipe shared yes, but even more delicious a life shared.  Sprinkled over days of searching and seeking as a young mom, God sent Debbie –who mentored, encouraged and prayed for me.  Her godliness drew me in, and her enthusiasm for God was contagious. We shared our children, swapped recipes, laughed and cried together – all incredible ingredients for two women navigating motherhood.  And yes, I cherish those memories though we now live miles apart.  So, I pull out that faded, crumpled paper and make cookies for friends and family because the sweetness of a friendship can only be tasted if you give it away.

 “Father, I am so blessed  –  help me to be a woman who unwraps the gift of friendship with grace and love.”

 For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 19, 2013

When Less Becomes More

cb devo dec 19“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”  2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

 So many people often feel sad or bad that they don’t have the money or motivation to buy expensive Christmas gifts.  These feelings often lead to the holiday blues or blahs.  In many biblical stories, less often equals more with divine intervention.  For example, David killed the giant, Goliath, with a few stones and his sling (1 Samuel 17:49), Jesus fed the multitudes with a handful of fish and loaves (Matthew 14:19), and Gideon defeated the Midianites when God reduced his army from 32,000 to 300 men (Judges 7:5-6).

While society tends to associate success with lots of money and lavish gifts, Jesus tells us to use what we’ve got.  What do we have in our possession?  Like David, do we have a few rocks?  Can we use them to create a handmade pair of earrings, a beautiful bracelet or a nature inspired necklace for a Christmas present?  As Jesus did, perhaps we can take a simple loaf of bread?  Maybe we can prepare some sandwiches for our single or elderly neighbors.  Many people would love a freshly made snack as opposed to a microwaved meal.  What about paring down our gift list as Gideon did his army.  Give to those who really count and eliminate the stress to impress.  As Gideon discovered, bigger does not always mean better particularly in battle.

 This season, rather than crunch credit cards we can take time to call on our creativity.  Rather than focus on what we don’t have, we can make it our ambition to discover more of what we do possess.  As we tap into our talent, we will see what God has in store as our less becomes more.

 “Lord, help me to become a cheerful giver, and let each present reflect the power of Your presence.”

 For His Glory,

 Eileen E. Hegel (www.higherways.com)
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2013

Total Abandonment

cb devo dec 18 “I am crucified with Christ neverthesless I live, Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

 

What is total abandonment? What does it mean to completely surrender to God and live in His Presence?

To be crucified with Christ means to abandon ourselves to Him. It means to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in everything. When we do this then it is no longer us being controlled by our desires rather it is Christ living through us as we give ourselves in total abandonment. It is a life of faith. It is called living in the Spirit. When we are totally abandoned to Christ, the Holy Spirit will immediately convict us when we sin. The more yielded to God we are, the quicker we will repent. When we are living according to what we feel in the moment (our carnal nature), we are setting ourselves up to become desensitized to sin. God gave Himself for us, and we in return should give ourselves to Him in total abandonment. This is a process until we come to complete abandonment. Brokenness helps us to get there when we embrace the sufferings that God has entrusted to us. When we do this, we grow spiritually. God wants all of us; He doesn’t want half of our hearts. He wants us to come to Him wholeheartedly and walking in His presence daily. I love the song “I Give Myself Away” by William McDowell. When we give ourselves away to God, He will do the impossible with us.

 “Lord, I give myself away so You can use me. I give myself away to You in total abandonment. Here I am use me however You see fit. Thank You that You live in me, and the life that I now live I live by faith.”

 For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

 

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 17, 2013

The Gift of Soltitude

cb devo dec 17“I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”  Psalm 119:16 (NIV)

 Flipping the pages unveils some of the most amazing stories in scriptures –  the truths of men and women’s lives . How can they become so familiar that they don’t touch our hearts?  How could that happen?  For me it happens when reading His Word becomes a mark off my list rather than a mark on my heart.  Simply put…I’m doing my time in the Word rather than allowing His Word to transcend my time in His presence.  Sad truth…but an authentic reality in this world.  Too many times we read, we skim and we think we already know.  But regardless of what we know or knew yesterday, God has incredible insights for us today.  And if we flip the pages without searching deep into His Words, we will miss out on the freshness each day brings in His presence.  So how do we slow the pace? How do we visit with Him uninterrupted?  Solitude is a gift we give the soul. It’s the treasured moments in the stillness of the morning before tiny feet hit the floor or husband’s coffee cup is filled. It’s the precious hour where quiet reigns in the midst of our day before lists show up or distractions still us away. It’s the sweetest silence in the night where breaths can be heard before eyelids shut and minds fade.  Slowing our pace offers us a chance to unwrap solitude and cherish the gifts found in His Word. What are we reading today?  How is it impacting us in the moment?  Are we multi-tasking God into the segments of life that are left over?  Won’t you join me in sitting at His feet in the quiet of your day?

“Father, You invite me to dwell in Your presence.  Prepare my heart to be transformed, infused and enlightened by Your Words.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 16, 2013

The Greatest Gift

cb devo dec16“For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;” Ephesians 2:8 (ASV)

 Thinking back – what is the greatest gift we ever received?  Remembering my childhood, I remember my first pair of high heel shoes and a birthday party outside of my home at a skating rink when I turned 10.  It was such a special day.  The feeling of being a princess was definitely felt that day.  There have been many other occasions when gifts blew me away.  When thinking of the greatest gift, however, it is important to remember our gift of salvation.  Nothing can ever compare to God sending His one and only son to be a human like us. Only to be tempted, abused and hurt by others.  He could have stayed in heaven where life is perfect – no pain, no hurt or hunger.  But, His love was so great for us He sent His son for us.  Take a minute and imagine giving up one’s only son, knowing the struggles and the pain he would endure.  Today, hold that thought, and with every word you speak make sure it is full of appreciation of that gift.  Let the words flow of the love that was given to us, undeserving yet filled with love.

 “Father, never let me forget your sacrifice.  Let me be a beacon of light sharing the greatest gift to all around me.”

 

For His Glory,

 

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 13, 2013

My Lips Are Sealed

Mtpic“Set a watch, O Lord before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (KJV)

 Do you realize that the enemy lays snares before us to trap us? He uses challenging people and difficult circumstances. There are those that try to provoke us and sometimes they are just looking for a wrong reaction in us. When we don’t give it to them, they will finally stop. When we ask God to take control of what we say and keep our lips sealed that becomes our wisdom. No one can fight back with someone who has sealed lips. Remember people who are opposing us want and are looking for a reaction. If someone is in contention or conflict with us, we need to keep the doors of our lips sealed. It takes two people to argue. One person can’t argue by themselves; they need someone else to respond. The wise person will completely guard their lips. They will humbly not respond. Now that takes great self control -a fruit of the Spirit that only God can give us. When we resist the enemy; he has to flee. There are people who make it a way of life to try to steal other people’s joy. Remember no one can steal your joy unless you give them permission. We will remain in our joy if we set a watch over our mouth and keep the door of our lips sealed. Next time someone tries to argue with us, we should avoid responding on their level. They won’t know what to do or say because they can’t keep an argument going, and the enemy will be defeated.

 “O Lord, keep a watch over my mouth, keep the door of my lips. Thank you for self-control, strength, and wisdom. Thank you for victory.”

 

For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2013

Our God of Rich Supply

MP900438953[1]“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (HCSB)

 Have you ever heard, “God only supplies our needs, not our wants.” As my walk with Christ flourished into a relationship, I realized Jesus not only wants to meet our needs, but He wants to give us our wants!

If an unsaved person who does not acknowledge God has their needs met and they live comfortably day to day, how much more does our Father want to supply and meet His children‘s needs. We are different than the world, we are His heirs. Be thankful that our supply doesn’t come from our riches, but God’s riches…what He is capable of and not from our capability.

The “Shepherd’s Psalm”, Psalm 23 begins “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Be encouraged, if the Good Shepherd is our Lord we will have no want. Also, in Luke 5, Jesus tells Peter in verse 4 to “…let down your nets for a catch.” Notice the word “nets” is plural and not singular. The catch filled two boats at the verge of sinking. Rejoice and be glad our God is not a singular as in “rich” God, but plural in “riches” God! His supply is never ending. In other words, He will never run out of riches to supply His many children with.

 Do you need a job? Don’t be surprised when you receive a position. Have you struggled with infertility? Don’t be surprised if your quiver is full. Is your checking account penniless? Tomorrow may be the day you receive an unexpected check. You may have started out following God jobless, childless, penniless, etc.; however, you cannot remain where you started! Be expectant of where your Father is taking you.

 “Father, thank You for supplying more than enough to meet our needs according to Your endless riches in glory.”

 For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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