Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 5, 2013

Just The Thought Of You

MP900262207[1] “Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my Help and my Deliverer: make no tarrying, O my God.” Psalm 40: 13,17 (KJV)

 

Did you know we are in God’s thoughts? The Lord has us on His mind. He loves us so much. Think of how many times God has helped us during the day. There are times in the day we can take for granted what God is doing for us,  protecting us, or delivering us. We could have possibly been in a car wreck, yet God delivered us. We could have gotten very sick or we could have lost a job, but we didn’t. And, if these things have happened to you, God is there to help. We just have to call on His name. The more we acknowledge how He has helped us, the more faith we will have to trust Him in the future. God wants to fill us up. He wants to give us His spiritual food –  the Word of God. He wants to give us peace and joy. He wants us to depend on Him and not someone else.  We will find our guidance, help, deliverance and hope in the scriptures. The more of the Word we have in us, the more we will trust God to help us. What areas in our life do we need to trust God with today? Remember, God is there to help us. We are on his mind – precious to the Lord.

 “God I will trust You today to help me with the challenges that I will face today. Thank You that Your Word helps me to trust You. Thank You for the reminder of Your many promises that are found in Your Word.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 4, 2013

Beyond Fear

MP900438647[1]“He (God) will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.”  Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)

 Four letters packed with power – f – e – a –r , but not the kind of power we’re looking for.  Fear has the power to derail our dreams and sabotage our future.  Fear has the power to keep us safe, predictable and far from taking faith steps that will transform our lives.  Instead fear lands us on the sidelines watching everyone else moving forward.  It fuels regret because we long for what we are afraid to seize.  I glimpsed this first-hand in the life of a friend.  Her life had been characterized by bouts of fear that kept her captive looking out the window yet bound within the safety of her self-imposed prison.  How did she land in this place?  Fear was a trait her mother taught her well.  Every opportunity for something new turned into a list of don’ts because of a tragedy that “could” happen.  To this day she still hides behind the drawn blinds of what “could” happen.  Disillusioned and unsatisfied,  her life is drenched in regret of what “could” have been .  Sadly too often we exchange the all consuming peace that God offers for generational fears that leave us locked into safe rather than victorious.  God’s formula for power leaves no room for the chains that fear generates.  Instead, He offers us the opportunity to trust Him in all things – even the unsettled, unpredictable, and at times risky moves of transformational belief.  Are we allowing fear to dominate our response to God’s instructions?   Are we imprisoned by what “could” happen rather than capitalizing on the “fear nots” that God promises?  Real empowerment only comes when we trust and believe that God is the ordainer of our days.

 “Father, trusting You will always position us to move past fear into victory.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 3, 2013

Desiring God

cb devo jun2

“As a deer thirsts for streams of water, so I thirst for you, God.” Psalm 42:1 (NCV)

 When we think of our desire for the Lord, what do we feel?  Is there a strong desire to hear from Him, to read His word, hearing His whispers in our ears?  Or do we just feel ho hum and read and pray because it’s a necessary part of your day?  The Lord wants us to ache for Him, He desires us to be thirsty for His Word, and a relationship with Him.  How much time can we set aside, that He gave us, to develop a deeper relationship with Him?  I’ve heard people say, “I’m too busy, and when I sit down I fall asleep.”  They also say, I just don’t have the desire to do it.  Can I tell you a little secret?  Until we try to spend time in the Word, and do spend time in the Word, we will not have that desire.  The desire comes from being in the Word on a regular basis.  Spend 15 minutes in the Word daily for 1 month and tell me after that there is no desire.  I can promise you at that point you will miss it if you miss a day and have a longing for His Word.  Try it  – you can only be benefited by spending time in His Word. 

 “Father, thank You for the desire for a relationship with You.  I praise You for Your unfailing love.  Give me a stronger thirst for You.”

 For His Glory,

 Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 31, 2013

Something To Talk About

Friends working together“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  I Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

 Want to make a lasting impression?  Then you’ve probably got to do something unexpected, beyond average.  In the corporate arena, we call it exceeding a customer’s expectations.  It’s what gives a company the winning edge over their competition – a definitive reason why people will remember their name.  Marketing executives strategically use branding to increase sales and influence their target audience.   Catchy slogans and creative advertisements link their logo with their corporate reputation for excellence.    Want to make a lasting impression in our world?  Then we’ve got to be someone unexpected, beyond average – the kind of Christ followers that impressed the Apostle Paul.  The church in Thessalonica sealed their branding by strategically setting themselves apart.  Former idol worshippers that blended in with their culture, these men and women embraced the One and Only true living God.  When the power of God worked in their hearts it changed everything and their lives became a living testimony of God’s grace and power.  What they did (faith), why they did it (love) and how they responded (hope) to life reflected the very heart of the One they now served.  And it gave everyone around them something to talk about.  What about us?  Are we giving our world something to talk about?  Do they see Christ’s branding exemplified in our 24/7?  Absolutes are rarely defined in our culture, but one thing is certain – when we chose to actively live out our faith motivated by love and inspired by hope – even the skeptics will be intrigued.

“Father, we seek to bring You joy and satisfaction in knowing that we are imitators actively striving to influence our world so others will remember Your name.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin

TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 30, 2013

Joy Filled Wisdom

A Middle Eastern woman lying down reading“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”  Proverbs 3:13 (KJV)

Did you know that with wisdom comes joy?  Wikipedia puts it this way: Wisdom is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgments and actions in keeping with this understanding. It often requires control of one’s emotional reactions (the “passions”) so that universal principles, reason and knowledge prevail to determine one’s actions.   Wow – how many times do we regret things we have said and done all because we lacked wisdom? How many times have we made wrong decisions? God’s Word puts it this way – the person that finds wisdom is going to be a happy man. The Bible reminds us that we should ask for wisdom (James 1:5), and we should get into a habit of asking for God’s wisdom on a daily basis. He promises to give it to us liberally. We need to take a look into ourselves and ask God for wisdom in all areas of our lives especially in our relationships. We could avoid a lot of mistakes and bad judgments. We could even avoid hurting people because of unwise statements we make. We could avoid a lot of heartache if we walked in wisdom. Studying God’s Word will give us wisdom enabling us to even learn from our mistakes rather than repeating them over and over.  And when we seek God’s wisdom and understanding, we can change our behaviors and bad habits. We are all a work in progress, but when we embrace His wisdom we find true joy.

 

“Father, help me to walk in wisdom and understanding. Help me to see and understand my shortcomings. Give me the wisdom to change.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

　

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 29, 2013

The Greater Glory

june 28“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”  John 11:40 (NIV)

 We’ve probably all found ourselves at the feet of Jesus urgently begging.  I found myself there recently. My sister was fighting for her life because of a mysterious infection that was closing up her esophagus.  She was in Jacksonville, Florida and I was in Virginia.   We were miles apart.  I wasn’t sitting in her hospital room or talking to her doctors.  Instead, I was relying on phone conversations with her fiance’ because she couldn’t even speak.    Surrounded by a team of expert doctors, they were exhausting every measure to get the infection under control.  I, in Lynchburg, was desperately begging God for a greater glory.   I knew He could heal her; I knew He would do it in His timing – but I wanted more.  I wanted God’s glory to shine even in the midst of the dark shadows of death.  And it was just like God to do more than we could have ever imagined.  Not only is He healing her physical body, but God is healing her spiritual and emotional body.  He’s drawing our family closer than we’ve ever been, and  I have a feeling He’s working behind the scenes to restore more than our eyes can glimpse on the surface.  So glad, I asked for more from a loving God who delights in exceeding our wildest dreams.  What about you?  Desperately needing Jesus?  Don’t settle for what you want – beg Him for the greater glory – I promise you won’t be disappointed.

“Father, our faith is challenged in difficult times. But when we cry out to You, we get a chance to glimpse death transforming into life – incredible healing  – from the inside out.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

1 Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Prayer, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 28, 2013

Radical For Jesus

MP900444069[1]“But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him.” Psalm 4:3 (KJV)

 Do we look different than those who don’t follow God? If He has set us apart, then we should look different. It doesn’t mean we can’t relate to others who don’t believe; rather it means we won’t be like them.  God wants our light to shine in dark places. He doesn’t want our light to be hid under a bushel. To be set apart does not mean to be hidden from the world, but rather to be a shining witness to others. God doesn’t want us to be fanatics, but rather radical. A fanatic doesn’t know how to relate to unsaved people; however, we have to become all things to all people. God has high standards for us in His Word. If we are truly set apart, we will be different from the rest. Yes, there may be those that will hate us; they hated Jesus too. They misunderstood Jesus, talked about Him, ridiculed Him, mocked Him, and scorned Him. He was different. He was radical. He hung around sinners, ate with them and didn’t avoid them.  End result – they listened to Him. How are we living in our world today?  Are we that peculiar person that is set apart for God who is radical? Dare to be real in Christ. Dare not to be ashamed to live for Christ and testify of Him. May we let that testimony begin with the life we live.

 

“Lord, Help my life to speak for itself.  May my Christian walk be fruitful.  Thank You for setting me apart.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd

TRBC Mountain Blend

 

1 Comment

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 27, 2013

Love Reigns

Rear view of a teenager girl standing in a field of tall grassBy this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 (NIV)

 Within seconds, Oklahoma residents met face to face with a fierce tornado.  Two elementary schools were direct in its path.  Bursting with dreams of carefree summer days, innocent children’s lives were changed.  Interview after interview, we are left thankful, yet impacted by their pain and loss.  One little girl , who barely escaped the devastation, offered these comments about what her family meant to her:  “ We love each other. We’re there for each other.  We believe in each other no matter what.”  Amazing words from such a tiny frame dressed in pink with freckles on her cheeks.  Ironic that it often takes a tragedy to help us see the simplicity of what is really important.  So wonder what would happen if we, the family of God, realized what it really means to be His children?  Wonder how our churches would change if we truly loved one another?  The color of the choir robes, disgruntled members, and the evaluation of the pastor’s Sunday sermon would take on a new dimension if love won out. Wonder who would fill our pews if we, the family of God, rescued our wounded and searched endlessly for the one who’s missing?  The altar would be filled, the eyes of condemnation would fade and the worship we sing would be real.  Wonder how we would all feel if we, the family of God, truly believed in each other no matter what?  Transformation would be authentic, encouragement would cover our words and the gospel would shine for all the world to see. Let’s not wait for a tragedy to live out what God values most – His family.

“Father, huge lessons from the heart of a child remind us that being a part of Your family is the greatest gift of all.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 24, 2013

Choosing Peace

Woman Praying“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

 I love the fact that we can take God at His Word, and even when it comes to anxiety God gives us the prescription for peace. When we come to Him in prayer and trust Him, we will not give in to worry. Easier said than done, so we need to train ourselves to attack worry with prayer and the Word of God.  Every day, we have stinking thinking thoughts that attempt to rule us and cause anxiety.  One reason we worry is because we do not hide His Word in our heart, speak it out of our mouth or believe it. It is impossible to worry and pray at the same time, if we are praying in faith. The more we exercise the Word and prayer, the more we will attack worry. God promises to give us His peace which transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. His peace will always drive out anxiety and worry. Next time we catch ourselves being anxious, let’s begin to pray and thank God for the situation we are going through even if we don’t understand it. Let’s ask God what we might learn from it rather than asking Him why we are going through it. The choice is ours; let’s choose peace by praying and believing His promises.

 “Father, I choose to walk in peace and I thank You for the trials You entrust to me. Show me what I am to learn from them rather than fretting. Help me to pray with faith.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

1 Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 23, 2013

Love Extended

Woman Holding Small Globe“For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son…”  John 3:16a (NIV)

Have you ever tried to swipe your Kroger card at the gym?  Probably not, but on a tight schedule to get my workout done, I quickly ran my card under the scanner.  When I didn’t hear that normal beep, I wiped the card and tried again – nothing. I placed the card right under the beam of the scan and still nothing.  I flipped the card over, and boy did I feel stupid.  And the people waiting in line behind me – well, they didn’t find it too funny either.   Swallowing my pride, I laughed and scanned my gym card; the sound of that beep was music to my ears.  I hadn’t taken too many steps before a gentle nudging in my soul sweetly brought praise to my lips.  One day I will stand before the entrance to Heaven.  I won’t  have a card or a picture ID, but God knows my name. He’s written it down in His Book of Life the moment I accepted Jesus as Savior.  He’s etched my name on the palms of His hands the moment He bore my sin on that cross.  When I chose to trust in Jesus, I secured my future and eternal home forever – God will never forget me.  But what about all those people, I work with that don’t know Jesus?  What about family members who have strayed far from God?  Are they ready to meet Him?  Would that thought bring praise to their lips or fear to their souls?  Praise quickly turned to urgent prayers ushered before the throne.  We should never assume Heaven awaits the people we know. Let’s not miss a chance to share His story.

 “Father, Your love is fully extended for all the world to see, help us to tell everyone we meet how awesome You are.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Love, Spiritual Living

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories