Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 22, 2013

Every Day Choices

MP900443660[1]“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.” 2 Timothy 2:11 (KJV)

We have many choices every day to live for God and not indulge our sin nature. It is easier to give in to what we want than to surrender to God and crucify our desires. It takes strength and discipline that can only come from being in God’s Word. The following scriptures show us how to do this:

1. Don’t  desire what the world offers (1 John 2:16)
2. Lay aside every weight that so easily besets us (Hebrews 12:1)
3. Live for God (2 Corinthians 5:15)
4. Cast down imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:5) 5. We must decrease
6. Love God and keep His commandments (John 5:3)
7.  Focus our minds on God. (Isaiah 26:3)
8. Hide God’s Word in our heart (Psalms 119:11)
9. Trust the Lord with all our heart (Proverbs 3:6)

 The Word of God teaches us to let go of our sinful desires. When we surrender to God, we find peace and joy. We will be contented. We must be mindful of living in the Spirit and walking in God’s presence. Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).  Keeping our minds on God not only gives us peace, but it keeps us alive in Him – every day choices that position us for His best.

 “Lord, give me strength to die to the flesh daily. I choose to discipline myself to do this by meditating on Your word and applying it to my life. Deliver me from temptation. Thank You that You make a way of escape.”

 For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 21, 2013

If You Build It…..

cd devo 21

“Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be courageous and act.” I Chronicles 28:10 (NAS)

Have you ever felt God ask you to do something you thought was crazy?  Does being a follower of Christ cause you to sometimes look foolish in other people’s eyes because of your obedience to Him?   

In the movie Field of Dreams, a farmer hears a voice telling him to build a baseball field. Even though he has no idea why and doing so will waste valuable farm land creating economic hardship for his family, he obeys. People laughed at him; they thought he had lost his mind. When asked about it, he said:  “I’m 36 years old, I love my family, I love baseball and I’m about to become a farmer. But until I heard the voice, I’d never done a crazy thing in my whole life.”

Acting for God can be scary. The things we are called to do may seem crazy. At 42 years old, I never thought I would be writing and pursuing publishing. When I see the words on the page, I can’t help but think “this is the craziest thing I’ve ever done.”  I don’t know what will ever come of it, but God asked and I obeyed. So I know I am on the right track.  God doesn’t always explain why He asks us to do things. We can never be sure of the outcome of our actions. But He calls us to act courageously –  willing to do whatever tasks he requires to help further His Kingdom. We don’t have to worry if we look crazy or if we are ridiculed for what we are doing when what we are doing is for Him.  Even if it means building a baseball field in the middle of farm land.

“Father in heaven, help us to be courageous for You. Give us the strength we need to fulfill Your calling on our lives even in the face of adversity.”

 

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 20, 2013

A Journey Worth Taking

Blond woman lying in field“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find.” Matthew 7:14 (NIV)

I could offer you piece of chocolate cake but you’d never know how delish it is unless you taste it. I could paint a masterpiece, but you’d never know how beautiful it was unless you saw it.  I could conduct a symphony, but you’d never know how sweet the melody sounds unless you listen. I could grow a field of orchids, but you’d never know their fragrant aroma unless you smelled them.   I could give you my fav blanket, but you’d never know how it comforts unless you touched it.  Taste, see, hear, smell and touch – the five senses of our lives.  Without them life would be bland, colorless and yes boring.  Embrace them and life is vibrant – the way God created us to experience everything He created.  Now, I can describe them all for you, but God desires that we each have a first hand encounter with Him.  If you want to taste His goodness then you’ve got to accept what He offers. If you want to see His beauty then you’ve got to read His word.  If you want to hear His voice then you’ve got to draw close.  If you want to smell the fragrant aroma of His Praise then you’ve got to grow where you’re planted.  If you want to feel the comfort He brings  then you’ve got to curl up in His lap.  The five senses that transform ordinary into  extraordinary.  The relationship that invigorates our lives.  The journey that’s worth taking – every single day.  Don’t settle for someone else’s five – grab your own and experience God fully.

“Father, how awesome to know that You can be found in every part of my being.  Help me to know You intimately and enjoy the fruit of sweet fellowship.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 17, 2013

His Words

Woman Reading a Book at Home“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130 (KJV)

Have you ever lost your way –  wandering in the dark not sure where to turn?  There is hope in God’s Word. His very Words are a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). The mind is where our battles start, so when we allow His words to enter into our mind, we are preparing for victory. If we don’t allow His Words to enter into our heart, we will be defeated and blinded. We will not receive God’s light which gives understanding even unto the simple. If we are seeking knowledge and wisdom, we will find it in His Word because it will enlighten us and give us understanding. We do not have to walk in darkness. God has made His light available to us, and we can take advantage of it through His Word.

The Holy Spirit will begin to open up our understanding to receive His Words, and God explains His teachings to us very clearly. It is wonderful that we have access to God’s Word. If we are facing discouragement or walking down the wrong path, God compels us to get back into the Word.  He loves us so much and wants the very best for us.  And the very best for us is always found in His word.

 “Father thank You that Your word gives us light and understanding. I choose to continue in Your Word. Thank You that we have access to Your Word. Thank You that You make the simple wise.”

 For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2013

No Place Like Home

Young Couple with Two Children (8-12) Walking on the Beach“I will walk in my house with a blameless heart.” Psalm 101:2b (NIV)

 Love to travel.  Love those plush hotel towels, no meals to cook  and  no endless list of things to do.  We live for vacations by the beach,   a retreat from the busy life.  Sleeping in and splashing through the ocean waves. But there’s no place like home – opening up that door after being away – walking back into familiar –yes, there’s nothing sweeter.    Sleeping in our own bed.  Children reunited with their favorite toys.  It’s the feel of being ourselves.  No pretenses.   Just comfy clothes, our favorite snack and a good read.  It’s the stuff we love to do – relaxing, chilling – being real behind those four walls.  What’s your real look like?   Would your friends be surprised or shocked?  Would they find the sweet Bible study girl yelling at her husband and children?  Would they find a stack of questionable reads tucked away next to the bed?  Would the drama that constantly ignites fires around the kitchen table send us running for cover? In the secret place we call home,  the psalmist reminds us to walk and do life clean.  You know like really live out what we teach and inspire others to do.  You know like guarding what we put before our eyes, in our minds and recorded on our laptops.  Yes, home is our comfy place, but let’s not let it be the place where we relax our convictions or treat others worse than the ones we rub shoulders with at work.  Let’s walk clean drawing little ones to follow in our ways.  Let’s talk clean showering those we love the most with kind and life empowering words.  Let’s walk in freedom knowing that the real “us” is bathed  in grace and clothed in His righteousness – there’s no place like home.

 “Father, welcome to my home – may it be a place that truly honors You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 15, 2013

Spoken Words

Businessman Looking Suspiciously Over His Shoulder“Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”  Proverbs 6:2 (KJV)

Have you ever spoken words that you wanted to take back?  We have to be wise, so that we are not sharing our confidences with the wrong people. Many times even well meaning people will tell others what we have entrusted to them. We must be slow to speak and make wise honest decisions. Thinking before we speak and avoiding quick promises will prevent us from breaking those promises which can ruin our character, reputation and testimony. If we promise someone something we must carry it out. We must be people of integrity. If we tell someone we will be somewhere at a certain time, we must go through with it or we will be trapped by our own agreement. If we have promised to pay someone money we owed, we must carry out our promise. We must be careful not to throw our words loosely. We must not promise things that we can’t carry out. Remember it’s with our own words that we will be trapped. When was the last time we broke a promise? When was the last time we were snared by our own words? One day, we will have to answer to God for our words.  Let’s make a conscience effort to be women of integrity who speak honorable words.

“Lord, give me wisdom on what to share with others and whom to share with. Help me not to be snared by the words of my mouth; help me not to be taken by them. I choose to be a person of integrity.”


For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2013

Where Did Everybody Go?

Woman Writing in the Sand“…Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” John 8:10b (HCSB)

 I was always the kid who asked a lot of questions, and my favorite was why. So it was no surprise that I would have the same approach to the Scriptures. John Chapter 8 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery, and the penalty was death by stoning. The men who discovered her brought her to Jesus in hopes of making an example of her and a fool out of Him. These men piously quoted the Law to Jesus and then asked what He thought should be done. In response, Jesus does an amazing thing – He says, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Then He knelt down and started writing in the sand.  The oldest got to throw the first stone, but he was so convicted of his own sins he couldn’t. Dropping his stone, he left.  Every person did the same till there was no one left. Now here’s the best part of the story. Everyone is gone and it’s just the woman and Jesus. He stands up and asks her where did everyone go? “Has no one condemned you?” She answers, “No one.”

 Let’s go back to that kid who always had to know why. Why would Jesus, who knows everything, ask her where everyone went? Then it hit me. She needed to see that no one could accuse her, but God and He was willing to forgive. So the next time someone reminds us about something God has already forgiven us for  – remember this story. Then answer His question, “Who can condemn you when I have forgiven you? Answer: no one!

 “Lord Jesus help us to remember that there is nothing You cannot forgive and when You forgive it’s forgotten forever. You’ll never bring it up again and no matter who wants to remind us, they can never condemn us.”

 For His Glory,

 Anice Pruitt
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 13, 2013

Eternal Benefits

Two Young Women in Front of the Computer Talking“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”  Colossians 3:22 (NIV)

Why is control always an elusive dream?  We entertain, for a brief moment, the concept that obedience strips us of control.  We think that submitting is outdated and unconventional.  We maintain that only “we” know what is best – yet from 8:00 to 5:00 we serve for the sake of a paycheck.  Or is that really why we are doing what we are doing every day?  Did God really place us in the world just to pay the rent, feed our families, etc.,  or was there a broader scheme –  a greater vision  that we could make a difference.  Office politics, poor management and low wages have often cast us as skeptics just doing what it takes to keep our job and no more.  But God never intended our lives to be about the fringe benefits the world offers. Instead, He offers us eternal benefits that are a direct result of doing what we do because it honors Him.  When we release control and obey, even a difficult boss, we are responding out of respect to the One who placed that authority in our lives.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating that we compromise our character or do anything illegal.  What I am suggesting is rather than just meeting the quota for the day – might we find a way to be an agent of change.  Might we consider praying for our bosses, supervisors and co-workers.  Might we allow God to mold and shape our character right in the midst of 8:00 to 5:00.  Might we stand out from the rest, because we’re giving our best  –  it’s all for Him.

“Father, You have placed us in this world to make a difference – help us to never lose sight of what that looks like day by day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2013

Sweet Aroma

devo janet oct“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”   James 1:12 (NIV)

 Joe Beans, Starbucks or McDonald’s  Cafe’ – where do you stop to buy your cup of java?  Do you savor the delicate, rich aroma or do you prefer a bold, zesty brew?  You can count me in any time there’s chocolate and whip cream overflowing a smooth mocha latte’ or cappuccino. So what’s the secret ingredient to a great cup of coffee?  Roasting.  As the coffee beans are heated and the intensity of the temperature rises, the flavor is enhanced.  Funny how that works in my life too.  The “roasting” in my life consistently develops my character.  And when the intensity heats up, I find myself more and more dependent on my relationship with God. Isn’t that where He wants me to be – desperate for Him  – rather than clinging to my own support system. Without those challenging moments, my sufficiency in me would seem to be enough –but, I would miss out on the bold flavor of journeying with Him. While I don’t enjoy going through the “heat,” I am learning that God uses those intense moments to enhance the flavor of my life.  And if I remain faithful, His glory will shine through.  So what’s the secret ingredient to a great life – yielding myself into the Father’s hands savoring every moment.”

“Father we long for our lives to be a sweet aroma, rich and bold proclaiming who You are.  Teach us patience and perseverance as we yield ourselves in Your loving hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2013

Transforming Your Day

Woman Listening to Headphones“Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!’        Psalm 150:6 (KJV)

 Ever have a bad day? Maybe yours is just starting out and it’s already not looking so good. Are you thinking if I just had more time or a smoother start to the day, I would‘t be so stressed? Yet what we really need is to sense the presence of God in our lives.

 The book of Acts tells the story of two guys who were having a bad day. Paul and Silas (Acts 16) had been thrown into prison for sharing Christ, but instead of complaining they were praising! As they sang, they ushered in the presence of God into that cold and miserable place. God’s power shook the foundation of the prison and all the cell doors flew open. The jailor runs in and thinking all the prisoners had escaped considers taking his own life.  Immediately, Paul cries out to the jailer letting him know no one tried to leave! The jailor falls at Paul’s feet trembling and asks what must I do to be saved. Paul and Silas turned a bad situation into something amazing. How? By giving God the praise He so greatly deserves. So if we’re having a rough day, let’s take some time to praise the Lord for all He has done. Make a list, jump up and down, sing and shout or simply close your eyes and say thanks. It doesn’t matter how -just praise Him. It’s amazing how fast our day will turn around when we invite God to help us face life’s challenges together through praise.

 

“Lord help us to honor and praise You with all of our hearts. We can trust You to be with us in all our trials, so we offer You our praise for who You are and all that You do.”

 

 For His Glory

 Anice Pruitt
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Worship

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