Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2013

The Right Choice

MP900227525[1]“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God which trieth out hearts.”  1 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV)

 Ever wonder why God tests His children?   God tests us so we will grow and learn to lean on Him. He also tests us to see how much of the fruit of the Spirit we exhibit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self-control).  Often, God will present trials to us so that we will apply the fruit of the Spirit in those situations. God also tests us to see the motives of our hearts. He watches to see if we are going to gripe and complain or choose to rejoice and praise Him through the most difficult challenges. God examines our hearts when we are presenting the gospel to test us to see if we are pleasing men or God. Entrusted with the gospel, we should speak humbly and grace filled because He has judged us worthy. Many times, we even ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit rather than sharing the Good News.

 We are tested every day in many ways. Will we choose to obey God? Will we choose to pass the tests that God presents? Will we trust and lean into Him even when the trials abound?  The choice is up to us, but without active faith it is impossible to please Him.

 “God help us to have the right motives. Help us to be bold and loving when we witness. Help us not to compromise. As You try our hearts show us our motives. If they do not please You, may You work in our hearts to change us.”

 For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

1 Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 29, 2013

Leaving The Past….

Walking on the Sidewalk“No longer as a slave, but more then a slave – as a dearly loved brother.” Philemon 1:16a (HCSB)

 A beautiful picture of God’s grace – that’s the story of Onesimus.  It was not by coincidence that Onesimus found himself in jail alongside the champion of the faith, the Apostle Paul. Once Onesimus accepted Jesus as his Savior, the past was behind him. Paul strongly emphasizes this point in the letter he wrote to Philemon. Paul stated the value that Onesimus was to him and now would be to Philemon. Paul even offered to pay for any loss that Philemon may have incurred when Onesimus ran away. He tells Philemon that Onesimus is no longer a slave but his brother in Christ.

 Ever wish you could go back in the past and fix mistakes? We all do. That’s why this story is so personal. It reminds us that once we accept Christ, the past is gone. Take some time to ponder on how Paul refers to Onesimus. You can feel the love pouring out of him for this once useless slave. That is how God feels about us. We are valuable to Him, and He loves us with an overwhelming love. Paul was ready to pay any financial debt Onesimus owed just as Jesus willingly paid for our sins on the cross. We are no longer slaves. Now we are part of the family of God. Never let yourself or anyone else tell you otherwise.

 

“Lord thank You for Your overwhelming love for us. We were once useless to the Kingdom of God, but now we are priceless in your sight. Thank You for saving us; never let us forget that we are free.”

 

 For His Glory

 Anice Pruitt
TRBC Coffee Break

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2013

Got Dishes?

devo july 25 “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:31 (NAS)

As soon as the last bites of dinner had been consumed, everyone fled the table. Off to listen to music,  play games on IPODS, talk to friends or watch TV. As I sat there looking around at the empty plates and bowls, the crumbs scattered about, I simply took a deep breath and sighed.  After all the time it took to cook, I’ll admit I was a little disappointed that I was left to do all the cleaning as well. “Well, someone has to do it,” I thought.

Ever feel like you don’t matter? We’ve all had times in our life when we have felt as though nothing we do has any value.  Day in day out – same old job – same old life. How can anything I’m doing be important? Does God see me at all?  The answer is yes. God sees you. What we see as insignificant or minor, He sees differently. Cleaning our homes, taking care of children, making a living, yes even washing dinner dishes – these things are all necessary duties.  And when we do what needs to be done every day as we are supposed to, we honor God. Nothing escapes His eyes. He created us and He doesn’t make anything that doesn’t matter. Every bit of His creation has a purpose, including you. For right now, that may mean cleaning up after children or a job that doesn’t offer immediate recognition. Rest assured though, that in God’s eyes it all matters.  Knowing and accepting that truth is valuable enough.

“Heavenly Father, I want more than anything to honor You with my life. Help me to do what needs to be done with the right attitude. I don’t need recognition from the world, only You.”

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

 

2 Comments

Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 24, 2013

His Divine Work

MP900443755[1]“You also, like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5 (NIV)

 Road trips – you either love or hate them. Me, I love them cause I get to eat “trip food “– you know the stuff I always avoid. Every time we stop for gas, I feel a hunger pain coming on – a need for some munchies – and it’s usually not for fruit.  On the flip side, road trips often land you right on the path of a “construction zone” now that’s definitely not my fav thing.  The speed drops, lanes are eliminated, traffic mushes closer together….and we creep like a snail.  Night or day  – crews make repairs, build new bridges and disrupt the flow of traffic for miles.

 Have you ever felt like your life was a “construction zone?”  Our fast pace comes to a screeching halt.  Options are eliminated and we seem to be sidelined watching everyone else drive by – all the while wondering what’s God up to?  Hard place to be – that’s why God’s word reminds us that every detour or delay is part of His construction plan.  Moment by moment, piece by piece He is building our lives into a spiritual house – holy, pure and acceptable.  He alone has mapped out a grand reconstruction that is guaranteed to move us in the right direction.  We can love it or hate it, but that won’t alter His divine work in our lives – God loves us too much.  And He will work night or day to fashion our living stones into a spiritual house reflecting God’s glory.

 “Father, You are the builder and creator of our lives – I know we can trust You to complete the work You started within us.”

 For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 23, 2013

Journey To God’s Plans

devo july23 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 

My husband and I are young empty nesters with two grandchildren.  I thought the desire of my heart was to have a big house so we could do family dinners, cookouts, game nights, and spend holidays together. God granted that desire, yet all those plans I had for our house never fully came together. Yes, we enjoyed the house and had lots of family and friends over from time to time but not to the level I had hoped. Instead the house started taking over our lives financially, physically with the huge amount of upkeep, and even our relationship suffered because we had so much space to disappear in.

 

As God closed several doors, we realized His plan was “Little is much when God is in it.” We downsized to a two bedroom apartment that has helped in every area, and recognized that if we are following God’s plan, blessings will come in all sizes.   When we are in a close relationship with God, His desires become our desires and lead us to the future He has planned for us. The key to remember is the Christian life is a journey taken one step at a time – sometimes the answers will be a lesson and other times a blessing.

 “Dear God, Guide our footsteps and our desires. Give us the wisdom to know when our desires have strayed from Your plans for our life.”

 

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

 

1 Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 22, 2013

Enjoying His Peace

the buck garden in new jersay“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27 (NLT)

 What’s occupying our mind today?  Are we basking in the joy of the Lord?  Are we shining for the Lord?  Maybe, we are thinking about the words that won’t leave our head that someone said to us.  Maybe we are thinking about health, money, illness, or just how we’re going to take care of this.  Do you know that God has already taken care of it –  He has already covered it and defeated it.  He never wants you to fret, be troubled or afraid.  Question is have we given it to Him?  He is bigger than whatever we are facing.  I have faced many trials in my life and anticipate many more to come.  He didn’t promise us every moment would be a perfect moment.   He promised trials and tribulations until we reach heaven.  What I do know is He has it covered!  We just need to hold our hands out straight in front of us, palms up placing our cares in our palms and lift them to Jesus.  He has given us a beautiful gift – a gift of peace of mind and heart.  Rest in Him – take a drive to a river if you can, sit beside it and listen to the water running – it’s peaceful, enjoy the nature and flowers and let God give you the peace the world can’t give.  Ahhh….

 “Father, what a precious gift You gave when You gave me peace.  I don’t deserve it, but I do want it and thank You for it.  Today, right here and right now, I want to specifically give You my burden of _____________ for You to cover.  I trust You and Your plan.” 

 For His Glory,

 Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 19, 2013

Facing Our Weakest Link

MP900400219[1]“By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me.”Psalm 41:11 (NKJV)

Regardless of what happens in my day, God is pleased with me if I don’t let the enemy win. So each day, I have to be strategic in doing some preventative planning to extinguish the enemy’s plan. Because he knows I’m trying hard, he is always ready to strike. For each of us that attack occurs in different ways: it may be caving into fear, neglecting the Word, excusing His voice, resisting His will, depression, worry,  sabotaging His agenda, etc. Unfortunately, we usually know what our weakest link is – but we often feel like we can handle it – that’s where we always go wrong.  Anytime we feel we can handle the enemy, we are headed for sure defeat. Only when we seek God’s help, cling to His words and breathe prayers in His direction do we really win. We can plan all we want, but our strength to defeat the enemy is based on our sheer dependence on God. Without that intimate connection, we’re just another twitter hashtaging a lot of hot air  – giving the enemy amply space to rule. Our Heavenly Father has given us the weapons, the words, the instruction to be victorious and He is ready to empower us to defeat the enemy in His strength.

“Father, You have promised to help us stand against all that the enemy wants to steal from our lives. Show us where the enemy is striking and help us to gain victory. Reveal our weaknesses and lead us to walk in the Spirit not the flesh. Thank You for extinguishing what the enemy has sought to devour.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin

TRBC Coffee Break

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Freedom, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 18, 2013

His Words

Woman Reading a Book at Home“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (KJV)

 

Reading God’s Word is easy but allowing it to change us that’s another story. We must keep the Word of God hidden in our heart by memorizing His Word.  If we continually meditate on God’s Word then it will eventually start flowing out of our mouths. His Words will also naturally impact our actions.  God promises us prosperity and good success. Spiritual prosperity is not based on material goods, but rather obedience to His Words. When we chose to meditate on his Word day and night,  then we are positioning ourselves to receive from the Lord.  The Word of God is a great treasure. God promises us success also. Whatever we do, if we stay grounded in God’s Word and obey His commandments, we will be sure to succeed. When we lay a hold of this truth, we will be so excited to meditate on His Word, and the application of His Words will make us more and more like Him each day.


“Father, Help your Word not to depart out of my mouth. Help me to meditate on Your Holy Scriptures day and night. Help me to observe and obey Your commandments.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend　

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 17, 2013

Ready, Set, Go!

cb devo july 17“…..Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”  Hebrews 12:1b (ASV)

My hubby and I were enjoying some relaxing time at his parents’ house when my mother-in-law looked out the window and cried, “Look! A turtle!”  Next to the big tree in their front yard was a little turtle crawling around.  Wow, talk about perseverance!  Where in the world this little guy came from, we don’t know! We have never seen turtles in their yard before.   But wherever he came from, he got to the big tree in the front yard by continuing to put one foot in front of the other.  He kept moving, kept trying, took a rest when needed, but didn’t give up!

Wonder if we could do the same – persevere and press through one step at a time, one foot in front of the other?  How are we doing with our goals?  Have we given up, because that big tree was just too far away?  Have we told ourselves we’re never going to reach our goals? Well, set those lies aside, we CAN do it!  Just stick with it, and work at it each day! It’s never too late to do the right thing!  Start today, and don’t look back!

“Father, how quickly we give up instead of moving forward. Help  us to keep our eyes fixed on You and enjoy the journey one step at a time.”

For His Glory

Julia Forystek Bergstrom

TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 16, 2013

God Means What He Says

cb devo july 16“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”  2 Timothy 2:13 (NASB)

You can sometimes learn a lot from a simple children’s story. Dr. Seuss’ Horton “Horton Hears a Who” is such a lovely example of faithfulness.

In the story, Horton the elephant can hear voices coming from a speck of dust on a flower. It turns out, that tiny speck, is home to the Whos of Whoville. Horton, knowing their home is vulnerable and fragile, willingly takes on the responsibility to protect them and find a place where they can live safely.  He risks ridicule from the other animals and even his own safety in the process. But nothing deters him, and despite the doubts and lack of support from those around him, Horton stands by his famous motto, “I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful one hundred percent.”

Although we may not be as tiny and defenseless as the Whos, it can sometimes feel like we are completely alone. No matter what we think or feel, God is faithful, steady and unwavering in His commitment to us. It is His nature to remain faithful and keep His word to those He created, even when we turn away from Him. From the dawn of time, when He laid the foundation of this earth, it was never part of His plan to leave us alone to fend for ourselves. He will always be there for us, to protect, guide, comfort and love.  God is always 100% faithful. Nothing and no one will ever make Him otherwise.

“Lord, thank You for never wavering in Your faithfulness to us. Forgive us for our lack of faith. Help us to remember the truth of  who You are.”

 

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

1 Comment

Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories