Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2013

God Knows

Young Woman Biting Her Finger Nail“Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! The Lord is a God who knows your deeds; and he will judge you for what you have done.”  1 Samuel 2:3 (NLT)

 Ever allow your feelings or actions to run out of control? God reminds us that He knows our deeds and hears what we speak.  Sometimes we can act arrogant when someone does something to us that we don’t like assuming we have the right to stay mad at them or not forgive them. Sometimes we can act proud and arrogant with the talents God has given us forgetting that He is the giver of gifts. We must give the glory to God at all times. He can give and He can take away; we must remain humble. 

 Sometimes we can throw a tantrum like a child because we weren’t accepted or noticed. Whatever we do, we must do it unto Him and not for man’s praise. When God elevates us to a position, we must remain humble. The very God who elevated us can also bring us down. God is a just God. Sometimes we get what we deserve, and sometimes we get what we don’t deserve.  Even then, we must still remain humble and trust that God is at work in us. Are we speaking in arrogance or humility? Are we drawing attention to ourselves or are we glorifying God? The Lord God knows all and He sees the motives of our hearts.

 

“Lord, help me to stay humble before you. Help me to speak with humility and not arrogance. You know my deeds already Lord and you will judge me for what I do. Help me to act Christ-like.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2013

Running Far

cb devo may 7 “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die.” I Kings 19:4a (NKJV)

Interpreting individualized car tags can be fun and challenging. On the way to work this morning one read ‘I Run Far.’ Ok, inquiring minds want to know how far, where, why?   Physical running can be enjoyable and therapeutic; however, for some people ‘running away’ seems to be the only option to flee life’s challenges.

We find this example in I Kings Chapters 18-19.   Chapter 18 finds Elijah celebrating God magnificently proving Himself, but then inconsequentially Chapter 19 finds him running ‘far away.’  Why?  Because Jezebel, a very wicked queen, had received word that God had tremendously used Elijah.  Irritated she threatened his life.  Fear and doubt gripped this mighty man of God so ferociously he felt his only option was to run – far away.   Not only did he run away, he refused to eat, drink, or rest resulting in depression and inevitably praying to die!   

How many times does God use us beyond our human ability and without warning we find ourselves like Elijah – fearfully doubting God.  The truth is we can’t run from ourselves.  Though Elijah’s faith was challenged, God met his physical needs and is ultimately found encouraging Elijah in a still small voice.

What are you running from today?  A broken marriage, fear of the unknown, failure, etc.?  Listen to God’s voice.  Running away is not an option – ‘running far’ with Jesus is.  He is your personal cheerleader!

“Dear Jesus, please teach my heart to run to You not away from You.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 6, 2013

Unshakeable Faith

janet tree pic‘But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; it leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

If we are totally honest with ourselves when do we struggle?  When do our emotions rage out of control?  When do we find ourselves becoming overwhelmed and consumed with fear and worry?  Quite simply it  happens every time we leave God out of our world– when we choose to seek stability in our own lives.  Perhaps we are banking on our marriage, family or friends. Perhaps we are counting on our bank account, our ministry or our career.  Regardless, God’s Word reminds us that there is only one source of security and it is found in unshakeable faith in Him.  We can attempt to draw security from other sources, but He is the only One that truly sustains.  Don’t we want to have that kind of trust?   Confident that no matter what touches our lives, our God will enable us to flourish even in the hard places.  When the pressures of life rise, God promises to fill us with peace.  Even in seasons of loss and drought, He guarantees that we will bear fruit if we keep our focus on Him.  Nourished in His Word and energized through prayer, the woman who places her security and confidence in God will not be disappointed.

“Father, being with You invites joy into the midst of suffering, heartache and disappointment.  Thank You for being the Solid Rock that we can stand upon.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 3, 2013

Sharing His Love

MP900443495[1]“Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.”  2 Timothy 4:2  (HCSB)

 When we least expect it, God often offers us a chance to minister to someone. We may be really busy or feel that we’re not ready.  We may feel inadequate or just don’t feel like ministering, yet God spoke to us. Recently a friend of mine called me to minister to someone I had never met. I was ready and willing to go; what a blessing. The person I was ministering to was in tears because she had gotten caught shoplifting. I immediately put my arms around her and shared passages in the scripture to show her that God forgave her and that He loved her. I showed her passages about repentance and condemnation. I was persistent and prayed with her. I even took her to church and began mentoring her. This lady needed encouragement. She needed someone to be patient with her, teach her the scriptures and show her love. When God calls us to do something, we need to be ready and not fear. He is with us, and God will guide us and put words in our mouth. He will lead us by His Spirit. Not only was this lady helped, but I was strengthened by the Lord. What a blessing to see a soul come back to the Lord. We never know what the Lord will do through us when we are instant in season and out of season.

 

“Lord, help me to proclaim Your message; help me to be instant in season and out of season. I choose to trust You. Help me to rebuke, correct and encourage with great patience and humility. Thank You for the opportunities of being used by You. May You be glorified.”

 

For His Glory

 

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

                                         

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 2, 2013

Son-shine

Sunbeams Piercing Storm Clouds“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12b (NIV)

 Early one morning, I heard raindrops hitting the roof of my apartment in a symphony of notes that changed the beat so quickly that it almost made me not want to get out of bed. But since this was Tuesday and I had to work, the morning routine soon became my reality. Glancing out the window, I could see nothing in the darkness of 6:00 am, so I proceeded to get ready for work slowly.   The rain was really coming down when I reached the parking lot at work, but I was well protected by my waterproof winter coat with a hood and a large umbrella. The rain was not going to soak me. Throughout the morning, I glanced out the window to see what the sun was doing and it was finding gaps amidst the clouds. There would be dark clouds all around, but somewhere in the middle of them there would be a ray of sunshine. What a sight! And what a fuzzy feeling did it bring with it!

In a way, my life has been somewhat like that morning. Even with dark clouds hovering about and huge rain drops frantically dancing in the air, God’s light shines bright amidst the darkness.  Throughout it all, I can rejoice in Him with the hope that the inclement weather will cease and a new day will dawn with the sweetness of God’s embrace.

 “Lord, in the quietness, You are there; in the battles, You are there; in the happy times, You are there, and in the sad, You are also there. There is no evil that can overcome Your goodness and there is no darkness that can overcome Your light. Thank You for Your Son Jesus, our hope and our light, forever.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2013

The Gap

cb devo may1“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”  Psalm 105:4 (NIV)

Why is it that some of us are destined to select the slowest checkout lines?  Just the other day I selected a line that was so slow, I was sure it was a world record candidate.  After three price-checks, ID verification and a refill of receipt paper, I was able to return home and inform my family that instead of ice cream, I would now be serving milkshakes.

One benefit of my extended stay was that I got to flip through an interesting magazine.  (Something I rarely do!)  This particular magazine highlighted famous men and women who died in 2012.  As I skimmed through the obituaries, I noticed a small blurb about Steven Covey, the author of the popular book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Although decades had passed since I read that book, I was reminded of Covey’s statement:  That between every event and response in life there exists a GAP.  In this GAP of anticipation, we are invited to press into God and draw from His strength and grace BEFORE jumping to a response.

If you are like me, you may not have ever paid much attention to this gap.  But, the reality is that before every response we make, we are given an opportunity to first meet with God.  So next time life throws an unexpected challenge, hurt or upset our way…let’s take a moment and meet God in the GAP so He might further align our responses with His truth and character. No matter what, He is faithful to guide us…even when our dreams melt into milkshakes as we face life’s unexpected delays!”

“Lord,  Please grant us the strength and wisdom to seek You before we respond to the events and hardships of life.  And when we come, please make us receptive to the work You wish to do in our hearts!”

For His Glory

                    

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Prayer, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2013

Life’s New Normal

cb devo apr 30“My times are in your hands.” Psalm 31:15a (NIV)

Life has a way of changing things up doesn’t it?  Variety.   No two days are ever the same.   Although a plus, sometimes expectations alongside life’s reality become two different agendas particularly when anticipation abruptly turns to apprehension. Remember Forrest Gump’s reply in the movie: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” Suddenly what we want in life and what life delivers produces unpredictable detours ushering in a ‘new normal.’

Recently, witnessing a panel of women share testimonies of experiencing an unexpected ‘new normal,’ I was reminded of the spontaneity of life.  Circumstances ranged from becoming widows at an early age, loosing children, financial crisis, divorce, devastating heartache, etc.   Then who could have imagined multiple bombs would explode following a recent Boston marathon leaving behind horrific injures and tragic deaths.   Both situations birthed radically changed lives – a result of the unforeseen.   Expectations sorrowfully dissolved as disappointment and heartache overshadowed the very essence of so many. Though difficult to comprehend nothing happens to God’s child unless filtered first through His mighty hands. Learning to face disappointment as God’s appointment with courage and determination will solidify His purpose – it’s far greater than any expectation His child may have.

What is your ‘new normal?’ Ask God to fulfill His purpose in and through you.  His grace is sufficient, His strength is made perfect in weakness, and He is sovereign.  Though He doesn’t owe explanations, the truth is:  we owe Him glorification with every aspect of our lives.   We must determine to face each new tomorrow guided by His unseen hand.

“Please Lord, help me to embrace my ‘new normal’ and glorify You.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 29, 2013

Guaranteed Freedom

Woman Standing in a Field“How much more, then will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”  Hebrews 9:14 (NIV)

We have been eternally redeemed destined for eternal purposes.  Let this sink in deep.  Easter was last month – you know the time our hearts are drawn to the cross and Jesus sacrificial death.  We celebrated the resurrection and then…well life goes on.  Another holiday marked off the calendar – or was it? The perfect sacrifice – Jesus Christ – became our High Priest. His death and resurrection removed the barriers; we now have full access to the throne room of God.  No standing in line carrying my sheep. No yearly confessions before a Priest.  The blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed and sanctified me inside out.  So how do I live out my life day by day totally freed from the debt of sin I owed?  While forgiveness and grace wipes my slate clean, the rest of the story is just the beginning.  The removal of our sin isn’t just for our gain, but rather it’s God’s gain so that we can serve the Living God.   Washed in His blood, we’ve been bought with a high price destined to be worthy vessels of honor.  To whom much is given – much is required.  In case we’ve forgotten, we’ve been given much – far much more than we ever deserved.  Yet God takes it a step further – He wants to use our lives, our stories and our gifts. No cowering in shame or guilt.  No excuses why we aren’t worthy.  What God has cleansed, we are freed to receive – an opportunity to be redeemed for His eternal purposes.

“Father, there is no one who is beyond Your saving grace and there is no life that you can’t redeem or restore – help us to accept forgiveness and move forward in serving You.”

For His Glory

 Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 26, 2013

Welcome One Another

MP900178801[1]“So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.” Romans 15:7 (NLT)

 Have you ever had someone walk into your life and perhaps you didn’t want to associate with that person because you were embarrassed? Perhaps you thought that person didn’t “fit” in your circle of friends. Many times God will bring people into our lives to take us out of our comfort zone. We have to be ready to embrace them and make them feel comfortable. He might bring an angel unaware just to test us. When we humble ourselves and accept one another (no matter what background the person has), we bring God the glory. We must remember that God accepted us, and we might have things that others don’t like about us. In the same way we would like others to accept us just for who we are, we too must accept others just the way they are. We mustn’t prejudge people. We might find out that they can turn out to be our friend if we give them a chance. We must widen our circle of friends and include people of all kinds, yes, even outcasts. We can learn something from everyone. Jesus hung out with people that no one else wanted to hang out with. The Pharisees mocked Him because He associated with sinners. Are we choosing and picking who we want to be around or are we allowing God to help us accept everyone? Ask God to bring someone into your life who is out of your comfort zone. Ask God to love them through You –  to see them with His eyes.

 

“Father I choose to accept those you bring into my life in the same way You have accepted me. May You be glorified in my life.”

 

For His Glory

 Linda Reyes Shepherd

TRBC Mountain Blend

 

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 25, 2013

Surrending My List

Confident Businesswoman“After that, he (Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples‘ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”  John 13:5 (NIV)

 Hot pink -yes, you got it hot pink now adorns my toes and fingers -Spring has arrived.  Along with it came a downpour of rain that fed my yard beyond abundance.  What was nonexistent is now plush green and growing by the day. Every weed has plowed through and with hubby out of town, you can only imagine the view out my window – I have a yard “Gone Wild.”  Happened so quickly – rain, sunshine and cool temps created the best scenario for lots of growth.  Only way to tackle this jungle is to pull out the mower – you know like me mow the grass?  You gotta be kidding. I do all that other stuff –   laundry, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping…do I need to continue? Mowing isn’t on my list…..it’s on his – you know husband who’s out of town.  Maybe I should just let go of my list…his list and take care of what needs to be done.  Happens all the time at work, at home and in ministry.  We follow our job description as if it’s etched in stone.  And if someone’s not doing their part, unfortunately we either ignore it or explode it to someone else.  God loves teamwork. He gets great pleasure in seeing His children working together – unaware of who’s getting the glory – unaware of who’s supposed to get it done.  When we drop the title and embrace the task, we position ourselves to experience abundant growth. Spiritual maturity resides in those who seek to serve others and obey God.  Maybe it’s the reason Jesus had no problem washing feet.

 

“Father, when we seek Your will everything else falls into place – help us to serve without excuse.”

 

For His Glory

 Janet Martin

TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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