Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 27, 2013

Do All To Stand

Woman Reading a Diary“For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8 (KJV)

Did you know that to stand fast in the Lord means to not waver? When we are steadfast in Him, we will be unmoveable. True abundant living follows those who stand fast in the Lord. Here are some scriptures to help us stand fast in the Lord:

  • Hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (Hebrews 10:23)
  • Hold fast to the Word of Life (Philippians 2:16)
  • Do not cast away your confidence in the Lord (Hebrews 10:35)
  • Keep your heart steadfast (Psalm 57:7)
  • Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10)
  • Stand fast in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
  • Continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast (Colossians 1:23)
  • Fight the good fight of faith, run the race with endurance (2 Timothy 4:7)
  • Be an overcomer, finish the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

When we stay grounded in the Word, we will not lose hope because our hope is found in the word of God. This is a continual thing that we need to do daily, so we can stand strong and be an overcomer.  Are we doing all to stand? Are we being unmovable? We  must hold fast to the Word of life. God wants us to be overcomers, but the choice is up to us.

“Father, I choose an abundant life. I choose to stand fast, help me not waver as I continue in Your word. Thank You for Your word that instructs me on how to live that I might be steadfast and truly live.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 26, 2013

All Around The World

devo mar 26“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  Mark 16:15 (NASB)

I had a busy year in 2012. I traveled to Guatemala, Panama, Honduras, Africa and the mountains of West Virginia. All with the purpose of spreading the news of the gospel. Now you may be wondering how I managed to go to all these places in one year. Beside the financial expense, I am a wife and mother of two with a part-time job. The truth is, I didn’t actually go to any of these places.  I’m part of a group at my church called Hands Stitching 4 Jesus. We knit, crochet and sew items that are taken on missions trips. One of the items is a teddy bear wearing a backpack. In that backpack is a miniature wordless book and card that explains the colors of the gospel. When a child is presented with a handmade gift  it opens the door of their heart to receive the good news of the gospel. Each time I crochet another bear, I am sharing the gospel.

There are a lot of ways to be involved in spreading the gospel. Are you able to financially support a missionary or church planting? Then give towards that purpose. Do you feel a burden for those without Jesus? Consider praying for unreached people.    Do you know someone who is going on a trip? You can cook a meal for their family or help with childcare while they are away. Do you use social media often? You can help spread the gospel and bring awareness of the needs of others. Even with the smallest of acts, we can all help preach the gospel to everyone all around the world.

“Lord, we know there are people who need the gospel. Help us to use our personal gifts to make an eternal difference in Your kingdom.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 25, 2013

Be Great by Being A Servant

MP900385501[1] “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV).

Recently, I heard Tim Tebow at Liberty University. He emphasized his love for the Lord and desire to live a life that honors Him. Before he finished, Tebow left the audience with three tips for a successful life: “be passionate about what you do;” “don’t be normal, but be an example,” and “be great by being a servant.”  That last one really struck me deep.

Later that night, I arrived at my Life Group meeting toting a Styrofoam cup of iced tea.  I put down my cup,  purse and  phone.  As I took off my coat, I accidentally knocked the cup over and iced tea landed on the hardwood floors. I stared at my mess wondering how I would clean it up.  Before I moved my chair out of the way, a young man – whose arms and neck were covered in tattoos – rushed to the rescue. Collecting a mop and paper towels, he assured me that he had it all under control. That young man’s actions caught me by surprise.  He showed me that help can come from the most unusual and unexpected places. More importantly, he did it without hesitation, and his only motive was to serve.  He served me by cleaning up something I did, without boasting about it and demonstrating humbly to those in the room what it’s like to have a servant’s heart.
 

“Lord, your Word says in Luke 9:48 that those who are least among us will be the greatest. Please help us to be great by decreasing, so that You increase in us. Give us a heart to serve You as we serve others.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 22, 2013

Seeking God

devo mar 22“When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me.”  Jeremiah 29:13 (NIRV)

Have you ever watched someone from a distance and wondered what they were really like?  Perhaps, you even met them through a mutual friend.  A brief encounter that caused you to draw some conclusions about them in those first few moments.  First impressions are important.  They either draw us in or send us running in the opposite direction.  One of the sweetest friendships God has blessed me with started out pretty much this way.  We were in the same singles class at church and from a distance she seemed perfect – way too perfect to be one of my friends.  I was a struggling single mom; she was a professional educator.  Her clothes were stylish, and my wardrobe usually donned the label of “Goodwill.”  Eventually we were introduced, and God birthed our friendship in the crushing moments of a crisis.

Have you ever watched God from a distance and wondered what He was really like? Perhaps like me with my friend, you felt that friendship with God was out of your league.  Perhaps like me and my friend it took a crisis moment to draw you closer to God.  Perhaps, you’re still sitting out there on that limb all by yourself wondering if He really exists.  I love the promise in Jeremiah that reminds us that searching and seeking out God will never land us empty handed or confused.  We will uncover who He is if we connect with Him.   Just like a growing relationship with a friend, God reveals Himself to us day by day.   He longs for us to discover, search out and unveil the glories of His character. Because only as we uncover His beauty will our lives be positioned to reflect the same.

“Father,  open my eyes so I can see  – reveal Yourself to me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 21, 2013

Followers of God

Couple on Beach“And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.”  1 Thessalonians 1:6 (KJV)

Are you an imitator of God?  If we are going to be His imitators, we will have to follow His example which means enduring suffering with joy. Without the Holy Spirit infilling us, we cannot receive joy in our sufferings. When we receive God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will comfort us. Whatever trials we go through, we don’t have to go through them alone because the Holy Spirit indwells in us. Many people go through difficult trials and come out victorious because they have chosen to follow Christ.  They have received the word of God in much affliction, and they have chosen to be joyous no matter what. Psalm 119:71 says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Learning God’s word gives us hope, strength, and peace. If you are going through much affliction today, let this scripture give you comfort and hope. Remember, we have the comforter with us, the Holy Spirit.  We are not walking alone.  And as followers of God, we too can imitate Him by being joyful even in the midst of suffering.

“Lord, I choose to follow You. I choose to receive the word of God with much joy when afflicted. Thank You for the comforter, the Holy Spirit, and thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit.”

For His Glory,

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 20, 2013

Surrounded With Peace

devo mar 20“ I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

Have you ever had one of those nights when you just can’t sleep?  You know like when you hear everything that goes bump in the night.  I had one of those nights recently when my husband was out of town.  The warm temperatures left the heat pump silent.  And without even realizing it, my mind raced in a hundred conjured up places.  Now, I’m not usually one to fear being home alone.  However, my rapid heartbeat was probably a result of watching too many crime shows (NCIS).  Quickly fear rose to the surface and peaceful sleep marched out the door.  After a few moments of claiming scriptures and burying my head under the covers, I finally drifted off to sleep.  Amazing how quickly fear can seize us, overcome us and yes even send us into hiding.  Bondage always carries a price tag of hidden fear lurking under the surface.  Ask the Children of Israel, and they would remind you that being slaves of the mighty Pharaoh left them hopeless and fearful.  And even though they marched out in the middle of the night paralyzing fear would restrain them from trusting in God as they journeyed in the wilderness.  Peace would evade them as fear stole away the abundance God so desired to give. Whether fear is justified or imagined, God has the perfect prescription.  When we place our trust firmly in the One who walks beside us and watches over us then we receive an abundance of peace guaranteed even in the most restless nights.  Has fear derailed your peace?  If so, claim His promises and lean into His protection – it’s the safest place to be.

“Father, You are trustworthy and true – thank You for restoring peace even in moments of overwhelming fear.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 19, 2013

To Love Like A Child

MP900262953[1]“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 (NIV).

Last night I had dinner with a friend and her 8-year-old daughter. The little girl is the sweetest thing to be around; sometime during dinner, she got paper and pen out and started to write rather intently. I thought she was writing a story, but was surprised when she handed a sweet letter to me! She wrote nice things about me and even wrote my name plus her name equals “friends forever.” My heart was basking in the sun of that little girl’s innocent love and friendship. I felt loved instantly.

The Lord Jesus spoke of little children in a very special way, and He spurred us to be like them. In Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” If we allow ourselves to become more like little children, we will be less likely to get discouraged by nonsense and pettiness around us, and pay attention to things that really matter. I have put my little friend’s letter in a special place where I will be able to see it and use it as a reminder of her love and admiration for me. Striving to think and love like her, I hope I don’t disappoint her innocent faith in me.

 “Father, there is little in the world today that reminds us of the innocence and purity that we are to keep in our hearts – just like with the little children. Please help us to fight evil with good and hate with love. Help us to love like You love us.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 18, 2013

Someone is Watching

devo mar 18“Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 9 (NCV)

Have you ever heard someone say, “I didn’t know they were a Christian.” Sometimes as believers we live just like unbelievers. You can’t tell the difference because we compromise our testimony. Sometimes Christians are afraid to take a stance because of the persecution they might face, but God says that all those who live godly will suffer persecution. When we make a stance for God we may be mocked, ridiculed, ostracized or persecuted. These are the times when we need  to ask God for boldness. There will also be times when we need to be quiet, and we need discernment to know when to do so. We need to be wise in the way we act with all people, because we never know the impact our testimony can make in someone’s life. Our actions speak out much louder than our words. Any opportunity that God gives us we must take advantage to witness either with words or our life. Unbelievers mainly watch us to see if we are authentic. Are we bringing reproach to the name of God or are we bringing him glory? Let’s take every opportunity we can to make a difference.

“Lord, help me to be wise in the way I act towards others and help me to make the most out of every opportunity. Give me boldness in the workplace, at home, or wherever I go. May You be glorified in my life.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 15, 2013

A Life Redeemed

MP900443668[1]“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11 (NIV)

A moving target – that’s how it feels sometimes. No matter how hard we try or how prepared we are, life trips us up and we land flat on our face.  Shame and guilt overwhelm us.  Disappointment sings a familiar melody as we desperately seek a new song.  The fingers point, the talk abounds and we’re left cowering in a corner discarded.  And right in the midst of it all, we hear His voice.  Our Savior prays over us interceding at the right hand of the Father.  Jesus has a front row seat.  He’s part of the inner circle, and He knows that we’re living in this world; the world He left behind.  With deep compassion mingled with righteous holiness, He knows the power found in the Father’s name is what we need.  Grace lifts us up and mercy binds our wounds.  Healing flows in the ointment of forgiveness, and joy is refreshed in the light of His eyes. “Holy Father, protect them,” are the words He breathes. And we listen as He whispers our name.  We’re one of His, though stained and ravaged by the sins of this world – yet, we are His and He is ours forever.  Eclipsed in the morning dawn nail pierced hands reach down to make us great, and together we dance in the rain of tears that flow from one whose life has been redeemed.

“Father, help me to realize the protection that  is guaranteed when I place my trust and hope in Your name.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 13, 2013

Altered

devo feb 18]“He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar…”  (Gen 22:9b  NIV)

Wonder what it was like for Isaac when his father, Abraham, was willing to sacrifice his only son in obedience to God?  One minute Issac’s out for a walk with Dad, and the next he’s being bound and tied to an altar.   Scripture doesn’t tell us what he felt in that moment or whether this strange event left behind a long trail of dysfunction or deep scars of betrayal.  But, it is certain that this experience had to affect him deeply.

Unlike other Biblical patriarchs, Isaac never experienced a name change (…that sovereign moment when a servant of God was given a new name to reflect a new identity or calling).  Coincidence??  Or could it be that he learned something through that life-changing event which defined him and, therefore, eliminated the need for a change to his identity?

Since Isaac is presented as a “type” and foreshadow of Christ, I cannot help but wonder if he learned something that many of us still struggle with:  Our truest identity is found in complete submission to the will of the Father, despite what we see, feel and think in the midst of life’s most trying moments.  Isaac’s greatest hardship became a prophetic picture of a Perfect Son’s willingness to lay down his life in obedience to the will of His Father.  It’s easy to feel like life’s victim at times, but the reality is the circumstances at work in our lives are often the channel through which God is choosing to unveil and refine our true identity.

“Lord, please help us trust in your love and goodness even when we do not understand how You are working through our circumstances.   And please continue to refine us so that our true identity would be a reflection of Your holy work.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

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