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

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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

　

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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

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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

 

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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

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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

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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

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Posted in Faith, Love, Spiritual Living

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

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