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

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

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