Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2013

Fulfilling The Call

MP900309143[1]“As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 (RSV)

When was the last time we witnessed to someone?  We don’t have to follow a “formula”; we can simply share a blessing God has done in our life to strike up a conversation. We can say God is good, He has……, and then say whatever He has done.  Each individual is unique, and we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit by showing love and not be pushy. We must let God do the witnessing through us. We may face rejection, but we must be steady and endure suffering. I love to go witnessing every Friday at Pittman Plaza. A Korean Church sets up a tent there and gives out free food and water. Their English is broken, yet they are fulfilling the call to evangelism. I so admire them.  People come to their tent and listen to what they have to say. I often start my conversations by asking people if they have a home church and then invite them to church if they don’t have one. I show them the love of God by showing that I care for them. I truly love people and want them to spend eternity with God. As God leads me, He gives me supernatural boldness and puts the words in my mouth. It is such a joy to see a soul come to the Lord or a backslidder get right with the Lord. We must never forget the price God paid on Calvary for us. We must tell others. We must remember resurrection day every day. Time is short. Lives are at stake. Won’t you tell someone about Jesus?

“Lord, help me to always be steady and diligent enduring suffering. Empower me to witness Lord. May I do the work of an evangelist and fulfill ministry.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2013

Unexpected Grace

cb devo apr 2“….Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18b (NIV)

Bright yellow daffodils raised their head above the ground in my neighbor’s yard.  Winter had been long, cold and dreary, but now it’s late March.  The week before Easter.   Robins have greeted me in the morning.  Daylight creeps slowly out in the evening. Spring is edging it’s way in; I can just feel it.  And then God did something unexpected and breathtaking.  Palm Sunday arrived  with a blanket of snow. As tiny flakes of white fell from the sky, my heart soared.  With every huge flake that danced in the air, my eyes swelled. And when I walked out in the midst of drenching snow, my soul breathed in deep of God’s grace.  Incredible timing….amazing reminder that sin’s debt has been paid.  Utter joy as we realize that those once lost have been found.  Indescribable hope because those who were blind now can see. Exhilarating sound as chains are released and captives set free.  Unending peace as grace covers all our sins – past and present.   It’s the week before Easter….when the world stood still, the thunder clapped and darkness fell.  The earth quaked, tombs awakened and the temple curtain ripped.  And centurions spoke, “Surely He was the Son of God.”  Unexpected and breathtaking – isn’t that God’s signature trademark?  Surprising those laden with guilt.  Isn’t that God’s character to forget wrongs casting them into the depths of the sea.  Isn’t that just like God to invite the scarred, the flawed and the wretched  (like me) to breathe in deep of His loving kindness.  Won’t you join me?

“Father, how sweet to dance in the downpour of Your grace – my scarlet sins transformed to white – come and cleanse me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Freedom, Gratitude, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2013

A Crown of Betrayal

CB Devo Apr 1“When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”  Matthew 27:29 (NKJV)

The scene is hard to imagine. Jesus, the Son of God, the One who had lived amongst His people teaching them, healing them, and delivering them from spiritual bondage has just been betrayed by one of His trusted ministry partners. What a disappointment! What great pain from such betrayal!

Jesus, being who He was – and is – could have made a choice to not go through physical torture and death on the cross.  It was the most humiliating and painful type of death an innocent man could endure, but He did not defend Himself to anyone. He didn’t point fingers at anyone. And He didn’t curse anyone. He remained silent, instead. I can only imagine the turmoil in His head, knowing what was coming to Him and not getting out of it even though He had the power to do so.

The Son of God was mocked by the very people He defended. And what did He do when He was betrayed and mocked by those people? He endured. He allowed His Father’s plan to unveil.

And thank God that He did! Because Jesus willingly took upon Himself our sins on that cross, we can have hope of eternity in heaven with Him.

“Lord, so much pain and sorrow came to You before the world saw You fulfill Your Father’s plan for You and mankind. Still this day we suffer with betrayal and mockery, but through You we overcome the pain they cause us. Thank You for the cross. Thank you for the blood that was shed for us.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 29, 2013

Walking In His Steps

CB Devo March 29“Then He (Jesus) said to them all, If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow.”  Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Wounded beyond recognition, broken from the weight of our sin, surrendered completely to the Father’s will – a Holy sacrifice to cover all of our past, present and future.  No greater love has ever been shown. No price has ever been higher. No sorrow has ever been deeper.  The world saw a rugged, blood stained cross  – God saw our Savior, Redeemer and the Holy Lamb of God.

Broken, crushed and wounded – we all find ourselves in desperate need of a Savior.  We embrace His gift of salvation.  We enjoy the peace of eternity; but do we emulate His life, His choices or His sacrifice?  Do we seek to be changed so that we are more like Him?  We can cherish the cross, we can admire the cross; but we will miss the mark if we don’t allow the cross to transform who we are.  Change for someone else is great, but changing ourselves that’s another story.  We get comfortable with who we are – our attitudes, actions, decisions and thoughts. Changing ourselves means allowing God’s will to dictate our lives, even to the point of drinking a bitter cup of suffering.  Changing ourselves requires desiring Jesus more than anything else the world has to offer.  If the cruelest of deaths on the cross could bring the greatest of joy, then how amazed we will truly be as the cross changes us.  It won’t be easy or painless – but it will make us more like Jesus – true followers walking in His steps.

“Father, we are so unworthy of Your incredible sacrifice.  The depths of Your love far surpasses our understanding, the greatness of Your mercy far exceeds anything we’ve ever known and the riches of your grace frees us!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 28, 2013

His Seamless Garment

devo mar 28“This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.”  John 19:23b (NIV)

Not long ago, I ran across an unusual passage in scripture that I never noticed before.   The Apostle John told his readers that Jesus wore a seamless garment. Honestly, this random statement seems oddly out of place because in the verses preceding this statement, John is carefully retelling God’s miraculous redemption story.   So, why in the world would he pause for a brief commentary on Christ’s wardrobe?   However, knowing that ALL of scripture is God-breathed, I decided to do some digging.  I learned that this unusual garment not only symbolized Christ’s seamless perfection, purity and incorruptible nature, but also his position as a high priest (since all Old Testament priests wore something of this nature).

What initially seemed like a strange, out-of-place statement suddenly began to look like a work of great symbolism!  For it certainly appears as though God strategically placed a seamless representation of Christ’s holiness at the foot of the cross as a symbol of the perfection and righteousness He would use to one day clothe us.   Incredible isn’t it?

Scripture tells us that the only way to come to the Father is through the redemptive perfection of Christ.  Christ (who became sin while on the cross) made that redemptive option available to us when He laid down His own righteousness so that it could be used as a “spiritual garment” to

“Jesus, how blessed we are to be covered by Your grace and righteousness.  We are Your redeemed – the Ones etched in the palms of Your hands.”
For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

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

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