Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 15, 2013

Satisfied In Him

MP900400219[1]“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”   Philippians 4:11 (NAS)

The sunrise brought with it yet another series of trials for me to face.   I can honestly say that I can’t remember a time that was “smooth sailing.”  When I share my story, the typical comments are:  “Wow, I have nothing to complain about” or, “I don’t know how you survived your first marriage” or even, “How in the world did you become a Christian with that kind of childhood?”   The story that lies behind my blue eyes and unruly hair is not what you’d expect.   On the other hand—I’ve heard worse.   Far worse.

There will always be someone who seems to have a life far easier than ours, and also someone who has it far more difficult than our wildest dreams could imagine.   What gives?  What gives is Paul’s testimony to all of us.   Paul had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he was in—and asks us to do the same!  Can you imagine?  Paul could.  He had learned the secret to being content.   He was just as satisfied with cozy comforts as he was with beatings and starvation.  This was his secret:  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”    We can also learn to be content with things as they are right at this moment!  Jesus did.  Paul did.  Say it with me:  “I am content with my circumstances, whether they are difficult or easy, and I will praise the Lord and bring glory to His name in my attitude!”

“Dear Lord, please strengthen us to do all things, especially to embrace our trials.  Help us to understand that trials are a part of Your plan for our lives, and they will bring us sweetly closer to You if we allow them to.”

For His Glory,

Ruby Sands
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 14, 2013

Immersed In The Desert

devo jan 14“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert…” Matthew 4:1a (NIV)

Winter’s palette always leaves my heart yearning for more.  Naked trees and a brown stubbly lawn greet my view – a desert in my own mind.  Dry, bland, and desperately ugly – the thirst for life almost screams at me.  A far cry from the paradise of God’s creation.  Yet, He carved out  desert, barren places.  David found refuge from King Saul hiding out in the desert.  Caves and rocky cliffs protected him from the one who sought to extinguish his royal destiny.  John the Baptist  received his divine calling while living in the desert.  Isolated and undistracted, he had no problem understanding the message God entrusted to Him.   Rising up out of the baptismal Jordan River, Jesus was led to the desert.  Fasting for forty days, He was tempted by the one who sought to undermine His earthly ministry.  Do we find ourselves immersed in the desert?  Like David, the enemies of our soul may have sent us running into the desert desperate for relief.  Perhaps, isolation in the desert has prepared us like John the Baptist for a brief but powerful moment of ministry.  Like Jesus, we may be encountering Satan as our divine destiny begins to unfold. Transformation from barrenness to fruitfulness is God’s specialty in the desert. With our eyes focused on Him, with His Words flowing off our lips and His Holy Spirit living within us – we too can experience the incredible beauty that burst forth.   David became King, John drew many to redemption and Jesus became the Savior of the world.  What will God do with our desert places?

“Father,  Your hand has allowed and orchestrated all that we experience.  Help us to seek You in those dry places – knowing that You alone are all we need.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 11, 2013

The Perfect Ending

devo katria july“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV)

Ever watch one of those feel good movies? You know the kind with the predictable ending where everything works out great!  The hero wins, the problem is solved and yes, the bad guys lose.   We knew it from the very beginning, but we still clung to the edge of our seat waiting for goodness to spill out everywhere.  Wonder if we view life that way?  After all, we are assured of an amazing ending – God triumphs over evil and everything works out beyond our imagination.    We’ve read Revelation and even though we don’t understand all of it – we do know we have an incredible future.  But it’s that space of time between now and then that often derails us.  Instead of trusting and resting in our Mighty God, we find ourselves locked into today and minimizing His power.  Hope fades when justice is blown out the window, and we forget God lifted Joseph out of prison to save a nation.  Joy evaporates when people don’t measure up to our expectations, so we forget that Christ built His church upon Peter, the one who denied His very existence.  Faith is challenged in the midst of overwhelming problems, and we forget at the sound of His voice the storm ceased.  Evil appears to deal us a bad hand, and we forget the grave could not hold Him.  Despite our doubts, God divinely intervenes in our lives longing to exceed our predictability and surprise us with the miraculous.  For those who choose to look beyond today and believe the rest of the story, they will find that our God is faithful and true.

“Father, Your goodness spills all around us – You are our Hope, and our future is secured in your promises.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 10, 2013

More Than Conquerors

MP910220848[1]“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37  (ASV)

Every day is a good day with God on our side regardless of what we are going through. Every day is a good day because God made the day. He gave me another day of life. He’s given me joy, peace, and love. I am learning to be content in the state that I am in, and I choose to rejoice through all things. This is why it’s a good day. Circumstances around me might not always be the best, but I will find the best in them when I choose to learn from them. It’s all about how we choose to look at life, even when we’re going through crisis. God gives us the strength to face each day, if we only choose to receive His strength. He gives us a mouth to praise Him, if we choose to praise Him. He’s given us Philippians 4:8 to stand on, and we can choose to apply it. The Word of God is grand. With the Word of God, we can face anything.  We must put on the mind of Christ by renewing our mind with His Word.  When we put on the armour of God, we will be shielded from the enemy.  When faced with bad thoughts, we can defeat them with the Word of God. When we act like children of the Most High, He will truly receive the glory.  God has proclaimed that we are MORE than conquerors through Him that loved us.

“Thank you Lord that through You I am MORE than a conqueror.  Thank You for abundant life.  Thank You that in You I am victorious.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 9, 2013

Reflecting On 2012

MP900443660[1]“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”  Deuteronomy 32:3 (NIV)

A new year, a new outlook, a new commitment, a new goal – amazing how the flipping of the calendar to January 2013 allows us to clear out the old and stretch for the new.  It’s invigorating to navigate new territory and to anticipate the days ahead.  But do we miss out when we move forward without first flipping those days back?  Like everyone else, I look forward to getting a do over every New Year’s Day. However, if I fail to examine what I did with 2012, I might tend to repeat some of those days I’d rather forget.  So, before I start making that list or setting new goals; I consciously make an effort to reflect on 2012 and prayerfully consider three things:

  • Did I bring glory to God or to myself?
  • Am I the same person or am I more like Him?
  • Was I a faithful steward of the gifts and abilities He has entrusted to me?

The calendar may offer us 365 days a year, but only God knows the potential to transform our ordinary life into extraordinary moments that glorify Him. Growth and intimacy with God are intentional.  It requires listening to His voice, applying His principles and stepping outside our comfort zone to pursue a deeper personal walk with our God.  It requires a submissive and surrendered heart that longs to reflect His ways versus our own.  Where will you be at the end of 2013?  It all begins with the choices we make after the clock strikes midnight.

“Father, give us the courage to honestly examine our hearts and to embrace Your grace as we begin a new year.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 8, 2013

Sharing His Faithfuleness

Two Young Women in Front of the Computer Talking“I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.” Psalm 40:10 (KJV)

When was the last time you shared a testimony of God’s faithfulness?  When was the last time you gave God the glory?  God promises in I Samuel 2:30 to esteem those who honor Him.  Have you thought of declaring God’s love and faithfulness on Facebook?  I like to tell the world of God’s answers to prayer.  I love to let my Facebook friends know how much I love God and what He is doing in my life.  I do not hold back.  He has been so faithful to us, and we must declare the great things He is doing and has done in our lives.  God also tells us not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord: “Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner:  but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” (2 Timothy 1:8).  If we are going through trials, we can trust God because He is faithful and He will see us through.  Remember, our trials are a testimony in the making giving us an opportunity to talk about God’s faithfulness and how He brought us through.  Let’s remember to share with others every day of the goodness and the faithfulness of the Lord.

“Father, I choose not to conceal thy righteousness within my heart.  I shall declare thy faithfulness.  Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness to me.”

For His Glory
Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 7, 2013

Captivated By His Words

MP900438363[1]“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”  John 20:31 (NIV)

What’s on your reading list for 2013?  Each year, I make a list of books I’d love to read.  Some are fiction like “Sweet Sanctuary” by Shelia Walsh.  Some are geared to my life purpose like “Life Giving Mentors” by Tim Elmore.  Some specifically target spiritual growth like “The Ultimate Conversation” by Charles Stanley.  A wide range of authors and topics compose my list, and each one is geared towards drawing me closer to God.  And of course, the Bible  is my all time favorite.  Drama, excitement and ordinary challenges compel me to read further.  Victory, incredible miracles and life transformation leap off those pages and encourage me to walk in faith.  Real people with authentic struggles inspire me to trust God even when I can’t see the end result.  Amazing truths from the Old Testament become reality in the New Testament tying these two books together reminding me that God always keeps His promises. There is no substitute for His Words when it comes to nourishing our spirit and gaining wisdom to face each day. We can read His Words from our phone, computer, IPAD or sitting in our comfy chair turning real pages.  We can easily compare translations, learn Greek or Hebrew, browse commentaries – all without spending a dime. God’s Word has never been more accessible than it is now –  so let’s not waste  a moment of being immersed in the greatest read of all time!

“Father, give us a hunger and desire for Your Word in 2013 that revolutionizes the way we think and act.  Help us to live our days embracing the life-sustaining power of Your truths.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 4, 2013

Seeking Refuge

dev jan 4“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV)

Wind, drenching rain and a flipped out umbrella – not exactly how I planned to spend my lunch time.  I ran into the building dodging the cold weather.  Forty-five minutes later, the previous weather conditions seemed like heaven compared to what greeted me now.  Shielding my body with my umbrella, which by the way was still flipping out, I dodged not rain but sleet.  Puddles that had filled the parking lot moments ago now were an icy slush.  Traffic crept down the street as we drove through the winter storm.  Several cars that sped through the slush ended up in the ditch or kissing the car in front of them.  Weather conditions changed drastically, and only those who chose to navigate them cautiously made it their destination intact.  Drivers who had no regard for the unexpected road conditions found themselves unprepared for tow trucks and increased insurance premiums.  Not exactly how I would want to start my new year!  When we minimize our inabilities to operate outside the realms of God’s safety, we too find the price tag is high.  Failing to exercise caution when situations drastically change often results in sliding head on into consequences we didn’t foresee.  Damage escalates and fall out crumbles at our feet when we fail to yield to God’s warnings.  By embracing His guidance and respecting His authority, we will be able to navigate through life and reach our destination without experiencing regret or costly delays.  No matter what we face, God promises to protect those who draw near to Him.

“Father, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but we know that You are the Faithful One – Protector of those who seek refuge under Your wings.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 3, 2013

Chasing After Goodness

joy“If you search for good, you will find favor, but if you search for evil, it will find you.”  Proverbs 11:27 (NLT)

Do we ever nit pick people?  You know like focus in on what we don’t like.  Zeroing in on the negative aspects of their lives.  Magnifying their weaknesses despite the good.  God’s word reminds us that a negative attitude and a critical spirit are evil.  By allowing wrong thoughts to color our view of others, we will miss out on the strengths they have to offer. Have you ever meet someone whom you didn’t like because you were quick to judge them?  And then later on, when you got to know the “real” person you were truly blessed by them.  Searching for the good in others is exactly what God desires.  If we are busy searching for the negative aspects of their personality then we will miss out on the good.  Searching means that we make a thorough examination.  Seeking means that we ask for God’s perspective rather than our own. It requires that we look carefully in order to find something – that we explore deep to investigate.  Searching for good requires time and intentional effort.  Seeking often unveils what we have excused on the surface.  Let’s partner together in 2013 to determine to search for the good in life and the good in others.  Let’s replace our negative viewpoints with God’s eyes and see people through the lens of grace and forgiveness.

“Father, help me to always search for good. I choose to walk a faith filled life. I thank  You for the favor You have given me and I chose to shun evil thoughts.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 2, 2013

God Said…..

devo jan 2“This is how everyone will recognize you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”  John 13:35 (MSG)

Turning the key in my ignition, I didn’t expect to hear silence.    Now all I could do was wait for my sweet husband and the battery charger to rescue me.   Pulling beside my car, he got out and raised the hood, “You must have left the lights on,” he said.  “No, I didn’t; I checked that first when the car wouldn’t start – I didn’t leave anything on.”  The infamous He said…She said…. had begun and my battery could have cared less.  When the engine started up, I drove out the parking lot debating with myself. I got home before that sweet man and followed his instructions to leave my car running.  A few minutes later he arrived, and I watched as he studied under my hood.  “I know I didn’t leave anything on,” slipped through my lips even though he hadn’t even made it through the front door.  The closer he got to the house, the more she saids I had to say.  “It was just the battery,” he said walking into the kitchen.  “The trunk was left open.”  Me said, “I haven’t been in the trunk.”  He said, “I know, but I did yesterday.”  Problem solved… it wasn’t me…..it was him!  I drew pleasure in that thought  – until later when I realized it wasn’t important who was right or wrong.  What really mattered was that he stopped everything else to rescue me. How often do we take pleasure in proving we are right versus honoring the people in our lives?  I hadn’t even thanked him… those words had totally escaped my she saids.

“Father, the world will know we are yours because we love one another.  Help me to embrace Your words instead of mine.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Love, Spiritual Living

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