Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 1, 2013

Plans For a Successful New Year

devo jan 1“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4 (NIV)

 Every New Year, we make these big grand resolutions to do things differently. Then quickly we revert to our old habits and the resolutions are long gone. This year make a plan, not just a list of what you want to achieve.

The definition of resolution is: A firm decision to do or not to do something.

So to be successful in achieving what we resolve to do, we need a plan that will guide us to success. We need to start with the ultimate guide, God’s word. Through prayer and scriptures, we have the wisdom and encouragement to achieve our goals. By creating our resolutions based on guidance from God, we will have a firm footing to help us not to waiver from our goals. Also, starting small and taking small steps of faith will lead to bigger blessings. A lot of the things we resolve to change didn’t happen overnight and won’t improve overnight. It’s a lifestyle change that starts with letting God change our head and heart. Once we let him control our desires, our plans will succeed.

 “Dear God, Help us start this New Year with our hearts and minds focused on You. Bring new life into our relationship with You through Your scriptures and prayer. May we seek Your will for our lives and plan according to Your guidance to have a successful year.”

 

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 31, 2012

Stepping Out In Faith

clipwalk“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”  James 2:17 (KJV)

Living, breathing faith that’s what God has called us to do.  Perhaps He wants us to clean our closets out and give our clothes to the poor. Perhaps He wants us to help a neighbor. What about the widow who doesn’t have a car? Perhaps she needs a ride to the store. Many times we hear of people who are in need. Have we ever thought of helping someone out without the person knowing that we did it? When giving in secret we will be rewarded openly. Are we stepping out by faith – dreaming big dreams for God?

God gave me a dream to start a birthday club ministry at a restaurant celebrating everyone’s birthday for each month. It was inexpensive. No presents. Each person pays for their own lunch – we simply acknowledge people’s birthdays. Gospel singers minister to us each month, and God gave me favor with the restaurant owner. I stepped out by faith, and God supplied the microphones and speakers through someone else. God has given me singers each month. Many are being blessed.  It all started with a dream – stepping out in faith and putting forth action.  The result – a ministry was born in the marketplace. Many lives are being touched, both the saved and unsaved. What is God calling you to do? Are you willing to step out in faith? Be courageous. Be obedient.

“God, help me to step out in faith with the things you’ve called me to do. I choose not to fear but rather walk in faith. Help me to fulfill your dreams Lord. Thank you for enabling me.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 24, 2012

Oh Glorious Day

dec dev 24“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14 (NIV)

Twas the night before Christmas….and all through the house…. all creatures were stirring even the mouse.  Funny, how quickly Christmas comes.  Seems like yesterday, we were watching the trees go bare.  Pumpkins adorned our front porches as leaves danced in the wind. Turkeys covered our tables as thanks slid from our hearts to our voices.  And then the countdown began…25 days until Christmas.  Seemed like we had forever to get all those things done. Seemed like we had lots of time to bake, shop and yes do those family photo cards.  We could put off to tomorrow because we had plenty of time.  Elusive thoughts today – Christmas Eve …..where did all the minutes go?

Twas the night before Christ came….and all through the manger…not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.  Sad, how quickly we forget the Reason for the Season.  Seems like yesterday, when stillness hovered as life was breathed.  Word became flesh…Jesus became man  and God watched.  Sin adorned His blood stained frame  – His Son from birth to death…a  glimpse of redemption’s song ringing loud from the grave….seemed  like yesterday.  And then the countdown began…. Until Christ returns.  Seemed like we had forever to get all those things done.  Seemed like we had lots of time to accept His gift of salvation.  Plenty of time to obey His Word,  follow His Call and love others.  We too put off to tomorrow because we had plenty of time.  Elusive thoughts today – but  One Day the Heavens will open.  One Day His glory will shine as the trumpet sounds. One Day He will gather His Children  – Oh Glorious Day or will we find we ran out of time?

T’was the morning after Christ returned…..and all through the heavens His praises resound….every knee is bowed, every tongue confesses Jesus is Lord. Crowns adorn His feet.  Pure joy surrounds His throne …we’re finally home.  Eternity before us…..and He shall reign forever and ever. Glorious truth…but  will I find you there?

“Father, help us  to unwrap Your presence this Christmas  – to embrace Your gift and experience Your glory revealed.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Wishing each of you and your families a Wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our King.

Coffee Break devotionals will resume on Monday, December 31.

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 21, 2012

The First Christmas Gift

dec dev 21“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12 (NKJV)

Do you ever struggle through the holidays? During the holiday season bright lights, colorful decorations, and beautiful presents are everywhere. But sometimes economic hardships, missing loved ones, facing illness or the unknown make it hard to get into the Christmas spirit. Depression can be at a high level and for some it’s almost unbearable.  That’s when we need to take a step back and remember the very first Christmas present ever given – the Baby Jesus. A song entitled “Mary Wrapped a Present to the World” says it best:

“Mary wrapped a present to the world, on that first Christmas morn when her baby was born. Mary wrapped a present to the world. No decorated Christmas trees, just one bright star for all to see the way to Bethlehem that winter night. Many gifts they brought for Him but a greater gift she gave to them, for through her son would come eternal life.”

An amazing gift of hope and promise – exactly what we need to cling to when the days get dark and lonely. God knows this world isn’t easy that’s why He draws near to the brokenhearted and  places people in our path to help us through difficult times.

 “Dear God, Thank you for giving us the First and Greatest Christmas present, Your Son. The sacrifice He made on the cross to give us eternal life in heaven is more than we can comprehend, but help us to open our hearts to it. May this Christmas be the first Christmas filled with the hope and promise of our heavenly home. ”

For His Glory,

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

If you cannot think of a time that you have fully accepted that precious gift of eternal life, please respond to this devotional. We’ll be happy to share the greatest Christmas gift of all with you.

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 20, 2012

Relying on God’s Strength

dec dev 20“I can do ALL things through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Do you ever wish you could “clone” yourself?  One could go to work, one could go shop and cook,  one could be responsible for  field trips, extra-curricular activities and homework, one could rest and be ready to greet everyone with a cheery attitude. And at least right now – one could do Christmas shopping and wrap packages!  Sound great?  Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen that way.  We all deal with most of those priorities every day as we try to figure out which are going to be the top to bottom on the list!  Sometimes all our plans are thrown out the window with the first telephone call begging for immediate help.  How can we cope?  Not easily, for sure! But relying on Christ to help us with those things that matter most certainly defines our character and having a flexible, cheerful attitude is a necessary response.   When I was homeschooling my young children “flexibility” was my most used word.  “Don’t major on the minors” was also necessary to remember. “People matter more than tasks” was a third.  And my favorite was, “If you won’t remember it in twenty years, let it go!”   Satan likes nothing more than to see us so busy that we have no time for God, reading our Bible, or taking time to fellowship with friends and family.  Make time each morning to give your day to God, to order it as He sees fit, and then rely on His strength.

“Oh, Father, we need You in our daily lives, to see clearly the things that are important–not from our perspective, but from Yours!  Give us wisdom to discern what we need to be doing, that we may be about “our Father’s business!” Help us see life from Your eyes, Lord, so that we can bring glory to You!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 19, 2012

Changing My World

“TheWoman Holding Small Globe virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel which means “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

As a child, I loved changing clothes.  Why?  I don’t have a clue.  Maybe it was boredom or possibly I couldn’t make up my mind.  Regardless, I must have enjoyed it.  Funny how growing up often shifts our love for change.  New computer baffles our mind – can’t we keep the old version?   A new boss is hired, but we really liked the old one.  Our babies are starting school or preparing for college – can’t we turn back the clock?  Enduring change throws us a new learning curve requiring patience with ourselves and with others.  Whether we are ready or not change happens like the conversation that rocked the world of a teenage girl, her parents and fiancé.  Truth spoken to her was hard to believe, and the same message conveyed to her family was too radical for them to comprehend.  Mary’s pregnancy changed everything.   I’m sure her parents weren’t eager to embrace this disappointment, and  Joseph, her fiancé, could have easily walked away.  The old version of their life looked much better than this new chapter unfolding before their eyes.  Perhaps Joseph even wanted to turn back the clock and choose another instead of Mary.  Just when confusion was at all time high, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph.  And even though his life was taking a  different course, he chose to embrace the change.  What change are you facing this Christmas?  Everything in our life may look radically different, but God is inviting us to embrace the transforming  power that occurs when He births change into our world.  May this Christmas remind us that God always fulfills His promises.

“Father, I praise You for the indescrible gift of Your Son.  My  life has been forever changed by Your divine plan.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2012

Pondering Our Words

MP900443687[1]“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14  (KJV)

Wonder what we would say if we paused before we spoke? Wonder what we would mediate on if we remembered that God sees our hearts?  Psalm 19 reminds us that our words and meditations are important to God.  Our hearts should be pure before God, and an unguarded heart is never acceptable in His sight. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).  Have you ever noticed how our hearts line up with our words, and what’s in our heart will many times flow out of our lips?  That’s why we want to make sure that our meditation is acceptable in God’s sight. The more of the Word of God we have in us, the purer our hearts will be.  The more of the Word we have in us, the busier we will be thinking about it and meditating on it.  We must chose carefully what we speak. God hears our every word.  Are we contaminating our spirit with the words we speak?  Are the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart pleasing to God?  God’s Word keeps our hearts pure. What more perfect way to guard our hearts than to pray Psalm 19:14 every day.

“Lord, let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 17, 2012

Intention Growth

devo dec 17“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

I love seeing flowers bloom in the Summer.  I gasp when I see the colorful Fall mums lining my sidewalk and this Winter, I’m admiring pansies in my window box.  Simple everyday reminders that growth occurs no matter when or where we are planted. Each season of life introduces another opportunity for us to be stretched in our faith.  Carefree, sunshiny days bring  growth naturally.  However, some seasons are transitional when life seems to crumble at our feet. As our dreams get tossed in the wind,  intentional growth is required.  Regardless of the season, God desires to use all things in our lives to transform us from where we are today to His divine purposes tomorrow.     So how do we ensure that growth takes place?  Quite simply we start with prayer –  Asking God to teach and empower us to respond.  Each time we open His Word, go to church or attend Bible Study – it all begins with praying for an open spirit to hear His message.  Take it another step and growth occurs when we are real about where we are now.  Spending time in quiet reflection opens the windows to our hearts.  Take it one more step and growth occurs when we do life together. Having a group of trusted Spiritual mentors holds us accountable and fosters growth even in the most difficult seasons.  And when we chose growth, God smiles as He watches each of us stretch, reach and deepen our walk with Him.

“Father, Your Son came to this world so that we might have life abundantly – help us to not settle for less.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 14, 2012

Redeeming Love

Red Christmas Tree Ornament in Snow“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people.” Luke 1:68 (NIV)

A little bling – a little glitter. Red, blue or perhaps silver.  A memory from the past.  Cute and funny or elegant and simple.   What am I talking about?  Those crazy, beautiful things that adorn our Christmas trees.  Ornaments come in all sizes, colors,  and textures. They fill in bare spaces and cover up a lot of mistakes.  They tell stories of Christmas past and draw out laughter deep.  Regardless if the label reads Pier1, Hallmark or handmade – our tree would not be the same without them.

And let’s not forget the lights – you know the white shimmering lights that make you want to curl up by the fireplace  and simply drink in the moment.   Or perhaps you love dazzling color lights that energize a tired room  and sparkle hope in our eyes – amazing how one tree transforms today into a holiday.

Over 2,000 years ago, one tree bare and naked transformed our lives for eternity.  It wasn’t decked out with glitter, lights or colorful decorations yet it spoke volumes about the One who knew us past, present and future.  Scarred beyond recognition, Jesus hung adorned on that old rugged cross.  Covering up our mistakes.  Filling in all our empty places.  Revealing the true reason for His birth.  Jesus was the signature label of God’s love to all mankind.  And in a split moment of darkness, He burst forth with light.

Curl up by the fireplace and simply drink in that moment – when He chose pain, suffering and death for you and me.  Accept His gift of salvation and watch as He energizes your life bringing a sparkle of hope you once thought was lost.

“Father,  when earth denied it’s King, You looked beyond our faults  and gave us the Only One who truly sparkles – Jesus Christ.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 13, 2012

His Dwelling Place

Woman Among Lit Votive Candles“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” Isaiah 32:18 (KJV)

Have you ever had to move around from city to city or even to another country? People in the military could be called at any time to leave their country. I have one daughter in the Air Force, and my son finished his four year term in the Air Force; they were moved around often. At any given time, they were called to go to another country. Their place of habitation was not always in one place, and it wasn’t always safe. There were times of uncertainty where they would be stationed, and they didn’t know if they would make it back home. Isn’t it wonderful that we can have a safe dwelling peaceable habitation and resting place with God? A habitation is not just a place where one visits, but it is a place where one stays. We can have a permanent residence with God. He wants us to dwell with Him. He does not want us to keep moving in and out of His presence. When we remain in His presence, then we are truly dwelling with Him in peaceable habitation. He wants us to enter into His rest (Hebrews 4:10). Are we moving around spiritually or have we made God’s dwelling place a permanent residence? He wants all of us. He wants us to be stable in Him. It’s wonderful that we don’t have to keep moving around? We can remain in His presence.

“Lord, thank you that I can have peace, rest, and safety in your dwelling place.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

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