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

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

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