Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 16, 2012

Refreshing Waters

“I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Isaiah 41:18 (ESV)

Do you know that God causes rivers to flow from them that believe in God? We don’t have to stay disappointed or rejected; we don’t have to lose hope, feel like a failure or stay disillusioned. We can have new dreams. God will hear us. We don’t have to live in fear and doubt. God will supply our needs according to His riches in glory. He specializes in opening blind eyes, unstopping deaf ears and setting captives free. God wants us to experience living miracles. He will make what is dry to flow with life and cause a desolate desert to flourish with gardens. We can have new life, joy, peace, new journeys, new purpose, vision, hope, new goals, and new dreams (Psalm 36:8, Psalm 46:4, Revelation 22:1, Isaiah 32:2, John 7:37-39, Isaiah 35:6, Isaiah 43:19).  When we allow God to revive us, He will take us out of dry places. By meditating on His Word, believing His Word and obeying His Word,  we will receive hope.   God is still at work in our lives (Philippians 1:6), so be encouraged  – the rivers of His refreshing waters will quench our thirst and nourish our souls.

“Lord thank You for working in my life. Thank You that my hope is found in You alone. Thank You that You will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 15, 2012

Embracing God’s Spirit

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Exposed, naked and vulnerable – not exactly how I want to feel.  But isn’t that what happens when we lack self control.  The walls of a city were meant to protect, shield, preserve,  and seclude its people especially in times of war.  Failing to exercise self control in our lives results in the walls of protection falling at our feet. Unprotected, we allow others too much access and become vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.   Without a fortress, we are merely sitting ducks, easy targets, with  no bullet proof vests – just naked vulnerability. People and circumstances  begin to influence our lives, calling the shots and dictating our actions.   Discipline is thrown out the window, and we carelessly maneuver through our days allowing our emotions to rule.  Whatever feels good at the moment is what we do.  But wait a minute isn’t that like a disaster waiting to happen? Isn’t that so out of control that we rebound into rash decisions that result in costly consequences?  Wonder what would happen if instead of lowering those walls, we built them up by embracing God’s Spirit calling the shots?  Exposure and free access would go out the door because God’s mighty shield would encircle our lives causing us to refrain, rethink and refocus rather than react.  We would guard our hearts and minds from temptations that would seek to ultimately devour us.  We would be enabled to stand strong, even when peer pressure is knocking at our door.  When we lock arms with God’s Spirit then we join forces with Him and are empowered to exercise self control even in the toughest of circumstances.

“Father, the benefits of being controlled by Your Spirit far outweigh the temporary  delusion of my freedom.  Thank You for protecting my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 12, 2012

Unfading Beauty

“…the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” I Peter 3:4 (NIV)

Maneuvering through the crowd, she smiled making eye contact with each person in her path.  Dressed in jeans and t-shirt, her graceful moves were captivating.  I watched her from a distance as her eyes searched out for the One sitting alone.  I glanced her direction as she hugged the One whose weary eyes revealed a burden too heavy to bear.  Instinctively she stooped to hear the words from the One whose chair screamed a loss of freedom. Reaching out her hand, she welcomed the One who stood cautiously inside the door.  With tears coursing down her cheeks, she knelt in prayer beside the One whose child had strayed.  Effortlessly she listened and listened and listened absorbing the heart wrenching stories never distracted or bored.  Simply she spoke in whispers of grace and love.  Softly she answered in quietness of strength. Who was she?  A famous Bible teacher?  Perhaps a Pastor’s wife?   Perhaps she was a famous celebrity  – everyone seemed to know her.  Her name was not important. Where she sat didn’t really matter.  Her size, color nor age dimmed the unfading beauty that flowed from her gentle and quiet spirit.  She was simply One who was of great worth in the Father’s eyes. She had become God’s hands, His feet and in the silence of those brief moments she radiated His beauty.  Life will attempt to still away priceless moments to be One that makes a difference.  The choice is up to us – will we be that One?

“Father, You find great pleasure and delight in those whose lives reflect Your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2012

Victorious Warrior

“Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” Psalm 144:1 (KJV)

Did you know that the Hebrew word for rock is strength? God is our rock, and our strength comes from Him alone. The Psalmist David was happy and blessed because he acknowledged where his strength came from. Not only do we need strength, but we need skill to fight against Satan. Strength without skill is really weakness. We need knowledge; God says we perish because of a lack of knowledge. We need wisdom and discernment to apply the knowledge that God gives us in His Word. He also tells us to ask for it.

There are many battles that we face, but remember the battle is God’s. There are some things that God has given us and expects of us. We can’t just stay complacent and expect the battle to be won without skill, wisdom, and knowledge. We must put on the whole armor of God and be ready for the battle. He equips us and teaches us how to use it. We must remember to use the skills God has given us so we can stay strong and victorious. Who is fighting your battle?

“Lord, thank You for fighting my battles. Thank You for the skills, knowledge, and wisdom You have given me. Thank You for Your armor. Thank You that You teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”
For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2012

Sifted For His Glory

Saying, “…Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”  Revelation 7:12 (ESV)

The Lord miraculously called me out of the spiritual darkness I grew up in, and into the light of His salvation.  I have seen His hand upon my life: His provision, love, and guidance in times of trial.  It pains me to think of my sin and my failures—but I know that God has forgiven me and washed me clean with the blood of Christ.

I also know that I have held tightly to my own dreams and expectations.  I have had one hand on His Word and one hand on the world.  I often  think more about things like, “how to get out of debt” than I do about the debt He paid for me on the cross. My new prayer is this: “Lord, I offer up my life to You as a living sacrifice: my hopes, dreams, expectations, wants, wishes, and deepest desires.  The rest of my life is an open book for you to write, Lord.”

I am nothing without God, and He is everything to me. With trembling hands and humble heart, I ask that He sift me for His glory! That every trial and triumph in my life would serve to bring Him glory!  That I would let go of my “self” and allow His Spirit to sanctify me for His glory!   “Lord You are GOOD, You are HOLY, You are AWESOME in power!”  I’m ready to take the plunge – won’t you join me – to TRUST God with our entire lives, front to back.  “Lord, please leave no stone unturned!  Cleanse us of sin and fill us with Your Spirit!”

“Lord I humble myself under Your mighty hand, and I cast all my cares upon You!  May blessing,  glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might be to You oh Lord my God forever and ever.”

For His Glory

Ruby Sand
TRBC Mountain Blend

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 9, 2012

Unveiling Hidden Sins

“Be holy, for I am holy!”  1 Peter 1:16b (NKJV)

Can you imagine God tolerating our hidden sins? Sometimes we are unaware that we have them, but with His admonition to be holy,  He goes to the closet and opens boxes taped up for years!  Recently, I received an obituary sent to my old school classmates on the death of a former “beloved” teacher. Beautiful words of eulogy flowed from those who wanted to enshrine his life. Immediately my mind went back to how this man had found in me one so innocent that he took advantage of it. Anger swept over me; I wanted to write back and relay the sins he had committed against me and other young girls. He had been fired, but no one ever knew why so there was never ‘closure.’  Seeing his picture for the first time in many years, it all came flooding back.  I felt glad thinking of him getting his ‘just due’ from God. My husband suggested he may have gotten saved, but I rebelled at the thought! It took all of the next day to work through the smog to repentance and give it to God in exchange for peace! Locked away in a hidden chamber of my heart, I never realized the hurt was still an issue and was keeping my life from being all it could be.  When God tells us to be holy, He means completely!  He is always ready to clean out hidden sins, wash the vessel clean and give us the peace that passes understanding in every facet of our life!

“Father, thank you for bringing our hidden or forgotten sins to light, so that we can repent and have freedom! We know our sins hung on Your cross, Lord, but we desire that You cleanse every area of our lives, so we may be pleasing to You!”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 8, 2012

Its Really Not About Me

“For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.” Isaiah 14:13a (NIV)

Recited those words many times, yet they keep coming back at me.  Wonder why?  Don’t you just love the way God gently whispers when the “I” seems to take center stage.  Without even recognizing it, we often find ourselves scrambling for attention.  Talking with a group of friends, we somehow draw the conversation back to ourselves.   Embarking on a ministry endeavor, we quickly realize that our way is the best way and did we fail to mention that it was the only way.  Seizing an attitude that we quickly dismiss as hormonal, we rant and rave as though the world revolves around us, our agenda, our plans.  But then again it’s really not about me! Or have we made it that way?  Wasn’t that the problem from the very beginning?  Satan slithered right into our paradise.  Tricked us into thinking it was all about us.  Entertained and enticed us with words that questioned God’s authority.  Promised us wisdom and superiority – the knowledge of good and evil – just like God.  We tasted the lie and then he slithered away for the moment.  We hid in shame, we cast blame and then we attempted to re-make it all about Him, but God knew.  He had heard those words before; the lies that whispered “It’s all about You.”  He had watched a fallen angel descend and destroy.  Yet God prepared a plan and even though we attempted to take center stage; He showed up in all His glory.  Called by name, restored by grace – we worshipped His covering and realized why it’s really all about Him.

“Father, You are the Only One worthy of praise – keep us off the stage, humbling surrendered to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 5, 2012

Sharing Hope

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15 (NIV)

H – O – P – E .  Four simple letters packed with the stuff we need to make it every day.  Four letters that transform despair into possibility. Four letters that bring smiles back to weary faces.  Four letters that remind us that following Jesus ensures we are never without hope. He is the Hope Giver – the only One we can truly trust to meet every need that we have today and tomorrow.  So why are we keeping this secret to ourselves?  Why do we hide away the one elusive thing that the world craves.  Sharing the hope that lives within us takes courage and boldness.  It takes an investment in developing relationships with others to earn the right to be heard.  It requires knowing the scriptures and being able to give an answer when others ask questions about our faith and the hope that sustains us. If we don’t intimately know the Hope Giver, then we won’t have the passionate connection with our Creator that empowers us to live out the hope within us.   It requires intentionally praying and seeking God’s direction to know what to say, when to say it, how to say it and who to approach.  Without that sensitivity, we may push ahead of His timing or push others further away.   Four simple letters packed with amazing possibility – don’t miss out on the glorious H – O – P – E that God has for your life.

“Father, teach us to cling to Your hope and reap the rewards of trusting in You. Compel us to share with others the hope that You have entrusted to us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2012

Extending Grace

“Satan has asked to test you men like a farmer tests his wheat. O Simon, Simon (Peter), I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me.”  Luke 22:31-32 (ERV)

Fear and confusion may have been the culprits that caused Peter to deny Christ; however, because he humbled himself God was able to use him in mighty ways. God can still do the same thing today. We should never judge a brother or sister when they fall. When we see someone who is discouraged, we can remind them of times we have fallen or backslidden and how we repented. If we see a brother or sister fall into sin and we judge them, scripture reminds us that the same judgment will come back to us. Never judge someone when they have fallen short of God’s glory. Instead we can console, encourage, confront in love, pray, and bring them back to God. If they do not take heed, keep praying and never give up. Don’t get discouraged, keep looking to God and keep praying no matter if the situation seems hopeless. With God all things are possible. He likes to take the weak and show His mighty strength through them. We all need to be encouraged at times. When we encourage others, we will be encouraged ourselves. Ask God to show you who around you needs strengthening. Perhaps you already know of someone. Pray for them and don’t get weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

“Father, give me the opportunity today to strengthen someone. Help me not to judge my fallen brother and sister, but to help pick them up.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2012

Releasing Pain

“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we…do the things that are pleasing in His sight.”  I John 3:21-22 (NAS)

Just now, I received a small blessing that made me smile, cry, and whoop with joy like an Indian at a powwow.   Back in January, I accidentally broke a glass and a splinter shot like a bullet into the pad of my thumb, just under the skin.  For the next eight months—it festered, turned all kinds of colors (green, purple, yellow), and never let me forget it was there, just waiting to cause me irritation or pain.  This morning it finally broke through the skin, and I was able to pull it out with tweezers!  Hallelujah!

One day, back in the spring of this year, I was lamenting over my “thumb situation” and wishing I could do something about it when God gently spoke to my heart.  He showed me that the emotional pain from my past was festering inside me like that piece of glass.  It was irritating me, turning many shades of anger, frustration, bitterness, resentment and… sin.  Yes, the Lord was asking me to cry out to Him for help.

A friend told me about a 12-step Christian program called “Celebrate Recovery” that is based on eight principles from the Beatitudes.  I am now working on Principle Four—I’m on the road to healing!  What about you?  Do you have any hurts, habits or hang-ups that you need to submit to the Lord? Cry out to Him for help and He WILL bring healing in your life!

“Dear Lord, help us to please You by allowing You to heal us from our past wounds so that they don’t rob us of the joy and blessings we can receive by forgiving those who have trespassed against us.”

For His Glory,

Ruby Sand
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

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