Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 2, 2012

Claiming Joy

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13 (KJV)

Are we allowing someone or circumstances to steal our joy? No one can steal our joy unless we give them permission. We often allow the enemy to rob us of our joy by:

1.  Failing to rejoice in God
2.  Ungratefulness
3.  Quenching the Spirit of God
4.  Allowing fear to come into our lives
5.  Unforgiveness towards someone
6.  Not being in God’s Word
7.  Failing to pray
8.  Unwholesome talk
9.  Allowing a root of bitterness
10. Losing faith
Do not give someone the power to steal your joy. God does not want us to walk around defeated.  When we allow someone or circumstances to rob us of our joy, our peace will be gone too. Joy and peace go hand in hand. We cannot have joy without peace, nor peace without joy. Take time to pray and ask God what is keeping you from having joy. Maybe you already know. If you are walking in joy then continue to be a light and spread your joy to others.

“Father, help me not to be ruled by circumstances nor allow the enemy or people to rob my joy. I choose to walk in joy and rejoice in You today.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

1 Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 1, 2012

Driven To Obey

“The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

The siren didn’t have to alert me that a cop was trailing behind me. I had already glimpsed him out my rear view mirror.  Guilty as charged, I pulled off the Interstate  and found my license – let’s just get this over was my mindset.  Going 87 miles per hour in a 70 zone isn’t a good thing.  I was laughing, talking and zooming along with the flow of traffic.  Totally oblivious to the speed, I ignored the warning signs.  The speed limits were posted; I had passed several cops already – braking just in time to miss their radar.  But this time, I wasn’t so lucky.  Wonder how many times, we have zoomed passed God’s warning signs?  Oblivious to His commands, we ignore the truths of His word and settle in for what the crowd is doing.  After all everyone else is doing the same right?  The cop that pulled me over wasn’t interested in what others were doing;  I was in his radar and he caught me.  Our Holy God is interested in our lives. He knows that when one of His children slips outside the limits of His protection others will be affected.  Casualties fall in the aftermath of our disobedience sometimes right along with us and other times the damage occurs later.  Regardless we reap what we sow – even if the reaping is further down the road.  And unfortunately, the price for not heeding God’s warnings is much higher than the ticket I’ll receive.  Next time, I will heed the warning signs and avoid the consequences – how about you?

“Father, help us to stay within the loving limits of Your word and avoid reaping devastating consequences.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

1 Comment

Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 28, 2012

Filled With His Spirit

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5 (NIV)

Ripe, juicy fruit – can’t get enough berries, banana, apples and oranges.  What’s your favorite ?  I love them all . Warm berries over waffles, apple pie smothered in vanilla bean ice cream and of course, can’t forget banana pudding.  Mmmm.. makes me drool  thinking about that sweet taste.  Love fresh fruit – but there’s  nothing worse than biting into a bad apple or the smell of rotting fruit.   A bag of pears sitting in my kitchen  was neglected for days.  Unfortunately, the warm summer heat and the closed bag created quite an odor.  Wonder if that ever happens to the luscious fruit that God desires to be in our lives.  The fruit of God’s Spirit in our lives produces an abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Ripe, fresh fruit guaranteed to draw others to the heart of God – a sweet aroma and taste of God’s character flowing through His children.  But wait – what happens if we are not filled with His Spirit?  Do we allow self to rule rotting away the relationships we desire to influence?  Have we neglected or ignored His Spirit to the point that we do life our way?  We all want the abundant life that God desires for us, and the only way we will receive His best is to do life God’s way.  It’s a daily question – a daily choice, but the sweet taste of the Spirit filled life lingers long after we leave the room.

“Father, You are the vine and we are the branches – help us to stay connected to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 27, 2012

Our Awesome God

“Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does.” Psalm 96:3 (NLT)

What has He done for you lately? What do you talk about in your conversations? Are you boasting on the Lord? God showers us with blessings every day, whether we acknowledge them or not.  When we are Christ-centered we see His blessings being bestowed upon us, we see answers to prayer, and we will know his right hand is upholding us. We must publish His glorious deeds everywhere and tell everyone about the amazing things He does for us. I love to write on Facebook of the great things God does for me, how I love Him so, and how He answers prayer. God wants us to magnify Him, to glorify Him, to exalt Him, to adore Him, and to tell others about His wondrous works. He gives us the opportunity to do so every day. If we are going to do any bragging, let’s brag on the Lord. He is worthy of praise. The more we tell everyone about the amazing things He has done for us, the more fired up we’ll get others about the Lord. The more we tell about His glorious deeds, the more we’ll encourage others. Let the world know what God is doing in your life. Let’s not be ashamed, let’s be bold for Christ. May He be glorified.

“Lord, I will publish your glorious deeds among the nations. I will tell everyone about the amazing things you do. I will boast on you all day long, for you have done great things in my life.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain blend

1 Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 26, 2012

Praise Him

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5 (TNIV)

We’ve all heard the phrase “When God closes one door, he’ll open another.” What are we doing during that period of waiting? Are we worrying, making plans to open our own doors? I love the saying on this picture because I have never thought about what I’m doing in the hallway. Usually, I am pacing the floor and worrying about the situation. We instead need to be praising God for the next door He is going to open. Not only is that door going to be something better than we could imagine, but it’s an answer to prayer. Also, that period of waiting in the hallway is a time of learning and being prepared for the answer God has for us.

Think of a time you had to knock on someone’s door for the first time.  How many times did you rehearse what you were going to say or do when they opened it? There is preparation and planning even for a simple knock on a door. The trials and lessons we learn during the dark moments prepare us for the blessings waiting on the other side of the door God opens. Take the time in the hallway to sing praises and rejoice in what God has in store.

  “Dear God, Help our soul not be downcast when doors are closed and prayers aren’t answered according to our will. Guide us to praise You while waiting for Your answers to our prayers and the blessings You are going to open for us. Thank You for opening the right doors at the right time.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

1 Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 25, 2012

Embracing Forgiveness

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 (KJV)

A designer coat presented by his father only fueled the raging fire in Joseph’s home. We are not talking about friends, or strangers, but his own family came against him.  It was all because of jealousy.   The result – hatefully and unfair treatment from his brothers; however, Joseph choose to offer forgiveness. If Joseph had not shown His brothers love and forgiveness, He would have missed out on God’s blessings.  It takes a humble person to forgive.  It takes a person of faith to believe that He can trust God and not take matters into His own hands.  If we leave matters with God, He will take care of them for us.  We will end up being blessed and most times see our enemies be at peace with us.  If we remain faithful to God and respond in kindness, God will bring justice.  God will avenge our enemies.  When someone is coming against us the best thing to do is (Luke 6:27) to show love to our enemies and do good to those who hate us.  Joseph’s story was a blessed one at the end.  His whole family was restored all because he chose to love and forgive his brothers.  Where do we stand with our family?  Have we let any jealousies creep in?  Has someone been jealous towards us?  We too can have a blessed ending when we choose to follow in Joseph’s footsteps.

“Lord, help me to walk in peace with my family members, friends, and enemies.  Thank You that what was meant for evil against me, You meant for good.  I trust You in all situations.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 21, 2012

My Sacred Place

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16 (NIV)

Shabby chic or designer’s nightmare – not sure what they’d call that thing sitting in my garage. Blue,  outdated and frayed, yet my heart can’t let it go.  Every now and then I curl back up in my favorite chair. Discarded furniture to the average eyes, but it’s a sacred place for me.  God and I did life in that chair.  Maybe it’s why my Daddy loved his chair too.  You would find him there early mornings when he wasn’t working.  Bowed head not in sleep but in prayer.  Bible open and mouth muttering things a little girl couldn’t understand but still remembers – whispered sound of his voice and the softening of his wrinkled face talking with Jesus.  Closing my eyes, I still see Daddy there – silently teaching me where to go for wisdom, how to find peace and where to turn when life’s upside down. A fading memory to some; he’s gone from here now, but a lasting impression to me.  Brought me right to the throne room of God – me, my chair and brokenness.  Poured out, spilled out and scooped up in the Father’s arms. Sleepless nights, angered outbursts and speechless praise echoed to the One that welcomed me into His presence.  Sweet, sweet moments – life changing – that’s why I love that old chair.  I hope my son remembers that chair.  I know he found me there often.  I’d often find him curled up at my feet or little arms extended wanting my love when his world crumbled.  I pray I gave him more than a faded memory – I pray he saw me at the feet of Jesus.

“Father, there is no place I’d rather be than in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

1 Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 20, 2012

Captivated By His Words

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

Did you know there is a difference between reading the Bible and studying it?  When we read through it quickly, we don’t have time to study it carefully.  In order to study God’s Word, we have to read it and meditate upon it.  The crucial element to gaining wisdom and understanding is applying God’s Word to our lives. We often become overwhelmed or intimidated, but we have the Holy Spirit guiding us and teaching us.  Here are some benefits of studying God’s Word:

1.  Sets us free (John 8:32)
2.  Equips us with the armor of God  (Ephesians 6:10-18)
3.  Quenches the fiery darts of the devil  (Ephesians 6:16)
4.  Know and discover truth so we won’t be deceived (1 John 14:26)
5   Builds our relationship with God so that the Holy Spirit can teach us
(Colossians 2:13)
6.  Develops an appetite for God’s Word and helps us to grow spiritually (Matthew 4:4)
7.  Keeps us close to God (Job 23:12)

God’s Word should not be a drudgery but a great delight.  If we really have a desire to study His Word, He promises to give us understanding. We will grow in our faith, learn to trust Him in deeper ways and gain ammunition to be victorious over Satan – the benefits are endless.

“Lord, I choose to study to show myself approved unto You, so that I will not be ashamed.  I will learn to rightly divide the Word of truth.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit who teaches me.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

1 Comment

Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 19, 2012

Embracing Reality

“God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says. Everything I hope for comes from Him, so why not?” Psalm 62:5 (MSG)

Crisp Fall night perfect for a warm fire – right?  Or at least that’s what I thought.  Sitting on our patio with flickering flames in our fire pit felt great, so I slid close to the fire and enjoyed its warmth.  Only problem is I’m now paying a price for smoldering logs.  My allergies were irritated, and those few moments of pleasure – well they’ve definitely been forgotten.  Stuffy head, watery eyes and overall yucky greeted me in the morning.  Sound familiar? We often envision things better and more enjoyable until we get upclose and personal.     Date night with hubby halted romance when finances entered the discussion.  A quiet weekend relaxing evolved into supervising a grounded teenager.  The clean desk we vacated on Friday is cluttered by Monday with stacks of files due to an absent co-worker.    Disappointments will always follow unrealistic expectations and escalate our attitude to yucky; however, we can curb that trend by embracing reality.  Life will get messy, but God delights in transforming yucky into awesome. When we learn to accept  imperfections (did we forget we had them too?), God infuses us with His grace and patience.  When we allow that tough financial discussion to unify our marriage romance rules.  And that quiet weekend – well there’s no greater investment than molding and shaping the character of our children.  So the next time we’ve raised our expectations and placed our hope in the “perfect moment,” we would be wise to check in with God.  After all – He does rule the Universe, and I’m sure He can rock our world far beyond our imagination.

“Father, we miss so much when we expect so little – enlarge my view as I place my hope in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 18, 2012

A Good Name

“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1 (KJV)

Have you ever wondered what people say when our name is mentioned? Do we have a good testimony? Are we people of integrity? The Bible clearly says that a good name is more precious than perfume. The Bible also says the day of death is better than the day of one’s birth. Have you ever wondered what people will be saying at your funeral? Will they say you were a kind person? Will they say you were a loving person? Will they say you were Christ-like? Will you be one to leave a good legacy?  The day of our death should be the most glorious day –  a day where God will be truly glorified by the life we lived. Our friends and loved ones should have joy in their hearts if they know we have lived to honor Jesus Christ. Let’s be a people of integrity. Let’s be a people with a good name. This life will pass quickly. We must care about our testimony as we work towards being people of godly character.  We must take every chance we get to honor, glorify and lift the name of God on high.

“Lord, help me to keep a good testimony. May I live a life of integrity and have a good name to bring You honor and glory. Help me to be mindful that this life is only lived once. May I live it to please You.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories