Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 25, 2012

Everlasting Kindness

“The women said to Naomi: ‘Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman redeemer.  May he become famous throughout Israel!”  Ruth 4:14 (NIV)

God’s kindness was alive and active in Naomi’s life despite her inner turmoil and darkest days. The loss of her husband and about ten years later the loss of both her sons left Naomi empty and blaming God.  Her circumstances were overwhelming, the losses were piling up and the once happy family had dissolved right before her eyes.  Totally devastated, Naomi exchanged her name for “Mara” because in her eyes the Almighty had made her life bitter. Naomi felt God’s hand was against her rather than His hand of blessings upon her life.  Do we ever feel that way?  Inner turmoil and overwhelming losses can land us flat on our face.  Bitterness and disillusionment can quickly partner with feelings that question God’s favor.  However, sometimes God’s kindness and favor come to us in the most unexpected ways and times.   Right in the midst of vanishing hope and dreams, God was working to restore and prepare a future for Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth.  Boaz, one of their closest  kin, showered them with kindness, favor and later became Ruth’s husband redeeming the family heritage.    While we may not see or understand how God could turn our circumstances around at just the right moment He will reveal it.  And if we keep our eyes focused on Him and remain open to all that He is doing, we won’t miss the blessing of a deeper relationship with our Sovereign Lord.

“Father, Your hand is never short toward Your children – You always act on our behalf to bestow kindness and redemption to our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 24, 2012

Joy Keepers

“Now may 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)

Have we allowed the enemy or anyone to rob us of our joy? Have we allowed circumstances or sin in our life to steal our joy? No one can rob our joy unless we give them permission. Even the enemy cannot rob us of our joy unless we permit him to do so. We can avoid Satan’s deceptive trap to steal our joy by recognizing his joy snatchers:

1. Failing to rejoice in God. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)
2. Being ungrateful
3. Quenching the Spirit of God
4. Allowing fear to come into our lives (2 Timothy 1:7)
5. Unforgiveness towards someone (Mark 11:25)
6. Not being in God’s Word (Psalm 19:8)
7. When we stop praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
8. Letting unwholesome talk come out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29-32)
9. Allowing a root of bitterness to come into our lives (Hebrews 4:14-15)
10. Losing faith (Romans 10:17)

Keeping our joy is simply applying God’s scripture to our lives. He wants us to experience the fullness of His joy and peace.  If our joy is lacking, it’s time to pray and ask God to reveal what is snatching away our joy. Maybe we already know. If so, then ask God to  restore the joy of our salvation. If we are already walking in joy, continue to be a light and spread our joy around.

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

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 23, 2012

Round & Round

 “You’ve circled this mountain long enough, now turn north.” Deuteronomy 2:3 (NASB)

 Every morning, I step on the scale holding my breath while it calculates my weight. I look down at the number glaring back at me and shake my head in disgust.  Heading to the kitchen, I determine to eat all the right things and find time to exercise. But by evening, I’m sitting in front of the TV eating ice cream, cookies, or….well, you get the picture.  I get up the next day and do it again. This has been my daily routine for a long time. Round and round that same old mountain. Much like the people in our passage. When God spoke these words to Moses, He was giving the Israelites a new direction.  After wandering the desert for close to 40 years, due to their disobedience, the time had come to go into the land God had for them – the “Promised Land.”  Even though this happened hundreds of years ago, how many of us feel like we’re circling?  We’re stuck on the same old path feeling helpless to go in any other direction.

Whether we like it or not, we need someone to guide and give us direction.  Our way doesn’t work. Even with all the will power in the world, nothing will stop me from eating ice cream, except a desire to follow God’s direction.  By reading His Word and being in communication with Him daily, He guides us. By turning our eyes upward to Him, we allow Him to lead us.  Because He loves us and only wants what is best, we can be assured that His way is right even if it isn’t easy. Our way leads to circling round and round, but God’s way always leads to our Promised Land.

“Dear Lord, forgive me for wanting to go my own way.  With all my heart I want to obey You. Help me to follow You in everything I do, no matter what the sacrifice.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 22, 2012

One Life

“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.”  Matthew 16:27 (NIV)

Amazing what a difference a life makes.  In the quickening changes of a small infant, we witness first curls, sweet smiles, innocent giggles and dramatic cries.  Tears that linger longer and little fingers that grasp for ours.  Words too hard to speak – little lips that shiver in the cold.  Parenting is a treasured path, one that we walk with wonder and ever increasing mystery.  These tiny little ones that follow us from room to room all too soon leave, and we desperately miss their shadows.  Silence stills the air and muffles the heaviness it weaves thru our hearts.  Captured moments wallpaper our thoughts – simple pleasures we enjoyed along the way. Wonder if heaven will be like this?  Will we be amazed by what a difference our lives made?  Will God unveil the treasure of changed hearts and growth that flourished within us despite the pain?  As He wipes those lingering tears from our eyes, will our fingers still grasp for the One who endured this journey by our side?  Roads unknown, paths unseen  – we traveled them all; I hope we didn’t miss His shadow.  I hope we stayed the course that we clung to Him when times were great and times were small.  I pray we captured all those moments – simple pleasures we enjoyed along the way. And in the twinkling of an eye, we will forever be caught up with Him. In that moment when all else will fade away, will we hear Him say what a difference our lives made?

“Father, may we live each day as if tomorrow we will stand in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 21, 2012

Rejuvenating My Life

“The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot.” Psalm 16:5 (KJV)

Nothing quenches our thirst on a hot day like a cold glass of water, and nothing refreshes our soul like a thirst quenched in the presence of God.   His peace rejuvenates us and gives us joy in Him alone; not in worldly pleasures, but in God Himself and our relationship with Him. He fills our cup with blessings; they are all around us. He bestows grace upon us and promises to maintain our lot.  So what exactly does that mean?  It was common in biblical times to cast lots when making decisions (John 19:24).  His “lot” for us could be decisions about interacting with unsaved people, family, career choices or ministry. He wants to save our loved ones. He wants to bless the ministry He has entrusted to us. He wants to give us favor with God and man. Surrendering all our decisions into His hands ensures that our lot – our choices and our decisions are maintained by Him.  God has given us a great inheritance:  gifts, talents and ministry.  I get so excited just thinking about all His blessings. Are we allowing God to refresh us, sustain us, give us peace, joy and rejuvenate us? Take God at His Word. Allow God to be the portion of your inheritance and of your cup. Remember He maintains our lot. We serve an awesome God.

“Father, thank You that You are the portion of my inheritance and of my cup. Thank You for maintaining my lot. I am rich in You.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 18, 2012

Keeper Of My Heart

“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

It’s tough being a rule keeper – I remember those days well.  My son and I had a contract  – one we drew up together when he turned thirteen.  Being a single parent had always forced me to attempt to stay one step ahead; and this was no time to shrink back.  Pizza on the table, pen and paper in hand, my son and I drafted up a covenant contract.  One that outlined how we were to treat others with respect, one that spelled out the guidelines for driving, chores, dating and homework – all designed to position us for God’s best.  We even covered the consequences for when we veered off the path.  We signed, dated and tacked it on the fridge.  Watched a movie, ate dessert and called it a night.  That simple white piece of paper would often dictate our lives.  Raising my voice landed me grounded one weekend when I had made plans with friends.  My son’s failure to meet curfew kept him from going out the next night.  Together we faced the music and the sometimes sad ballad of our own choices, but in the end we knew that our love bound contract was positioning us for God’s best.   Being a parent can be challenging to say the least, but looking back I realize God used all those experiences to draw my son and I closer.  Yes, we argued, disagreed and often drove each other crazy but love always won out.  Isn’t that the way God works with us?  His Word is the guideline for our lives meant to protect, shield and position us so we will avoid devastating heartache and difficult consequences.  God’s unfailing love always wins and draws us closer to His heart.

“Father, our names are etched in the palm of Your hands – evidence of Your amazing love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 17, 2012

A Slip of The Tongue

“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” Psalm 39:1 (KJV)

What were the last words we spoke? We can really regret things we say if we are not God conscience and filled with His Spirit. By listening to what we are saying and thinking before we speak, we won’t blurt out everything that is on our mind. What we say may be truth, but not everyone is ready to receive what we have to say. Timing plays a critical role along with much prayer. And by hiding the Word of God in our hearts, we will gain wisdom in controlling our tongue. What does that wisdom look like?  Wisdom chooses and picks words carefully. Wisdom knows when to be quiet and when to speak. Wisdom knows how to respond when someone seeks to tear us down and attempt to bring reproach against us. We can either give them the power by saying the wrong things too or we can choose to hold our tongue back in their presence. Sometimes this could apply to family gatherings. When there are relatives that are hard to get along with, we must use much wisdom. The less we say, the less we can get trapped with our own words. The more we talk the more ammunition we often give others. Sometimes we must bridle our tongue and swallow our pride. And it’s always best to pray, reflect  and surrender before we speak.

“Father, help me to walk in wisdom. Let my words be few. Help me to bridle my tongue.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2012

Summer in…Alcatraz??

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   (John 16:33b NIV)

Imagine the year is 1962 and it is time to start making plans for summer.  Now picture yourself (in your best June Cleaver summer dress) preparing a young child for a week away at camp.  But this is no ordinary camp.  This is Alcatraz, America’s premier maximum security prison.    Preposterous, isn’t it?!   No one would willingly allow their child to experience such hardship.  Yet, isn’t this similar to what God did when He sent the children of Israel to inhabit a land filled with wicked idolaters?   (Wasn’t there a vacant country somewhere that wasn’t brimming with criminals and reprobates?! )

Sometimes it is hard to understand what God is thinking.   But, despite our natural inclination to insulate ourselves (and those we love) from harm and opposition, EASE and COMFORT are never God’s primary intention.   FAITH IS!  Although we would never willingly invite hardship and resistance into our lives, God knows these are the exact ingredients necessary to develop our faith.  As this passage from John 13 reminds us, our focus must never be on the troubles that surface (though they may be plentiful).  Instead, our focus must remain on God and the fact that He has already overcome every problem.  So today if you are facing giants or unexpected hurdles, just hold tight to your faith as you remember that the point of this journey is not to escape, solve or even conquer life’s challenges.  The point is to fully rely on Him through it all.

“Father:  As we come before You today, we ask that You help us have the right perspective as we engage life and all of its challenges.  Build our faith so that our focus remains on You – even in the midst of life’s bumpy moments.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 15, 2012

Refreshing Others

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

 To be used to our fullest is to bless all that come in contact with us to the fullest. It could be praying with someone, being friendly, comforting or encouraging someone. It could be helping someone in need, counseling, giving of our money, or time.  We can literally touch everyone’s life we come in contact with. Have you ever prayed, “Lord, help me to be a blessing to all those I come in contact with today?”  I have made a habit to pray this daily so that the more I am yielded to God, the more of His love I can spread.

God reminds us in Proverbs that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. If we keep our eyes off of ourselves and expect God to use us, He will. If we feel we are not being used in ministry right now, we can begin simply to invest in people’s lives. Ministry starts with loving people, encouraging people, believing in people, helping them to grow spiritually and mentoring someone.  If we desire to lead a Bible Study, why not start by discipling a young believer one on one?  As we refresh others, we will be strengthened and grow spiritually ourselves. The more of God’s love we receive and the more of God’s Word that we take in, the more we will have to share with others. If we are constantly receiving from God, we will be energized with His limitless power to bless others.

“Father, help us to refresh others, help us to reach out and be a blessing to all. As You give out to us Lord, may we continue to give out. Keep us overflowing with Your love, Your Word, and Your power.

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2012

Seeking One

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”  John 15:4 (NIV)

Don’t sing to millions, sing to just one person – that’s where the connection comes from was the advice from an American idol judge.  One of the top five was struggling to connect with the audience.  Who wouldn’t with a zillion flashing lights, cameras at every angle and Americans watching glued to their seats.  Endless hours of practicing new songs, striving for that perfect performance and then facing the critique of the judges before live audiences.  And it all leads up to those final moments when the  performer hears they are “safe” one more time.    The judge’s point was simple yet profound – connect with one and the rest of the audience will be drawn.  Wonder who we are connecting to?  Are we drawing in an audience that is captivated by our relationship with God?  A daily connection  to our Heavenly Father fosters a deep abiding soul connection that strengths us to face even the toughest critics.  This world of ours can be mean spirited, cruel, judgmental and selfseeking.  No personal examples needed just the realization that without that connection to Him first, we will never draw anyone else in.  It’s a simple breaking of bread, a sweet cup of communion and a holy confession before our judge that knits our souls together. We are redeemed safe from the moment we accept Him, but we will miss out if we settle there.   Intimacy with the Almighty comes from endless moments at His throne, captivated not by flashing lights or cheering fans but by the silent hush of angel wings.  If we really want to touch the lives of many, then we must commit to touch the heart of God by our pure devotion.

“Father, there is no sweeter place than to dine at Your table to be nourished in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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