Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2012

Remember…..

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”  Matthew 5:14 (NIV)

Remember your favorite doll? How about your favorite birthday?   Would we dare forget the moment we transitioned from childhood to womanhood?  Or best friends who stuck with us through many boyfriends and crazy pizza nights.  Remember your first Bible?  I sure do.  It was my first Sunday at a new church.  Drizzling, cold rain made the walkway slippery.  And regardless of my father’s attempt to catch me, I kissed the sidewalk unpretty style.  My Bible, well it was quite a mess, but I reached for it. Daddy helped me up, and we headed into my classroom blood stained knees, tears and all.  I’m sure that sweet Sunday School lady never forgot me – I never forgot her.  She was the one who prayed with me when I invited Jesus into my heart.    And that torn Bible , well it had this ugly green hardback cover, but was it ever sweet. I held it really close after that fall, and it held me close many times.  I remember verses I learned – God  spoke them back to me.  I remember stories on flannelgraph; they seemed alive and real just the way God wrote them.  Most of all, I recall this bigger than life man who spoke with a strong voice and a big smile – my Daddy said he was destined to change the world.  You know what, he did – Jerry Falwell changed the world. And this little girl with scuffed up knees and lost promises found hope, encouragement and determination in a spiritual legacy I experienced every time I went to his church.  Do you remember who introduced you to Jesus?  How about the person whose spiritual legacy impacted you?  Amazing, ordinary people – just like you and me who were crazy in love with their God.

“Father, I want to be a person whose ordinary life yields an extraordinary legacy – drawing others to Your throne.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2012

Reaching Out

“For I was hungered, and ye gave me no meat, I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink, I was a stranger, and ye took me not in, naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.”  Matthew 25:42-43 (KJV)

Have we ever seen a homeless person begging for food and passed them by? Perhaps we thought not to give them money because they might use it to buy beer or drugs. Has God ever whispered to us to buy them some food? Have you even stopped to ask God what you could do for them? Has God put someone in our path that is spiritually thirsty and we ignored that too? We could have introduced them to God.  What about someone who was in need of clothes? Did we go check our closet and give them some clothes? What about those in prison, it may not always be behind bars, but what about those suffering with depression?  Imprisoned in their own minds, have we reached out and given them hope or did we just assume it was a waste of time? What about those people in nursing homes? Have we thought about visiting them? Many people want ministry and keep waiting for it; but ministry is always around us. There are always needs. If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, He will show us what to do. We will be surprised at how much God will entrust us to do for Him if we only seek, knock, and ask.  Are we going to ignore it or surrender to God and reach out to others?

“Father, I am making myself available for You to use today. May I not be blinded nor choose to ignore the needs of others when it is in my power to help.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2012

One Step Forward

“Whoever claims to live in Him, must walk as Jesus did.” I John 2:6 (NIV)

Ever try running backwards? How about walking backwards? Not exactly an easy task. Our bodies are naturally geared to be moving forward, one foot in front of the other. It’s the easy stride we were created for. To be honest, since we moved out of toddlerhood, we haven’t had to think hard to glide those feet across the floor. Walking, strolling, running, leaping – forward propels us to new experiences, new challenges, new growth and greater heights. So why do often find ourselves navigating backwards? Intentionally lifting those feet, backstroking into territory we’ve already traveled. Experiencing nothing new, relishing past victories. Or perhaps we’re afraid of leaving familiar behind so we linger there locked into place. Feet firmly planted, unmoveable in the wrong direction. It takes a lot of concentration to keep picking up our feet and moving backwards. It requires deliberate action on our part to resist the natural urge to plunge forward while we’re sinking back. Caught up in the mundane settling, we miss the exhilarating moments God has for us when we refuse to walk, push, stride, and reach forward. Leaving toddlerhood behind, real faith occurs when we trade our baby steps for energizing leaps into the arms of the One who goes before us. Exciting journeys, awesome lessons, and sometimes even failures – yet we are moving forward one foot in front of the other. It’s the easy stride He created us for – it’s a journey worth taking.

“Father we settle so easily for where we’ve already been – unlock our feet and compel us to move with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2012

Disciples of Christ

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31b- 32 (KJV)

Do you know that God’s Word can set you free? You can find deliverance in His Word because His Word speaks truth. Having the knowledge of God’s Word also keeps us free. People perish because of a lack of knowledge, but to have knowledge and be able to apply it is wisdom. God wants us to be wise, wants us to be set free by His Word and He also wants us to be His disciples. Notice this part of the verse begins with the word “IF”  – only if we continue in God’s word can we truly be His disciples.

What does a disciple look like:

1. Walks with a clean heart and soul (John 17:17)
2. Bears much fruit (John 15:7-8)
3. Obeys God’s great commandment (Matthew 28:19-20)
4. Walks in love (John 15:12-13)
5. Is friends with Jesus  (John 15:14-15)
6. Has an intimate relationship with God (1John 2:3)
7. Keeps God’s Word (1John 2:5)
8. Loves God (John 14:15)
9. Demonstrates love (John 15:12-13)

If  we are true disciples, we will be followers of Jesus, we will continue in His Word and disciple (teach) others.   As a disciple of Christ, we will walk in freedom extending love to others. And the cool thing is the world will know us by the love we have for one another.

“Father, I choose to continue to be in Your word and obey Your commandments. Thank You that Your truth is setting me free.

For His Glory,
Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2012

Carried By His Love

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.”   Psalm 52:8 (NIV)

When life heats up do we go running for cover?  Our emotional thermostat soars off the charts, disappointments bombard us and did I happen to mention that conflict has us slipping into a wounded spirit.  It’s a three ring circus and not one we want to watch.  Stress, daily frustrations and unmet expectations often lead us to seek  a way of escape.  We work hard, work long and we make sacrifices – yet underneath all that we accomplish is a person who desperately needs some “me” time to refocus and recharge.  Conflict and unmet expectations comprised most of the Psalmist David’s life.  If he wasn’t running for cover, he could be found hiding out in a cave alone.  But wherever he went, David learned to seize the moments he had to flourish in God’s presence.  Years of tending sheep alone in the fields taught David that he could be with God in the early dawn light or the late evening shadows.  God was his constant companion even when the rest of his world walked out.  And when disappointments overwhelmed David, he refocused and recharged his soul by trusting in God’s unfailing love.  We too flourish when we trust in God’s unfailing love, and the crazy reality is that our flourishing ultimately spills over and touches others.  Sweltering conflict melts and disappointments are transformed into gratitude.   As we surrender our expectations to God, we can trust in His unfailing love to carry us.

“Father, how sweet to trust in You, to run to You, to find our refuge with You and know that You are always there.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 4, 2012

In My Proper Place

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8a (NIV)

Hovered over in the corner of my patio, I found my garden cherub.  The winter winds had tipped this little baby cherub over and left it wedged between two large stone pavers face down.  My first thought was to put it back in its “proper place.”    But then how many times do we find ourselves stuck between a hard place unable to move except down to our knees? In God’s eyes it’s a beautiful place – one of total surrender – it was in its proper place.   In my kitchen, I have a tiny baby chick (not real) perched on my window with its face straight up.  Another posture that God loves.  Every time I come in my kitchen, I am reminded to keep my eyes on things above, to exam life through eternity, and to praise God with every breath. Regardless of what I have or don’t have –  an eye focused on God is always at peace and full of gratitude.  Two positions face down or face up – where have you been lately?  If God has us in a tight squeeze then we would be wise to stay on our knees until He puts us back up.  If God has our head tilted back and eyes gazing into His then we would be wise to praise Him in all things.  If our eyes are the windows into our souls, then our gaze is critical to healing,  nurturing , cleansing and igniting that soul.   Surrender and praise will always guarantee that we are in our proper place.

“Father, being with You is the most awesome place to be – surrendered, dependent and fully confident that I am Yours forever.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Prayer, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 3, 2012

Let God Have His Way

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39 (KJV)

How many times do we plead with God about something and we don’t think to ask that his will be done?  Sometimes we can pray out of the will of God if we only see through our eyes rather than trusting God with the answer. God knew what was best for his Son. He had to die on the cross to save us from our sins. He had to go through the agony and suffer. Sometimes we don’t want to suffer and want to pray something away, when indeed God wants us to learn from a painful situation. Right now I would love to have my granddaughter and help my son raise her, but I want God’s will above my desire. God knows best for me what’s in the future. As much as I would love to have my granddaughter, I desire God’s will for her life above mine. I have prayed for God’s will in that situation, and I am resting in peace. Regardless of the outcome, I have prayed  not my will but as thou wilt. We cannot go wrong praying the will of God. We have to die to our desires. Sometimes when we do, God gives us the very things we prayed for and sometimes He doesn’t, but when He doesn’t He is going to give us what is best for everyone involved.

“Father, I want your will for my life more than my desires. I commit my way to you and trust that you will work out your will in my life as I pray your will be done.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 2, 2012

The Scent of …Old Spice?

“But thanks be to God! … Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.  Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.”   2 Corinthians 2:14-15a  (NLT)

While visiting family recently, my eight year old son noticed that his uncle kept “man-shampoo” in the shower.  When it came time for him to wash up before bed, my son eagerly immersed himself in this musky shampoo, pouring it not only over his head but over every inch of his body.  Then with a bold resolve, my son emerged from the bathroom and informed us that the days of smelling like a girl were gone.  No longer would he settle for delicate aromas and girly perfumes.  His testosterone-driven future must now be bathed (literally) in manly scents.

As he made his way down the hallway, the wafting scent of his newfound manhood followed closely behind.  With watering eyes, my husband and I could barely contain ourselves.  In that moment, our son possessed enough man-scent to fill an entire football arena!  We simply didn’t have the heart to tell him that his attempt at manliness went way too far.  But, his emanating odor got me thinking.  Doesn’t scripture say something about Christians being the fragrance of Christ on earth?  And are we not supposed to do, in a spiritual sense, what my son did literally with the bottle of man-shampoo?  Just like warm cookies in the oven, steak on the grill or a little boy covered in the essence of Old Spice…scent has the power to transform our environment.  Just imagine the fragrant trail we could leave behind if we bathed ourselves so liberally in God’s presence!

“Lord, I ask that You would draw us and transform us today so that we might radiate the fragrance of Christ in the world around us!”

For His Glory,

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2012

The Greatest Story

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part, then I shall know fully even as I am fully known.”  I Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)

Who What When Where & Why – the elements of a great news story – but they are also the great elements of our God.  He knows Who we are  and Who we are becoming.  God knows What we’ve been through.  Struggles, victories, challenges and incredible moments – He knows What’s been happening in our lives and What will happen in our future. Because He holds this incredible piece of the puzzle, we can fully trust Him.  When we take great leaps of faith, God is present.  And When we fall flat on our face, He is there to pick us up.  Where can we go without Him.  God is our constant companion.  There is no Where we can hide from Him, even in the dark. Where  will we be a year or 5 years from now only He knows.  And yes, the Why– boy that’s one that always trips us up.  God has the answer to all our Whys.  Like Why we don’t pursue our dreams.  Why we serve others.  Why we make the decisions and choices we do. Who, What, When, Where & Why – elements of our journey with God.  A headliner in the making, and one day we will meet our God face to face.  All that has been unanswered, misunderstood or unspoken will fade away When we see the One Who created us, the One who knows What our days were like, the One who knows Where our mansion is and yes, the One who covers our Whys.

“Father, when I close my eyes I can’t even glimpse Your face, but I can feel Your heart beating next to me spurring me on until I behold Your beauty.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 30, 2012

Patience vs. Judgment

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” I Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)

 Many times God delivers us from sin, bondages and weaknesses but we forget who delivered us. We even get an attitude and begin to judge others questioning why they too can’t conquer the problem we have overcome. Pride can so easily creep up on us, and we must be patient with others as God has been patient with us. It might take someone a longer time to get delivered from a certain area in their lives. For example, some people are able to quit smoking cold turkey whereas for others it might take much longer, and yet there are those who haven’t had the victory yet. We must pray and be patient with them, otherwise pride might cause us to fall back into sin. If you see a brother or sister in Christ living in sin pray for them and strengthen them rather than judge them. Remember how long some things have taken in our lives for God to work out, and there are even some things that God is still waiting patiently to work out for us. The Bible reminds us that a righteous man falls seven times and gets up again. By walking in humility from whatever God has delivered us from, we recognize that He alone is the One who gives us the power and it is not of ourselves.

“Father, I am reminded that it is You that keeps me, it is You that has delivered me and are delivering me from other things. Help me to walk humbly before You. Help me to be patient with my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all a work in progress.”

For His Glory,

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Mercy, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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