Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 17, 2012

Out Of His Abundance

“The Lord God said “It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.”  Genesis 2:18

Who would have thought that Paradise could be a lonely place?  After all, Adam had everything at his disposal.  He didn’t have to stand in line at Walmart; Adam simply reached and pulled fruit off the tree.  Clothes weren’t a big issue – his birthday suit worked fine.  Adam could jog through the garden with lions, deer and tigers without a moment of fear.  No texting, cell phones, bosses, stalled traffic or stress – just the right blend of everything.  No complaints filled his lips or mind, remember Adam was still in a state of perfection. Yet there was a missing link – what good was it to dance under the stars if no one was stepping on your feet?  Who would you hug before you collapsed on the grass and fell asleep?  Pleasure was in abundance but animals couldn’t talk, laugh or even smile. Surveying the total picture, God saw it was not good for man to be alone  and within moments woman was standing by her man.  A suitable helper God called her – one who would fill in that missing link. Loneliness evaporated as the two talked, laughed and walked through the garden.   How awesome is our God to notice exactly what we need. He never leaves us to fill in the gap or find good for ourselves.  Instead He sees, creates, and  provides.  Out of His abundance, we have just the right blend of everything we need – how sweet is our God!

“Father, even the tiniest detail of our lives does not escape your attention.  Help us to embrace Your goodness and rest in your sovereignty.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 16, 2012

Glorifying God Together

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”- when you now have it with you.” Proverbs 3:27-28 (NIV)

What a week it has been in Lynchburg.  Experiencing extreme heat and major power outages from a storm, we caught a glimpse of “the church – the body of Christ” stepping forward to help those in need. Our church (Thomas Road Baptist Church), along with several other ministries, did not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear. They heard and saw the cries of the hurting, of those in need. What a great testimony this was to our community and to non-believers as the body of Christ truly demonstrated His love by their deeds and actions. Those who were without power, food, medical assistance and water found help as a community united to serve one another. What a lesson has been lived out before us – when we see someone in need, we must not act like we don’t see the need. We must not withhold good if it’s in our power to help. If God has blessed us with the means to help others, we must put our works and love into action. This pleases the Lord. If we wait until tomorrow, there might not be a tomorrow. We must quickly rise to the occasion when we see the need – we are the church – the body of Christ – let’s glorify Him together.

“Dear Lord, help me not to withhold good from those who need help when it’s in my power to do so. Help me not to ignore the needs of the people You place in my life.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 13, 2012

Empowered By God

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 (KJV)

Are we a threat to Satan’s kingdom?  We should be.  If we are serving God, we are on Satan’s hit list, but we need not fear because we are equipped with the armor of God.  We have power and authority over the enemy.  Even though he will come against us, he is the one who is afraid of us, not we afraid of him.  Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.  Ephesians 6:10-18 tell us to put on God’s armor.  Always prepared for battle, we must put on the mind of Christ by renewing our minds with His word.  Satan comes as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  That’s why we must resist him.  In order to resist him, we must submit to God.  Too many times we glorify the devil by giving in to him or cowering in fear.  Instead, we should dare ourselves to be a good soldier.  Dare to be a threat to Satan’s kingdom.  Talk about God, glorify God – not Satan.  When we are empowered with God’s Word, we won’t be tricked by Satan’s tactics and schemes.  We must fight the good fight to the end.  Do not give up and be courageous.  We are in a war – a spiritual war – but we can be victorious in Christ Jesus!

“Thank You Lord that You have given me power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.  Thank You that You promise me that nothing can destroy me.  Thank you for the armor and for teaching me to be a good soldier.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2012

Radiating God’s Beauty

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance,  godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

Lifting weights can definitely give you a good work out.  Looks quite simple – watching someone who strength trains lift heavy weights with ease.  We see those sculpted muscles and quickly decide we want to look like that – it really can’t be that hard.  Unlike the fitness ads we see in magazines, muscles don’t magically appear overnight.  It takes discipline, consistency and the right nutrition.  You start lifting lighter weights and then gradually increase as your body adjusts.  End result from all that hard work is a stronger, leaner body built to carry us through life.  Lifting our spiritual lives to a deeper level happens much the same way.  It starts simply with taking our faith in God and building upon discipline, consistency and prayer.  Before we know it, we begin to see God’s goodness overriding our actions.  As we put His words into practical application, we build a sculpted life that reflects His character.    Self-control enables us to lift the heavy weight of perseverance.  Godliness in our actions and thoughts births the byproduct  of brotherly kindness and love – a life that others decide they want.  End result from all that hard work is a woman that truly reflects the beauty of God’s character and goodness.

“Father, how we long to be women who turn the eyes of the world on You instead of ourselves. Help us to make every effort to grow, increase and flourish in our faith as we allow Your beauty to radiate in our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2012

God’s Thoughts

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalm 139:17-18 (KJV)

Did you know that God thinks about you a lot? It’s so wonderful to know how much God loves and cares about us. His thoughts are not only precious but also numerous as the sands of the seashore. God is thinking about us constantly. He has you and I on his mind. He reminds us that He is still with us; He hasn’t left us. He is concerned about our life and our needs. He sees us as precious, of high cost, worth and value. We matter to God. Do you realize that God is not only thinking about you but that He also takes pleasure in blessing us? In Proverbs 8:17-21 He says, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me, yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver, I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance (for wealth); and I will fill their treasures.” Here we are reminded that He not only thinks about us, but He loves us so much, that He bestows blessings upon us. We must not allow ourselves to be consumed with self-pity. Being reminded that God is thinking about us, we are loved and blessed should keep us out of a self-pity mode. It should put us in a praising mode instead.

“Father thank You that Your thoughts are precious unto me. Thank You for loving me.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2012

Simple Joys

“I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:17 (NIV)

 Being around my grandsons reminds me how fascinating the sound of paper on the doctor’s office table is to a baby, that blowing up balloons and letting them go is the best thing ever to a 5 year old, and even pushing the button to cross the street can be exciting. I’ve been able to remember the reason I put so much time and effort into ministry when I see the joy, anticipation, and excitement of kids waiting for a bunch of balloons to drop from the ceiling.

When was the last time we experienced that much joy as a Christian? Childlike faith leads us to believe in the unseen and accept Christ as Savior. However over time our prayer life, quiet time, and ministry can become routine. Much like waking up, going to work, coming home, spending time with family and friends, attending church, serving in ministry, going to bed and repeating the next day. Frustration, boredom, and loss of motivation can abound. We get bored and lose that childlike faith that keeps us excitedly searching for more. We tune God out and wonder why it feels like He’s not answering our prayers or working in our lives.  Solution – go back to the basics of the Bible and see God through the eyes of a child. Read Bible stories of David and Goliath, Noah, Jonah, and Daniel. Remember the faith they had in the unseen and find your child like faith again. You will be blessed and refreshed.

“Heavenly Father, Help us to remember the joy we had when we came to You. Remind us that You have never changed and restore the joy of our salvation. May we live out our faith each day in a way that draws people to our happiness in You.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2012

Divine Delays

“O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!”  Romans 11:33 (KJV)

Did you know that some of the people who were supposed to be in the Twin Towers on September 11 were delayed by ordinary situations: heavy traffic, forgotten wallet, stopping to buy donuts, etc.? Minor details saved their lives, and yet we often get impatient not remembering that God has His hand on every situation.

While living in Florida, one night we went to have dessert with friends.  When we arrived at their home, someone else had pulled into their driveway.  My husband pulled to the right side of the road, in front of some woods, to wait until the driveway was clear.  After the other person left, we pulled into the driveway.

The next morning’s newspaper carried the account of a woman jogger who was pulled into some woods and attacked by a man.  Her interview with the police said the man heard a car pull beside the woods, and he–thinking her cries had been heard–took off running.

Normally we would never know when, why or how God uses situations that seem insignificant as He exerts His mighty power.  We were humbled that not only had He used us, but let us know it.  We need to view every circumstance we are in as a possibility that God is delivering us or someone else from evil and “rejoice always!”

“Father God, help us to remember when things don’t go as we think they should, that You may be working in someone else’s life, and we are part of it.  Help us to ponder on heavy traffic, late appointments, or the many other times we get frustrated, and realize You are in total control; we need only to trust what You are doing.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 6, 2012

May I Have This Dance?

“I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”  Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Don’t you just love the way the Psalmist David’s heart echoes a steadfast confidence?  His career path definitely wasn’t the source.  He was anointed a king yet he ran through fields more than enjoying royal privileges.  Definitely wasn’t his educational degree.  David was simply a shepherd boy tending his father’s flock while fighting off lions and bears.  Definitely wasn’t the support of his family. David’s brothers weren’t too excited to watch their brother sling Goliath in one shot.  So what motivated and upheld this deep confidence that David possessed?  Scripture reveals the secret – David was a man after God’s own heart, and God was more impressed with David’s heart than his credentials.  “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  Unfortunately, we’re quick to rehearse our load of inadequacies – you know the list of why we don’t measure up or why God can’t use our lives.  We spin our wheels trying to impress God with our activity versus impressing God with the motives, love and passion of our hearts. Unfiltered excuses flow off our lips flinging against the heart of our Amazing God that longs to enlarge our territory.  Maybe we’ve surveyed our credentials and found that royalty isn’t our destiny.  But oh how wrong we are when we discredit the confidence our God places in hearts that are loyal, undivided and committed.  There is no goodness He would not bestow or confidence He would withhold from those who humbly bow at His feet. Girlfriend we are His royal treasure, His pride and joy – now let’s pick up our feet and dance in the glory of His divine calling filled with godly confidence.

“Father help me to embrace Your confidence, to trust in who You are living and breathing in me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2012

Patterned By God

“And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” Exodus 25:40

My grandmother carefully laid an old newspaper on the floor, gently laid a dress on it, outlined it in pencil and removed the dress.  Cutting the newspaper, she had a pattern for another dress (usually made from “feed sacks!”).  As I was growing up, my mom made much of our clothing in the same manner.  By the time I was sewing patterns were common enough to afford, but I normally began cutting and sewing without referring to the “instruction sheet” first.  Do I need to say how many seams were ripped out?

Impulsiveness is something I am still trying to restrain as I continue to learn to “wait upon the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). He has, given us according to 2 Peter 1:3, “all things that pertain to life and godliness.”  He has given us the “instruction sheet” for living our lives pleasing to Him, in order to fulfill His plans and purpose for ourselves, and be clothed in the beautiful robe of His righteousness as we stand before Him. I can only imagine what my robe would look like if I made it the way I thought it ought to be, without referring to His instructions!  If only we would live our lives ’according to the pattern’ so that we would ‘love our life and see good days!’ (1 Peter 3:10).

“Father God, how we wish we could always make our choices and live our lives according to the pattern You have shown us! Help us, Father; increase our faith! Let us know as we wait for You to take care of burdens in our lives that the end result will be beautiful.  Help us not run ahead of You or walk parallel to You, but follow in Your steps.”

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2012

Encouraging Words

“Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him.” 2 Samuel 11:25 (KJV)

Ever went thru a trial and just in the moment you felt alone, you receive a card in the mail or have a friend call with a word of hope for you?  Encouragement – everyone needs a little encouragement.  Why not take time today to look around your circle of  friends, family, and coworkers –  maybe there is someone who is hurting and just needs a little note of encouragement, a text or a phone call.   What if everyone stopped and thought about those around them?  Being sensitive to others needs in the midst of our crazy busy lives means we have to stop make that one phone call, send a text or write that one little note. We need to take the time to listen when God whispers and places someone on our hearts and obey His call of encouragement.  Saying we will do it later only leads to disobedience and forgetting.  God uses us as His vessel to reach others –  how many times have we thought about a person and later let it go?  Take that moment and stop long enough today to think about who you can encourage.  Pick up the pen or the phone, reach out and give that blessing.

 

“Father, thank you for sending others to encourage me in times of trials.  Help me to be sensitive to your whispers to encourage others.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Growth

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