Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2012

Energizing Peace

“Cease striving [be still] and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10 (NAS)

Do we ever push ourselves to get things done in our own strength?  If so, we will soon find that we become weary and discouraged.  We must learn to take time to be still in our activities, in our minds and bodies.  Our mind, soul (emotions) and bodies need rest.  We can be totally still, and still have confusion because stillness begins in the mind.  Renewing our mind with God’s Word causes us to be still and focus on Him.  Even people with quiet temperaments can appear to be peaceful but inside there’s a lot going on.  Judging from the outside, we think they don’t have a care in the world.  But as we begin to listen to them, they admit how worried and anxious they are feeling.  They have no inward rest or peace, because they are striving inside in their own strength.  As I began to minister the Word of God to them, they become less anxious and more hopeful.  I suggest some scriptures for them to meditate on to renew their mind and to be still before God.  It worked.  We must take time to acknowledge who God is and cast all our burdens upon Him. However, we cannot be still if we are carrying burdens around that are weighing us down.  We must quiet our minds with God’s Word and be mindful of his promises.

“God, I choose right now to be still and acknowledge Your presence.  I know that You are my God and You can calm me and give me sweet peace. I choose not to strive, but to be still and know You are my God.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 28, 2012

Greatly Blessed

“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” Nehemiah 9:28 (NIV)

Sitting at my kitchen counter, I glimpse the sun beginning to set.  How amazing that God would paint such a beautiful melting dreamsicle for me.   I’m reminded of His grace, His love, His protection, His guidance – all His benefits that have followed my footsteps.  Too many to count, yet so often quickly discarded.  Like a yo yo bouncing back and forth, we often find ourselves hanging in the balance of gratitude and discontent.  Maybe it’s because we’ve learned that yo yo dance so well. Like the Children of Israel, our allegiance slips. We become self-sufficient when life is good and the sunsets are breathtaking.  We fail to see beauty in His presence or we simply desire more discrediting the bounty in our hands. And before we know it, we find ourselves wallowing in the consequences of careless decisions.  Our worship becomes fleeting absorbing whatever is before our eyes rather than focused on the One true God.  We sin, we confess, and we accept grace.  We reel God back in as our Awesome Healer and Deliverer often without even a glimpse of how He must feel being strung along for the ride.  But that’s how amazing He truly is – even in my ugliest discontented state, God glimpses a righteous Son living and breathing in me.  He envisions the masterpiece He is painting.  Instantly God extends grace, love, protection, guidance – all His benefits yo yo back to me.

“Father, we are truly in awe of Your compassion – so undeserved, yet so deeply loved.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 27, 2012

My Healer

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Psalm 34:18 (NAS)

Have you ever felt like your world was falling apart?  About 10 years ago, I went through a season of depression – crushed in my spirit.  I felt like I was all by myself, however, feelings can be deceptive and confusing. At times my only prayer was, “God help me.”  I didn’t even have words to express my pain.   I cried a lot.  Now as I have matured in the Lord, I no longer lean on my feelings but stand on God’s Word.  I learned a lot after I came out of the depression. God was near to me, although at the time it felt like He was nowhere to be found.  If you are going through a time of brokenness, know that God loves you and this too shall pass.  Perhaps God is teaching you to trust Him more.  Now when I face crisis, I am established, strengthened, and settled. (1 Peter 5:10)  I no longer let circumstances dictate my emotions – God’s Word is my anchor, my hope and comfort.  Now I know that when I call upon the Lord, He will hear. For the last 10 years. I have not suffered from depression.  God says He saves those who are crushed, and there is growth to be learned from depression, brokenness, or  whatever we might face.  Perhaps someone is going through a divorce or has lost their job.  Maybe someone has become afflicted with an illness or been betrayed.  God is near, He cares and  He loves us – we can always count on Him.

“Lord thank You that You are near me in my brokenness.  Thank You that You understand when no one else might.  Thank You for Your deliverance.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2012

Glimpsing His Glory

“Then Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV)

Climb a ladder?  Maybe to the third step.  Walk a tightrope across Niagra Falls?  No way.  Yet that’s exactly what Nic Wallenda did.  Joining millions of viewers, we anxiously watched Nic position his feet on the tightrope crossing over Niagara Falls into Canada.  Over treacherous yet beautiful waters and the swirling mist slamming from all angles, he didn’t embark on this journey alone.  And even when the battering mist and wind didn’t parallel to what he had simulated in practice, Nic kept pressing through.  Focused, driven and listening to his father’s voice, Nic didn’t allow fear and intimidation to squelch this stunt.  In fact, he even broke the cardinal rule and looked down squarely facing the giant sweltering under him. What would compel a sane adult family man to risk his life on a 30 minute walk (1,800 feet) under extreme conditions?  “This is what dreams are made of,” said Wallenda. ‘I hope what I did inspires people to reach for the skies.” Nic did more than inspire us, he gave us the glue that held it all together. Maneuvering each foot precisely, you could hear praise flowing from steady lips. There was no quiver just calmness in his voice.  “Thank you Jesus.”  “Praise you Father.”  “I love you Lord.”    While neither you nor I will probably attempt such a feat, we do face the tightrope of uncertainty and trials.  Like Nic we can be victorious if we stay focused, listen to our Father’s guidance, stare our giants squarely in the eye and praise our God each step of the way.  Now that’s a life that truly inspires.

“Father, when the tightrope of difficulty lands me flat on my face, help me to reach up and grab Your hand as we glide safely through the storm together.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 25, 2012

Precious Gifts

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6 (ESV)

We recently celebrated Father’s Day, and for my husband along with several co-workers it was an extra special event.  This year marks their first time as grandfathers. It’s such a precious gift to see your child holding their own child. In an instant your heart is stolen forever in such an awesome way. It’s also a time to pass the torch and watch a new generation raise the next. Our children have watched every good thing, bad mistake, and Godly step we have made. All we can do now is pray as they begin their journey as parents.

Whether we have children of our own or are surrounded by nieces, nephews, “adopted neighborhood kids”, four legged kids, and etc.; we can’t help smiling when we see children laughing and playing. There is a certain joy a child brings no matter who they are.  And every time a new child is born into God’s kingdom, God is filled with joy. He is the proud Father that loved us SO much that He gave His Son to open the way to our adoption into heaven and the promise of eternal life. Life is truly a precious gift, and to see that gift carried on in new generations and ultimately an eternal generation is a wonderful blessing. If you haven’t experienced the joy of eternal adoption and met your Heavenly Father, respond back to this devotional and we’ll be happy to welcome you into the family.

“Dear Father God, “How thankful we are for the love You have for us and the home You have created in Heaven. We are appreciative of each precious gift we are given; may we find the joy in each child’s smile.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Faith, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 22, 2012

Worship Loud

“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne.   He observes the sons of men; His eyes examine them.”  Psalm 11:4 (NIV)

Morning sun rose, knees hit the floor and shower beckons me.  Dressed, lunch packed and my stuff gathers on the barstool.  Gym bag ready and the aroma of breakfast cooked by my honey leads me to the kitchen. It’s just another day as a smile and kiss greet my morning.  Clock ticks away, tv hums news in the backdrop and then we break bread – God’s Word.  Savored, chewed and digested before the world invades our space.  Covered by my husband’s prayer, we bow heads before feet go out the door.  Amazing the difference – when hearts are turned toward and lifted up before agenda’s steal us away.  Humbling the effect – when breaking bread and fervent prayers quiet angry words or frustrated souls.  Challenging to say the least – when cherishing the best takes precedence over all the rest. Incredible the feeling – when doors open and shut knowing love covers all.  Wonder if God smiles when morning worships loud before the rush begins?

Traffic whirls, people drift  –  same places and routines serenaded by tunes.  Just another day unfolding. Maneuvering between lanes, I remember His Words – to love my neighbors.  I reflect on His Words – to keep a tight rein on my tongue.  I pull into my parking spot and step out my car; I remember prayers to glorify Him in all I say, all I do – words my husband spoke over me.  Don’t have to wonder if God smiles when we worship loud .

“Father, let the world hear You in me, let the world see You in me and most of all let the world want You because they know You live in me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Gratitude, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 21, 2012

Undeniable Faith

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”  Matthew 14:31 (KJV)

How scary can waves be? I was at the beach recently, and the first day there the beach was closed due to high wind, tides and waves.  When I looked at the waves by themselves, Wow were they overwhelming and scary.  But when I changed my perspective and looked at the entire horizon, sun, sky, birds, and waves, they didn’t look so fierce.  Reminds me of Peter when he began walking on water; he looked at the waves and began to sink. His faith slipped, and his doubt consumed him because he was looking at something that was doing exactly what it was created to do.  The waves were just doing their job, yet Peter lost faith in Jesus and doubted.

Mountain-moving faith, that allows us to trust God and call things to be even though we cannot see them, is powerful.  When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, trusting His call on our life and looking at Him mountains can be moved! Water can be walked on!   The error on our part comes when we look at our surroundings – other people, other circumstances.  While they may not be sinful, they are not OUR circumstance.  As women, we often look at what other women have: job, husband, car, children, and think “why don’t I have that?”  Doubting what God is doing in OUR life we lose faith, get discouraged and start to “sink.” But when we stop looking around and start looking up and ahead (towards Jesus), the doubt diminishes.  Once again, we take that faith walk, trusting God to fulfill His amazing plan for our life!

“Lord may we please stop looking at the waves around us.  May You help and encourage us in our walking on water, to stay focused on You, and walk on waters of faith.”

For His Glory,

Julia Forystek
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 20, 2012

A Tool For God’s Kingdom

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV)

I have had a full plate in the past few years, including multiple geographical household moves (all while working on a Master’s degree) and the loss of jobs due to lack of funding in the school systems for which I worked.  Add to that the death of my beloved father, stress in my marriage, and the wedding of two sons in two different states.  Did I forget to mention the birth of four grandsons and a couple of surgeries? At times, it felt to me like it was impossible to keep my head above water. I would ask God why so many things would happen to any one person so closely together, but in spite of my whining and crying, the curve balls kept on coming in my direction.

I have learned a lot from the stressful situations with which I’ve been faced. I have learned that the Lord does sustain us. He cares enough to see us through each and every situation that He allows for us to get into. I have also learned that each situation that God allows us to endure, however tough it feels at the time, will serve as a learning tool for us to use when we encounter someone walking in our same shoes up ahead.  We will be able to comfort others based on how we overcame our own troubles in God’s strength.

 

“Dear Lord, please forgive my weak faith. Please help me to see that I am stronger for someone else today because I allowed You to prune and mold me into the tool YOU desire for me to be.”

For His Glory,

Luska Suzano
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 19, 2012

Positive Transformation

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”  Philippians 2:14 (NIV)

How would someone describe you? Are you an optimistic person that people enjoy being around or do you tend to drift toward the negative?  People like to be with people that are encouraging, uplifting and have a good outlook on life no matter what they are going through. The Bible reminds us to do everything without grumbling or arguing because our attitudes can get unpleasant and drag somebody else down. Bad attitudes are infectious, but even having a bad day can be turned around to form a positive. When we have good attitudes, we can bring others who are down closer to God. Can you imagine how many opportunities we have in a day to build people up? We need to take advantage of those opportunities. Many time we miss those opportunities because we are being self-centered and ungrateful. When things don’t go our way, we can still take it as an opportunity to count our blessings. Our whole frame of mind will change as we begin thinking healthy thoughts.  Be grateful, be optimistic and full of faith. The more challenging our trials are, the greater an opportunity we have to bring glory to God. Let’s please God with good attitudes. Let’s make others comfortable around our presence as they sense God’s presence in us and turn the negatives into positives that bring Him glory.

“Father, I chose to not grumble and complain. I want Your presence in my life, and I want to bring glory to You in whatever I am going through, whatever I am saying and doing.”

For His Glory

Linda Reyes Shepherd
TRBC Mountain Blend

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 18, 2012

Facebook – Mess or Ministry

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29  (NIV)

I first introduced this smile in 2010 when Maddie was battling cancer. Today, I show you another smile from Maddie, one that belongs to a cancer free, healthy, happy and active little girl. A journey that was bathed in prayer, and the blessing of the answer to those prayers is a joy to see. I have never met Maddie and we may never meet until we get to heaven; however, Facebook brought her into my life and she has been an inspiration to me.

Like everything else, Facebook can be positive or negative. It can be used for ministry,  prayers, encouraging words, scriptures, etc. or it can become a mess the devil uses to destroy families, lives and ministries. We can connect with extended family members and catch up on their lives. I have also seen people connect with the past or a very skewed present that ends up destroying them.

The key to making sure Facebook stays positive is direct communication with God. Through daily quite time and Bible reading, we connect with God to ensure our heart and mind is focused on the right things.  The longer we spend online, the quicker an addiction can begin and rob of us time in the “real world.” Looking at social media as a tool of ministry with limitations is the best way to use technology to further God’s kingdom. It’s up to us to make sure we don’t have a mess but a ministry.

“God, help us to keep our focus on You and let You guide our actions and time online. May we share in the blessings of answered prayers, support others during their trials, share life and love with others in ways that honor You.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Coffee Break

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

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