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

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

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