Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 10, 2020

Authentic Faith

“They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man (Jesus) was true.” John 10:41b(NIV)

The tangible, the visible – always looking for a sign. Isn’t that where we often find ourselves? Longing for confirmation. Waiting it out to see what takes place. Questioning, analyzing – even attempting to discredit. So how does believing what we can’t see (faith) fit into our agenda?

Enter John the Baptist – the forerunner of Christ – preparing the way. Preaching repentance. And then as quickly as he came on the scene, he fades in the distance. Amazing that John was remembered not because of what he did but because he spoke the truth. Incredible how John could fade, pull away from the crowds because Jesus was the One they should follow. Everything John had said about Jesus was trustworthy and true. Without a moment’s hesitation, he quietly and graciously moved to second and Jesus became first.

Wonder if we’ve been looking for tangible proof? Wonder if we’ve exchanged authentic faith for a cheap visible replica? It’s so easy to base what we believe on what we see rather than what we have heard. It’s challenging to trust what we can’t see rather than believe what others tell us. Satan loves to swirl our thoughts, curiosity and insecurities into doubts. He loves to discredit the reality of God’s presence. But he, the evil one, does not speak truth. His lies may paralyze and discourage, but the truth of God exposes all Satan’s tricks.

Still looking for the tangible, the visible – the beauty of creation cries out the truth of our amazing Creator. Longing for confirmation – search deep into His Words, and we will find God to be faithful and true!

“Father, help us to believe, speak and live out the truth of who You are – our incredible God!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 9, 2020

A New Creation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

When you meet someone new, how do you describe yourself? By your job? Your hobbies? Perhaps you share some notable personality trait. And what about the people who know you already—how would they portray you?

The most important perception—the only one that matters, really—is that of God. So, how do you think He sees you? Does the thought of answering this question make you cringe? Maybe you immediately begin thinking about where you’ve been in life and what you’ve done…and your head hangs in shame. There are choices you’ve made, whether last week, last year, or several decades ago, that you know weren’t in line with God’s Word. And even if you’ve accepted the grace of Jesus and know you’re forgiven, you can’t forget your past…and you believe God sees all that junk about you as well.

Sisters, here is the truth: When we trust Christ and surrender to Him, our sins are both forgiven and forgotten by our precious Father! “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). They are “cast in the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19) never to be drudged up—so let’s not do any fishing either.

Even more miraculous and wonderful is the fact that we are made new when we accept the gift of salvation. “The old has passed away.” Do you know what that means? When the Lord looks at us, He sees pure righteousness and perfection because of the blood of Jesus. No past errors, no bad habits, no dirty sin. We are made white as snow. New. And if someone were to ask God to describe you—yes, you—He would say this: “Oh, isn’t she beautiful? Because of My Son, she shines like the sun.”

So, think about this next time someone asks you about yourself. Or, better yet, grab onto that truth when the enemy of our souls, Satan, comes at you with all-too-familiar accusations, like, “Don’t forget about all your failures,” and, “You’ll never be good enough.”

Stand firm, sister, and respond with boldness. “I am a daughter of the King, and I am a new creation in Him.”

“Jesus, thank you for creating in me something brand new! Let me always remember who I am because of what You did.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 8, 2020

Big Dreams

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 9 (NIV)

We dreamed big and envisioned our future. We could taste the sweetness of longings fulfilled. We reached and stretched to realize the ideal, but awakened to find that life was not as it was supposed to be. Those dreams were elusive – a mere distant picture clued to our mind.

Singles long for marriage. Moms desire to stay home with their children. The unsaved spouse becomes more and more difficult. That degree framed on the wall collects dust while we work for minimum wage. The divorce papers arrive, and the happily ever after dances out the door. One who is physically sick never gets well.  It feels like life isn’t as it was supposed to be.

Wonder if Paul felt that way? He’d spent his life killing Christians and ended up martyred for His faith in Christ. Wonder if that thought entered Peter’s mind? He denied Christ three times, however, his doubts and failures landed him the starring role in building Christ’s church. Wonder if Naomi felt that way? She enjoyed the fullness of life following her husband to Moab and returned home empty – childless and widowed. Wonder if Mary felt that way? Her baby – the Savior of the world – dying for her sins and rising again.

What in this life isn’t as it was supposed to be according to us? Like Paul, Peter, Naomi and Mary embracing God’s dreams meant leaving their ideals behind. His twist on their disappointments and disillusionments involved suffering mingled with joy and grace – the transforming of all things into His good. And in the happily ever after of eternity, our life is as it was supposed to be – worshipping the One who dreamed big of us.

“Father, You make all things new, better, improved and polished – a glorious shining of Who You really are!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 7, 2020

A Sweet Aroma

“…But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)

Certain memories of home seem to never fade away. They live in our hearts forever. For instance, the distinct scent unique to your childhood home. Maybe it’s the sound of the screen porch door when it slammed shut. Or the experience of spectacular sunsets while sitting in a barn loft as the sun disappeared behind a mountain ridge.

Perhaps you have fond memories of Sunday lunch at grandma’s house after church or the security of nightly routines of being tucked into bed safe and sound.

The homes we create often give a visual sense into our lives. Visitors and guests get a view and feel of who we are by our keepsakes, pictures and even our home decor, etc. Our homes tell a lot about who we are, what we like and how we live.

We live in an imperfect world and our homes can at times be chaotic; however, even in the midst of chaos there still can be a sweet aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15). The way we handle the woes of this world will determine the fragrance, whether it’s a sweet perfume or unpleasant stench.

When family, friends and guests come to visit and fellowship, may our homes permeate a recognizable difference. A homey refuge where God is welcome and celebrated but the world is not.

From the beginning of time and before the creation of mankind, God’s purpose was for us to live in constant fellowship with Him. The Lord wants us to be so at home with Him that our lives radiate a wonderful glimpse of what it means to be His child to a lost and dying world.

“Lord, we pray our homes are beacons of light that shine bright into a dark world illuminating Your glory and Your love for us.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock(www.kimlaceyschock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 6, 2020

Another Great Read

“Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” II Timothy 3:7 (NIV)

Read any great books lately? Too many unreads on my bookshelf. All great options – incredible authors. But digesting truth can’t be rushed. Taking my reading slow this year. Chewing on those words. Saturating my mind with God’s truth and savoring the nuggets that too many times I let fade away.

You see, normally I’m a quick read. Flip through those pages, even highlighting what I want to remember. Taking notes. Answering all the questions. Checking it off my list. And then moving on to the next best read.

What’s missing? Taking in….soaking up is great, but learning is only one part of the equation. Applying what we know and allowing truth to propel us into action – now that’s amazing. We can read, underline and have indepth discussions. We can have great intentions, but if learning doesn’t move us, change us and transform us to be more like Jesus then it’s just another good read.

Want discernment? Looking for insight as the days of 2020 unfold? Searching for wisdom? Maybe it’s time we take what we know and what we’re learning to the next level. Perhaps we need to step out in faith and embrace the truths that God has already revealed. Wouldn’t it be incredible to look back on 2020 confident we didn’t waste a moment of truth – we chose to dig deep, read intentionally and sought God’s guidance. We boldly applied lessons learned. We read great and savored much. Taking those highlights and underlines to heart. Amazed by the difference slowing down makes.

“Father, You have given us all we need to grow, flourish and shine – empower us to courageously obey what You have taught us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 3, 2020

A Crowning Legacy

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” Matthew 16:16 (NIV)

Who forms the circle that encourages, inspires and holds you accountable? Who are you doing life with? Two have always been better than one – it’s God’s perfect design for us to be in relationship with others. Newlyweds lock arms to safeguard their marriage. Parenting arrives, and we gravitate to those who have walked a few steps ahead of us. Empty nesters grab coffee with friends and enjoy quiet mornings. All seasons of our lives that are enriched by relationships that change and evolve over the years. But we never forget their impact, their faces, their laughter and the blessings we shared along the way.

A group of twelve formed the circle around Jesus. A carefully chosen twelve who would experience life walking the streets with Jesus. Following in His footsteps. Witnessing water turning into wine. Seeing the dead raised to life. Breaking bread and feeding the multitudes. Riding out the stormy waves. Casting money changers out of the temple. Gathered close to His heart at the Last Supper. Singing hymns as they walked to Gethsemane. Witnessing one of their own defect, betray. Scattering as He hung on the cross. Running to the empty tomb. Reunited and restored on the seashore. Enriched and transformed by doing life with Jesus.

The lasting impact of Jesus legacy touches, inspires, encourages and convicts today. His ministry wasn’t bound by three short years but rather transcends through the lives of all who proclaim – Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God! Let’s follow in His footsteps. Gather with those God brings into your life. Invest in others and hold each other accountable. Reap the rich rewards of doing life together.

“Father, we have been entrusted with the Good News – the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Savior. Help us to leave a legacy that compels others to proclaim Your name!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 2, 2020

It’s Ok To Cry

“I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.” ~ Psalm 6:6

Problems. Challenges. Trials and tribulations. These were all promised us in this life by the Lord Himself. Sadly, there are some Christians who believe (and teach) that being a Christ-follower means your life is all rosy—and if it’s not, it’s because you lack trust and faith. But the truth is, all we have to do is open any of the Bible’s 66 books to see otherwise.

When those hard, painful times do come, and we turn to our Christian sisters for support, often we are given pillow-stitched verses in response. Of course, turning to the Word is a must, and the intentions of our friends are noble and good…

…but we know these things! We do trust that God is Sovereign. We are absolutely confident that He works all things for good in our lives (Rom 8:28). So, it’s not that we are unaware of God’s promises, we just need another form of comfort in these times.

In fact, sometimes these words of “support” can be frustrating when we simply just need to be in the pain. Even with the knowledge of God’s Truths, sometimes, like David in Psalm 6, we just need to cry. We need to feel our God-given emotions, cleansing our mind, heart, and soul. Even the Author of the Word—the Word made flesh—wept (John 11:35). Yes, Jesus, fully human and fully God, expressed His sorrow with tears.

So, sisters, when a friend reaches out to us with devastating news or a newly inflicted grief, let’s not automatically react with a familiar verse in an effort to spread balm. Instead, let’s follow Paul’s instruction from Romans 12:15 and “weep with those who weep.” Then, with tears mingling and the weight of sorrow shared, pray with her. For comfort and wisdom. For strength to hold tightly to the Rock that will sustain her amid the storm.

And don’t forget that the same is true when the agony is your own. It’s OK to call out to God with your frustration and distress. It’s OK to be certain of your faith in His plan and question the pain…and it’s certainly OK to cry.

“Lord, remind us to comfort others with loving empathy when they are hurting and to pray that they’ll hold fast to Your sovereignty and goodness amid the storms of life.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 1, 2020

A Journey Worth Taking

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find.” Matthew 7:14 (NIV)

I could offer you piece of chocolate cake but you’d never know how delish it is unless you taste it. I could paint a masterpiece, but you’d never know how beautiful it was unless you saw it. I could conduct a symphony, but you’d never know how sweet the melody sounds unless you listen. I could grow a field of orchids, but you’d never know their fragrant aroma unless you smelled them. I could give you my fav blanket, but you’d never know how it comforts unless you touched it.

Taste, see, hear, smell and touch – the five senses of our lives. Without them life would be bland, colorless and yes boring. Embrace them and life is vibrant – the way God created us to experience everything He created.

Now, I can describe them all for you, but God desires that we each have a first hand encounter with Him. If you want to taste His goodness then you’ve got to trust what He offers. If you want to see His beauty then you’ve got to read His word. If you want to hear His voice then you’ve got to draw close. If you want to smell the fragrant aroma of His Praise then you’ve got to grow where you’re planted. If you want to feel the comfort He brings then you’ve got to curl up in His lap.

Five senses that transform ordinary into extraordinary. The relationship that invigorates our lives. The journey that’s worth taking – every single day. Don’t settle for someone else’s five – grab your own and experience God fully.

“Father, how awesome to know that You can be found in every part of my being. Help me to know You intimately and enjoy the fruit of sweet fellowship.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 31, 2019

Ask & You Will Receive

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Your child wants dessert. She comes to you and asks, “Mom, can I have a cookie?” and your answer is “no, honey, we don’t eat between meals.” She walks away for what seems like a half-second and returns with the question, “Mama, can I have a popsicle?” You say, “sweetheart, if you eat sweets now, you won’t eat dinner, and that is not good, so you’d better wait until after we eat.”

Again, here she comes, “Mommy, can I have a piece of candy? That is small, and it won’t spoil my dinner!” “Fine,” you reply, “but that means ONE piece of candy and if you don’t eat your supper, you will sit at the dinner table for the remainder of the night.” The child skips away happy and cheering, while you shake your head thinking, “man, she is a persevering little one and will not give in until she gets what she wants!”

My dear friend, are you that persistent when you ask anything of your Father in heaven? Do you pray over your requests until you receive your blessing or do you easily give up at the first sign of the possibility you may not be granted your request?

I have a New Year’s tradition I am going to share with you. On December 31st each year, while fireworks, horns, whistles and cheer go up in the atmosphere, I am usually down on my knees talking to my heavenly Father, placing before Him my prayer requests for the new year. I make a short list, which I present before Him in prayer. After that, the list will be inside my Bible for the year, and I will pray my requests before Him over and over, throughout the year.

Sometime, by December 31st the next year, I will shift some of my old requests into the new year, and say a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for the requests He has granted me. Last year I was overjoyed, as all but one of my requests came into fruition. The Lord pleases Himself in blessing His children, especially when they persist in Him, and He does so in abundance (Ephesians 3:20).

“Dear Lord, thank You for giving us so much more than we ask or deserve.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 30, 2019

A Beautiful Mind

“Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness – righteous, holy and true.” Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

I love surfing the web. Finding recipes, downloading articles, checking out websites, catching up on Facebook, etc. Unfortunately, all that surfing tends to bog down my computer causing it to operate really slow. Easy solution – I defrag my computer to clear out the scattered bits of information and organize my disk space. Amazing the difference it makes, and I’m back up to speed in no time.

I don’t know about you, but my mind can get bogged down with scattered and runaway bits of information. A tiny seed of doubt, fear or discouragement slips in and before we even realize what’s happening, we’re overwhelmed with careless thoughts. We entertain a thought for a moment and an hour later it has mushroomed beyond our comprehension. And if we’re not careful, those thoughts will ultimately impact our emotions and actions as well. Not to mention all the wasted energy we expend trying to maneuver through them.

God’s solution – clear out the clutter and defrag Your brain. Halting a thought before it has time to seize any unoccupied space terminates any chance of that same thought taking root. Recognizing Satan’s lies and deliberately choosing to saturate our mind with God’s truths will enable us to function at our best. Next time we find our mind conjuring up the unthinkable or settling in on thoughts which don’t serve us well, we would be wise to drop to our knees and seek His truth. A spiritual renew which realigns us with God honoring thoughts not self-centered chatter.

“Father renew my mind with Your thoughts and teach me to walk in the freedom that comes from trusting in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

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