Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2019

Standing in Faith

“Any who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:11 (NIV)

God told Noah to “make a boat” (Gen.6:14). Isn’t it like God to assign a task that looks absolute impossible by human standards? Not to mention taking approximately 100 years to accomplish. During this time no one had seen a drop of rain. The earth was being watered by a mist coming up from the earth (Gen.2:5-6). The Bible doesn’t specify Noah being ridiculed. However, take in account no rain, ungodly humanity and Noah’s warning of pending judgement. I believe it’s safe to assume Noah had scoffers (2Pet.2:5). Imagine Noah applying the last of the tar (Gen.6:14), the animals coming in the Ark and God shutting the door (Gen.7:15). Noah waiting…anticipating God’s faithfulness; and then the rain droplets begin to fall. I wonder if Noah let out a huge sigh of relief? Noah’s faith was in God’s word and not in the tangible natural. Noah believed then obeyed and God kept His promise of keeping Noah and his family safe.

Has God told you to do something that made you look foolish, but you knew to do it anyways? Has God given you a vision of something bigger than yourself? Something that did not originate with you, but has been residing in your core being. God is not calling you to make “it“ happen or put it together with your human resources, but we will need to act on His instruction. God understands…He knows for that “thing“ to be accomplished it will take His power (Zec.4:6). His divine intervention, His leading, His faithfulness to bring that bigger than life vision to reality. He is calling us to have faith and believe.
When we believe, we are standing on our faith concerning the vision is going to happen. The vision will drive our actions. God will be the one who brings it to pass. We are not the biggest part of the equation…God is! He chose you, selected you, called you, purposed you, equipped you. God predestined you for something bigger than yourself. God can use anything…a donkey, dead bones or an ark, but God loves to call people into something much bigger than our natural capabilities. It’s our choice to believe, follow and act.

“Father, we believe You regardless of scoffers or how long and how hard the journey may be. We stand in faith like Noah along with other women and men throughout the Bible putting our faith to work. What You have spoken over our lives…in time…is yes and amen.”

For His Glory,

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 11, 2019

Empowered To Choose Best

“But they could not find a way to do it, because all the people were captivated by what they heard.” Luke 19:48 (HCSB)

Smooth talk .. persuasive words – we’ve all heard them. Sometimes it’s the caller asking for a donation or a salesman trying to convince us their product is the one we can’t do without. Regardless, they attempt to move us toward belief in what they have or motivate us to give to what they need. Words seeking to birth their desired reaction.

Flip back through the pages of scripture and we find One who didn’t need smooth talk or persuasive words. Jesus, the living Son of God, spoke only the truth and the people were captivated. They listened and hung on His every word as He taught in the temple.

The Chief Priests, Scribes and leaders didn’t like the appearance of Jesus in their space. When He came on the scene and threw out the sellers cleansing was not an element they desired. Monetary gain and control was their driving force and now the center of attention was clearly focused on someone else. Jesus’ captive audience was temporarily derailing their plan to destroy Him.

Wonder what impact God’s word has on our lives? Are we captivated, motivated and inspired to obey His truths? Do we cling to every word seeking to understand His message? Or perhaps we are more interested in what makes us feel good. As seasoned believers, do we long for the spotlight of self-righteousness wrapped up in our hidden agendas and the message we long to convey? Or do we simply embrace familiarity while excusing our response?

Threatened by Jesus appearance and His words, these religious leaders missed the blessing found in embracing the truth. Let’s not join them. Let’s determine to be captivated by God’s word. Let’s commit to being doers of the word and not just hearers. Let’s be intentional about obedience and promoters of His agenda and not our own. Let’s approach His words with awe and anticipation. Let’s welcome transformation and never forget the power of His words to birth change and holiness in our lives. Let’s pray His words, hold them tight to our hearts and be amazed, captivated and challenged by the very words of One who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

“Father there will be many things to keep us from Your word…distractions…. pursuits…many other things to do – empower us to choose the best – to gather at Your feet and listen closely to Your words.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 10, 2019

Confessions Of A Control Freak

“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

Are you a “list person”? As for me, not only do I incessantly make lists, but if I do something that’s not on my list, I will write it on there just so I can cross it off. It’s so satisfying—am I right?

The problem comes when I feel the need to jot down what I think should be on other people’s lists…and then hound them (to their face or in my own mind) until each item is completed. The way I believe it should be completed. These are some of the signs of a control freak.

We all may be able to relate with the above scenario surrounding, say, household chores (clothes-folding methods, vacuum patterns, etc.). But what about the bigger issues of life? A child’s academic dedication (or lack thereof) in high school, or the way a friend is handling a marital problem. Or, what about the choices being made by college-age or adult children—kids you “raised in the church” and who have professed their faith, but now they’re walking far from the Lord?

Sisters, here are some hard words to hear (and I’m telling them to myself): “We have to let go of trying to control others. “We can share our wisdom and truth from God’s word. We can communicate how we’d handle the situation at hand, given our experience. That child, friend, or spouse may not listen or change their behavior. But. We. Cannot. Take. Control.

We can, however, pray. We can “be still and know He is God.” Give God the burden and let Him have control over the situation. (He’s got it anyway, regardless of how frequently we try to wrestle it away from Him!) When we love someone, it’s really hard not to want to take over and “fix” what’s going on. But we have a God—the Creator of the universe—Who is sovereign and able.

So, let’s turn our eyes away from those situations we want to control and focus on the One Who has it all in the palm of His hand.

“Lord, thank you for the reminder that You are God, and I am not. Help me cast my cares—and control—upon You, knowing You will work all things for good according to Your purpose.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 9, 2019

Fearing Self

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 (ESV)

Ever find yourself fearing the very words you’re about to speak? What if we’re saying the wrong thing? What if we say something totally off base? We’ve probably all spoke those words silently in our minds. No one wants to appear unwise or untrue. And the appearance of all those others circled up together to study God’s Word quickly extinguishes our voice. Why? We fear misunderstanding or sounding foolish in front of others who seem to always uncover the deepest insights.

Sounds ever so silly when we read those words but isn’t that how we often feel? Totally overwhelmed and nervous at the thought of possibly giving a wrong response. Convinced our contribution to the Bible Study group will evoke laughter or disapproval. Paralyzed with fear, we question the very truths God has revealed to us because of self-doubt.

Love this deep encouragement from Lysa TerKeurst: “God loves to take expectant hearts and fill them full of His words…verse by verse, day by day, season by season, year by year. Never stop pressing into His Word – He wants to speak to you.” God puts it this way: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26). Incredible truth – God wants to reveal Himself to us and the Holy Spirit helps us understand. A winning combination that dispels the riveting fear of self and zeros in on the One who desires for us to draw close.

Sweet friends let’s not cower in the face of intimidation. Let’s come to God with expectancy and ask the Holy Spirit to teach us. Let’s approach His words with wonder, excitement and awe. And for those moments when we are struggling to understand, let’s embrace the beauty of community. Gather close with friends and exchange fear for spiritual growth. Nothing is more beautiful than God’s girls locking arms in studying His word, asking deep questions and enjoying the blessing of growing together.

“Father, You lead us to truth and sometimes that means digging deep and trusting what You have shown us. Help us to release self-doubt and actively engage in learning more about You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 6, 2019

A Brand New You For Him

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul went from persecuting Christians to becoming a strong advocate for Christ. He was one of the best teachers and equippers to followers of Jesus. What a change!!! In my family, I watched my mother, who once was a medium in Spiritism and spent years devoted to the occult, desperately search for something supernatural to happen in her life. God’s unending mercies delivered my mom from the power of darkness and brought her into His kingdom. Now she spends her retirement years devoted to the Gospel and shares her story with others so they might become free from the things that hold them captive. So thankful for that change!!

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we have to reinvent who we are because the “old us” will not cut it anymore. In the workplace, we may have to get training for a different job. If a spouse walks out, we have to learn to do things differently. If mother nature sends inclement weather and we lose our homes, we may have to adjust to being in a shelter or living with friends. The list is endless. Nevertheless, the word of God is filled with promises. If we trust Him, we will be okay. If we have faith, He will see us through. And if we yield to Him, He will change us FOR THE BETTER.

As the pendulum of life takes another swing, leave your worries at the feet of the One who matters most, the One who can change your circumstances and turn you into someone whom you may even like better.

“Lord, change can be scary sometimes. The unknown can be a dreaded place if we don’t have the assurance that You are there. Please help us to trust You to mold us according to Your will. Turn us into vessels that matter to You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 4, 2019

Who’s Driving Your Emotions

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 (NIV)

Lunch time adventures always seem to follow me, so my little incident shouldn’t have been a surprise. I left the office, ran errands and maneuvered through traffic while gulping down my lunch. It was an unusually warm November day, so I reached over and twisted the top off my Diet Coke. Within seconds, I was covered with fizzing warm soda. It spewed on my steering wheel, dashboard and of course my white blouse. All while I was driving down the road headed back to the office. Sticky fingers searched for at least one napkin, tissue or anything. All I could do was laugh.

Have you ever found yourself in a sticky mess – one you never anticipated? It happens all the time. Stress and overload can cause our fuses to short circuit. Our words and actions can spew out all over the people in our path. And if we are not careful, we will leave the sticky residue of our out of control emotions. Unfortunately, sticky doesn’t come off easily it requires some major soaking in warm water – cleansing. The same is true with our emotions. Until we surrender them to God and seek His help, we will continue to spew out of control.

So what’s a girl to do? How about giving our day to God before it has a chance to get overwhelming? I so love praying as I head to work each morning – asking for His guidance over my day. Consider meditating on scripture, tape it to your steering wheel or place it below your computer screen at work. Keeping God’s word at eye level can protect us from a lot of wrongs. Resist the temptation to react. Pause, pray and trust God for the right words to say.

The unanticipated craziness we always be a possibility, but I’d rather give His Spirit full reign in my life before the chaos has a chance to begin. We can trust God to show us exactly how to respond.

“Father, when life gets challenging a good laugh lifts my heart and softens my lips. Help me to avoid the stickiness of emotional overload.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 3, 2019

How Dare You?

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32

The Bible says a lot about forgiveness. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the Epistle writers command believers to forgive. But often, we believe that “forgiving” equates with “condoning”—and that forgiveness negates the associated pain of the wrong. But that’s not the case.

The thing is, forgiveness is a choice—not a feeling. And true forgiveness, although it is a gift to the other person, frees our own soul from the destructive burden of bitterness and anger.

About this time several years ago, a virtual bomb was dropped in my life—a revelation of truth that devastated my very soul. I was more hurt and angrier than I thought possible. And no one would have faulted me for wrapping a firm grip around bitterness, never to let go.

Instead, within a matter of hours—in the midst of the shock, horror, pain, and disbelief—I did something unexpected. I chose to forgive.

Please know this was not of my own power—it was not humanly possible. It was the Holy Spirit, living in me, that gave me the supernatural ability to make that decision. In the middle of my pain, He convicted my spirit with five simple words that still burn within today: “How dare you not forgive?”

See, my life is daily filled with sin. I am a sinner. But Jesus stretched out His arms on that cross to pay the penalty I owe. Yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s sins are all forgiven and thrown into the sea of forgetfulness. We who accept the precious gift of salvation are made white as snow even though our sins are as scarlet. (Isaiah 1:18)

When you consider people in your life who have wronged you, you may think, “But that person’s sin is way worse than mine—they hurt me!” But in God’s economy, every sin is an imperfection that stains the perfect righteousness required by a perfect God. And every sin hurts Him too.

We are forgiven. Because of what Jesus accomplished—His pain and suffering on our behalf, His amazing mercy and grace—how can we not extend that same grace, mercy, and forgiveness to another?

Because we are forgiven through Christ, let’s choose to be forgiving through Christ.

Lord, thank You for forgiving me and making me righteous in God’s eyes. Because of Your grace, empower me to choose forgiveness daily.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 2, 2019

Best Solution Ever

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 (ESV)

Out my kitchen window, I watched her staring, fixed and motionless. Her head was perfectly perched. I couldn’t quite figure it out. Mesmerized, this grey kitty had never been so still. And then if on cue, she slumped down and slithered around my bush – her target was a tiny bird who barely escaped her grasp.

Needless to say, this picture while ever so true, set my mind to racing. This strategic prowling and fixed gaze so mimics exactly how Satan operates. Watching and waiting for just the perfect time to devour us, he creeps up on us when we least expect it.

The sweet little bird in the bush was totally clueless to the impending danger lurking around the corner. And haven’t we all found ourselves there – unaware our enemy, Satan, is strategically setting us up for failure. We buy into his lies. We entertain his compromises. We settle for less. We lower our standards. We allow counterfeits to steal away our focus. The list is limitless. A distracted and undisciplined mind never serves us well, and Satan loves to watch us self-destruct.

Temptation will always rise to the surface disguised as “it’s really not that bad” or “everyone else is doing it.” The holidays are filled with moments when Satan can discredit and divide families and friends. The hectic schedule. The unperfect gift. The wounded heart forgotten. The wayward child pulling parents apart. The office party we should have avoided. The conversation which left us discouraged, defeated and alone. The response we desperately long to reverse.

As the bird in the bush confidently flew to higher ground, I was reminded we too need to flee the presence of our enemy and keep our eyes focused on God. He has providentially given us everything we need to triumph over Satan. We are mighty conquerors through Christ Jesus; there’s no room for wimpy choices or lame excuses. We are equipped, dressed and positioned for victory clothed in the mighty armor of our God. (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Preparation + awareness will equip us for the attacks of our enemy. Like a moving target, Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy us, but Christ came so we may have the abundant life. Choose today to resist and God promises he (Satan) will leave. Best solution ever to trust in His battle plan rather than our own.

“Father, You are fully aware of Satan’s game plan – teach us to cling to Your truth and boldly confront His lies.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 27, 2019

Gratitude Births Gratitude

“They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7 (ESV)

Turkey is smelling delish – can’t wait to dive in. And those sweet potatoes dressed in melted butter and cinnamon oh my. Stuffing, cranberry sauce and of course pumpkin pie decorate the table just waiting to be devoured. The picture perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Love this time of year when we gather with family and friends. Sweet prayers of gratitude and thankfulness. Laughter and joy filling the air. Football games and Friday shopping what more could a girl want?
Within a short span of 24 hours Thanksgiving comes and goes. We slip right into the holiday bustle and gratitude – well it kind of takes second seat to all the other happenings. The pursuit of all things on sale. The Christmas party we just can’t miss. School plays and church programs fill up our calendar. And oh yes, did I forget to mention the decorating, trimming and lighting up of the whole house. Somewhere nestled in the middle of busy and frazzled emotions, we tend to allow frustration, exhaustion and overwhelmedness to short circuit our thanks.

Wonder what would happen if we held on to gratitude? You know like letting thankfulness dictate our view. Research indicates a grateful mind stimulates a sensitivity to more gratefulness. In simpler terms, gratitude births gratitude – it pays itself forward. When we actively look for and diligently cultivate a view of God’s goodness it invites perspective, growth, joy and peace. When we write down those blessings, we store up treasures to be unfolded on days when gratitude fades. When we choose to see God’s hand working in us and around us, we flourish even in the hardest places. Bold, courageous thanks for moment by moment glimpses of His deep love.

2020 will invite us to make lots of resolutions and goals – a vision for our life in the 365 days ahead. Purposeful living that glorifies our God. Diving deeper into His word. Igniting our conversations with Him. And let’s not forget the power of remembrance, thankfulness and gratitude which well up within those who keep their eyes zeroed in on the goodness of our God.

“Father, tucked away in every Thanksgiving is a reminder to cultivate seeds of gratitude – the best planting ever.”

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as we celebrate God’s eternal blessings. Women’s Life Devotionals will resume on Monday, December 2.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 26, 2019

Our Greatest Blessings

“And yet, Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 (NLT)

There was once a man who went to his rabbi with a complaint, “Rabbi, it says in the Bible, “See. I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse (Duet. 11:26). All I see in my life are curses. Where are the blessings God promises?”

The rabbi answered with a folktale about a couple who visited England to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Both loved antiques, especially teacups. One day, in a charming little shop, they spotted the most beautiful teacup they had ever seen. The couple asked the shop owner if they could see the teacup and she obliged.

As soon as the shop owner handed the lady the cup, it began to speak. It said, I wasn’t always so beautiful. I was once red clay. My master rolled and patted me over and over again. I asked him to leave me alone but he only smiled and said, “not yet.”

Then I was put on the spinning wheel. I was spun around and around. I asked my master to stop. I told him I wanted to get off, but my master only said, “not yet.” Next I was placed in a hot oven. I never felt such heat. I couldn’t understand why my master wanted to burn me. I knocked on the door screaming that I wanted to come out, but I could see my master’s mouth say, “not yet.”

Finally, he opened the door and placed me on a shelf; he brushed me and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible and I thought I would choke. I asked my master to stop, but he said, “not yet.” Then he put me back in the oven, only this time it was even hotter. I thought I wouldn’t survive.

Just when I had nearly given up hope, my Master took me out. He showed me a mirror and I looked like this. A beautiful teacup made of the purest fine china and hand painted by the Master of artistry. Then my Master explained; if I wouldn’t have rolled you, you would have dried up. If I would have stopped spinning you, you would have fallen. If I hadn’t placed you in the oven, you would have cracked. If I wouldn’t have painted you, you wouldn’t have hardened or had color in your life. If I hadn’t put you back in the oven, you wouldn’t be durable. (selected as told by an old Jewish Rabbi.)

Often God uses the very things in our lives that we thought would be the result of our destruction or demise to catapult us to our greatest blessings and destinies. God uses our sufferings and afflictions for His glory and His namesake. Our trials ground our faith in ways that health, wealth, relationships, status, etc. never could.

“Father, we can trust our lives are in Your hands…the One and only skillful and loving Artisan making our lives beautiful.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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