Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 8, 2019

About Our Father’s Business

“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 (NIV)

I have seen many-a-t-shirt and many-a-hat with the words “Gone Fishing” printed on them. While these two words are there as a simple joke to let others know of one’s love of fishing, they also serve as a reminder to the persons wearing them that they have a love for the sport. They will make time and find a way to go fishing as often as they possibly can. While I have not fished more than a handful of times, I do have a couple of passions of my own, which include, of course, writing. Give me pen and paper or a laptop, and I am a happy camper! Filling blank pages with words is something that I would not trade for just any other activity. While I can write about anything; however, I choose to use my gift of writing to tell Bible stories from my own perspective, with the intent of bringing my readers into the stories with me.

The Lord Jesus was such a wonderful role model of ministry to others; He was passionate about His Father’s business and would pass up anything else He could be doing just to be with people, teaching them, loving them, praying with them, and healing them.

We are all important parts of the body of Christ, aka His church. There are no “unimportant” persons in the church, just as there are no “unimportant” parts in the human body system. We all play a significant role to keep the body healthy and strong. Your area of giftedness may be working with children, youth, or adults; it may be teaching, or doing “fun” things such as plays, musicals, vacation Bible school, and so forth. It may be mentoring young Christians, or leading Bible study groups. It may be praying for others or visiting those who cannot leave their homes. Whatever your area of giftedness is, wear it proudly. Do it often. Be excited about it. Hone your skills so you can do it well. We don’t need a special t-shirt, hat, or sign over our door, but our modus operandi should always reflect the love of God.

“Father God, You are so good to us. Please help us to reflect Your goodness to those around us, especially those who need to know You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2019

Every Moment Of Every Day

“Does He (God) not see my ways and number all my steps?” Job 31:4 (HCSB)

Wouldn’t dare travel without my GPS. Quick four day trip to the beach, and we never got lost. Typed in my location and cruised down the road. Not a single glitch. Couldn’t say that about some of my past getaways. Never liked being lost, wandering and unsure of where I was. Definitely not an issue for goggle – even if I didn’t know where I was, my GPS did. No detour or wrong turn is missed. Within seconds, the sound of its voice guides me back to the right path. Just a little scary to think a tiny device is aware of my every move.

Convicting to know God not only knows our every move but sees our ways. He never misses a beat. Reader of our thoughts. Glimpsing our deepest emotions and feeling. Forever present even when we forget He is right there. Nothing escapes God’s attention. He is fully aware of the motives and desires of our hearts. He is witness to all things we thought were hidden. The resentment, jealousy, frustration, known only to us is fully disclosed to God. Words we marinate on but wouldn’t dare say – He has heard them all. There is no place we can go to escape His Spirit (Psalm 139:7).

Wonder if we let the very thought of His presence in all our moments and all our ways propel us to fear or transformation? The One who knows us intimately desires to illuminate those hidden places so He can guide us back to right living. His agenda is not condemnation, shame or guilt. God is full of mercy, compassion and long suffering. We see His tenderness throughout scripture, yet He can’t allow sin to reign in our lives. God loves us too much to allow us to settle for regrets and miss His richest blessings.

Distractions and compromises surround us every day. Opportunities to gravitate towards our God or run in the opposite direction. Don’t’ know about you, but I want to embrace His presence rather than deceive myself into hiding. We desperately need His leading and transforming power to cleanse us from the inside out. And the sweetest joy ever is knowing we are heading in the right direction.

“Father, You are aware of every moment of our lives. The good times and the hard times. The ugly times and the bad times when we lean on our limited perspective. Grateful beyond measure for all those moments when you rescued us from ourselves and led us back to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2019

Wearing Jesus

“I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)

“She’s wearing my clothes.” Those were the words a little girl yelled to her mom. It was one of those moments when you slide into the grocery store for just one thing and hope you can slide out unnoticed. My plaid oversized shirt, leggings and boots evidently belonged to the six year old pointing in my direction. Her mom totally embarrassed – me well I just smiled, waved and hurried to the checkout line.

Wonder if Jesus ever says, “She’s wearing my clothes!” Wonder if the people in our world ever say, “She’s wearing Jesus today!” Staring in the closet can definitely derail anyone’s morning. Too much time looking for the right clothes – but are we equally concerned about what people really see in us?

Never met a better designer than the one who clothed Eve. Caught up in her own trap of desiring more, God welcomed her repentance and clothed her. Love the way God clothes His children. Soiled and dirty covered up by our own schemes, He comes seeking when we are hiding.

Never knew white could be so beautiful. Love the way God clothed the Priests – set apart, cleansed before entering His presence. Quite the fashion statement to a world longing for character, integrity, kindness and compassion. Love the way God offers to clothe us with joy, gladness, righteousness, strength and dignity.

Maybe it’s time we did a little Fall cleaning. You know, like going through those old attitudes and actions that steal away the beauty that God longs to reveal. Right living never looked so good…quite the fashion statement.

“Father, Your designer label adorns those who seek to reflect Your beauty.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 3, 2019

Abundant Harvest

“Jesus said to her, “Daughter, you took a leap of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.” Mark 5:34 (MSG)

Great pillars of faith from Biblical times like Sarah and Hannah, through the ages with Susannah Muller and Susannah Spurgeon. To modern day times when women have been instrumental in the work of the Lord, whether single-handedly or alongside their husbands. When God wants to take you from ordinary to extraordinary for His name sake and His glory there’s a “rite of passage.”

These extraordinary women have testified to the struggles and suffering. The trials and tribulations that besiege and discourage trying to make us quit. Not to mention mockers and naysayer’s. I believe these giants of the faith would say “hold on” for after the journey comes the fruition of the visions, dreams and the promises of the Lord.

I’ve learned in my own relationship with the Lord there’s a rite of passage that is synonymous with the journey. A passage that builds dynamic faith when things look grim, equips us with bold courage to be obedient despite circumstances and gives us a steadfast trust in the Lord. If you’re in a season of “traveling” and it’s been years going from ordinary to extraordinary…your season is coming!

Be encouraged! If you are one of the ones like the hero’s of the faith who took that leap of faith and you are following the Lord in obedience. There will be a time and season when God says, “…you’re healed and whole.” But He doesn’t stop there! Because of your faith, because of your obedience, because of your expectancy you passed the test. God says, “Live well, live blessed!” And He says, “be healed of your plague” in other words your troubles and distress are over.

“Father, You are well pleased when faith births obedience and expectancy. Thank You for the harvest that awaits those who follow after You!”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 2, 2019

Where Fear Resides

“So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.” Matthew 25:25 (NIV)

An entrusting of a great potential. A giving of an undeserved privilege. An excitement of a new challenge. A believing in a sweet promise. Sweet gifts left unwrapped. Fear stealing away ecstatic joy and pure peace in knowing we’re living in a place God ordained. Wonder why we settle for so less when He loves to give us so much more. Wonder when we will trust Him enough to cling, grasp hold of the awesome gifts within our reach. Wonder if we will miss out, because we thought we would mess up.

Satan’s lies greet each daughter of Jesus – “You’re not worthy enough, beautiful enough, smart enough to be used for His glory. Leave those giftings buried deep – the world offers so much more, the easier, simpler life.” And we buy in and sell out because fear overrides trust and unwrapped gifts line our shelves. Pretty ribboned packages longing to be released, used – a chance to shine for the One who reminds us “fear not.”

What gift has God entrusted to you sweet friend? Is there a lie of Satan that keeps drowning out your attempts to faithfully use your gift? What are you willing to do to experience the extraordinary pleasure of knowing you are pleasing God?

Fear will always keep us sidelined, but courage will thrust us out of our comfort zone. Fear will attempt to steal, kill and destroy. Courage will give us joy, purpose and everlasting fruit. Fear will always exist in this world, but courage will triumph if we make sure we are listening to the right voice.

“Father, help us to uncover, dig up and use the gifts You have entrusted to us . Equip us to be faithful stewards that produce everlasting fruit.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 1, 2019

When I Can’t Sleep

“When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” Psalm 63:6 (KJV)

Mid-life certainly includes many peculiarities wouldn’t you agree? Among many I’ve noticed sleep patterns became erratic. Some nights I fall asleep fine. Other nights after taking forever to fall asleep, I’ll awaken at 4 am – my body saying it’s time to begin my day. Frustrating to say the least. How about you? Sleep patterns vary throughout life. I miss sleeping so peacefully during childhood. Teenage and college years were known for sleeping in, staying up late – filled with fun and laughter better known as intentional sleep deprivation!! Then, babies introduced me to a whole new interrupted sleep pattern – wee hours of the night were often tiring and trying. Certainly various other factors such as illness contribute as well.

Accepting these sporadic occurrences, I began utilizing them. Instead of concentrating on what I can’t control, I determine to dwell on memories of what Christ has done and will do in my life. This strengthens my faith walk with Him and confirms He hears and answers prayer. It also provides a great opportunity to recite Bible verses, alphabetically think on God’s attributes, and pray over my children.

Worry is a sin and accomplishes nothing. My solution: submit to God those things only He can mend/control. True submission provides peace of mind. The next time sleeplessness is apparent try meditating on the Lord, His Word, and pray. He is only a breath and heartbeat away. He is in control – after all He has the whole world in His hands.

“Dear Lord, teach me to trust You completely as I submit to You.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 30, 2019

Unstirred

“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Pumpkin, eggs, oil, sugar and now to add in the flour, spices, baking powder and salt. Phone rings and my batter is left sitting on the counter. Moments later I return and pour it into the pan for baking. Nothing brings on Fall like the smell of pumpkin muffins straight out the oven – yummy!

One bite – not quite what I expected. Two bites and something definitely wasn’t right. Rechecking my recipe, I confirmed all the ingredients. So what went wrong? Retracing my steps revealed the culprit. When I returned from my phone call, I forgot to stir the batter completely after adding baking powder and salt. What looked like well mixed ingredients were actually lumpy clumps that left a bad taste in my mouth when unstirred.

Wonder if that ever happens to us when God stirs our heart? We’re sitting in church and the pastor’s words stick. Or perhaps, we hear a song and the lyrics penetrate provoking deep emotion. Maybe we’re sitting with friends enjoying a pumpkin spice latte and God’s intervention in their life challenges us. Perhaps we’re curled up with His Word or praying and conviction stirs deep within us. All reminders that something needs to be changed or a response is needed.

Ever felt God’s stirring and walked away unchanged? Our intentions were good, but our actions were lacking. A distraction pulled us away. The moment slipped through our fingers, and God’s stirring in us didn’t produce His desired results.

Unmixed stirrings left clumped yield undesirable results. Change only occurs when we allow His stirrings to be complete, thorough, totally mixed until our yucky is transformed into His beauty. The life that truly glorifies God is the one that welcomes and invites His holiness to penetrate us from the inside out. Embracing the stirring yields the benefits of obedience like we’ve known before. And nothing is sweeter than know our Father is well pleased with us.

“Sweet Jesus, gently You speak, compel, and invite us to partake of Your righteousness – help us to respond without delay.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 27, 2019

Trusting God’s Provision

“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (ESV)

I watched them from my kitchen window. Birds searching through our grass for something to eat. So, I found some leftover bread and filled up our dry birdbath with a whole loaf. It was right within their reach or flight, but not where they expected to find it. My sweet feathered creatures were still searching on the ground not even glancing up. Incredible how some birds flew up to the edge expecting water and flew away leaving the bread as if I’d made a mistake. Eventually, they gave up and flew away – my bread crumbs still intact, overflowing – a filled basin.

A gentle whisper in my spirit asked, “How many times have I provided exactly what you need, but you’re still searching somewhere else?” Amazing how loud a whisper can be when we’re desperate to ignore it. Incredible how we try to drown out what God is patiently attempting to teach because we don’t want to see ourselves.

Too many times, our souls hunger for what we want. We continue searching for our ideal while dismissing God’s provision. Right within our reach, God is giving exactly what we need. Problem is, it doesn’t always look like what we envisioned. We’re convinced what we need is much better than what we see right before our eyes.

God will never force His children to receive what He has provided. He will never force feed us or demand that we accept what we really need. Instead, He lovingly gives us the freedom to choose to receive or fly away leaving sweet abundance and overflow behind. Let’s not miss the blessing.

“Sweet Jesus, You are our great provider – the One who promises to give us more than enough for all that we need – help us to trust in You completely.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 26, 2019

Common Unity

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 (NIV)

One weekend the neighbors who lived underneath my apartment unit, a single mom and her two-year-old boy, moved out. That lady seldom had anyone over for visits, but when she moved out, I saw several cars and people of different age groups going in and out of her apartment moving furniture, boxes and other items. When all of her things had been moved out, some of those people returned. They spent a few hours cleaning and painting, so that her place would be ready for inspection and she could get her deposit back. “What a great sense of community!” I thought.

Community, nonetheless, is more than just people helping other people carry boxes when they move out. Community, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a “unified body of individuals,” which could mean people with same cultural traditions, tastes, religious beliefs, etc. I like to think of community as common unity. It is that feeling that enables us to feel the joy that someone else feels or suffer her pain just as she goes through it. It is offering our shoulder to someone who is going through a life storm, or cheering for someone who is about to get married, graduate, or run a race.

In a community, when someone sees a need, he or she will jump in and meet that need somehow. If people need prayer, others will join in and pray. If they need food, food will be prepared for them. If they need encouragement, people will gather around and encourage them, and so forth. We see this happening in times when catastrophic events happen, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and wild fires, as people gather together to help others in need. They will raise money for supplies, offer shelter, clothing and other needed items.

The Bible instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, to encourage one another and to edify, or build each other up. What a wonderful reminder that we, as children of God, must pull together for one another when the need arises, building up and encouraging, just as the Lord Jesus Himself modeled for us.

“Lord, as Your children, we pray we can lift up our neighbor as You often do us.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 25, 2019

Hovering Close

“…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24b (ESV)

“I’m not getting sick” were the words echoing from my lips. Everyone else in my house was sick. Colds, runny noses, sore throats and the dreaded hacking cough. So my game plan was to keep my distance. Keep exercising and take extra allergy meds. I ran the dishwasher every day to make sure germs didn’t linger around. Washed sheets and wiped down surfaces.

Two weeks down and I’m not sick. Everyone else is still recovering, coughing and yes on antibiotics. Me, well I was convinced I was in the clear. My healthy self and strategic plan was working. And then week three arrived and brought me a scratchy throat. Symptoms seemed to come and go as if my body was battling it out to hold its ground. Unfortunately, my proximity to sickness along with the coughing and sneezing stole away my thunder. Despite my efforts, my body was telling me sickness was winning out. Like the proverbial bad apple spoiling the whole bag, I was no longer immune to all the germs floating around my home.

To be totally honest, germs aren’t the only thing hovering close. Sometimes we allow the “not so good” influence of people to infiltrate our lives. Declaring “we can stand strong,” we make little compromises along the way. We lower our standards simply because we don’t want anyone to be offended as the real us slides right out the door. Definitely not a good thing.

Jesus, was the perfect example of One who went to where sinners were, the downcast and out. He saw them as His mission field – not to be avoided – but rather to be loved and drawn in. He didn’t lower His standards or stop teaching because someone’s feelings might be hurt. Rather Jesus spoke the truth with mercy and grace. And the best part was He lived out the message He spoke.

Sounds like way more than we could ever accomplish. Oh yes. But it doesn’t mean we throw in the towel and run in the opposite direction. We ask God to show us and empower us to love others, minister to others and reach out to others who believe differently than us. We show them respect, grace and a life committed to living out the truths we believe. The way we live out our faith around them speaks more than any message we could attempt to deliver. Bottom line, we don’t allow the “not so good” influences to overpower us and pull us down. We make sure we know how to respond and react when temptations arise. And we never forget the One who always hovers close to help us each step of the way.

“Father help us to be women who live out our faith rather than cower. Help us to stand strong in the midst of differences and love big.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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