Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 24, 2019

Our God Is Never Surprised

“I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)

Our God is preemptive! He can cancel out anything that comes against our lives disabling the enemy. The situation that has you weary. A problem that seems to have no solution. That doctor’s diagnosis. Lack in your finances. Whatever the case! God has a plan in place before an issue ever arises. Can you imagine serving a God that was as shocked as we. Picture us going to God saying, “God, I didn’t know this was going to happen” and God said, “me either.”

It should encourage you to know God is not surprised by the occurrences of our lives…good or bad. Nothing that happens in our lives has taken Him off guard. If so, then we would have a God of reaction, which means someone or something is in control other than God; and in return He would need to react. That will never be the case…ever! God is in control of the good times, but He also allows the unfortunate woes of life too. However, He works them all for our good even at the time the struggle is very real and we’re questioning God.

God parts the seas so we can walk through on dry ground. The mountains melt like wax making our paths straight. He makes water flow from rocks to quench our thirst. He conquers giants giving us the victory. He closes the mouths of lions providing safety. He opens prison doors setting us free. He brings us out of the fiery furnace unscorched. If we didn’t have a problem, a need, a situation then how could we experience God deliver, provide and conquer on our behalf. These are the incidents of life when we know if it had not been for the Lord on our side.

Cease asking God if He sees what you’re going through. He does! There’s no need in wondering if you did something wrong or are you being punished. You didn’t…you’re not! That question in the depths of your soul asking if God loves you…He absolutely does with an everlasting love.

“Father, we mature and grow during our tests, trials and heartaches of life that open our understanding to Your true character. It’s during these times we realize how wide, long, high and deep Your love is for us.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 23, 2019

We Were Designed For So Much More

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20 (HCSB)

He only asked one thing – and I totally forgot to do it. My husband flew out of Lynchburg early that Saturday morning. Eager to help, I agreed to pick up his truck so we would avoid the parking fees for several days. I could easily go back later on Saturday morning and drive the truck home. Saturday came and went. Sunday zoomed right on by. When my husband got home Monday night, the truck was still sitting at the airport. The very thought of doing the one thing he asked never resurfaced – my zeal for a carefree, restful weekend consumed me.

Interesting how quickly we forget some really important things and cling to lesser ones. Don’t know about you, but I find myself often complacent and too forgetful about the one thing Jesus asked us to do. Simple yet profound instructions – go and make disciples. Don’t grab salvation for yourself and forget about others who need the Savior too. Don’t become so self-absorbed that you fail to mentor, disciple and reach out to a world desperate for saving. Don’t sit back, safe and secure in your future. Get up keep moving. Make disciples – show them the way.

Direct, clear, concise instructions from One who loves the world more than we could ever imagine. One who entrusted us with His divine calling to invest in the lives of others. One who commissioned us to be teachers of the commands that birth holiness, fruit and everlasting joy.

Wonder how we so careless skim over God’s words to go and settle for much less – someone else can go. We miss out when we choose to stay back. We sin when we disobey His command to go, baptize and teach. We become complacent and forgetful when we compromise truth with our everyday excuses.

God’s word hasn’t changed. His plan is fully in place and is non-negotiable. If you belong to Him, if you believe then you simply can’t sit still and not join Him in bringing others to truth. Coasting through our Christian life may be appealing but it will leave us wanting much more because we were designed for far more than we dare dream.

“Father, You have unveiled Your plan – its message is simple and clear. Help us to women who go and make disciples leading them to Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 20, 2019

For Those Waiting….

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 (NIV)

Takes only one tiny seed to spread roots that run deep and wide. Takes only one spark to ignite a flame that spreads like wildfire. Takes only one person to be the one that chooses to make a difference.

So while praying for the soul of one who turned away, we plead with God to send just one. Someone who would speak a word at just the right time. Someone who could share truth bathed in love and grace. Someone they might encounter in the most unusual way. Someone who unexpectedly crosses their path. Someone who can say what we’ve already spoken but in a new way. Someone besides us that God chooses to send their way. Because every tiny seed planted has the potential to penetrate even the hardest soil and sprout roots.

Hard to navigate those tough journeys in life when we see so clearly the devastation that may lie ahead. Difficult to let go and let God write the redemption story of the souls we love. Yet, we hold on and we bow worn knees fighting the battle tirelessly until they come home.

Our hope, our peace is found in the One who loves them more than we ever could. God draws, seeks and waits for runaways to come home. He never gives up. He never forces. He never turns His back. God waits patiently and when that one tiny seed is planted, a miracle begins.

So while pleading for the soul of the one who turned away, we trust in a plan we can’t even see. We release our grip and raise hands to praise our Redeemer who says I’ve got this. We commit to being a planter of tiny seeds so others will come home.

“Father, reap the seeds planted.…bring back those who have slipped away…..amaze us with Your incredible plan to love them home.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 19, 2019

Who’s Really In Control

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

I miss the days of pushing these carts around the grocery store. My sons loved to “drive” down each aisle. When they turned the wheel to the right, the cart turned right. When they turned the wheel to the left, the cart still turned right. Wait…that can’t be right, can it?

My boys loved to “drive” the cart around the store, but were they really driving? No, I was really in control of the cart. I decided which way to turn, when to stop, and when to start moving again.

I’m sure you’ve heard this saying: “You need to give God control of your life. You need to move out of the driver seat and let Jesus take the wheel.” I may be alone in this, but this analogy is a pet peeve of mine. Please allow me to explain.

God is sovereign. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is not relegated to the passenger seat prepared to “take the wheel” whenever we decide to give up control. We may think we’re in the driver seat, but really we are spinning the plastic wheel in the kiddie car, beeping the little horn.

When my boys tired of “driving” down the aisles, they would sit back and rest. The cart still rode smoothly along even when they weren’t trying in vain to direct the shopping cart.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

We, as Christians need to just sit back and rest in His sovereignty. He is trustworthy. If we will surrender to the ultimate Driver instead of trying in vain to direct our own lives, the Lord will make our paths straight. God loves us more than we can even fathom. Let’s lean on His perfect wisdom rather than our own faulty understanding.

“Lord, I surrender to Your will, trusting that You will direct my path.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett(http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 18, 2019

Confirmation Seekers

 

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (HCSB)

Amazing how patterns of behavior filter through our lives and we don’t even recognize them. But then one day, we realize it’s the very thing getting in our way. Had one of those moments recently and I’m still reeling from the truth staring me in the face.

You see I’m a proverbial confirmation seeker. You got it. Whenever there’s a decision to make or an opportunity to accept, I’m all about praying and seeking God’s direction. And that’s exactly what we should do. We need to seek His counsel and study His word to better grasp what direction we should take. Seeking the guidance of trusted godly mentors helps us sift through and evaluate any areas we might have overlooked.

But the real problem is my default response, my go to pattern is to ask one more time – “I need a confirmation.” Despite knowing what God wants me to do and clearly hearing His direction, I continue to ask over and over again. Rather than move forward in obedience, I linger back desiring one more confirmation of what He has already shown me.

Nothing pretty about this – our reluctance to heed His answer is rooted in fear and it never serves us well. If we’re totally honest, we’ve probably landed here too many times. I know I have. Regret is a constant sidekick to those who are looking for one more revelation of the truth staring them in the face.

Fear is a powerful emotion. Perhaps that’s why God instructed us with so many “Fear nots” in His Word. Sweet reminders to not fear, because He is forever with us. Faithful promises to strengthen us and deliver us. Like a constant tweet to our souls, God encourages His children to be bold and courageous rather than cower in fear.

So sweet friend, what’s got us sitting on the edge of our seat filled with worry and doubt? Are we keeping it real by admitting our fear? Or are we hiding it under the disguise of a repeat confirmation? Conquering fear, trusting God and seizing His power to move forward always serves us well. Let’s cling to His words and leave regret behind.

“Father, empower us to be fearless women who trust You completely as we conquer doubt and worry.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 17, 2019

Keep Moving Forward

“And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” Exodus 14:15 (ESV)

In Exodus 14:13, Moses tells the children of Israel to be still and watch as the Lord gives them victory. In verse 15 God speaks to Moses and asks, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.”

I don’t know about you, but I can think of many times when instead of moving forward, I just stopped and cried out to God, when I should have just relied on His promises and kept going. And to be honest at times I felt just like the children of Israel, wanting to go back to a “comfortable” place and time. I even think of Lot’s wife looking back when the instructions were to clearly keep moving and under no circumstances look back. Sometimes it’s so easy to give up, cry out, or go back, instead of giving it over to God and walking into the promised victory.

You see at the beginning of this chapter (Ex. 14:1), God speaks to Moses and tells him everything that is about to take place. (Isn’t that just like our loving Father, preparing us to be victorious?) God goes behind us, before us, He is with us, and His Holy Spirit dwells in us. It doesn’t get any better than that! He wants us to depend on Him. Yes, we can cry out to him, but we must be obedient to Him and oftentimes that means taking a step, maybe even a few steps, or a leap of faith. And many times getting out of our comfort zone.

Where is God leading you today? Are you going? Let’s go wherever God leads us, standing on His promise, that where He guides, He will provide. You’ll never know, if you don’t go!

“Heavenly Father, thank you for leading, guiding, and directing us. Help us to seek Your will and obey Your promises, so that we can walk victoriously.”

For His Glory

Cynthia McCoy (strengthandhonorministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 16, 2019

Landing On Same

   “Awesome is God from His sanctuary; the God of Israel – He is the One who gives power and strength to His people, blessed be God!” Psalm 68:35

Saturdays, in my book, are reserved for homemade blueberry pancakes smothered in whipped cream. A quiet, peaceful start to the weekend and sleeping in until at least 8:30 am. Crazy busy all week loves still and delicious Saturday mornings. But sometimes, you just break free from tradition and do the unthinkable – get up early.

Found myself there this past weekend at a retreat. Stayed up late Friday night talking with my roomie and then Saturday morning came way to early. In my disordered state, I’m up dressed and hurrying to breakfast at 7:30 sharp! My room on the 2nd floor wasn’t far from the elevator, so I got on and hit the button. When the elevator stopped, I got ready to get off and noticed I was in the same place – 2nd floor. Got back in and hit the button again and landed on 2nd floor again. Silly me, I was pushing the wrong button – amazing how half sleep can distort your vision.

While this is funny, silly and yes, stupid; it reminds me of all the times we keep doing the same things and yet hoping to land somewhere else. Our default settings result in basically being stuck and totally unaware of why we are still there. Now that’s not funny!

Keeping it real here – there’s definitely some things I’ve wanted to do differently. One of them is to lose those extra pounds that just seem to appear from nowhere. Problem is I keep hitting the button of excuses and end up snacking at night (my exhaustion time). Needless to say, I’m not losing weight. Found this principle to be true spiritually – I’ve wanted to have a more concentrated prayer time. Problem is I keep hitting the snooze button on my phone and end up settling for prayer time in my car. Stuck by choice – landing where I don’t want to be.

Perhaps you too find yourself on the same landing…..just want to remind you tomorrow is a new day. Never too late to push the right button and land where we intended. Easy – no way. Definitely requires strategic re-thinking and intentional choosing but not impossible. I know we can do it with God’s help.

“Father, We don’t want to stay the same but change is so hard and default is much easier. Help us to embrace transformation, to eagerly anticipate different and aiming for right choices that lead us closer to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 13, 2019

Clothed In His Beauty

“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 …” Isaiah 61:10a (NIV)

Perfect, flawless a world created in supreme excellence – one we can only read about and desperately try to imagine. The Garden of Eden offered the world’s first couple wedded bliss free from conflict and disagreements. No illnesses derailed their plans. No storm clouds dampened their ventures through paradise. Lions, tigers, sheep and deer roamed freely. Ripe, delicious fruits void of imperfections filled their plates. Lush, green meadows caressed their feet.

A perfect world created by a perfect God interrupted by a seed of doubt entertained in the mind – a dangling temptation contrary to God’s wisdom. How could someone surrounded with beauty be lured into a destructive web of deceit?

It’s a question we ask ourselves every time we buy into Satan’s lies. If our world appears less than perfect perhaps we’ve been lured into a destructive web of deceit too. Maybe we’ve allowed doubt to cloud our thinking or we’ve accepted a dangling temptation that is now suffocating us.

While we do not live in a perfect world, we can abide in the presence of our flawless and supremely excellent God. He offers us a paradise washed in the blood of the Lamb, clothed in the beauty of His righteousness and set free to navigate life filled with the fruit of His Spirit. It’s a world that looks beyond the imperfections, resists the temptations and rests in the beauty of God’s holiness. It’s a wonderful world for those who choose to put their faith and trust in Him.

“Father, we are Your chosen ones, created in Your image and designed to abide close to Your heart – our perfect world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 11, 2019

Caught Up In A Web of Deceit

“Then the Lord said to him (Jacob), Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:3 (HCSB)

Twenty years seems like a really long time to be away from home. Jacob’s deception had sent him on the run from his brother, Esau. (Genesis 27). His father-in-law, Laban’s deception had kept him bound to working for him. (Genesis 29). False never serves us well. Perhaps Jacob’s eyes were finally opened to the deceptive web his life had borne.

Despite his unjust treatment by Laban, Jacob worked hard for 20 years. Despite changing his wages, Jacob worked hard for 20 years. But now his desire was to leave, go home and take care of his family. After several attempts to move on, God paves the way saying, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

Don’t know about you but sometimes in the heat of the battle, we wonder if God sees. When injustices reign high and we know we’re giving our all discouragement settles in. False surrounds us and we’re doing all we can do to hold on to truth despite the circumstances. We look all around us and attempt to run, but God allows us to stay in the midst of it all until He says, “Go.”

Welcomed words, I’m sure for Jacob. To hear God’s release and know that He had seen it all. To realize freedom was just steps away and the chains had been loosed. To not wonder if God would continue to bless him once he left; the sweetness of God’s reassuring presence for the journey home echoing in his ears.

A stolen blessing had sent Jacob fleeing for his life and tore apart his family. A blessing given would follow Jacob back home and restore his relationship with Esau. Beyond his imagination – more than he could have ever conceived. What deception sought to destroy, God rebuilt and used for His ultimate glory.

Sweet friend, don’t think for a moment that God doesn’t see or isn’t fully aware of all that’s touching our lives. His memory is never short. He knows our heart – the ache, pain and misery birthed in the pit of deception. Hold on tight, do the right thing even if it’s hard and you will find He is the great rewarder of those who place their trust and faith in Him alone.

“Father we’ve ridden both sides of this journey deceived and deceiver. Missing out because false lead us in the wrong direction. Help us to stay close to You so truth will cover everything we do.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 10, 2019

Being Salt

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

“Please pass the salt!” This is a very commonly used phrase, as salt is something that people enjoy adding to their food for flavor. As a matter of fact, some people are so addicted to the taste of salt, that they will add it to their food even before ever tasting the food. If a dish does not have just the right amount of salt in it, it will taste bland and somewhat “boring.”

I have met Christians who are just like food that needed a little kick, a little added hint of flavor to make them interesting and engaging… like food that needed salt! I have also met Christians who are so in tune with the Word of God, so in sync with the Holy Spirit, and have so much energy and charisma about them. They have a strong desire to share their faith with other people and no matter what they are doing, who they are with, or where they find themselves, they are always witnessing to others. Those are the people who are truly following the words of Jesus during His Sermon on the Mount, when He sat down with the people and taught them how they should live being salt and light.

Jesus used the analogy of salt to let people know how important salt can be to life. According to research, there are several benefits to the consumption of salt. It promotes insulin sensitivity and good digestion, improves metabolism, supports thyroid function, reduces stress hormones, helps with overall hormone balance and is a natural antihistamine. Sounds like life to me!

In everything I do, I try to keep in mind that if I do it as unto the Lord, I will strive to always do better. I don’t want to be compared to tasteless salt; the salt that is only good to be thrown away because it has quit serving its purpose. I hope that next time we are at the dinner table and we hear someone asking for the salt, instead of being offended that they want to add more salt to their food, we will be reminded that we have the opportunity to be like salt ourselves, adding flavor to the lives of others.

“Dear Jesus, Thank You for creating us to bring taste to a world that needs You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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