Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2019

Awesome..Experiencing The Wonder of His Greatness

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:4 (NIV)

Awesome is a word that describes something or someone that causes feelings of wonder or awe. Something awesome can move us from the inside out and cause a thrill and joy that normal things just cannot achieve.

One of the things I characterize as awesome is worship, because something supernatural and unconventional happens during worship. When we alienate things around us and focus on our worship to God, chains are broken and walls fall down; barriers cease to exist, and we are all gathered as one. I had one of those awesome experiences while attending the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) annual Feast of Tabernacles in Israel, along with thousands of people representing 95 nations from around the world. We were gathered in a large arena in Jerusalem called Payis Arena, with the capacity to hold over 15,000 people. Just before they announced the evening speaker, the praise band began to sing the old hymn How Great Thou Art. What began as an English-unison in the first stanza, soon became an audible break down of voices by different languages. All the nations represented in that arena were singing praise to the Lord in their own tongue, just as it had happened in the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The power of the Holy Spirit was so strong in the arena, that I, along with hundreds of other people, could not help but fall to our knees and worship the Lord.

Have you experienced something awesome lately? If not, I encourage you to let go of your normal routine for a bit and immerse yourself in praise and worship to the Lord. You will find that all those worries will seem obsolete in the presence of the King, because the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

“Dear Lord, You are amazing. We give You glory and honor and praise for You are worthy.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2019

Thinking More of Self Doesn’t Serve Us Well

“Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” Luke 18:10b (HCSB)

“Thank you Jesus that I am not like…..” Ever found those words echoing off your lips? We survey our surroundings and quickly determine we’re not so bad at all. Why look at what she did. How dare they come to church in those clothes. And what about… the conversation in our minds and sometimes unfortunately audible divulge of the lifting up of self.

Nothing pretty about pride, arrogance and a deep well of “I’m better than someone else.” Hurts to even write those words, but I bet we’ve traveled down that road before. Amazing how we slip into judge mode as if we have all the answers, and we wouldn’t dare make the mistakes they make.

If we’re looking for an invitation to fall, pride is a given. The very moment we think we’re above and better than, we are setting a trap guaranteed to not serve us well. Like the Pharisee who thought he was the best keeper of the law, we can find ourselves declaring our goodness to the very One who knows us too well.

Wonder what the look would have been on God’s face if those words were ushered up to heaven? Luke 18 dialogues a parable showcasing a rehearsal of all the Pharisee said he wasn’t and a settling of his declared righteous deeds. I’m sure it wasn’t a shock since God knows our very thoughts before words escape our lips. Same is true for us. Whether we boldly proclaim our goodness or not, God sees our hearts crystal clear.
Sweetest prayer ever from a tax collector who stood at a distance and didn’t even raise his head. Admitting his sinfulness – the perfect example of how we are to approach our holy God. Impressed by the words flowing from a humble heart, Jesus reminded his audience the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Don’t know about you, but I’d rather lose my sense of “better than” and embrace “He’s worthy” any day. Best way to protect feet from stumbling. Best solution for times when we are tempted to judge quickly. Best prayer ever when we admit our desperate need for His grace. Pride or arrogance – the choice is up to us – which one will we chose? Let’s not miss the wonder of His holiness and leave exalting in His hands.

“Father teach us to keep humble and repentant hearts that are totally dependent on You. Help us to exalt Your name above everyone and everything else.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2019

God’s Purpose – More Fruit

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit…” John 15:5 (NLT)

We will have trouble in this life even when we are in the will of God. Jesus was in the will of God when He went to the cross despite scorning its shame. Job was in the will of God when he lost it all…children, house and livestock. Joseph was in the will of God during his slavery and imprisonment.

During the process of pruning those unfruitful things are cut away that hinder growth. However, some good fruit has to be pruned as well to make room for greater fruit. Isn’t it ironic; God will reveal the plenty when barren. He’ll ask us to be joyful when full of sorrow. He says we’re overcomers when we feel defeated. These are all areas where pruning is painful, but necessary. God knows how to take us through the process to our purpose. However, it’s through the process of suffering, we become closer to God. Has God taken you through some “stuff?” He didn’t explain it, He made you bare it, endure it. God let you cry yourself to sleep and didn’t wipe your tears. However, even in your lack of understanding you kept on serving Him, worshiping Him, trusting Him and looking to Him.

The Lord wouldn’t allow you to go through difficulties if He didn’t have a purpose for your pain. The journey is to make you better. Better wisdom, knowledge, insight and self-control. Make you stronger and wiser. Also, to see and experience the power and love of God.

Think about Jesus! His suffering to purpose only lasted three days. Remember Job? He was rewarded double for his trouble. Let’s not forget Joseph; he went from the pit to the palace. The blessing after their journeys…the Bible never mentions these men ever going through pain, loss, suffering and heartache ever again. Surely! God will deliver you too for it brings great glory to the Father. Stay joined to Him. Remain in His love by obeying Him. Your joy will overflow! (John 15:7-11)

“Father, after the pruning process You will allow us to be fruitful bringing forth fruit and our fruit shall remain.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2019

When We Overlook The Obvious

“Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.” Proverbs 8:33 (ESV)

Hate to admit it, but I just spent days trying to figure out why I had no audio for anything on my computer. I tried every solution possible. I increased the sound 100% yet could only hear a tiny whisper. Ready to give up, I looked over to where my Bible was on my desk and found the culprit for my sound loss…my headphones were still plugged in. Total frustration wiped out by my own laughter – how could I have overlooked the obvious?

Quite the funny story? Yes. But not so funny if we find our lack of hearing obstructed not by a device but our choice to let selective hearing reign. Bet we’ve all been there when deliberate blockage of what we needed to hear felt better than the sound of truth. Ouch! Yes, moments occur when we chose to ignore, dismiss and turn from the voice we need to heed.

Wonder what God’s been speaking into our hearts lately? Has the truth of His words stirred us toward obedience or have we denied what we didn’t want to do?

Easy to judge other’s obstructions when the finger pointed out should be pointed in. Failing to admit, we attempt to blame anyone and anything for poor choices when we’ve overlooked the obvious – silencing the voice of God removes His blessings.

Yes, we’re all about the benefits and awesomeness of hearing what aligns with our agenda. Obedience isn’t a challenge when it moves us in sync with our plans. But when what we hear seems hard, difficult and contradictory to our perceived “best,” we simply extinguish the sound.

Sweet friend if we truly want His direction, guidance and protection, we must pray for ears that hear, eyes that see and a heart that is willing to be molded towards His ultimate true best. How does our sovereign God speak? Through the unfolding of His word, through godly counsel, through life experiences – God will use whatever it takes to realign our hearing so He can open us up to the divine orchestration of His will.
Whose voice are you listening to? Is it serving you well or placing you in a posture destined for failure, regrets and consequences? Draw near to the One who is already calling your name.

“Father, it so easy to drown out Your voice – to simply unplug from the narrow way when wide seems much better. Help us to cease blocking and tune into Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 27, 2019

Worth The Wait

“For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” Isaiah 64:4 (NLT)

I did not date in college; I went on interviews. I was one of very few females working towards a degree in Religion at Liberty University. Fellow Religion students asked me out, but a romantic evening was not on the agenda. These future pastors were looking for a coworker in the faith, a wife who could minister alongside them. From the moment we ordered our entrees, the interview questions flowed.

“How has God gifted you? Can you sing?” (Every good pastor’s wife can sing, right? Not in my case.)

“Where do you fit on the Armenian to Calvinist side? What is your theology on the 2nd coming of Christ?”

“How many kids do you want? What is your theory on disciplining children properly?”

“Would you be willing to direct children’s ministry if we started a church?” (I haven’t even decided to go out with you again!)

Every date ended with me either failing the interview or deciding I wasn’t interested in this particular job after all. Graduation was looming ever closer. All of my friends were designing their perfect weddings. I felt like the only one who hadn’t snagged a MRS degree along with my BS in Religion. Then I came across our key verse in a devotional I was studying. I surrendered my future to God, setting aside my dream of a husband and family. I researched job opportunities. I waited on God to show me what to do. That’s when God brought Scott to the office I worked in. I could have fun with this one. I didn’t feel any pressure to measure up to a job application process. We loved spending time together and wanted to extend the date until death do us part.

What is it you desperately want God to do? What have you been asking God to provide, heal, or change? There is no other like our God. He works on our behalf when we choose to wait for Him. Running ahead and making our own plans is so tempting. Do we want our plan or God’s plan? I choose to wait for Him.

“Lord, I choose to wait on You. You alone are God and are worthy of our trust.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2019

Don’t Let The Enemy Steal Away Your Presistence

“Pray always and not become discouraged.” Luke 18:1b (HCSB)

Pacing through my living room, list in hand I rehearsed words that seemed to evaporate in thin air. Over and over again, I begged and pleaded for those who desperately needed God’s intervention. Despite my urgency, the people I prayed for strayed further and further away from God.

Ever found yourself there when praying evoked discouragement, disillusionment and a desire to simply give up? We’ve probably all experienced the heart wrenching doubt seizing us when situations get worse instead of better. The list became longer; the prayer time extended. We even offer solutions just in case God needed a little nudge in fixing it all. Despite our weariness and frustration, we kept hanging in there determined to not let the enemy win out – prayer was the only thing we could do.

Picture in your mind the last time worn out knees kissed dusty floors and tears flowed freely. Remember the passion and persistence hovering in a voice totally unafraid to ask one more time. Convinced God was the only answer, the only One who could turn things completely around.

My mind doesn’t have to travel far to recall moments like that – I can still hear the sound of weary feet hitting hardwood floors. I see trembling hands clutching soaked index cards scribbled with names and words. All for ones who had slipped away and entertained wrong voices. So much I didn’t know. So little I couldn’t do. My go to statement repeated was simply, “God, please send someone, anyone who can speak into their life.”

Little did I know in that moment God was crossing paths – uncharted territory divinely orchestrated and perfectly timed. A lady on a plane who wasn’t too busy to notice a passenger hurting deep inside. Started a conversation….an answer to my prayers. As quietly as she entered the scene, she left but not without giving away her Jesus Calling book to one who needed Jesus more than she could have ever imagined. And the road back slowly began.

Wonder what would have happened if I decided silence was my answer? How would the story have ended if I gave into the emotions of the moment and stopped asking?

Luke 18 unfolds a beautiful telling of a widow whose persistence before the unjust judge resolved her situation. Unlike any of Jesus other parables, He defined His point at the beginning – “Pray always and don’t become discouraged.”

Sweet music to one who thought everyone had given up on them. Fresh tears in remembrance of all our loving and graceful God did to bring one home.

We all grow weary, exhausted and tired……but don’t let the enemy steal away your persistence. Keep praying, trusting and seeking even if old eyes never witness on this earth the revelation of what God is redeeming. He is the Faithful, righteous judge who can be trusted with those we love.

“Father, I hope I never forget those days…when sorrow reigned and brokenness kept me at Your feet. Praising You for divinely doing what only You could do – rescuing the lost.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Freedom, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 25, 2019

Dipping Into Obedience

“So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him.” 2 Kings 5:14a (NIV)

Naaman conquered many battles for his nation, Syria, and was known as a man of valor by all. There was only one thing… a major thing about him: he was a leper. But God had a plan for that man and through a simple, humble servant girl who had been snatched earlier on from the land of Israel, God sent Naaman a message of how he could be healed. She suggested that Naaman would go see the prophet Elisha, known as the man of God.

All that the man of God said to the great commander was, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” The man was outraged of course, as he did not see the waters of the Jordan River fit for someone of his caliber. Naaman wanted to go wash up in a river in his own country, whose waters, in his view, were more equate for someone like him. Can you believe the man almost did not get his blessing because of his prideful actions? I mean, who, in his own mind would choose leprosy over health?

It is somewhat evident that Naaman had not ever experienced the power of the one true God. But again, God’s favor came over him when his servants begged him to listen to the prophet and do what he said, because it was a simple task for him to go down the Jordan and dip himself seven times.

Long story short, the great commander humbled himself and gave way for the Lord to act in his life. He dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, and when he emerged the last time, the Bible says his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean from his leprosy. He was healed. Completely. Clean for good! All because he stripped himself of his pride and gave way to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

“Help us, Lord, to be humble and to listen to Your voice and obey Your command. Amen.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 21, 2019

At His Feet

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 5:13 (NIV)

An earnest request, a desperate plea, outbursts of praise, brokenhearted confessions – prayer takes on many faces. Gazing into the early morning dawn, walking along the beach as waves crash on shore, kneeling at the bedside of a dear friend, gathered with worshippers on Sunday morning – prayer occurs in many places.

Building a hedge of protection, sustaining weary souls, dancing in the joys of victories, propelling adoration – prayer is an instant connection, a direct link to our God. Sitting at His feet, caught up in the wonder of who He truly is – prayer transforms and energizes our lives. It’s the only guarantee we have in this life – a captive audience with our King. It’s the sweetest song we ever sing – lifting praise from parched lips. It’s the lifeblood that empowers our lives as prayer effortlessly flows when we recognize the source of our strength.

Self-help can only take us so far. Gathered with a group of confidants enlarges our sphere. But if we want full access, unlimited divine wisdom then there’s only one place for us to go. On bended knee, we recognize our insufficiency and His infinite sovereignty. We move from self and others to total dependence on our God. Humility, grace and a deep desire to be transformed from the inside out is the end result of those who plant themselves at His feet.

In need of a miracle? Gather at His feet. Unsure what route to take? Listen at His feet. Overcome with guilt. Be washed at His feet. Lonely at heart? Be filled at His feet. Overjoyed just to be alive? Dance before His throne. There’s no place I’d rather be then at the feet of Jesus – won’t you join me?

“Father, how we long to breathe deep of your power and love. Washed in forgiving grace, we bow down and worship at Your feet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 20, 2019

Houston, We Have A Problem

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Having sent other missions into outer space and to the moon, the Apollo 13 mission was considered a “been there done that” kind of event. The astronauts were going to land and spend time on the moon’s surface collecting information and moon rocks. Or at least that was the plan, until something went terribly wrong. An unexpected explosion caused a loss of power to the spacecraft and dangerously low levels of oxygen. In an instant, everything changed and they had a problem.

I often wonder, was it like that in the garden with Adam and Eve? A typical day in the garden, not any different than others. Were they thinking they were going to do something special as the only living humans at the time? Was seeing the snake unexpected? Either way, something happened that day and not only did they have a problem, but now we have a problem as well.

Because of Adam and Eve’s sin, we all fall short, every day. We are all born with the consequences of sin on our lives. We are condemned forever to live separately from God. And there isn’t anything we can do about it on our own. Fortunately, just like the astronauts had members of mission control working to solve their problem, we also have someone working on our behalf, Jesus. His death on the cross gives us a solution to our problem. With His sacrifice, we are no longer condemned to live separate from God. With every drop of blood shed , He gave us a clear path back to where we belong, with God forever.

“Father, we all have the problem of sin in our lives. Thank You for sending the solution in Your son, Jesus. “

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 19, 2019

When Roles Are Reversed

“And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham, a long way off, with Lazarus at his side.” Luke 16:23 (ESV)

Money wasn’t an issue – he had the best of anything he could have ever wanted. Doing without didn’t even enter his line of thinking. Spoiled and living it up was more attuned to his lifestyle. Never missed a meal – always indulging in the most delicious food. Clothed in the finest purple and linen. Rich, extravagant and totally unaware of the needs surrounding him.

Begging for just a crumb from the Rich Man’s table is where you find Lazarus. Stomach empty and probably aching. Head throbbing and covered in sores. Humility long gone as dogs licked his sores. Dirty, smelly clothes tattered and worn day after day. Poor, needy and totally aware of those around him.

Jesus speaks this parable to a captive audience (Luke 16:19). Teaching them the appearance of happy, success and riches in this world doesn’t equate to the eternal joy of living in His presence. Enlightening them to the proper attitude toward wealth. Demonstrating how quickly roles can be reversed. One who was never without, never in desperation finds himself in torment begging for relief. Where is the one who begged outside his gates? Lazarus is enjoying the bounty, freedom and beauty of Heaven. Totally healed – all pain and sorrow erased. Full to overflowing – never again in need.

Rich or poor – we will one day face eternity. Our wealth or lack of will not decide our fate. Our status will hold no influence; there’s no favoritism with God. The good we did on this earth isn’t enough to secure our place. Who was in our tribe won’t dictate our future. Only those who place their trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will experience life everlasting. The old will pass away; all things will become new. Our future will be sealed…..roles will be reversed…..the first will be last and the last will be first. God’s divine order will reign, and we who believe in Him will spend eternity with our Savior.

Sweet friend put your faith in the One who sent His Only Son to this darkened world so we could one day live with Him forever. No one knows the hour…no one knows the day when our life on this earth will end – don’t excuse away God’s invitation. It’s the most important decision you will ever make – choose well.

“Father, we eagerly anticipate Your return, we long for Your presence and dream of the moment we will finally see You face to face.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

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