Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 25, 2019

When Hopelessness Settles In

“I called to the Lord in my distress and He answered me.” Jonah 2:2a (HCSB)

Jonah and the big fish was probably one of my fave Bible stories growing up. The adventure, danger and the spewing out of Jonah kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. What was it like to be in the belly of a fish? Would Jonah survive and if he did would he smelly fishy? All important questions to little minds captivated by this adventure, but Jonah was far from being simply a story. Deep truths erupt in the pages of Jonah’s life.

A prophet on the run, Jonah starts his journey attempting to escape God’s instructions. Haven’t we all been there? Definitely spent my time running away from words I didn’t want to hear. Funny how we think fleeing will solve everything yet it eventually creates new challenges. Jonah finds himself in the midst of a stormy sea jeopardizing innocent bystanders. Best solution – jump ship or better yet have someone throw you overboard. Now I don’t know about you but Jonah could have easily thrown himself into the waters. Wonder if the brave soul once defiant before God faded quickly when confronted with the impact of his sinful choices?

Drama intensified when a huge fish arrives on the scene and swallows Jonah. End of story we might think – who could survive such a tragedy? Yet wallowing around in the belly of a big fish, Jonah finally comes to his senses or shall I say he had plenty of time to pray. Three days and nights must have seemed like an eternity – it always does when the reality of our disobedience rises to the surface. I dare imagine God had Jonah’s full attention. Been there myself too. Amazing how quickly we turn to God when fear accelerates and hopelessness settles in.

“As my life was fading away I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came to You to Your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love,” cries Jonah. In other words, Jonah’s desperate attempt to shut out, dismiss and ignore God’s words had brought him full circle. Nothing like a little time in a dark pit to cause our eyes to be lifted up in recognition of His holiness and our lack thereof.

Lovingly, God spews Jonah out of the fish and grace lands him on dry ground. Wish I could tell you that Jonah learned his lesson …..but scripture reminds us that even the revived Jonah struggled with God’s grace for others. What was good for him, what worked in his favor didn’t seem to apply to others. We’ve probably all landed there too – easily forgetting the grace lavished on us and quick to exercise judgment.

Note to self: we can’t outrun our God. We can attempt to hide but wherever we go He goes. The consequences of disobedience far out weight the uncomfortableness of obeying God’s voice. And finally never forget without grace we’d still be the one in the pit.

“Father, You are our Rescuer,, Restorer and Redeemer but You can’t turn a blind eye to our disobedience. May we never forget the amazing grace that covers us on a daily basis.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 22, 2019

Childlike Faith

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 (NIV)

“God is great, God is good , and we thank Him for this food. By His hands we are fed; give us, Lord, our daily bread.” Childlike faith simply expressed with folded hands looking to the face of God.
I remember those days –how about you? Gathering around the table, we longed for our turn to pray through closed eyes that peeked to make sure no one else was looking. Sheer sweetness to the very heart of God. Fully trusting, fully confident and unafraid because God is great and God is good.

Wonder how often we now reflect our trust, our confidence and our courage in our God who is great and good? Do we simply express our faith in the One who has given us our daily food, nourished our soul and given us all that we need? Or have we forgotten His greatness? Have we refrained from accepting His goodness?

Childlike wonder and awe often slips away as adult logic slips in. We reason with life. We contemplate the yes, no and wait responses to our prayers. We wring our hands or shake our fists when life yields a daily bread we’d rather not taste. And at times we even extinguish our prayers as we fail to acknowledge His touch on our lives. But God’s sheer sweetness is still found in the heart of His child who simply expresses their faith with folded hands looking intently to the heart and face of God.

“Father, remind me daily that You alone fed my soul with the Greatness and Goodness that flows from Your heart.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 21, 2019

Home – A Sweet Aroma

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

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

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

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

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

When family, friends and guests come to visit and fellowship, may our homes permeate a recognizable difference. A homey refuge where God is welcome and celebrated but the world is not.
From the beginning of time and before the creation of mankind, God’s purpose was for us to live in constant fellowship with Him. The Lord wants us to be so at home with Him that our lives radiate a wonderful glimpse of what it means to be His child to a lost and dying world.

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

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 20, 2019

Captivated By His Peace

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

It’s Thursday night and you could hear a pin drop at my friend’s house. Stopping by to leave some cookies, I found her children studying for the dreaded Friday tests. While I was looking forward to my last day at work that week, these children were dreading the “big test” day. As I deposited my cookies and left, I whispered a prayer – “Father, help them remember the things they have learned and allow them to rest knowing You are there to help them.”

A simple prayer that moments later captivated my attention. While I wasn’t facing a “big test” on Friday, I was facing some major challenges. And just as these children were studying and preparing, God had been preparing and beckoning me to His Word in preparation for another “big test” in my life. The only problem – my focus was locked in on the dread of the outcome rather than on my Rescuer. Encouraging scripture would fill my mind one minute, and then within seconds overwhelming thoughts would drown them out. How could I get so lost in an imagination captivated with runaway endings versus being mesmerized by His peace? So easy to do when we entertain tomorrow instead of trusting God for today. A deep trap we often fall into when we want answers, solutions and fixes now – proven ways to create doubt, fear and worry.

Desperately waging this battle, I cried, “Father help me remember the things you have taught me. Bring Your words to my mind. Fill me with Your encouragement. Help me to trust You and leave tomorrow for tomorrow.”

As I whirled those thoughts back onto my God and His awesome faithfulness, I found my spirit lift as I rested in His presence. And as I continued this practice, God captivated my attention with His peace as my mind stayed focused on Him.

“Father, just the thought of You rescues my life from swirling anxious moments. How blessed we are to rest in Your presence!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 19, 2019

Handling Anger God’s Way

“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 (ESV)

Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be fine and then suddenly BAM! Something happens and you find yourself angry, hurt, frustrated or sad. These feelings can often leave us teetering on the edge between a good or bad reaction. When we face difficulty, it is normal to have negative emotions. Although these feelings are not in themselves sinful, our reactions could easily become sinful if we are not careful. How we handle these situations shows whether we are learning and growing in our faith. It gives others a glimpse of Jesus in action. Lashing out, while feels good at the time, will only produce a worse situation.

So how do we act in righteousness instead of anger? Here are a few ideas that may help:

• First, acknowledge your feelings. Denying these feelings is not handling them and eventually those feelings will resurface.
• Second, try to understand why the situation is really bothering you. Is there something deeper going on? Have you been angry about this same type of situation before? Why?
• Next and most importantly, pray. Ask God to help you with what you are feeling and your response.
• Lastly, focus on the good. Finding things to be thankful for even in a difficult situation can shift your perspective from positive to negative. When our perspective shifts our actions will follow.
• One additional note: If the difficulty you are facing requires a response, wait. It is sometimes best to say nothing and wait until we can get our emotions in check.

I’ll admit I have not followed through on this list as often as I would like. But growth is a process, it doesn’t happen overnight and it can be filled with mistakes. In those times, I simply humble myself, apologize, evaluate where I went off track, and then file it away for next time. And prayerfully next time something comes, as it most assuredly will, I will be a little wiser and better equipped.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word to guide us in our lives daily. Thank You that You are a Father who understands it is hard to face difficulty. Help us to react in a way that is pleasing to /you even in the midst of our emotions. Give us strength to do the right thing despite how we feel.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 18, 2019

Abundantly Blessed

“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (NAS)

Challenged by a friend during a season of doubt, Ann Voskamp began keeping a list of God’s goodness. That list ultimately turned into her first book “One Thousand Gifts” – a New York Times bestseller. A dare to live fully right where you are – transforming the disappoint-ments of life into positives.

I found this book when disillusionment was circling my life. Discouraged over a season of loss, the title of the book grabbed my attention. Not only was it a good read, it challenged me to focus my heart, eyes, and mind on the goodness of God.

Wonder if that friend hadn’t challenged Ann if she would have ever written this book? The very thing that was hard to hear out of her friend’s mouth is the very thing that God is using to deepen thousands of people’s gratitude.

Enjoying the benefits of friendship is awesome – love that girl time. But sometimes God calls us to a deeper walk with our friends – the place where we know we need to risk everything for the sake of saying the truth in love. Have you ever been there? I know my life has been enriched by others who encouraged, inspired and yes at times said tough things. God encircled my single parenting years with godly women who challenged me on several levels. Embracing their feedback, I often rethought decisions and refocused my priorities. Their divine intervention resulted in a dare to live fully right where I was.

Wonder what would have happened if they hadn’t take that risk? Wonder what will happen if we don’t take that risk? Abundantly blessed by authentic women who are passionate about God and impacting others – it’s on God’s bestseller list – a must read to change our world.

“Sweet Jesus, You created us for community – to do life with others – engage deep and influence richly. Praising You for those friends You divinely brought into my life.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 15, 2019

How Big Is Your God?

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)

Sometimes I need to be reminded of how big our God really is. He is everlasting…without end. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and all of the glorious things that we see every day…mountains, oceans, sunrises, sunsets, flowers, trees, animals…everything was created for and by Him. He never grows weary. We cannot begin to fathom His understanding. When my circumstances seem impossible, I need to remember how big my God really is…

When things aren’t the way we want them to be. When circumstances block our goals…when illness comes…when hearts are broken… when life disappoints. We need to remember that our God is bigger than anything that is keeping us from what we want. But, we also need to know that our God is bigger than that thing we so desperately want. He, himself, is the ultimate fulfillment of all of our desires.

Marshall Segal of desiringGod.org says it this way, “The reality is that all of us can imagine something better for ourselves than our circumstances today. The greater reality is that, if you love and follow Jesus, God always writes a better story for you than you would write for yourself. The “better” is based on this: God himself is the best, most satisfying thing you could ever have or experience, and, therefore, fullness of life is ultimately found not in any earthly success or relationship or accomplishment, but in your proximity to God through faith.”

“Lord, help us to seek You above all else. Remind us that, in You, we have all that we need.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 14, 2019

Best Love Ever

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love is eternal.” Psalm 136:1 (ESV)

Who doesn’t love a warm, sunshiny day right in the midst of winter? Spring and summer are my fave seasons, so I am totally loving it and holding on tight to every ray of sunshine we had last week. But like the flipping of a switch, the tease of Spring faded back to the cold and wet of winter all too soon. While I don’t like the frigid temps and chilling winds of winter, I’d much rather get it over with then endure fluctuating between the two.

Wonder how easy life would be if the weather was the only yo-yo we had to deal with? As women our emotions can bounce all over the place. Hormonal imbalances and daily challenges can send us over the edge quickly. Our love thermometer can run from hot to cold in record time. Dare I even mention the scales that seem to fluctuate hourly as we age. Let’s just admit it sometimes we are more unstable, unpredictable and sporadic than the weather could ever be.

Love the way our God is never changing. His love is higher, deeper and wider than we dare dream. Steadfast, faithful and full of mercy, we can count on God’s character and love to never fluctuate. We don’t have to wonder if He loves us today, because He has promised to love us forever. God’s love is tough and holy always doing what is in our best interest. He never responds wrongly – forever gently leading us in the direction we should go. No imbalances are found in His redeeming love. No favoritism allowed. Simply more than enough love for all the world – even those who don’t believe.

We can’t read Psalm 136 and not know the depths of His love. Our mighty, Creator God moves with compassion and authority to protect His own. He remembers us, rescues us, provides for us and does awesome wonders on behalf of those He loves. God’s love is eternal, never exhausted or used up. Can’t even imagine a love like that – One who loves passionately even when we often don’t return His love.
Don’t know how you’re spending your Valentine’s Day, but mine will start with praising my God who demonstrates His love over and over again. The perfect read for my morning will be found in Psalm 136 rehearsing His goodness, proclaiming His faithfulness and drinking deep of His love.

“Father, we are so blessed by Your love. Help us to be reflectors of Your love to all we meet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 13, 2019

Romancing Your Creator

“…I desire you more than anything on earth.” Psalm 73:25

Remember the day that special person entered your life and you just knew something was different? This particular person made butterflies flutter in your stomach and lumps appear in your throat. Just maybe you went out of your way to “run into this person.” Or took extra care in your appearance because “you know who” was going to be around. Not to mention the endless phone conversations. Admit it! We’ve all been there.

This is a form of romance…humanly speaking. The same way we experience romance in an earthly manner we can have the ultimate romance with our Creator? The One who knows us better than our spouse or closest friend. The One who created us, planned our lives and loves us so much He died for us.

Textbooks, seminary and theology cannot teach us how to know God intimately. Jesus must be experienced! A romance with Jesus could be defined as pursuing a love relationship for its beauty and sacred devotion between God and one’s self.

Once we have experienced the presence of God in a tangible, loving relationship that transcends all other relationships our hearts are overwhelmed with unspeakable joy. We “rev-up” our hearts in hot pursuit of the One who’s heart is set on us. The One who has a wealth of hidden treasures and secret riches just waiting to be discovered (Is.45:3).

Worship is our love language to the Lord. A privilege we, as believers, express our reverence and gratitude. We have the ability to worship, pray and meditate continually in humble adoration with our hearts, eyes and hands outstretched to the Holy God who desires for us to pursue Him. In return, He will never disappoint our affections.

“Father, a deep meaningful relationship with You gives us undeniable, unshakeable, unstoppable confidence in who You are, what You can do and what You say! Give us a pure and holy passion to respond to You.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 12, 2019

Convenience

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Merriam-Webster defines convenience as “a quality or situation that makes something easy or useful for someone by reducing the amount of work or time required to do something.” To me, traveling by car is a convenience that I seldom exchange for the pleasure of flying. Why? Simply because of all the nuisance involved in getting through the check lines, having complete strangers with blue gloves digging through my luggage and being at the mercy of airport authorities that may cancel flights at their own discretion. Experienced this pleasure when my flight to Miami got canceled after having been delayed three times, which made me wait until the next day to fly out. Sometimes we miss out on something great because we forego the opportunity just because of convenience.

Our obedience to God, however, cannot come out of convenience. His Word does contain promises for His people, but He also requires their obedience to His commands. It was not convenient for Moses to wander in the desert for 40 years with whining people by his side, but out of obedience, he did so. It was not convenient for Jesus to bleed and die on a cross for our sins, but out of obedience to His Father’s plan of salvation to mankind, He did so.

The frustration caused by the cancellation of my flight almost made me forget how awesome it is to travel above the clouds. I go to watch the sun rise and set in a way we normally can’t, unless we are risen above those clouds – definitely a worth price to pay.

“Dear Lord, it isn’t always convenient for us to get out of our comfort zone and reach out to others, but thanks to Your grace, when we do it, the reward is so worth it!”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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