Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 11, 2019

Longing For Real

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

Ever been shocked to realize what we thought was true and real unfortunately was not? Found myself on this track the other day. One of my fave sitcoms growing up had kept me mesmerized by the fun loving, compassionate characters. Watching a rerun on cable, I quickly was reminded of the clean comedy, simple heart touching stories and wisdom pouring from the mouth of the main character. No shows today even come close to the lessons, respect and take aways.

Sounded too good to be true – really? I started reading and looking up info on this particular character and found his real life self was far from his acting role. Guess that’s why they call it acting, but we easily forget who they portray on tv isn’t who they really are. We fall for the projection of the character and not the character of the actor.

Today’s culture makes it even more difficult to recognize realness. Savvy social media posts, Instagram pictures and the perfect tweet can easily cultivate a listening audience. We can buy into the image on the screen trusting everything they say to be absolute truth. Sad to say, the reality is most people project a much better version of self than the one looking them in the mirror.
Great reminder to not fall for smooth talk. Sweet words of caution to watch for fruit before we assume it exists. Our actions ultimately unveil what is in our hearts and minds. We’d be wise to verify before we jump to our own surface conclusions.

While finding real is challenging, we don’t have to look far to see the authenticity of our God. He is exactly who He says He is. No doubting His character – its woven throughout the pages of scripture. No need to double check God’s references, we can trust Him to fulfill His word. From Genesis to Revelation, God has proven He is the One true God! His character genuinely reflects His words. His promises are the real deal – we can’t lose when we count on God.

So if our culture has left us longing for truth, realness and unaware who we can trust, we would be wise to invest in time with our God. Search deep in His word. Uncover how He lovingly and compassionately dealt with His children. Read about His expectations…they never change. Embrace the story unfolding from chapter to chapter of God’s immense love and desire to have a relationship with us.

Don’t know about you, but I know there’s no acting or pretending when it comes to our Holy God! We can completely believe that He is who He says He is.

“Father many things seek to deceive and lead us far away from truth. Plant seeds of discernment in our hearts and minds so we will recognize what’s real and what is not.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 8, 2019

Unshakeable Faith

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; it leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

If we are totally honest with ourselves when do we struggle? When do our emotions rage out of control? When do we find ourselves becoming overwhelmed and consumed with fear and worry?

Quite simply it happens every time we leave God out of our world– when we choose to seek stability in our own lives. Perhaps we are banking on our marriage, family or friends. Perhaps we are counting on our bank account, our ministry or our career.

Regardless, God’s Word reminds us that there is only one source of security and it is found in unshakeable faith in Him. We can attempt to draw security from other sources, but He is the only One that truly sustains.

Don’t we want to have that kind of trust? Confident that no matter what touches our lives, our God will enable us to flourish even in the hard places. When the pressures of life rise, God promises to fill us with peace. Even in seasons of loss and drought, He guarantees that we will bear fruit if we keep our focus on Him. Nourished in His Word and energized through prayer, the woman who places her security and confidence in God will not be disappointed.

“Father, being with You invites joy into the midst of suffering, heartache and disappointment. Thank You for being the Solid Rock that we can stand upon.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 7, 2019

Lavished With Abundance

“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)

A princess is the daughter of a sovereign head of state such as: a king, queen or emperor. Most of us have seen, read or heard a story of how royalty live. To the average person it’s hard to fathom the lavish lifestyles of the ultra-rich. The children, heirs better known as prince and princess, born into extravagant lifestyles of affluence is mind boggling. Lavished with abundance of property, riches, wealth and all the excess of material goods money can buy.

Have you ever stopped to wonder, we too are princesses? We are the daughters of the Ultimate figure of royalty. The King of the universe, who sits on His throne.

You may be thinking, “I don’t live like a princess” with all the attributes derived from a natural perspective in a tangible way. However, if we know and understand our Father in heaven is truly our Daddy; then why don’t we view ourselves as His daughters, His heirs…His princesses? We have a Father, who spoke the world into existence. All creation bows at His command. He tells the oceans where to stop, the rains when to fall, the winds when to blow, the sun when to shine and the moon where to hide. Our Father owns the cattle on thousand hills (Ps. 50:10) and everything in between. It’s by the grace of God, who gives the ability to produce wealth (Duet. 8:18). If He gives the heathen of this world the ability to obtain wealth, why wouldn’t He do the same for His children?

It’s time to believe big, trust big and dream big! Several years ago, I coined the phrase, “if you believe God is small He has no reason to prove otherwise. However, if you believe God is big…He’ll show you just how big He is.” With simple “child-like” faith trusting and believing God and standing on His word. I have found in my own life God will meet you exactly where you are believing Him and add in His word as “back up”; and He has no other choice but to show up. He will never, ever disappoint in His perfect timing.

“Lord, we believe You are our Father. Therefore, each of Your daughters has an inheritance fit for a princess because we are the heirs to all You have to offer.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 6, 2019

Doing The Tough Work

“O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” Psalm 30:2 (ESV)

Ever felt an excruciating pain running down the back of your leg? Wish I could say I haven’t – but last year sciatic nerve issues became my worst friend. Without a warning it greeted me right after Christmas and stayed past its welcome. When the pain finally subsided months later, I found my muscles weak, strained and stiff. Had no idea, I’d feel this way – after all, I hit the gym five days out of the week. My usual energetic, flexible self vanished quickly.

Doctor’s remedy was simple, gentle stretching of those muscles. Now I have to admit stretching what was still tender and hurting didn’t sound like fun to me. In fact, I avoided the doctor’s orders because the very thought of aggravating my sciatic loomed large in my mind. Boy, did I regret that decision! Fast forward to 2019 and I’m doing the tough work of stretching, strengthening and recovering what sciatic stole from me. Or did it? What I missed because I feared the pain or reoccurrence was my fault alone.

Lesson I’m learning – whether it’s physical, emotional or spiritual pain – the effects and remedy are similar. And the reasons we avoid doing the hard work are the same. Don’t know about you, but wounds of our soul leave us fragile, vulnerable and weak. We’d much rather ignore or dismiss what we fear confronting. Never serves us well to forego healing even if the pain subsides a little. What we fail to deal with will raise its ugly head eventually. We can only stuff it down for so long. And just like my muscles became stiff, strained and weak our souls will become hardened, inflexible and weak.

The remedy – well it’s quite simple, straightforward – just not easy. Pursue healing at all costs. Perhaps it’s sessions with a godly counselor. No shame there. We’ve all needed help. Maybe it’s time to clear our schedule so our bodies and minds can recover, rest and reflect. No shame there. We all need stillness. Could be we need to fall down on our knees and admit how much we need our sweet Jesus to get us thru. Definitely no shame there. He is waiting for us to come with open arms. What feels like it will break us can be radically redeemed if we choose to face it, deal with it and run to our gracious Healer.

“Father, You are our Healer – the only One who can restore, rebuild and redeem the wounds of our soul. Help us to not miss the lesson – we can do the tough work if we rely on You to strengthen us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 5, 2019

Make A Wish or Pray a Prayer

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (ESV)

When my youngest was 4 years old, he used to love riding around the neighborhood in a little green wagon. Every time we saw a “wishing flower”—a dandelion, I had to stop immediately. Kaden would then carefully pick the flower, make a wish, and blow the flower until he had no more breath. (If he couldn’t blow the flower clean in one breath, he would just rip the rest of the white “floaties” from the stump.) Most of the time, he wouldn’t tell me what he wished for, fearing the wish would not come true. One day, he was overcome with excitement and just had to tell me. Kaden said, “Mommy, do you know what I wished for? That Mickey Mouse would be alive again!”

Hmm… I wasn’t sure what to say to that so I just smiled and started pulling the wagon along again. What 4-year-old wouldn’t want to play with a “real live” Mickey?

Later that day, I was reading my Bible when I came across this verse: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

I certainly don’t think God would bring Mickey Mouse back to life, especially since he was never alive in the first place, but it did get me thinking. How often do we rely on wishful thinking when we could rely on Jehovah-jireh? Jehovah-jireh is a name for God which means “the Lord will provide.” God is called by this name in Genesis 22:14. God tested the faith of Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac but God provided a ram instead. God presented a picture of the sacrifice His Son would make for us. Jehovah-jireh provides our salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Will we trust Him with our day-to-day needs? No matter what our circumstances … no matter what our need … where will we go for provision?

I am so grateful that I serve an all-powerful God who provides for my every need—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually–instead of placing my fate in the hands of a “wishing flower.” Nothing is impossible with God, our Provider.

I place my trust in You, Jehovah-jireh, for my salvation as well as my every need. Thank You for Your provision.

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 4, 2019

Keeping Momentum…..Every Day

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2 (ESV)

Can’t believe it but January is history. This month has gone by so fast and today marks the moment when resolutions and goals gain momentum or we give in to “I give up.” Not what we envisioned probably on January 1. Takes 30 days for new habits to be formed. Takes 30 days to break old habits. Consistency has always been the key in cultivating change.

What are you tackling in 2019? How’s it going so far? Easy to start roaring out the starting gate of a new year with lots of ambition and excitement. But it takes consistency and discipline to keep pressing through at a steady pace. Any goal worth pursuing and any challenge worth beating requires hard work and a determined mindset to stay the course.

Gotta admit it’s awfully tempting to skip or forego a goal for just one day. Easy to rationalize why it really won’t impact our desired end. Totally excusable, we think, to allow other things to convince us we just don’t have time. Amazing isn’t it how easily we can talk ourselves out of something we promised to do for one day and then one becomes two, two becomes three….I think you get the picture. Before we know it, we’ve opened the door to losing momentum.

Now don’t get me wrong – I’m all for grace in those moments when enthusiasm lags or life happens. But if we really want to see change in us then we can’t keep doing the same things over and over again that don’t serve us well. We have to press past giving up and keep the momentum.

Love the way scripture reminds us of those whose consistency served them well. On the run from King Saul, David repeatedly claimed God as his refuge. Three times a day, Daniel postured his heart on bended knee and prayed to God. Ruth daily provided for her mother-in-law, Naomi, without any hopes of a kinsman redeemer. Faced with numerous persecutions, Paul steadfastly preached the message that Jesus was the Messiah. Giving up was never on their lips. Entertaining excuses didn’t characterize their actions. Faithfully and persistently, they chose to trust God and not cave in.

Sweet friends we can do the same. Whatever goals God is setting before us, we can accomplish if we stay the course, keep up the momentum, hit discouragement straight on and trust God to fulfill His good purposes in us. Victory is ours for the taking – let’s finish strong!

“Father, You have equipped us with everything we need to accomplish Your will in our lives. Meet us at any places of discouragement or laziness that seeks to detour us from Your best. Praising You even now for all we will accomplish together in 2019.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 1, 2019

When Listening Is All We Have

“When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words.” Matthew 6:7 (HCSB)

I don’t know that’ I’ve ever been at a loss for words. How about you? Chatting is my best sidekick – I just don’t stay quiet for long. I’m sure as a child, I was annoying. Always asking questions. Talking endlessly as if tomorrow I wouldn’t be able to speak. And what did this girl talk about? While I don’t remember most of those conversations, I’m sure I filled up a lot of space with absolutely nothing but noise.

Fast forward to big girl status and my talking can still go on forever. I just love the sound of my voice in an empty room reaching to the heart of God. Soothes my soul in a big way. Connects my heart in a deep way. Drowns out His voice – not a good way.

Being still before Jesus doesn’t come easy to this rambling girl. Don’t know that I would have ever learned how until I lost my voice. Totally disconnected from everyone and everything, I strained my vocal chords simply attempting to be heard. Next day what little I had was gone. Not a single whisper. A pen and paper in hand, I wrote words I couldn’t say. Held them up high for others to see and read. Hoping to engage, connect and release all that was bottled up that couldn’t get out.

Worst part, I couldn’t seem to find God. Prayer suddenly seemed distant since He couldn’t hear my voice. So, I sat without a word to say or write. Stillness surrounded me and then I finally listened. My many words were gone and His Words filled my soul. No more rambling and empty phrases just simply hearing what He had tried to say for so long.

Love Jesus’ sweet reminder that we don’t have to speak much to be heard. Love the fact that our Heavenly Father isn’t impressed with our vocabulary or lack thereof. Convicted that He expects me to come (when you pray) to listen and not just fill up space with my noise. Love the way He ever so gently waits for quiet to settle in.

“Father, You are more impressed with our hearts than our words. Help us to draw near to you and listen for Your voice and not our own.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 31, 2019

Called To Go

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

I was watching bees pollinating flowers some time ago, and was fascinated at how they diligently moved from flower to flower, gently kissing them while they transferred the pollen amidst them. The pollination process enables the transfer of the pollen, which is fundamental to the process of fertilization of plants, and bees definitely can help with that.

As I sat there, watching the bees, I started to think of how our diligence in being wise with our words, being patient and kind with our actions, and being bold with our communication skills and God-given talents, can grow and enlarge the kingdom of God. All of these speaking salvation and eternal life in the name of Jesus.

The Bible is filled with stories about the many trips that Jesus and His disciples took in order to teach people about the kingdom of God. In those days, they travelled by foot or donkey. They didn’t have the amenities we have, such as air conditioned vehicles, filtered bottled water, clean bathrooms and other things we often take for granted. Yet, like the bees with the pollen, they did not stop proclaiming the good news.

When was the last time we got out of our comfort zone to talk to someone about the need to accept the Lord Jesus as their Savior? How far were we willing to travel to make sure that other souls would not perish without the opportunity to know the healing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

We are called to go – whether into our own neighborhoods, our cities, or to other nations – to proclaim the news about Christ. Just like the bees, moving about, sharing from what is sweet to us, sharing it with those who so desperately need it. Do not waste time, sweet friend. If the Lord has called you, answer that call and go!

“Dear Lord Jesus: You always equip those You call. Our prayer is that we do not waste what You give to us. Thank You for believing in us, Lord.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 30, 2019

When Love Overrides Critique

“Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” I Thessalonians 5:12-13 (HCSB)

Critique is something we definitely don’t like to get. We’re usually hard enough on “us” that we don’t really want to hear anyone else’s list. We’re typically uncomfortable being confronted with our own “not so great moments” that we don’t need them highlighted by anyone else. We’re so terribly sensitive about our “weaknesses” that we don’t see any reason to share them. Keeping it real – we avoid critique of self – it’s just simply too painful.

Wonder why not critiquing “us” makes it perfectly okay to critique someone else? Attend an event, gathering or church service and critique enters center stage. As if someone handed us a checklist when we entered the room, we feel inclined or “led” to evaluate whether it met our expectations. We analyze the speaker from head to toe. We decide if the music is too loud, too much or not enough. We find fault in the acoustics, parking, etc. and express our disapproval on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all our world to see.

Quite unbalanced wouldn’t you say? We avoid critique, yet we have no trouble scrutinizing others. We flip the scales to our advantage and overlook the impact our view could have on others. We disregard the hard work, sacrifice and sweet offerings of those who serve, teach and minister for the sake of what we would have done differently.

Love these sweet words in I Thessalonians that remind us to encourage one another. Never does Paul mention the need to critique or investigate with the intent to put down our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we don’t understand what is being said or we are unsure then we should definitely consult God’s word and ask Him to lead us to truth. However, that’s not what Paul is talking about in these verses. The key word here is found “in those who lead you in the Lord.” When others are leading us in the Lord, they are leading us in the right direction. So sweet friends, the next time we are tempted to give our perspective wouldn’t we be wise instead to pray for, encourage and show appreciation to those who are serving the body of Christ.

“Father, You are overjoyed when Your children are at peace with one another truly reflecting You heart for all the world to see.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 29, 2019

When Proving Right Is Overrated

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)

King Solomon is considered to be the wisest man to have ever lived. Simply because He prayed for wisdom (2Chron.1:8-10) and God answered. A fun fictional comic book fact: the superhero, Captain Marvel uses the acronym SHAZAM to change from Billy Batson to Captain Marvel. The “S” in SHAZAM represents Solomon because of his wisdom (Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, Mercury = SHAZAM.)

Because of James 1:5, years ago, I started praying for wisdom…in no particular area just pure wisdom. I can testify, God answered that prayer at times leaving me humbled knowing it’s certainly not me, but without a doubt God.

I love learning and there is a lot to grasp and gain just by everyday living. I thrive on knowledge in any capacity. However, I’ve found it’s best sometimes to keep my “knowledge” to myself and my mouth fastened…especially if it really doesn’t matter; and to be “right” is on my agenda. A self-righteous spirit of always having to be right is unloving. All through Matthew chapter 23, verse after verse, Jesus is very stern and unsparing towards the Pharisees. Jesus calls the Pharisees out on all their cowardly and dastardly deeds. They meticulously followed a long lists of religious rules and regulations at being “right.” However, Jesus pointed out their self-righteous, unloving spirit. In other words, it’s OK to be right, but don’t do it wrong.

Knowledge is power, helpful and a necessity. However, always having to be right is the wrong heart attitude. Especially if being right is argumentative and makes someone feel inferior. I would rather be quiet and understanding showing the love of Christ than be right and uncaring acting like a Pharisee.

“Father, we thank You for answered prayers of knowledge and understanding. May we use Your generous gifts as good deeds never finding fault with our brothers and sisters in Christ. First, having a right heart attitude…even if that means our wisdom has to come in second.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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