Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 20, 2019

The One Who Never Gives Up

“Rejoice with me for I (Jesus) have found my sheep that was lost.” Luke 15:6b “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 (ESV)

Pedaling down our street, my son sped around the neighborhood. The feeling of freedom serenading him as his bike went further and further away from our home. It was a defining moment….discovering territory he’d never experienced before. Totally caught up in the moment and unaware of where he and his friends were going.

Standing at my kitchen sink, I assumed the absence of my son in our backyard meant he and his friends were now playing in the front. Never crossed my mind to think otherwise. My sweet little six year old had never wandered beyond our yard without permission. Clueless to the fact he’d sped out the driveway following his friends home.

But then an unsettled feeling swept over me, and I suddenly felt an urge to confirm my thinking. As I walked towards the front yard, my heart raced – no children were in sight. Panic overwhelmed me quickly and this momma went on a hunt for the one missing.

As parents, we’ve probably all lived moments when our child wandered away. Just the thought of our little one being lost gives us chills followed by all kinds of scenarios in our mind. Blessed this search didn’t last too long and my sweet boy was back in my arms.

While I have limited knowledge of how my son got lost and where he was headed, our Heavenly Father knows it all. Simply put, when we chose to wander away, we are never out of His sight. No matter how far we run. No matter how quickly our feet move in the wrong direction. God’s sees all, knows all and is totally aware of where our destination will lead us. Wonder what emotions overwhelm Him when He sees the road we are taking?

Love God’s sweet persistence in coming after us. Never giving up. Diligently searching fully aware of our rebellious heart resisting Him. Humbled to know He is willing to pick us up and carry us. Deeply moved by God’s love rather than judgment of those who wander away. Close our eyes and we can only imagine His joy in finding one who was lost – found by the One who knows all about us and loves us still.

“Father, our wanderings are more than we dare count. Praising You for rescuing, healing and delivering us from ourselves.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2019

We Need Jesus

“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31 (NIV)

When we read Genesis 1, also titled “The Beginning,” we can see how God organized everything He created with much detail, care, love and reflective of Who He is. Nothing created by God was below par. And as He created each one, He was pleased with what He saw. I wonder if when He created mankind He purposely wired us to be a complicated being, but the reality seems to be that mankind is far more complicated than any other species under the sun.

From the beginning of times, there were situations when we clearly could see man’s craftiness, lack of truth, and selfishness. Look at Adam and Eve, for example. Man and woman in a garden plentiful of what they needed and the one thing they were told not to touch or eat from, they could not withhold from leaving alone. Woman listened to serpent, ate fruit and shared it with the man, who blamed his action on the woman; and it was downhill from then. Their offspring, Cain and Abel were supposedly good boys, but when Cain was tested by God for not being recognized as bringing the best of his first fruits to the altar, eaten by jealousy, he tricked and slayed his brother and then pretended not to know what happened to him.

King David’s daughter was raped by her half-brother, who was then killed by their brother for raping her. Joseph, the cocky boy with a coat of many colors, was thrown in a pit and sold by his brothers. Samson, who got tricked by the woman he chose for his wife, Delilah, lost all the power he had been given by God at birth. And on and on it goes.

By now, you are probably wondering what my point in all of this is. Well, I will tell you: we are all faulty and susceptible to sin and to actions that do not glorify God. This, my friends, is reason enough to recognize that we need a Savior. We need redemption. And He is right there, ready to rescue you and me. His name? Jesus Christ.

“Lord Jesus, we need You, we so desperately need You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 15, 2019

When We Entertain The Edge of Falling

“So whoever stands must be careful not to fall.” I Corinthians 10:12 (HCSB)

Ever tried to stand on one foot only to cave quickly? Despite our determination to stand firmly in one place, our weak muscles win out. And that crash to the floor isn’t pretty or fun. Embarrassed, we quickly get back up dismissing our attempt because we just knew we were stronger.

Hard to admit our weakness. Hard to dismiss our failings. Even harder to confess our inability to stand firm. Bet we’ve all been there when we entertained a not so good option totally convinced we wouldn’t cave in. Probably experienced proud moments too confident we were above tipping over the edge of someone else’s tempting moments. Dare we even admit those times judging others puffs us up to a perceived higher status that would “definitely not do the same.”

Weak moments where we count on personal strength never serve us well. We need God’s Spirit empowering us to stay on course, so we won’t give in when personal desires attempt to derail us. We need awareness of our inability to stand firm by ourselves. Smart women guard their hearts and cover their minds with the truth of God’s Word. Wise women invest in strengthening resolve and strategically choose to avoid the potential of sin dragging us down. Humble women admit their weaknesses and avoid leaning on self or pretending they’ve got it all under control.

Bottom line sweet friend, we want to stand. And part of that standing requires awareness of how easy it is to fall and how quickly we can lose our footing. Holding on tight to our God is the only way to journey through life. Resting confidently in His strength to see us through. Perfection we will miss on this earth, but blameless we can achieve if we stay close to Him.

Keeping it real here – let’s tackle that one thing consistently seeking to pull us down. Let’s surrender it at the feet of Jesus and determine to not take it back. Let’s pray daily for protection, wisdom and discernment in weak moments. Let’s not boast but rather admit we need God desperately to keep us standing firm.

“Father, give us your eyes to see the potential of slipping before we entertain the edge and fall. Help us to draw strength, stability and firmness from You and not trust self to get us through.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2019

The Trap of Comparison

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Romans 12:3 (NLT)

There’s a bit of pride going on in my house right now. Comparison weaseled its way in and made itself at home. “I’m almost a head taller than you, little brother,” older brother says as he puffs out his chest and rises to his full height. Lately, my sons have been growing like weeds. Jeans that used to bunch at the ankles now reveal the socks below.

They celebrate every time they grow taller than yet another adult in the family, but no matter how fast little brother grows, he cannot grow taller than his older brother. This makes older brother proud of his height, constantly comparing himself with shorter family members (including me).

Our key verse warns against our pride in thinking better of ourselves than reality. We are to evaluate ourselves, not by measuring ourselves in comparison to other believers, but by measuring ourselves “by the faith God has given us.” This translation of the verse gives an alternate wording: “by the standard of our God-given faith.”

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

Our faith is based on God’s gift of salvation. God challenges us to evaluate ourselves by the faith He is growing in us as we learn to place our trust in Him.

“Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.” (C.S. Lewis)

Just as we undergo surgery to remove cancerous tumors and chemotherapy to eradicate cancer cells, let’s surrender our pride to the knife of honesty. Are you measuring yourself by the right standard?

“Lord, Your grace is such a beautiful gift; thank You. May we be honest in our evaluation as we measure ourselves by the standard of the faith You’ve given us.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 13, 2019

Beauty Unfolding

“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:29,31 (ESV)

It simply started as a tiny little shoot – actually an infant rose – spreading roots deep into the soil. Now this wasn’t just an ordinary flower beginning to flourish and grow. My mom started the process from her own rose bush and now several years later mine is blooming in abundance. Every time, I come down our sidewalk, I smell the deep aroma and see the beauty of all those buds opening. Sweet reminder of my Mom’s fragrant love for her children and grandchildren. She has the biggest heart ever. Grateful and blessed by the legacy of a godly mother.

Amazing how quickly time evolves, and we find ourselves mothers, grandmothers or spiritual mentors. Whether we have physical children or not, God created us to nurture the lives of others. I have three children: two in Heaven and one on earth. My dreams of a large family looks totally different than I ever imagined. Perhaps yours does too. However, some of the greatest blessings of my life have been the spiritual children God has brought into my path. Hugs, encouragement, prayers and a cherished season of celebrating their growth. Wouldn’t trade a moment with any of them.

Spiritual motherhood is an incredible blessing – a cherished trusting of ones who need guidance, grace and love. An entrusting of dear ones our Lord loves ever so much. An opportunity to sow deep roots of God’s truth and faithfulness encouraging an abundance of growth beyond our comprehension. A chance of a lifetime to pour into those the things God is teaching us. A sweet remembrance of where we have been and how God divinely orchestrated these moments in our life – a fragrant offering.

Who are you nurturing in this season of your life? Maybe little ones gather at your feet and cling tight everywhere you go. Drink deep of those moments. Perhaps your arms are empty longing for just one to hold. Lean into our Savior and realize the beauty of His filling. Regardless of where you are dear friend never forget God desires to use your life in a powerful way to birth His purposes in those who enter our lives.

“Father, You are the Giver of life, the Ordainer of our days and the One who knows exactly what we need. Praising You for transforming empty to full. Praising You for transform lives right before our eyes.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2019

When Good Runs Out The Door

“He poured out this Spirt (Holy Spirit) on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:6 (HCSB)

Ever had one of those days when good evaporated before 9 am? Really! How can so much happen in such a brief span of time. A perfectly great night of sleep. A delish cup of coffee. A carefree drive to the office. And when you least expected it – good ran right out the door. Unexpected deadlines came out of nowhere. The list of things to do grows and the inbox of your email has too many urgents. Everyone wants it all right now. Did I mention it wasn’t even 9 am yet?

Calm can easily transition into chaos without us even lifting a finger. Those are the precise moments when we tend to lose control. The things we didn’t plan to say slide right off our tongue. The way we never wanted to respond hits us square in the face. The verses we read that morning somehow fade. If we’re honest, we’ve all experienced those times when our spirit overrode His Spirit. And the aftermath wasn’t pretty. As soon as reality sunk in and we replayed the events in our mind, we wanted to run and hide. Good left and our ugly moved right in.

Thankful for His sweet grace that covers me on those “less than days.” Moments when I seize control without even thinking twice. Times when I move into action without even consulting God and the guilt overtakes me. Drinking deep of His mercy those mornings when good walks out and I choose self instead of Him. No one to blame but me, because His Spirit is poured out abundantly in us.

Loving that word in our verse “abundantly.” God has given us more than enough of His Spirit to handle our tough days. He has filled us beyond expectation – a large pouring that exceeds all those moments when self desires to rule. So the next time we are tempted to just let go of Him and embrace self simply don’t. Choose instead to be Spirit controlled even if no one else is. Choose to speak His words despite what we hear all around us. Choose to respond reflecting Him regardless of the actions, demands or urgents of others. And then sweet friend we can stand firm and strong in the power of our God.

“Father, You have empowered us, filled us and equipped us. Help us to embrace Your Spirit regardless of what happens in our day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2019

Where Do We Place Our Faith

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1 (NLT)

I grew up figure skating. I loved the feeling of cold air on my face as I whirled around the rink. The blade slicing through the ice during a deep edge was my favorite sound. Experimenting with new positions in a spin was how I chose to spend the majority of my time. My coach preferred that I practice my jumps, so I did my best to stay out of her line of sight while I continued practicing spins.

Launching myself off an edge or toepick into the air was scary. Anything could happen, including falling hard. Whenever it was time to learn a new jump, my coach would explain what she wanted me to do then fully expected me to execute the jump. Right at the moment of takeoff, my fear would sabotage the jump, preventing me from getting the height needed to complete the rotations. No matter how much she yelled, flailed her arms, or stomped her feet, I could not make myself jump high enough.

Finally, my coach would bring out the jump harness. Working on a pulley, she would pull the rope at the point of takeoff, assisting me in getting the height I needed. I trusted my coach to lift me at just the right moment. Eventually, my confidence grew as my body learned the muscle memory required to perform the jump without her assistance.

Our key verse speaks of much more than faith in another person to assist us in a difficult jump or to help us accomplish a goal.

We have been declared righteous by placing our faith in God alone who has the power to save us. This “peace with God” is not merely a temporary feeling, a sense of happiness dependent on favorable circumstances. Our righteous standing before God creates a permanent sense of harmony, a lasting peace of mind.

We have all sinned. Our sin separates us from God, but faith in Christ as our Savior frees us from the penalty of sin (Romans 3:23-24 NLT). Because of what Jesus has done for us, we now have reconciliation with God.

Who can you share this Good News of faith in Christ with today?

“Lord, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus, paying the penalty for our sins, so that we can be made right in Your sight by faith. Give us boldness to share the Good News with others.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 3, 2019

His Perfect World

“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 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.

Amazing how quickly a perfect world can became 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. Or just maybe comparison has distorted our view.

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 fruits of His Spirit. It’s a world that looks beyond the imperfections, resists the temptations and rests in the beauty of God’s holiness.

“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 Faith, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 1, 2019

When Deep Connections Birth Godly Perspectives…

“Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding.” Proverbs 3:13 (HCSB)

There’s just some conversations we’d rather avoid. You know the ones that make us feel uncomfortable or uneasy. Like dealing with our insecurities or weaknesses. Being confronted on things we know we need to change. Tough conversations which often cause us to raise up walls rather than allow honest feedback to serve us well.

Ever noticed how easily we change the subject when the discussion is one we don’t want to engage in? In my family the key word is “anyway.” We simply just slide “anyway” into the conversation and redirect the focus to something we’d rather talk about. My mom is the master at this, and we enjoy a quiet laugh every time she lands there. But some subjects just simply can’t be avoided.

Jesus was great at engaging people in life transforming conversations. His words were filled with truth, love and grace. No lecture was required to convey His message. If His audience didn’t get it then Jesus used parables to help them understand. If His audience was critical; He simply spoke truth without igniting a debate or defending Himself. When tough subjects arose, Jesus didn’t insert “anyway” into His response. He took advantage of every opportunity to bring the gospel center stage.

In a 24 hour period, our lips will utter lots of words. Some carelessly thrown around. Others carefully chosen. Conversations will range from simple chatter to major confrontations. We will excuse away “hot topics” we really don’t want to discuss. We will chat, tweet and post whatever we want to say to audiences we really don’t know. So easy to pretend connection than to welcome honest face to face conversation.

Growth is birthed in tackling tough subjects. When we listen rather than quickly respond, we can hear things we would have otherwise missed. When we choose self examination rather than defending self, we open wide the door to transformation. When we stop dismissing, avoiding and disregarding the touch stuff, then we realize the beauty unveiled in gaining insight and wisdom from others.

Anyway will always be an easy stride out of topics we’d like to avoid. Shallow conversations are easy and carefree. But if we really want to engage in deep connections with others, we’ll have to forego the surface level and pursue vulnerability. Best part is we’ll find it’s exactly what we need.

“Father, You created us for deep lasting relationships. Building up, encouraging and strengthening one another. Help us to lower the walls and invite other’s godly perspectives into our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 29, 2019

When We Know What We Gotta Do

“Don’t think that you (Esther) will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace.” Esther 4:13b (HCSB)

Ever find yourself knowing what you need to do and just simply not wanting to do it? I think we’ve all been there. Moments when doing the right thing is the hard thing. Times when we keep asking for confirmation for the directions God has already given us.

When Esther was faced with the reality that she must confront the King in order to save her people, she responded a lot like we would. “Mordecai, don’t you know I just can’t just burst into the King’s court. The King hasn’t called for me for thirty days,” echoed from her lips. Truth spoken well yet still an excuse in the making. We’re great at zeroing in on the facts that shed credence to what we don’t want to do.

Love the way Mordecai reminded Esther, “Who knows perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Not exactly the wisdom, encouragement or direction Esther most likely desired, yet striking enough to propel her forward. But Esther doesn’t just accept the yes to do God’s will, she seeks His face for how to accomplish it. Esther calls for a fast – not just for self but for her maids, for Mordecai and the Jews.

Way to go Esther – take some time fast, pray and delay. Ask God to get you out of this mess and miraculously intervene so you won’t have to go through this. Sounds a lot like my words when “yes” means I really don’t want to obey. Not the case with Esther – her decision was made – “If I perish, I perish.” Pledging to do the tough, right thing Esther sought the favor, wisdom and guidance of God with her “yes” response.

Even when we know exactly what God is asking us to do, we need to press in and pray. This was critical in Esther’s situation and demonstrated her great dependence on God. We need to do the same. Too many times we accept His “yes” and move forward without seeking His favor or guidance for the next step. Esther’s decision to say yes and draw close granted her an audience with the King and great favor for the saving of her people. (Esther 5:2). Wonder what we are missing when we seize yes our way?

“Father, You are giver of all wisdom and the One who knows exactly how and when we are to respond. Teach us to not just accept “yes” but to trust You to lead us each step of the way.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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