Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 11, 2019

Whiter Than Snow

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 (ESV)

Clean out the fridge. Sweets eliminated. Clothes to the Goodwill. Closet clean. Papers shredded. Ready for Tax Season. It’s the acts of a new year. Getting rid of stuff that accumulates or attempts to sabotage our resolutions. Putting away the past and pushing forward to the new. Dumping excess in exchange for simpler less complicated.

Wonder if we need anything cleaned out of our personal lives? What do we need to eliminate emotionally? Is there anything cluttering up our minds? What has crept in while we were busy or distracted? Maybe it’s time we got rid of the stuff that hasn’t served us well. The very things we are holding onto may be the exact things that God wants us to release, eliminate and put away.

Facing the reality of what needs to be changed takes honesty and courage. If we want revival in our hearts and the lives of those around us, then we must humbly admit what needs changing and confessing. It so easy to slide into a new year with the anticipation of new, better and great – but if we remain the same as 2018, we will only reap the same.

Personal revival only comes after deep cleansing. Love the tender mercies of God and welcome His grace in our places that need His washing. Cherish the tears that lead to repentance and the sorrows that drive sin away. Love the arms spread wide drawing us close to His heart filled with compassion. Clinging to the joy restored when whiter than snow covers us. Singing His praises in the breaking of another dawn knowing new, better and great awaits those who obey God’s commands.

“Sweet Jesus, You have covered all our sins so that we can experience the freedom of walking in your truth and grace – we praise Your holy name!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Freedom, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 10, 2019

A Promise of Protection

“He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4 (NLT)

A farmer was walking his farm surveying the destructions of a devastating fire. He came across the carcass of a charred chicken and kicked it with his foot. To his amazement baby chicks ran from beneath the dead chicken’s wings. They had survived the heat, smoke and flames under the protection of their mother’s wings. Can you imagine this chicken lovingly corralling her chicks under her wings for protection.

In the very same way this chicken protected her chicks, you can be confident that your Father in heaven shields and shelters His children with His wings and feathers. Actually, it is His promise. Whenever you read the words “I will” in scripture it’s a promise from God. In this passage God does not say “I’ll see, maybe, perhaps or I‘ll think about it.” He says, “I WILL.” So He surely will do what He promises because He does not lie.

When life situations are too hot to handle, when you can’t see past the smoke and the flames of adversity are trying to consume you – remember you are even more precious to God than baby chicks. Imagine in your head God wrapping His loving arms as a shelter around you…safe and secure. You are shielded and protected by His promise as your armor.

“Father, how sweet to draw near to You, to rest in Your arms and know that we are safe. Your faithful promises are true – we can count on You to shield and protect us.”

For His Glory

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 9, 2019

Cultivating A Healthy Lifestyle

“The eye is the lamp of the body, so if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22 (ESV)

Squinting, I could barely read the fine print or so I thought it was fine print. Surprisingly to me around the age of 46, my eyes struggled to focus on anything upclose. Now all my friends had been using readers for quite a while, and I was convinced this aging event skipped over me. But then I found myself gradually holding paper further and further away – reading was becoming an issue. No need for alarm my eye doctor chuckled, “It happens to everyone.”

You see as we age, the lens inside our eye begins to harden and focusing becomes a bit more challenging. Those readers, we’ve learned to love, enable us to see upclose and avoid eye strain. Perfect solution – I’ve always got a pair with me – focusing is no longer an issue.

Wish I could say the same about my spiritual focus. Keeping my eyes fixed on God can be challenging. Don’t know about you, but I often find myself easily distracted. Facebook feeds, tweets, tv, people – seems like focusing on Him gets more difficult every day. Too many other things or people attractively attempting to capture our attention away from the One who matters most. And the sad reality is the more we allow our focus to become divided the more our hearts can become hardened to His truth. The tangible visible distorting our view of our invisible God never serves us well.

2019 ushers in a fresh opportunity to cultivate healthy eyes. Having a clear perception and understanding of God’s wisdom will not happen unless we determine to keep His Words in front of us. What will we do this year to ensure our eyes are fixed on God? Discipline and intense concentration will illuminate the very truths we need to maintain a healthy spiritual lifestyle. How will we avoid the distractions? What steps do we need to take to escape the trap of zeroing in on people versus fixing our gaze on God?

Lots of questions to consider as we head into another new year. Matthew 6:22 reminds us that it isn’t just about our gaze…. healthy eyesight positions us to reap the benefits of our entire being have spiritual insight. Now that’s a goal worth pursuing.

“Father, You have given us everything we need to succeed. Help us to embrace Your game plan and keep our eyes focused on You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 7, 2019

When Messy Invites Beauty


“Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is very precious in the sight of God.” I Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)

My house is a mess – a real mess!  I’ve been off from work since Christmas Eve, and I’ve cleaned out my pantry, cleaned out our “clutter” room and my office.  And right in the midst of my clean, white space….hubby decided to tile our living room wall where the tv and fireplace hang.  Now I’ve been waiting on this project to happen over a year so I silenced my urge to scream – “the house is clean are you kidding…you want to start this project now?”    Instead, I watched as he cautiously thought through this project and danced around it all morning before getting started.  And now well there is messy everywhere. Dust on the floor and rug, tiles throughout the living room.  A saw lining my sidewalk…..the list goes on and on.  But my hubby is almost done and it is absolutely beautiful!
 
Easy to see beauty now that “the project” is done. Not so easy to see it when the mess is cluttering up my clean!  Life can often be that way.  Don’t know about you but 2018 offered us some messy situations and/or people in our lives.  No one is perfect even us so it’s easy to see how messy happens but not always easy to see the potential beauty God longs to birth in us and the people in our circle. 

Patience is definitely one of those virtues that seems to slip through our fingers, but I’m so thankful our unchanging God is still patient, loving, kind, full of mercy and grace.  And that is just the beginning….His character is flawless, and we can trust Him to create lasting beauty in us despite the reappearing mess surrounding us.

So sweet friends let’s embrace 2019 expecting His beauty to transform our mess and be committed to seeing others’ messes as an opportunity for us to grow to be more like God. Let’s devote ourselves to daily interactions with His word and not just read them but ask God to show us how we need to apply His instructions.  Let’s spend more time on our knees seeking His face then time on our feet going in a multitude of directions.  Let’s intentionally choose to not allow another year escape us without allowing God to transform us into absolute beauties.

“Father, You are the only One who can cultivate real change in our lives.  Strengthen us and encourage us to walk in obedience with Your purposes in 2019.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin

TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 4, 2019

Bookends & The Stuff In-Between

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all You have done; I reflect on the work of Your hands.” Psalm 143:5 (HCSB)

The end of 2018 and the dawning of 2019 – the closing of one chapter and the unveiling of another. This week is always a time when I reflect on all that God has done for me in the past year and a prayerful time of seeking what He has for me in 2019. I call it my bookends – the period of time between old and new. Seems to come ever so quickly anymore – I’m sure you feel the same. If only we could get time to stand still long enough to drink deep and take in all that God does for us even in a moment.

What have your God moments been in 2018? If you don’t keep a list of those things God has done, I would challenge you to do so in 2019. Why? Because it’s that list of His unending blessings that propels us through hard places, complacency, discouragement and lukewarm days. I was talking with a friend a few months ago who was overwhelmed with life and couldn’t even see a glimpse of God’s goodness. So together we started her list and that ongoing list has carried her through many more days….enabling her to see His goodness despite the darkness.

The word “remember” is sprinkled throughout scripture; isn’t that just like God to challenge us to not forget what would so easily get misplaced in our crazy, distracted world. When I reflect on 2018, I remember most of all that He has never left my side. That God has enriched my journey with dear friends who have encouraged and inspired me in many ways. I remember little things jotted down on ragged, tear stained pages that lifted me through weary days and convicted me on grumbling rants. So thankful for the grace of God that covers my forgetfulness overshadowed by daily life.

What will our moments in 2019 bring? So glad, I can’t answer that – instead I take joy in knowing that God has it all covered. I can rest confidently in Him and yes, continue to keep the list of His blessings and faithfulness in my journey. Praying you do the same.

“Father, life evaporates right before our eyes – Your goodness is too easily forgotten. Help us to write down our blessings and teachable moments– living proof that You are intimately involved in all our days.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 2, 2019

Dream Big

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

Do we dream…dream big…no really, really big, but our dreaming only takes place in the depths of our heart and mind? Is there a deep desire in our heart buried under layer upon layer of hiddenness? Because that’s how big our desire is that just maybe we even question if God can accomplish it in our life. In our mind, the desire is so farfetched from our current human grasp or situation that we haven’t dared shared it with our closest confidant. Dream it anyways!!!

Looking back to my earliest memory more than one person, whether family or friend, has called me a “dreamer.” Even as a small child, I was aware that their statements were meant to detract from the merit of my desires and dreams. As a young adolescent and new convert to Christ, I realized it was God who gives us our ability to desire and dream.

When it comes to our dreams be joyfully expectant of and take heed – in other words pay attention to God’s Word and not the whispers of naysayer’s. As the Psalmist says, the Lord gives us our heart’s desires. Notice the word “give” in the verse. God causes the alignment of our desires. If we can dream it…God can surely do it. Also, notice the word desire is plural. God is the Giver of abundant desires. It is God who places right desires in our hearts and then in His perfect timing He aligns the right people, places and things so those desires come to fruition. So based on God’s Word…from one dreamer to another dreamer…DREAM BIG!!!

“Father, we praise You for Your giving heart, which allows us to dream and desire. We thank You for Your mighty ability that orchestrates our dreams and desires to manifest on our behalf.”

For His Glory

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 1, 2019

Strong Foundations Serve Us Well

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)

Navigating a new design to an old pattern – wow that’s just too much work. You see, we are great purchasers of new when old is no longer appealing. But what happens when the exchange involves people?
A hammer and nails we will not find in our designer purse but building, constructing, reinforcing and repairing is often on the agenda. Life gets messy. Differences and preferences separate even the closest of friends. No one is perfect – we’re simply frail human beings defaulting to our natural desires – looking out for “us.” Erecting a barrier, condemning the space and blocking grace can be favored rather than re-building a relationship. Perhaps there’s a bridge of forgiveness to be extended, but ending that relationship seems sweeter.

A little Construction 101 reminds us that a house is only as stable, strong and unshakeable as its foundation. Same principle applies in relationships. A weak foundation is easily disturbed and the crumbling underneath is devastating. If we are not careful, we will tear down, cast aside and discard a priceless treasure. It takes supernatural strength to repair, re-construct, reinforce and repair lives dangling by a thread.

But isn’t that where God found us? Isn’t that where God empowers us? Relationships built upon the rock of grace reflect a strong foundation – a wise woman. I love the way Proverbs challenges us to build up our own relationships, our own home and our own work environment. It’s the Restorer, Redeemer and Reconciler inviting us to react and live wisely. It’s the Sovereign One compelling us to weigh the cost of foolish emotions that tear down and destroy. How we long to be wise women whose house and relationships are built daily upon the truths of God’s word.

“Father, I am so thankful that You build up my life with Your wisdom and grace. How I need You to navigate all the relationships in my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 31, 2018

Look Back & Remember

“Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9 (NLT)

“We’re still the worst, but I think we’re getting better.” This is the nearly identical quote I hear every night after swim team practice. My two sons have loved the water from a very young age, but have only just tackled swim team. They have worked diligently to develop better techniques in their strokes and dives, as well as a higher level of endurance, but they are newbies in a pool full of veteran swimmers.

Two months into preseason swim, our family traveled out of town, staying at a hotel with a pool. “Let’s see what you’ve been learning at practice,” I suggested in order to get their blood moving in the chilly pool water. Kaden took off, performing flip turns and strokes he had not even known existed two months before. Not to be outperformed, Josiah showed off his strokes and flip turns. I was thoroughly impressed. I reminded them of where they were two months ago—struggling to dive properly, possessing no speed or endurance. What a difference two months has made!

Satisfied grins showed me that my words had penetrated, increasing their confidence in their abilities. They needed an outside observer to point out the difference in their past and present abilities. The repetition of daily practice kept them from noticing improvements.

Our daily struggles can feel that way. Same old, same old. Taking a step back may be just the encouragement we need. Looking back at old journal entries to remind us of the incredible work God has already done in our lives can give us the strength we need to trust God with our current circumstances. Seeking the honest observations of a trusted friend can help us to be reminded of where we were just a few months or years before–far less mature than today. Asking God to remove the blinders caused by worry and stress so we can clearly see all that He has done in our lives may be just the confidence-builder we need.
He alone is God. There is no other like Him. He can do immeasurably more than what we may think or imagine. “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Let’s take the time to look back and remember the amazing work God has done in our lives.

“Lord, You alone are God and there is none like You! Thank You for Your grace and mercy in working in our lives.”

For His Glory

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 28, 2018

A Chance of A Lifetime

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” Genesis 12:1-2 (NIV)

Genesis 12 introduces us to Lot, a man who held onto the curtails of his uncle, Abram’s, faith. Wealth, possessions and favor followed in Abram’s footsteps, so it’s a no brainer as to why Lot wouldn’t want to tag along. He was eager to follow and experience the benefits of Abram’s faith walk. Leaving his homeland of Ur for a great adventure

What about us? Have we found ourselves eager to grab a hold onto someone else’s faith because success characterized their journey?

Anytime, we hold onto someone else’s faith walk, we will always shortchange our own. God has a unique growth plan for each of His children’s lives, and He desires to deepen our level of trust in Him. Basing our decisions on what God is leading in someone else’s life without His clear direction for us will land us outside the will of God.

So whose curtails do we tend to hold onto? Maybe’s it’s our parent’s faith. Or perhaps we’ve placed our trust in results evidenced in the lives of others rather than the One who sovereignly orchestrates the events in our lives.

God is the Rewarder of those who place their faith in Him – don’t miss out on the journey – embracing the life He has for us is more than we can ever imagine.

“Father, empower us to step out in faith and pursue the journey You have for us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 26, 2018

God’s Undivided Attention

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

The best advice I can give someone is to pray! Pray about everything, anything and do it first before anything and everything.

Do you think the disciples struggled with prayer? They did not ask Jesus how to preach or teach, but how to pray. If the disciples who walked, ate and slept in the presence of Jesus and personally witnessed Him perform miracles had to ask Him how to pray; then how important is it for us to learn to pray?

Is your prayer life thriving or surviving? When we pray, we have the distinct privilege of knowing God is hearing our worship, thanksgiving and petitions. Prayer is active communion with Almighty God. As our Christian lives mature into a relationship with Jesus, our prayer lives also mature. We go from asking for “things” to worshipping God for all He has done and for who He is. We no longer need to plead and beg, but exalt and reverence the Holy One.

The Lord’s Prayer is not self-important, the words are not impressive, but simple, meaningful and powerful. We begin and end with giving God glory. There is no correct posture to prayer. Kneeling, lying, sitting or standing; God doesn’t care. Where you pray is wherever you may be. God is there. Jesus doesn’t specify a certain time of day. Anytime around the clock is fine with God. He’s awake and attentive. Prayer is not dressing in your Sunday’s best, putting on a serious look and praying in a tone that is not authentic.

Prayer is having God’s undivided attention to your worship and requests. Psalm 116:2, “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” What a beautiful picture of our loving Father caring for the needs, concerns and desires of His children. Prayer is one asking heart moving one giving heart. Amen!

“Father, You know, You hear and You care. It is our prayer to never cease praying because You will never stop answering. “

For His Glory

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Living

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories