Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 26, 2019

Deep Lessons In The Fall

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” Revelation 2:5a (ESV)

Great Britain’s Mo Farah was favored to win the Olympic 10,000m race. A captive audience held its breath and waited for the release of the runners to begin their event. Calm, cool and unstressed, Mo started his race waving to the crowds. He was energetic, upbeat and optimistic. Hallway through the course, Mo maneuvered through the dense group of runners. And in a split second, he fell and my heart fell right along with him. I just knew his chances of winning were evaporated in that one slip where every second counted. But Mo got right back up and kept running. Despite falling, he kept pressing on and ultimately won his second straight Olympic gold seizing the title Reigning Champion of the world.

Wonder if we handle falling like Mo? Someone, something or some wrong choice crashes right into us, and we hit the ground. All our hard work, dedication and devotion slipping away as we kiss the ground beneath our feet. No matter how we started our race, we now find ourselves flat on our face. Bearing the marks of defeat while guilt and shame propel us to stay.

Love the fact God favors His people to win in this thing called life. Love the cloud of witnesses that watch from afar and cheer us on. Love the grace that reaches down when we hit rock bottom. Love the transforming of defeat, discouragement and disillusionment into victory, hope and faith.

Praying us sisters are brave and don’t let a fall sideline us. Claiming God’s promises that when we fall, He will be right there to lift us back up. Praying we keep pressing on instead of giving up. Asking God to empower our weary overwhelmedness into strength, determination and trust. Praying we allow our falls to propel us closer to victory. Asking God to teach us deep lessons that we will never forget when we rise. And trusting Him to bring glory to His name when we finish His race.

“Father, thank You for using our failures to refine us rather than define us. Teach us to grasp the lesson and then get back up – pressing on with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 25, 2019

Weathering The Storm

“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29 (KJV)

Striking suddenly without warning, the extremely high winds rose within minutes accompanied by spraying rain and lightning from all directions. Fear gripped hearts as darkness draped the skies with an unimaginable furry. The aftermath of damage was mind boggling. What I had considered a typical spring thunderstorm would actually be later described as a derecho – a storm known to arrive without warning empowered by a force equal to a land falling hurricane. Sometimes life’s unanticipated storms arrive as a derecho don’t they? Recently, helplessness seized our family’s hearts when our 4 month-old grandson was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Arriving without warning, the shock and disbelief were overwhelming, pain indescribable, and uncertainty insurmountable.

One of God’s specialties is calming His child’s heart with peace that surpasses all understanding and as we navigate the furry of life’s storms, we learn and grow. God never promised our cross would not get heavy or the hill wouldn’t be hard to climb. He did promise to go with us – sustaining and encouraging along the way. There’s comfort in awareness ‘this too will pass’ as each new day becomes yesterday’s tomorrow embracing new dimensions, goals, direction and purposes in life.

What storm are you facing? Don’t attempt to understand – cling to the One who gives the empowerment of courage, strength and grace by taking one day at a time. It has been said faith is full assurance in the heart – assurance He is in control and sees, cares, and comforts. The result: living by faith allows believers to experience God’s sustaining peace when life falls to pieces.

“Dear Father: May Your peace be evident in my daily faith walk with You.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 24, 2019

A Strong Foundation

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

A hammer and nails we will not find in our designer purse but building, constructing, reinforcing and repairing is on the agenda. Erecting a barrier, condemning the space and blocking grace is often favored rather than building a relationship. Perhaps there’s a bridge of forgiveness to be extended, but ending that relationship seems sweeter. 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 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

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 22, 2019

When Finished Has The Final Word

“Jesus said to her, I Am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” John 11:25 (ESV)

“It is finished,” resounded from the exhausted breaths of our Savior. Love His choice of words reverberating in our mind….It is finished – what Jesus came to do was accomplished. This seemingly sorrow filled ending was really just a hint of the beauty that would unveil three days later. Jesus suffered and died, but He didn’t say “I’m finished.”

There have definitely been moments when I thought I was finished. Done. Tired. Exhausted. Ready to give up. Life on this earth can be overwhelming. Heartaches can consume us. Difficulties and injustices can leave us reeling in pain. Perfect description of just some of the things that touched our Savior’s life. Despite the agony of the cross and the abandonment He endured, Jesus never lost sight of the joy awaiting Him.

Can’t say I always land there. My mind gets distracted and ever seeks ease in those painful places. Perspective often lags behind the challenges ready to retreat and not press on. Absolutely love the way Jesus went further and further until it was all accomplished. He could have quit at any moment. He could have retaliated yet He opened not His mouth. Jesus could have called the angel armies to lift Him off the cross, yet He chose to forego relief because of you and me.

Wonder what it was like those three days wihout Jesus? I’m sure fear overwhelmed His followers. Loneliness and desperation probably characterized seventy-two hours which seemed like an eternity. Questions loomed large just like they do for us when hard places hit deep. Doubts I’m sure rose up the surface.

And then the morning came….. not just any morning ; it was the morning when the stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty -Jesus is alive! A promise kept. It was finished – death no longer had its sting. The grave lost its victory. The agonizing blood of Jesus paid the price for all our sins. The resurrection and the life now birthing in us living hope – the exhilarating joy of our Risen Lord!

Sweet one don’t miss the invitation – simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. Eternity in Heaven is ours for the taking because He chose to die on the cross. He finished what we couldn’t do….all because of His great love.

“Father, we celebrate with joy and tears at the wonder of resurrection. Overwhelmed by the depth of Your love and mercy. Life with You forever is now possible….this world is not our home. One day we will see You face to face and all else will be erased. Praise the name of Jesus!

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 19, 2019

Walking In His Steps

“Then He (Jesus) said to them all, If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow.” Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Wounded beyond recognition, broken from the weight of our sin, surrendered completely to the Father’s will – a Holy sacrifice to cover all of our past, present and future. No greater love has ever been shown. No price has ever been higher. No sorrow has ever been deeper. The world saw a rugged, blood stained cross – God saw our Savior, Redeemer and the Holy Lamb of God.

Broken, crushed and wounded – we all find ourselves in desperate need of a Savior. We embrace His gift of salvation. We enjoy the peace of eternity; but do we emulate His life, His choices or His sacrifice? Do we seek to be changed so that we are more like Him?

We can cherish the cross, we can admire the cross; but we will miss the mark if we don’t allow the cross to transform who we are. Change for someone else is great, but changing ourselves that’s another story. We get comfortable with who we are – our attitudes, actions, decisions and thoughts. Changing ourselves means allowing God’s will to dictate our lives, even to the point of drinking a bitter cup of suffering. Changing ourselves requires desiring Jesus more than anything else the world has to offer.

If the cruelest of deaths on the cross could bring the greatest of joy, then how amazed we will truly be as the cross changes us. It won’t be easy or painless – but it will make us more like Jesus – true followers walking in His steps.

“Father, we are so unworthy of Your incredible sacrifice. The depths of Your love far surpasses our understanding, the greatness of Your mercy far exceeds anything we’ve ever known and the riches of your grace frees us!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 18, 2019

A Crown of Betrayal

“When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29 (NKJV)

The scene is hard to imagine. Jesus, the Son of God, the One who had lived amongst His people teaching them, healing them, and delivering them from spiritual bondage has just been betrayed by one of His trusted ministry partners. What a disappointment! What great pain from such betrayal!

Jesus, being who He was – and is – could have made a choice to not go through physical torture and death on the cross. It was the most humiliating and painful type of death an innocent man could endure, but He did not defend Himself to anyone. He didn’t point fingers at anyone. And He didn’t curse anyone. He remained silent, instead. I can only imagine the turmoil in His head, knowing what was coming to Him and not getting out of it even though He had the power to do so.

The Son of God was mocked by the very people He defended. And what did He do when He was betrayed and mocked by those people? He endured. He allowed His Father’s plan to unveil.

And thank God that He did! Because Jesus willingly took upon Himself our sins on that cross, we can have hope of eternity in heaven with Him.

“Lord, so much pain and sorrow came to You before the world saw You fulfill Your Father’s plan for You and mankind. Still this day we suffer with betrayal and mockery, but through You we overcome the pain they cause us. Thank You for the cross. Thank you for the blood that was shed for us.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 17, 2019

Beyond Fear

“He (God) will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)

Four letters packed with power – f – e – a –r , but not the kind of power we’re looking for. Fear has the power to derail our dreams and sabotage our future. Fear has the power to keep us safe, predictable and far from taking faith steps that will transform our lives. Instead fear lands us on the sidelines watching everyone else moving forward. It fuels regret because we long for what we are afraid to seize.

I glimpsed this first-hand in the life of a friend. Her life had been characterized by bouts of fear that kept her captive looking out the window yet bound within the safety of her self-imposed prison. How did she land in this place? Fear was a trait her mother taught her well. Every opportunity for something new turned into a list of don’ts because of a tragedy that “could” happen. To this day she still hides behind the drawn blinds of what “could” happen. Disillusioned and unsatisfied, her life is drenched in regret of what “could” have been.

Sadly, too often we exchange the all consuming peace that God offers for generational fears that leave us locked into safe rather than victorious. God’s formula for power leaves no room for the chains that fear generates. Instead, He offers us the opportunity to trust Him in all things – even the unsettled, unpredictable, and at times risky moves of transformational belief.

Are we allowing fear to dominate our response to God’s instructions? Are we imprisoned by what “could” happen rather than capitalizing on the “fear nots” that God promises? Real empowerment only comes when we trust and believe that God is the ordainer of our days.

“Father, trusting You will always position us to move past fear into victory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 16, 2019

Aligned With God’s Divine Will

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Matt. 26:39 (NLT)

Hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, He was in “a place of pressing,” an olive grove called Gethsemane praying. This was the place where His human will would come into alignment with divine will.

As Jesus’ fate drew near, He was on His knees crying out to God… praying…in so much distress that He prayed the same prayer over and over. He was crushed with grief, pressed above measure, beyond strength and at the breaking point. He was under pressure, dealing with agony and the emotions leading to the final stage of a difficult death. His surrendered will became His power. His power to be beaten beyond human recognition, carrying His cross up a hill, nailed with spikes, mocked, lifted high, stretched wide, pierced in His side and die a criminals death. Dead…carried away to be buried in a borrowed tomb.

Darkness fell across the earth. Jesus uttered “it is finished!” The veil tore from top to bottom in the temple that separated the Holy of Holies. All the earth shook, rocks split apart and tombs opened. The only sound was all hell rejoicing. Demons clapped and danced with glee. The devil was in a state of euphoria shouting a victory chorus.

One day, two days…then on the third day early Sunday morning! The earth quaked with a hallelujah shout…arise My Love, an angel descended from heaven and rolled the stone away. The guards shook in fear and fainted. Hell could not hold our King. Death has been defeated. Jesus folded His grave clothes as a sign He would return again one day. He stepped out of the tomb as demons watched their victory fade while the keys of death were snatched from the devil’s grip.

God’s power and promise underlined Jesus’ resurrection. Death lost its sting and the grave its victory. God had conquered the sin of the world once and for all. Standing triumphant His arms stretch out as Savior of the world.

“Father, thank you Jesus has risen from the dead and the tomb is empty!

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 12, 2019

When You Feel Left Behind – Hold On Tight To Him

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 3:13-14 (ESV)

I’m not the best gardener. Watering my flowers gets pushed further down my list than I would dare admit. Wilting in the hot, humid air describes them most days because I just simply get distracted and forget to water them. But despite my neglect, they somehow survive. And to my great surprise, I found a new flowering plant springing up amongst the weeds of an old window box. Not really sure what it is and I’m positive I didn’t water, nurture or plant it. It simply appeared in mid-summer – a beautiful shade of bright pink – my sweet late bloomer.

Wonder how many times we shortchange growth for our “late bloomer” moments? Ever stifled the gifts, callings and purposes God has for us because we should have done it sooner? It’s so easy to think we should have achieved, accomplished or surpassed where we are. We glimpse those around us running full speed ahead and become overwhelmed at our lack of progress. Sadly those words settle in and deprive us of moving forward, stretching and reaching. Lingering in the land of what ifs never serves us well.

Wouldn’t you rather bloom late than never bloom at all? Even if we appear behind schedule to others watching our arrival, wouldn’t we rather keep pressing toward the prize. God is more impressed with our obedience than He is with someone else’s time table. His plans are unique and strategic. He knows the paths our life will take and the story that will unfold from start to finish. Unlike me, He is the Master Gardener who won’t neglect His late bloomers.

So sweet friend in case you’re feeling left behind or cast aside – hold on tight to the One who knows exactly the moment for His glory to shine through. Don’t give up or step aside. Don’t listen to the voice of defeat or regret. Instead lean in close and wait for His timing. And just when we may think we’ve missed the mark, God will burst forth our greatest growth if we stay in step with Him.

“Father, You are forever cheering us on – not zeroing in on where we might have been – but completely in awe of where we are going with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 11, 2019

Simply Beautiful

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

My grandsons Jayden, 5, and A.J., 4, were shopping with their mom Liz on the day before her birthday. The little lads were informing every person in the store that it was their mama’s birthday and they needed to tell her she was beautiful. Their actions were making Liz blush as complete strangers walked up to her and told her she was beautiful and wished her a happy birthday. At the same time, it made her feel very special, because it was an action started by her children, out of their love for her.

I recently read in TRBC’s Family Time devotional that “friends of God tell their friends about God,” (p. 13). When I read that, I tried to imagine how God must feel when He receives the praise and worship of His children, which originate out of their love for Him!

After God parted the waters for the Israelites to cross the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord. Prophetess Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand and led the women in music and dancing (Exodus 15). King David praised God with his harp since the time he was a boy. When he was really excited about a victory, he and the entire company of Israel were in a parade, singing at the top of their lungs, and playing mandolins, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals! (2 Samuel 6)

We mustn’t forget that others are always watching us. Our God is awesome; He is still in the miracle business, and He loves His children. The question for us, then, is, “how are we showing others His love?”
The little incident with Liz and the boys has reminded me of Jesus’ words, “from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.” (Matthew 21:16). In their own way, my grandsons knew how to brighten their mama’s day. I hope that my words and actions will do the same for my Lord Jesus.

“Lord, You are beautiful and more precious than silver or gold. Your love is unconditional and never-ending. My lips praise Your name.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

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