Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 24, 2018

Comfort & Joy

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

There is something about holiday gatherings, lots of food (especially sweets) and connecting with family and friends that make this time of year great and special. We hear the Christmas songs, telling of tidings of comfort and joy, peace on earth, the most wonderful time of the year, and the list goes on.

But it’s also during this time of year that many of us may be experiencing grief or sadness from the loss of a loved one or the real stress from going through a tough time or extenuating circumstances.

There are many passages of scripture that comfort us and bring us joy when we need it the most. 2 Corinthians 1:3 reminds us that God comforts us in all of our troubles. James 1:2-3 encourages us to us to “Count it all joy” when we are faced with various trials because we know that the testing of our faith produces patience or perseverance. In other words, trials make us stronger.

Trials also give us the ability to help someone who may be going through something we’ve endured. It could be your marriage was restored, or you’re now debt free after years of financial struggles. You may have experienced the loss of a loved one or more. God can and will use your testimony of perseverance to bring comfort and joy to others when they need it the most. Just as someone most likely comforted you.

I encourage you during this Holiday Season (and every day) to yearn for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, for the Prince of Peace came to seek and to save, to comfort the brokenhearted, and to give us joy, unspeakable joy.

“Father, thank you for the love, comfort, and joy that you bring to us. Help us to share that throughout the Holiday Season to draw others closer to You.

For His Glory

Cynthia J. McCoy
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 21, 2018

Missing One

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 (ESV)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer It’s the most wonderful time of the year…….. The holidays are amazing. Love caroling, wrapping, baking, visiting family, sipping on my fave hot chocolate and snow makes it even better. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Ever find yourself right in the midst of everyone’s most wonderful but yours is not? Remember those moments of Christmas past when smiling was forced and tears flowed easily. Perhaps you have been there too! Maybe you’re there this year. Navigating through the store enduring the sights and sounds of everyone’s joy except your own. Facing the dread of another day while missing one.

2018 ushered in a missing one – my sweet friend, Jane is now living in the presence of Jesus. She’s experiencing the most wonderful time of her life. Cancer-free, pain-free, overwhelmed by the love of God and I imagine in great anticipation of her first celebration of Christ’s birth in Heaven. Totally different than this time last year when the shadow of death loomed large. And to be honest, I’m totally ecstatic for my friend yet my heart is still missing one.

Over 2,000 years ago, in the most wonderful place of all, a sacrificial decision was made. A redemptive plan unfolded as the cries of an infant filled the air. And for thirty-three years missing One would resound throughout Heaven. Wonder what it was like for Christ to be here and not there? Isaiah’s words remind us that He (Christ) was acquainted with all our sorrows (Isaiah 53:3). Was He missing One who sent Him to this world?

God, who gave His only Son, knows exactly how we feel when missing One. We are never alone in our grief and sorrow. So this year when an empty chair leaves us missing, when the silence of their voice welcomes tears, when the most wonderful time of the year seems more than we can bear – God is there. Right in the midst of our wanting the missing One, we can cling to His comfort and promises – Immanuel is with us.

“Father, Your presence is really all that we need. Fill our empty places with sweet reminders of who You are – our constant companion.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 20, 2018

More Than Enough

“Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation…’” Luke 2:28-30a (NLT)

Have you ever wanted something so much that it consumed your thoughts? When I was young, my friend had a Cabbage Patch doll. I wanted my own Cabbage Patch doll so much I could hardly think of anything else. I studied the commercials like I would be tested on them later. I gazed at the boxed dolls at the store—that beautiful yarn hair, dimpled face, and snuggly body signed by Xavier.

Not having much money at the time, my parents bought me an imitation doll. I knew immediately she wasn’t the real thing; she had the yarn hair, but the face wasn’t dimpled and she certainly wasn’t signed by Xavier. I tried to love her but she wasn’t quite right. I thought if I pretended to love her, eventually I would. No matter how hard I tried, the doll didn’t measure up. A few months later, I unwrapped my first Cabbage Patch doll, a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was I dreaming? Hugging her to me, my life felt complete.

Where is that coveted doll now? She’s hibernating in a box in the garage waiting to be given to (and eventually cast aside by) a granddaughter. The gift I thought I could not live without—the doll I thought would make my life complete—was forgotten in the end.

Simeon “was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25b-26 NLT) Simeon wanted more than anything to see the Messiah. He waited with anticipation, having received the promise that his greatest desire would be met before he died.

Do we have the same passion as Simeon? Do we want more than anything to see the Lord? Are we anticipating Christ’s return as much as Simeon anticipated the birth which brought salvation?

‘Thank You, Lord, for the salvation You provide through the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we want You more than any other gift. Our lives are complete in You alone.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 19, 2018

When The Broken Are Found

“He (God) reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deepest darkness into the light.” Job 12:22 (HCSB)

Red, blue and green sparkled through the branches – it’s the lights that really make a Christmas tree shine. Until that obvious moment when your eyes glare into that one dark spot. Yes, it seems to happen almost every year. No matter how carefully I pack that string of lights, the inevitable occurs. And so begins the careful checking of each tangled strand and bulb until the broken one is found. Nothing more glorious than seeing the light once again dispelling dark.

2018 ushered in lots of hurting, broken ones. Difficult, strained, unwelcomed and uncertain journeys. Lives navigating uncharted paths. Cancer consuming loved ones as options are narrowed. Lives shattered by infidelity and sexual addiction flood our newsfeeds. Relationships ripped apart fallen prey to the enemy’s game seem common place. Division, anger and insensitivity give way to what seems our right of voice. Storms ravaged people’s lives leaving empty. Comfort, joy and peace so surreal to the one whose heart can barely beat. Silence of the soul appearing to drown out the wonder. Heartache grown numb so one can simply survive.

To those who know the broken ones – be faithful, loving and kind. Let’s do all that we can to help and then do even more down on our knees. Pray unceasingly (Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:9). Choose to judge not and forgive big. Release rights and welcome grace. Extend margin and gather often. Offer simple indulgences. Prepare meals. Text scriptures. Share our broken places and God’s redeeming work. Whisper God’s love daily not just in word but in deed.

To those who find themselves the broken one – be encouraged – we’ve all been broken. Our Savior came for ones like us. He never gives up. He never walks out. He stays even in the aftermath of hurtful anger, frustration and woundedness. God sees, knows and hears. He completely understands our sorrow and tangled mess. And yet, right in the midst of our darkest places, He longs to birth the most beautiful light (Job 12:22).

Be found dear one – drink deep of His love and choose to believe. There’s nothing more glorious than seeing the light dispelling dark when broken ones are found.

“Father, You search for the one. You relentlessly pursue the one. You welcome the broken one to find hope and healing in You alone.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2018

Our God of Rich Supply

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (HCSB)

Have you ever heard, “God only supplies our needs, not our wants.” As my walk with Christ flourished into a relationship, I realized Jesus not only wants to meet our needs, but He wants to give us our wants!
If an unsaved person who does not acknowledge God has their needs met and they live comfortably day to day, how much more does our Father want to supply and meet His children‘s needs. We are different than the world, we are His heirs. Be thankful that our supply doesn’t come from our riches, but God’s riches…what He is capable of and not from our capability.

The “Shepherd’s Psalm”, Psalm 23 begins “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Be encouraged, if the Good Shepherd is our Lord we will have no want. Also, in Luke 5, Jesus tells Peter in verse 4 to “…let down your nets for a catch.” Notice the word “nets” is plural and not singular. The catch filled two boats at the verge of sinking. Rejoice and be glad our God is not a singular as in “rich” God, but plural in “riches” God! His supply is never ending. In other words, He will never run out of riches to supply His many children with.

Do you need a job? Don’t be surprised when you receive a position. Have you struggled with infertility? Don’t be surprised if your quiver is full. Is your checking account penniless? Tomorrow may be the day you receive an unexpected check. You may have started out following God jobless, childless, penniless, etc.; however, you cannot remain where you started! Be expectant of where your Father is taking you.

“Father, thank You for supplying more than enough to meet our needs according to Your endless riches in glory.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 17, 2018

Best Gift Ever

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Ever sneaked around looking for your Christmas present? Hate to admit it but I was a nosey little girl. Regardless of whether or not that package had my name on it or not, I was determined to shake it. I’ve even been known to unwrap and then rewrap and act totally surprised on Christmas Day. Have to admit the second surprise wasn’t as much as fun, and the first surprise was overrated – I was the only one enjoying it. Sounds silly to recount my nosiness now. I’d much rather wait and experience the surprise on Christmas morning.

Ever searched through scripture seeking God’s amazing Christmas gift? His arrival was anticipated, His birth expected yet the way He came was totally surprising. No one had any idea Mary would be the virgin mother of Jesus, especially Joseph. Who would have thought that the babe would be born in a stable and sleep in a manger filled with straw? Not exactly a royal birth. And what about that starry sky that led others to Bethlehem….shepherds and Wise Men were clueless to where it would lead.

The gift, the promise, the presence of God living among us. Experiencing the good, the bad and yes, the ugly. Totally undeterred and unencumbered by temporary pleasures of this world. Jesus, the very Son of God came, healed, rescued, delivered and redeemed. Fulfilling every promise.

I remember as a child unwrapping the gift of the Savior. Sweetest moment ever – totally unsure of the significance this gift would make in my life. Tiny little mind couldn’t even grasp the magnitude of His presence living and breathing in me. Amazing how a simple prayer began an incredible work within me. While doubts and wonderings may have followed, Jesus never left me and kept reminding me of His ever presence. Always surprising me with His love and grace.

Sweet friend, if you have never opened His gift there is no better time than now. Can’t think of a better present this Christmas than to experience the fulness of God. When we simply confess our sins and believe He is the Christ child, God promises to welcome us as His own. We are His forever and life will never be the same. Difficulties will still emerge. Struggles will challenge us. But we can endure them all filled with His joy living and breathing within us. Best gift ever.

“Father, the depth of Your love cannot be measured. You gave Your only Son so we could experience eternity with You – what more could we ever want.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 14, 2018

A Recipe For Joy

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV

During this time of year many of us are either cooking and baking or enjoying the delicious treats and delicacies from our family and friends. We hear the Christmas songs, telling of tidings of comfort and joy, peace on earth, the most wonderful time of the year, and the list goes on.

It’s also during this time of year that many people are faced with circumstances beyond their control. There are many of us going through “real” trials. We’re praying and praying and waiting on answers. For some of us, it’s not the most joyous of times. And it’s during these moments that God’s word reminds us to “…Consider it pure joy, …. whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Consider it Joy? In the midst of a trial? Really? Yes, really!

God’s word is filled with promise after promise to help us through our rough times. He also sends encouragement our way through godly family members and friends.

If you find yourself feeling down during this holiday season, follow this simple 3-ingredient recipe for Joy. Measure sparingly as the situation or circumstances call for. Bake as often as needed and remember to share with others who need to experience the Joy of the Lord.

Just a little talk with Jesus. Jesus implores us to cast our cares upon Him. Talk to Him, He listens to us, He cares for us. And the best part about it, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Open God’s word, read it and meditate on it. His word gives us understanding, it reveals His will for our lives. His word will comfort and encourage us during those difficult times.

Yearn for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, for the Prince of Peace came to seek and to save, to comfort the brokenhearted, and to give us joy, unspeakable joy.

“Father, we love You and we thank You for coming into the world so that we could experience true love, joy, and peace – not as the world gives but, that which only You can give. Help us to share the gift of You to others this season, for You alone are the reason we live.

For His Glory

Cynthia J. McCoy
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 13, 2018

The Significance of Shepherds

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” Luke 2:8-11 (NLT)

Shepherds. They were minding their own business, tending, feeding, and guarding the sheep in their care. So why, in the account of the birth of the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior of the world, are shepherds listed as the first (after Mary and Joseph) to hear the good news?

The chosen people endured 400 years of silence from God. They watched for signs of the prophecies and waited for the coming of their King. The birth of Christ could have been announced at the synagogue or in the throne room of the king who reigned over the Jews. Instead, the angel of the Lord along with the armies of heaven announced the news of the birth of the Lord to humble shepherds in a nearby field.
In Genesis 48:15 Jacob blesses Joseph in the name of “the God who has been my shepherd all my life.”

Jesus, during his three years of ministry, says of Himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NLT)

Revelation 7:17 (NLT) again names Jesus as the shepherd: “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.”

The good news of the birth of Christ, the good shepherd who sacrificed His life for us, His sheep, was announced to shepherds in a nearby field. As we celebrate this Christmas, may we respond as the shepherds did: “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.” Luke 2:17 (NLT) Just as the shepherds did, let’s share the “good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

“Lord, we praise You and thank You for the good news of the birth of Christ. As our hearts are filled with joy, may we share the good news with others this Christmas season.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2018

The Big Reveal

“Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen. You will conceive and give birth to a son and you will call His name Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31 (NKJV)

Pink or blue – is it a boy or girl? The big reveal keeps us captivated and waiting on the edge of our seat for the gender reveal. Balloons are popped, cupcakes eaten and then there’s that pivot moment when pink or blue unveils it’s a boy or girl. Love watching these on Facebook and hearing the exciting announcement over a sweet bundle of joy. Even better in person when we’re part of the grand reveal.

Thousands of years ago, before parties and celebrations were even thought of, God ushered in the sweetest reveal of all time. The foretelling of the Christ child defined not only His gender but who He is. Love those words from Isaiah declaring Jesus would be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. God with us – Immanuel (Matthew 1:23). Messiah, Savior and Lord.

Before Mary glimpsed His face, she knew He’d be more than she could ever imagine. I can almost see the tiny babe captivating and stealing away her heart. A redemption plan birthed from the beginning of time. Held close until the exact moment when God released His Son to earth.

No balloons, cupcakes, pink or blue – just a tiny manger, a starry night and the sweet cry of a babe born. Totally amazing – God’s announcement unfolding throughout scripture. The long awaited Messiah celebrated by an angelic host, humble shepherds, wise men and faithful servants. One extraordinary moment changing our world forever.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace – what aspect of His character steals your heart away? Can’t deny His ever presence in 2018. In all our deep questions, He has prevailed as Counselor. When challenges overswept us, He was our Mighty God. In the midst of doubts and insecurities, He has been our Eternal Father. And during a tumultuous year in our nation, we have clung to God as our Prince of Peace. The grandest reveal of all times – still revealing Himself to us every day.

“Father, You fulfilled Your promise many years ago with the birth of Your Son and You continue to amaze us today – Praising You for revealing Yourself to us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 11, 2018

Connectedness

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

When I was a child, our family would take summer vacations to visit relatives we didn’t get to interact with regularly, so we could get to know them better. Today, with the benefits of cellular phones, computers and social media, one no longer needs to spend a large lump sum of money to interact with their loved ones. Take, for instance, my children, who all live at the geographical oddity of 10-12 hours’ drive from me. If it were not for technology and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Whattsapp, etc), we would not be as connected as we are. On any given day, I may be sitting in the comfort of my home chatting with my children and grandchildren on Skype on my phone or on my laptop, or reading about their day on Facebook or Instagram. Though the way in which we interact today is quite different than when I was growing up, connectedness is something most people enjoy feeling.

In the Biblical times, letters kept people connected. The Apostle Paul wrote several letters to greet different churches and people he wanted to encourage and, at times, admonish. In spite of all the technology we have available today, I still enjoy getting out a card or some paper and practicing some penmanship by writing a note to someone I have not seen in a while, or someone who needs encouragement, or a congratulatory note of sorts… I even delight myself in putting some shiny confetti shaped as hearts, stars, musical notes, or any other fun shape in my letters to brighten someone else’s day.

Whatever the means that keeps you connected with those you love – letters, cards, phone calls, text messages, prayer, and so forth – be encouraged that you may be the reason someone has remained true to God’s Word and has not given up on believing. You make a difference for the kingdom.

“Lord, You are the reason we live. You are the life.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

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