Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 10, 2018

When Things Are Not As They Appear

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Tis the season to shop, shop and shop. Love looking for great bargains especially at new places. Just spent a Saturday exploring a mall in a neighboring state. Grand tree decked out beautifully invited us in. Icicle lights dancing down from the ceiling – exquisite at dark. And that was just the beginning; Christmas was everywhere.

Right in the midst of calm and bright, I heard voices loud, strong and violent. Approaching the entrance to one of the stores, my view unveiled something I’d never seen before. Two ladies were screaming, kicking, and fighting off cops. From my initial perspective injustice seemed to beckon questions like, “What in the world was going on? Why are they treating these ladies like this?” The struggle was real, the screams penetrating. Handcuffed and taken away, the truth finally surfaced. Backpacks lay scattered on the marbled floor revealing stuff missing, stolen from the store.

Amazing how the truth can get so lost and twisted. What we see first isn’t always the whole story. We get blind sighted by our convinced view and quickly jump to conclusions. We choose sides. We listen to media and draw our circle. We entertain convincing tweets and posts. And all the while, we often miss the total picture.

At first glance, I thought the cops were rude, harsh and wrong. A closer look, and I saw the evidence – the truth of these ladies’ actions surrounded them. Things were not as they seemed. My assumptions were far from the truth.

Wonder how many times we have made decisions based on less than the truth? Happens ever so easily. Perhaps we’ve drawn conclusions that excuse away the digging deep to uncover the facts, Maybe familiarity with the situation or people causes us to lean in a direction that denies reality.

Perfect solution – pause for the facts. Avoid gravitating towards assumptions. Prayerfully ask God to reveal truth to us – He will if we ask Him and then patiently wait for Him to put all the pieces together.

“Father, truth seems to be elusive today – help us to release our preconceived ideas and embrace Your truth which always serves us well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 7, 2018

Clinging To God & Not Fear

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (ESV)

Ever find yourself running into one of your toughest fears? We all have them. We try to avoid them. We excuse them away and offer them to someone else. Why? Because we fear our fears. And the very thought of them can send us hiding under the bed. What’s your greatest fear? Public speaking, heights, ocean waves, or confrontation?

How do you handle you fears? Avoidance, denial or perhaps stepping outside your comfort zone clothed in God’s confidence. Wow, I wish that was the way I always responded when my fear buttons were pushed, but I don’t. My normal go to line is “let someone else do it.”

Sound familiar? Problem is when we don’t face our fears, they continue to dominate us and rob us of the joy of fully trusting God. Spiritual growth is stunted when we don’t exercise our faith in God – leaning into His ability to empower us despite our weaknesses. Staying safe positions us to look back in regret wondering what would have happened if we had only trusted God.

Amazing thing about our God is that He doesn’t take “no” lightly. He continues to offer us chance after chance to step out on the waters with Him. Why? Releasing and overcoming our fears demonstrate our dependence on Him. Our faith walk hinges on “yes” moments when we choose to cling to God rather than our fears.

Faced with an overwhelming fear, I chose to allow emotions to camouflage the very character of my God. I kept moving forward with my abilities, until they ran out. God gently picked me up and reminded me He was all about the details. He played the memory tape showcasing how He had orchestrated every detail ahead of me. My fears were false when measured up against the truth of who my God is – the One who goes before us, beside us and behind us – He is faithful and true!

“Father, help us to lay our fears down and trust confidently in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 5, 2018

Blinded By The Obvious

 

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hyprocrisy.” James 3:17

Nothing more embarrassing than looking in the mirror and seeing the tiny remains of food wedged between two teeth. We quickly remove the evidence, head back to our table and wonder why didn’t someone tell us. How could they sit there and not whisper, “You’ve got food in between your teeth.” That’s all it would have taken; just simply bringing it to our attention.

Sounds quite so simple, but not really. We often hold back from the food dilemma because we don’t want to embarrass someone. Really. The real truth is excusing the truth staring us square in the face leaves our friend running for cover when the big reveal occurs.

Wonder if we ever find ourselves in places where we wished someone had simply questioned the obvious? Blinded by our own choices and excuses, we often land where we never intended. And by the time we figured it out, we wondered why no one helped us see through our mess.

Keeping it real here – it’s hard to confront. Definitely not my fave thing to do to shed light on someone else’s dark. But then haven’t we all been there when looking in the mirror unveiled more than we wanted to see. Pretty sure we’ve all rationalized and built walls to keep out the ones we need the most. Afraid to admit what’s staring us straight in the face.

There’s something so indescribably beautiful that happens when eyes are opened to the truth. Requires listening ears and soft hearts to receive the truth. Requires sweet friends who are brave enough to whisper what needs to be brought out into the light. God’s perfect plan for community and accountability (Proverbs 27:17) pushes us past embarrassment, excuses and intimidation.

Don’t know about you, but this Jesus girl is so thankful for those who shed light on my dark even when I denied it. Little seeds planted that grew to expose what needed to be changed and transformed. So let’s welcome the bringing to our attention, seek God’s guidance and choose wisely so we can avoid the pain of our obvious wrongs.

“Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy in those moments when I fail to choose well. Blessed by the ones You have placed around me that shed the light of Your wisdom into my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 4, 2018

About Our Choices

“Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

Most of the time, it doesn’t bother me to sit in my car at the end of my driveway and wait for traffic to ease up before I cross to the opposite side of the road to get in the flow with the cars which are traveling in the same direction as me. It is the times when I am leaving home five minutes later than usual to go to work in the mornings that stress me a little bit. Why? Because everyone is traveling at school speed limit under close watch of sheriff officials and no one thinks of letting the car waiting on the sidewalk (mine) to cross the lanes, to have the right of way.

I was thinking about this situation today after I was reminded that months ago I got home to find an entourage of police and emergency officials on my sidewalk. Two vehicles had collided and made their way into the trees that separate my front yard from the sidewalk. Had there been pedestrians walking on that sidewalk or children playing in the yard, some more serious damage would have occurred.

My mind goes on alert immediately as I move my vehicle from its stationary spot in my driveway and closer to the road. Just one minute bad move or poor decision on my part, and someone or something might end up in the repair zone.

The Bible speaks to us about the dangers of associating with people who do not have the same moral character (flow) as we do. It is similar to the danger of placing a spoiled apple in a bowl of good apples and allowing that bad apple to rot the rest of the fruit.

Just as we must be watchful for traffic coming against us on the road, we must also watch for people who are not serving a higher purpose in our lives and in fact, are diverting us from the path that leads to blessings. Likewise, we must warn those who are in danger of suffering such a disillusion themselves.

“Lord, sometimes life forces us to swim against the flow in order for us to learn to be strong. During those times, Lord, please help us to focus on You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 3, 2018

When Today Looks Different

“You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. LORD, even before I say a word, you already know it.” Psalm 139:2-4

Baby it’s cold outside! Can’t believe last week, I was enjoying my happy place – warm sunshine, beach walks and bike rides. Totally different today. Can’t seem to shake off that chill and my toes covered up in socks and boots are missing the sand. The drastic temp change has sent my body into shock.

Reality has a way of waking us up fast. Smooth sailing can quickly turn into an unexpected downhill slide. Our easy stride crashes into hurried chaos without time to prepare. Not exactly what we planned or predicted can seep in and steal away our calm. Life today can look so different than yesterday.

We’ve probably all been there – the moment when the surprise isn’t a happy one. The time when our life stands still and everyone else is moving on. The thing we dreaded the most appears out of nowhere. Baby it’s cold inside too.

Love the sweet promises of our Jesus to never leave us or forsake us. Captivated by the way He draws near to the brokenhearted and puts a new song in our hearts. Cherish the way He collects our tears and binds our wounds. Swept away by His patience, mercy and grace when our emotions overwhelm us. Amazed by His tenderness and whispers that calm our unslept night. Adore His words pouring deep wells of truth into our soul, despite the enemy’s lies.

While today might be totally different, unrehearsed and unwanted it’s never a surprise to our God. He is fully aware of all that touches us. Our unchanging God stands with us, weeps with us, holds us and understands even when our voice can’t give words to the sorrow raging in our soul. Aren’t you glad we don’t endure this life alone? We are forever in His sight – nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Sweet friend don’t know if happy is your place right now or difficult has invited you in. But there is one thing I know for sure; our God is faithful and true. When others walk out; He comes to stay. When difficult submerges us, He is our sustaining hope. And when the storms lift and the cold moves out, He will be the first one to say, “I knew you would make it.”

“Father, You are the only one who sees all, endures all and yet loves extravagant. Love the way You journey through life with us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 30, 2018

A Multitude of Sins

“Above all maintain an intense love for each other since love covers a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8 (HCSB)

Ever find yourself running for cover? It’s kind of how we’ve all felt – like Eve we instinctively know when we have done something wrong. A stirring in our hearts, a sorrow in our soul. Maybe, just maybe we could run and hide. Cover it all up for no one to see. Or better yet, just pretend it never happened. Has that one ever served us well? Pretending is simply denial and denial always rises back up to the surface just when we least expect it.

Hiding isn’t really hiding – we all know that right? We may think we’ve got them fooled, but the people who know us the best usually see right through our ugly places. And if they really, really love us then they ask those hard questions. Takes courage to love like that. Takes boldness to love like that. Takes humility to love like that. Why? Because we’ve all been there. We’ve all fallen short. We’ve all desperately needed washing from head to toe. We’ve all landed outside the boundaries of obedience and attempted to excuse our way back in.

Praising Jesus for those who roped me back in. Thankful for love that propels hard words that softens my dead heart. Grateful for do-overs and grace that covers exposed, forgiven places. Remembering that intense love hanging on the cross covers all our sin – past, present and future.

Ready to stop running? Tired of trying to cover it all up? Pretending getting old and burdensome? Listen intently to the people who love enough, who care enough to not give up. Then gather at the feet of Jesus, confess what He already knows and allow His love to cover the wrongs we’ve been hiding too long.

“Father, Your love runs deep and wide washing over all our sins – our chains are gone we’ve been set free.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 29, 2018

Happiest People Ever

“This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

I have recently re-read the book “The Happiest People on Earth,” by Demos Shakarian, an Armenian American Christian who lived his life trying to reach people for the Lord. The book caught my eyes in the early 1980’s. I, a very young Christian, had the privilege to interpret for him during one of the very first meetings the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, Int’l founder – Demos himself – held in my native Brazil.

If you have not had the privilege to read this book, get it. If nothing else, this book will help grow your faith to another level, and help you see that in order for us to be happy, we don’t have to have everything go our way, nor do we need to worry about gathering material things. God is, after all, our Jehovah Jireh, and He will take care of our every need. If we do so, we will become the happiest people on earth.

The reason why I say this, friends, is because I read that in Shakarian’s book, and I have experienced that in my life over and over. When we set our eyes on things from above and trust God for our every need, even when circumstances in our lives turn glim and difficult, we know that we will come out all right on the other side.

Demos Shakarian’s family worked hard for what they acquired, but even when they became wealthy, their focus was never on material things. As a matter of fact, those who would meet him, would never tell by his looks and the way he lived that he had all that he did. More than worry about how the cattle in his farm was doing, Demos was always concerned about how many people he would get to bring into God’s kingdom.

Perhaps God has already sparked within your heart a desire to reach the lost. Perhaps you have been thinking of how you can do it. Ask Him to guide you in this pursuit. Don’t wait until your opportunity is gone. Show those around you the way to God’s throne.

“Father, there are so many lost in this world. So many are perishing. Help us to be sensitive to their need and to speak truth into their lives, so they can be saved.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 28, 2018

A Savory Flavor

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matthew 5:13 (NLT)

Our mission was simple: serve through painting houses in a Central American village. Armed with beautiful pastels, a paint brush, and a smile, we launched our mission. Some rolled color on dirty stucco while others brushed corners and edges with precise detail. Unfortunately, we noticed a problem when it was time to change colors—not enough water in the outdoor sinks to wash the rollers and brushes. Workers tried in vain to clean the painting supplies sufficiently under a trickle of water.

Our local leader decided on a plan of action: we could wash the supplies in the creek and get back to our mission. Several minutes later a gentleman approached us, not with a grateful smile for the beautiful painting we were doing, but with a look of concern etching his face. Without a translator, it was difficult to communicate. Through a series of gestures, we finally understood. The creek was the primary source of water for drinking and cooking in the village. Now it was polluted with paint. Umm…oops.

We apologized profusely and helped clean up the creek. The villagers forgave our ignorance and thanked us for our help in beautifying their neighborhood.

Our poor solution to cleaning our brushes and rollers caused the creek to be unable to serve its purpose. Our key verse explains that when salt loses its flavor, it is also unable to serve its purpose. Jesus states the purpose of believers: to be the salt of the earth.

“How do we as believers serve our purpose of being the salt of the earth? As the salt of the earth, we are to be a godly example of faith in Christ. Following Christ in grace and purity draws those around us to be cleansed by accepting Christ’s sacrifice and salvation. “…But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT)

Who can we reach out to this week with the savory flavor of our faith?

“Thank You, Lord, for cleansing us and setting us apart for Your purpose. Open up doors for us to extend the savory flavor of Your grace and mercy to others this week.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 27, 2018

When Regrets Become Powerless

“I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven…” Luke 7:47a (NCV)

A person on a mission is evident by their body language and tenacity. No matter what…their mind is set. Nobody or thing is going to derail their assignment…especially if it’s personal. This courageous woman (Luke 7:36-48) didn’t knock on the door; she “came in” Simon’s house and interrupted supper. She probably took a deep breath as she maneuvered her way through the crowd holding her alabaster jar. She heard the whispers knowing some of the gossip was true. Nevertheless, her eyes were fixed on the Lord as she politely said, “Excuse me, but you can’t help me…I’m here to see Jesus.” Finally reaching Him must of felt like an eternity with the snares and dares. She broke open the seal on her offering pouring out all her many sins on the head of Jesus. Falling at His feet as her tears flowed using her hair as a towel…kissing the feet of her Savior.

This woman is unnamed because we all have an alabaster jar filled with life’s oil of past mistakes and regrets. Only Jesus and you know the expense of the oil in your alabaster jar and how much was truly paid for your forgiveness. Jesus has deemed your sins powerless to berate or disqualify you. When judgement raises its ugly head just remember…your alabaster jar was broken at the feet of Jesus. It was smashed into a million little pieces, so it could never be used against you again. Your expensive perfumed oil of “Please forgive me” flowed down the head of Jesus as a declaration of repentance. He has forgiven you! Your past faults have been paid for in full.

“Thank you Father, You willingly except our heartfelt remorse. Your love transforms our broken clay jars into beautiful vessels. Lives filled with testimonies of Your love and power to forgive. It’s humbling to think You use our Good News testimonies to impact our little worlds around us.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 26, 2018

Best Holiday Ever

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” Luke 1:46-47 (ESV)

Just in case we didn’t shop enough on Black Friday, we can experience the wonders of Cyber Monday. Shopping online without even leaving our home is the ticket in this crazed scheduled world. Don’t know if you are like me, but when that calendar flips to December the pages seem to keep flipping. The days disappear quickly and if we aren’t intentional, the Christmas season will evaporate right before our eyes.

Now’s the time to steal away some time with Jesus before December arrives. Ask Him how we should spend our holiday. Trust Him with our overwhelming schedule. Allow Him to show us what needs to go and what needs to stay. Seek His direction in where our money goes. Commit to bringing peace and harmony into challenging family situations. Ask for open doors to share our faith. Seek God’s guidance in who we reach out to – who needs to be reminded of His love and grace. Lean in close and listen to His voice.

Cyber Monday can wait, but leaving Jesus out of the holiday season isn’t optional if we want to glorify Him. Resist the urge to saturate every day with nonstop activity. Cultivate a hunger and passion for the Christmas story. Read it slowly. Linger longer. Chew on the facts. Step back in time and feel the emotion, wonder and glory of Jesus arrival. Ask God to reveal Himself in a new and fresh way. Apply His truths and carve in margin to reflect on His incredible birth. Give up the hustle and bustle for a chance to worship the sweet babe in the manger.

Bargains will come and go. December’s festivities will cease too soon, but the Christmas story will last forever. Don’t miss out on a chance to draw near to the One who drew near to us.

“Father, help us to lay down our list and unwrap the gift of Your presence this holiday season.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

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