Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 4, 2019

The One Who Holds It All Together

“You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” Psalm 27:8 (ESV)

Nothing worse than looking for something you know you had but can no longer find. I imagine you’ve been there too. Our eyes can visually recall where we had those two pieces of paper we now are desperately searching for…problem is it isn’t there. Found myself the other day searching for two tiny sheets of paper which mysterious disappeared. Back tracking my steps, I thumbed through every folder on my desk. Rechecked my work bag – nothing in sight. Frantically cleaned off my desk. Looked through all my piles of stuff. No where to be found. Finally, I gave up and left for the day; however, my thoughts were still stuck on the misery of said missing papers I so needed.

Funny how things show up in the oddest places. While eating my dinner, I saw two pieces of paper on the counter right where I had left them while doing some work over the weekend. Amazing how my eyes just landed on said papers and a deep sigh of relief escaped me. Really thought I had scooped up all my stuff and packed it in my bag, but obviously that wasn’t what happened. The papers weren’t really missing – I just didn’t remember where I left them.

Dare we admit our failure to find exactly what we need because we’re looking in all the wrong places. Yes, its much easier to turn to people visibly sitting in front of us versus talking to God. Quicker to ask a friend what to do than preserve in prayer trusting God to guide us. Simpler to come up with our own plan of action than lean into God’s wisdom and understanding. The options are limitless when we cave in to desperately searching for what we need in the wrong places. Takes only a few minutes to allow self to rise up to the surface and convince us we can figure it out ourselves. All the while what we really are looking for is right before our eyes – our ever present God.

Everything we need – anything we long for – can be found in our God. He is the answer to all our challenges and struggles. He is the only One who sovereignly knows our future. God is the beginning and ending of wisdom – the Creator of all things and the One who holds it all together.

“Father, You are all that our heart longs for…..we are indeed blessed to be in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 1, 2019

Avoiding The Sting of Regret

“My Father is glorified by this; that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” John 15:8 (HCSB)

Ever found yourself thrust into a pivot place of leadership? Perhaps we never desired nor envisioned this spot. Yet, we found ourselves left in charge because no one else would pick up the mantel. It’s an intimidating place to be, full of possibilities when we are totally out of our comfort zone.

Missing those opportunities to step out of the box have always left me with lots of what ifs and regrets. It is so easy to disqualify ourselves and sit this one out rather than trust the One who orchestrated this chapter of our life. Releasing the possibility of being stretched is comforting in the moment, until we look back and wonder “if only.”

Love the way scripture reminds us that great leaders didn’t always feel qualified to do the job. Love the call on Moses’ life to lead the Israelites into freedom (Exodus 3:11). Thankful for words recorded that reveal his doubts, fears and longing to resist. Compelled by Esther’s courage and strength to rise up and plead for the lives of her people (Esther 4:14). Intrigued with her wisdom, discernment and dependence on God. Challenged by David’s fearless and passionate desire to stand against Goliath who ridiculed his God. Convicted by his respect of a king who sought to take his own life (I Samuel 18:12). Despite who they thought they were not, these and many more chose to seize the opportunity, pick up the mantel and step out into the unknown.

Wonder what God is asking us to do? Is He desiring a season of stretching, depending and trusting that will significantly move us away from comfort? Is He offering us something we never desired or imagined would be possible? Don’t know about you sweet friend, but I don’t want to miss His callings. I don’t want to ignore His voice or excuse away my weaknesses. The land of regret is definitely not my happy place.

So, let’s lean in and linger longer. Tuning our ears to hear His voice takes practice – daily practice. It means quieting our voice so we can hear what He is saying. And then obeying even if it means we don’t feel qualified and we’re swimming in fear. Whatever God asks us to do, He has already equipped us to pursue. Let’s not cherish the land of regret simply because we’re zeroing in on us instead of Him.

“Sweet Jesus, You promise to complete Your work in each of us. Help us to boldly pursue Your calling on our lives and enjoy the thrill of obedience rather than the sting of regret.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 28, 2019

Our Best Friend Ever

“Abide in me…” John 15:4 (KJV)

In the first eight verses of John chapter 15, Jesus refers to Himself as the true vine. His Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. Jesus talks about cutting off branches and pruning. However, the pivotal part of the text is the emphasis on abiding in Him.

In verse 15, Jesus changes the nature of the relationship. Those who obey go from servanthood to friendship with Christ. But beforehand, there’s a period of simply learning to obey. God doesn’t explain it to us and we’re left with many questions. He has trained us with a firm hand to be obedient. At some point, we come to a place where God allows us to catch glimpses of His plan. We start to realize everything fitting together and the whys of the journey become clearer.

With God’s cuts…we suffer loss, go through trials, experience pain and hardship. Some days are so dark we wonder if the sun will ever shine again; and at night hugging a pillow is our only means of comfort. In spite of all this God says, “ABIDE!” Stay there, don’t quit, stick it out…trust Me…know I’m working on your behalf to produce fruit, more fruit and much fruit.

God’s pruning isn’t meant to destroy. He wants a friendship…a relationship. God will prune and cut using our finances, health, spouses, children, death, loss, etc. We cry, bleed and ache. It’s God’s way of finding out after the pruning and cutting…still friends? Can God trust us with trouble…still friends? Can I take you through intense sadness and your love for Me not change…still friends?

Those who are “there” in the cutting and pruning; you haven’t become bitter or frustrated. Because you didn’t quit, you’ve stuck it out, you’ve endured, you’ve been faithful and trusted Him. Verse 16 says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.”

“Father, in spite of the pain and suffering, we will abide in You cultivating a loving relationship. When the trimming is done and our fruit is ripe, we look forward to You answering our prayers.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 27, 2019

His Beauty Fills The Whole Earth

“All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name. Selah” Psalm 66:4 (ESV)

It was the most beautiful moon ever. Staring out my kitchen window early morning eyes were captivated by the biggest, brightest moon in the darkest sky. Couldn’t believe it. Right before my eyes, the beauty of God’s handiwork greeted me. And if that wasn’t enough, I witnessed the glorious melting of orange, yellow and red as the sun began to rise. Speechless….and I’ve only been out of bed for a few moments. Day and night bookending the beginning and the end depending on where my gaze landed.

Great way to start my morning lost in His beauty and glory. Guarantee you that’s not my norm. Usually my eyes are barely awake when my feet hit the floor. Most likely, my thoughts are zooming through what I have to get done today. And all the while I’m immersed in my own little world…..God is displaying His splendor. Just because we don’t take time to soak it in doesn’t mean His glory isn’t surrounding us.

Wonder what I miss when I fail to recognize His handiwork encircling me? Dare I guess that my praise is weak when my mind is bent towards other things. Definitely admit my consumption with “my” world overshadows the incredibleness of One who created all things.

Simple cure for those of us who get lost in the craziness of this life – choose to notice….choose to praise…choose to remember our God. Reflect on His goodness. Drink deep of His character. Admire His greatness unfolding right before our eyes. Deliberately savor those moments when splendor overtakes us…bow in awe and wonder at the work of His hands. Praise the very essence of His grace, love and mercy. Cherish God’s daily protection. Worship His sovereignty and kindness. Saturate our minds with His truth…meditate daily on His words and not our own thoughts. Lean in close to hear His still small voice leading and guiding us each step of the way. Search deep, seek long and discover the beauty of falling in love with One who never leaves us or forsakes us.

Can’t think of a better way to avoid being consumed with our “own” little world than to keep our gaze zeroed in on our awesome God.

“Father, there is none like You; nothing else even comes close to the glory and splendor of who You are.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 22, 2019

Childlike Faith

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 (NIV)

“God is great, God is good , and we thank Him for this food. By His hands we are fed; give us, Lord, our daily bread.” Childlike faith simply expressed with folded hands looking to the face of God.
I remember those days –how about you? Gathering around the table, we longed for our turn to pray through closed eyes that peeked to make sure no one else was looking. Sheer sweetness to the very heart of God. Fully trusting, fully confident and unafraid because God is great and God is good.

Wonder how often we now reflect our trust, our confidence and our courage in our God who is great and good? Do we simply express our faith in the One who has given us our daily food, nourished our soul and given us all that we need? Or have we forgotten His greatness? Have we refrained from accepting His goodness?

Childlike wonder and awe often slips away as adult logic slips in. We reason with life. We contemplate the yes, no and wait responses to our prayers. We wring our hands or shake our fists when life yields a daily bread we’d rather not taste. And at times we even extinguish our prayers as we fail to acknowledge His touch on our lives. But God’s sheer sweetness is still found in the heart of His child who simply expresses their faith with folded hands looking intently to the heart and face of God.

“Father, remind me daily that You alone fed my soul with the Greatness and Goodness that flows from Your heart.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 21, 2019

Home – A Sweet Aroma

“…But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)

Certain memories of home seem to never fade away. They live in our hearts forever. For instance, the distinct scent unique to your childhood home. Maybe it’s the sound of the screen porch door when it slammed shut. Or the experience of spectacular sunsets while sitting in a barn loft as the sun disappeared behind a mountain ridge.

Perhaps you have fond memories of Sunday lunch at grandma’s house after church or the security of nightly routines of being tucked into bed safe and sound.

The homes we create often give a visual sense into our lives. Visitors and guests get a view and feel of who we are by our keepsakes, pictures and even our home decor, etc. Our homes tell a lot about who we are, what we like and how we live.

We live in an imperfect world and our homes can at times be chaotic; however, even in the midst of chaos there still can be a sweet aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15). The way we handle the woes of this world will determine the fragrance, whether it’s a sweet perfume or unpleasant stench.

When family, friends and guests come to visit and fellowship, may our homes permeate a recognizable difference. A homey refuge where God is welcome and celebrated but the world is not.
From the beginning of time and before the creation of mankind, God’s purpose was for us to live in constant fellowship with Him. The Lord wants us to be so at home with Him that our lives radiate a wonderful glimpse of what it means to be His child to a lost and dying world.

“Lord, we pray our homes are beacons of light that shine bright into a dark world illuminating Your glory and Your love for us.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 20, 2019

Captivated By His Peace

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

It’s Thursday night and you could hear a pin drop at my friend’s house. Stopping by to leave some cookies, I found her children studying for the dreaded Friday tests. While I was looking forward to my last day at work that week, these children were dreading the “big test” day. As I deposited my cookies and left, I whispered a prayer – “Father, help them remember the things they have learned and allow them to rest knowing You are there to help them.”

A simple prayer that moments later captivated my attention. While I wasn’t facing a “big test” on Friday, I was facing some major challenges. And just as these children were studying and preparing, God had been preparing and beckoning me to His Word in preparation for another “big test” in my life. The only problem – my focus was locked in on the dread of the outcome rather than on my Rescuer. Encouraging scripture would fill my mind one minute, and then within seconds overwhelming thoughts would drown them out. How could I get so lost in an imagination captivated with runaway endings versus being mesmerized by His peace? So easy to do when we entertain tomorrow instead of trusting God for today. A deep trap we often fall into when we want answers, solutions and fixes now – proven ways to create doubt, fear and worry.

Desperately waging this battle, I cried, “Father help me remember the things you have taught me. Bring Your words to my mind. Fill me with Your encouragement. Help me to trust You and leave tomorrow for tomorrow.”

As I whirled those thoughts back onto my God and His awesome faithfulness, I found my spirit lift as I rested in His presence. And as I continued this practice, God captivated my attention with His peace as my mind stayed focused on Him.

“Father, just the thought of You rescues my life from swirling anxious moments. How blessed we are to rest in Your presence!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 19, 2019

Handling Anger God’s Way

“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 (ESV)

Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be fine and then suddenly BAM! Something happens and you find yourself angry, hurt, frustrated or sad. These feelings can often leave us teetering on the edge between a good or bad reaction. When we face difficulty, it is normal to have negative emotions. Although these feelings are not in themselves sinful, our reactions could easily become sinful if we are not careful. How we handle these situations shows whether we are learning and growing in our faith. It gives others a glimpse of Jesus in action. Lashing out, while feels good at the time, will only produce a worse situation.

So how do we act in righteousness instead of anger? Here are a few ideas that may help:

• First, acknowledge your feelings. Denying these feelings is not handling them and eventually those feelings will resurface.
• Second, try to understand why the situation is really bothering you. Is there something deeper going on? Have you been angry about this same type of situation before? Why?
• Next and most importantly, pray. Ask God to help you with what you are feeling and your response.
• Lastly, focus on the good. Finding things to be thankful for even in a difficult situation can shift your perspective from positive to negative. When our perspective shifts our actions will follow.
• One additional note: If the difficulty you are facing requires a response, wait. It is sometimes best to say nothing and wait until we can get our emotions in check.

I’ll admit I have not followed through on this list as often as I would like. But growth is a process, it doesn’t happen overnight and it can be filled with mistakes. In those times, I simply humble myself, apologize, evaluate where I went off track, and then file it away for next time. And prayerfully next time something comes, as it most assuredly will, I will be a little wiser and better equipped.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word to guide us in our lives daily. Thank You that You are a Father who understands it is hard to face difficulty. Help us to react in a way that is pleasing to /you even in the midst of our emotions. Give us strength to do the right thing despite how we feel.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 18, 2019

Abundantly Blessed

“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (NAS)

Challenged by a friend during a season of doubt, Ann Voskamp began keeping a list of God’s goodness. That list ultimately turned into her first book “One Thousand Gifts” – a New York Times bestseller. A dare to live fully right where you are – transforming the disappoint-ments of life into positives.

I found this book when disillusionment was circling my life. Discouraged over a season of loss, the title of the book grabbed my attention. Not only was it a good read, it challenged me to focus my heart, eyes, and mind on the goodness of God.

Wonder if that friend hadn’t challenged Ann if she would have ever written this book? The very thing that was hard to hear out of her friend’s mouth is the very thing that God is using to deepen thousands of people’s gratitude.

Enjoying the benefits of friendship is awesome – love that girl time. But sometimes God calls us to a deeper walk with our friends – the place where we know we need to risk everything for the sake of saying the truth in love. Have you ever been there? I know my life has been enriched by others who encouraged, inspired and yes at times said tough things. God encircled my single parenting years with godly women who challenged me on several levels. Embracing their feedback, I often rethought decisions and refocused my priorities. Their divine intervention resulted in a dare to live fully right where I was.

Wonder what would have happened if they hadn’t take that risk? Wonder what will happen if we don’t take that risk? Abundantly blessed by authentic women who are passionate about God and impacting others – it’s on God’s bestseller list – a must read to change our world.

“Sweet Jesus, You created us for community – to do life with others – engage deep and influence richly. Praising You for those friends You divinely brought into my life.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 15, 2019

How Big Is Your God?

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)

Sometimes I need to be reminded of how big our God really is. He is everlasting…without end. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and all of the glorious things that we see every day…mountains, oceans, sunrises, sunsets, flowers, trees, animals…everything was created for and by Him. He never grows weary. We cannot begin to fathom His understanding. When my circumstances seem impossible, I need to remember how big my God really is…

When things aren’t the way we want them to be. When circumstances block our goals…when illness comes…when hearts are broken… when life disappoints. We need to remember that our God is bigger than anything that is keeping us from what we want. But, we also need to know that our God is bigger than that thing we so desperately want. He, himself, is the ultimate fulfillment of all of our desires.

Marshall Segal of desiringGod.org says it this way, “The reality is that all of us can imagine something better for ourselves than our circumstances today. The greater reality is that, if you love and follow Jesus, God always writes a better story for you than you would write for yourself. The “better” is based on this: God himself is the best, most satisfying thing you could ever have or experience, and, therefore, fullness of life is ultimately found not in any earthly success or relationship or accomplishment, but in your proximity to God through faith.”

“Lord, help us to seek You above all else. Remind us that, in You, we have all that we need.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Worship

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