Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 10, 2018

Choosing Not To Settle

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one who you obey, either of sin, which leads to death or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? ” Romans 6:16 (ESV)

Ever lose your fave recipe? I have too many times to count. This past week, I searched diligently for my oatmeal, almond butter cookie recipe. We love it – perfect combo and very healthy too – tastes delish. I searched thru drawers and piles of recipes before taking to the internet. None of the ones I found came even close. The ingredients were off. The procedure wasn’t right. I wanted my recipe; I could taste those cookies melting in my mouth. Giving up, I finally settled for another one.

Got up Saturday morning to take my vitamins and guess what I found folded up in my drawer? My cookie recipe! I was so excited! No settling for this girl, I mixed up a batch and it’s chilling in the fridge right now – can’t wait to bake them.

While my fave recipe involved delish cookies, God has a recipe for successful living – it’s called obedience. That’s right – nothing else will do. There is no substitute for doing what God has told us to do. It’s easy to try to do life our way and skip His wisdom, but the settling for my will versus His will definitely leave a bad aftertaste.

Obeying the voice of God may seem simple and familiar, but over the past few weeks I’ve been focusing on a Bible verse each week. Amazing how those verses have propelled me to examine my obedience. Do I intentionally listen and obey His voice? Total confession here – no! One particular day, I said something “gossip” at work that wasn’t edifying or encouraging yet I totally dismissed it. Next morning I’m reading over my verse for the week and knew I’d missed the mark.

Perfection will never be our seal in this world. We are constantly battling our fleshly desires, yet God never asks for perfection but a seeking after His holiness – a desire within us to obey His voice. A daily pursuit of prayer, Bible Study, obedience and growth.

Love His grace for those moments when we fail to follow His recipe. But don’t want to settle there and excuse away the things we know displease our God. The end result never serves us well. So sweet friends, I’m praying we heed His words and obey His voice even if it’s a habit we’ve excused before. Choosing not to settle. Choosing to please Him because obedience is His fave response.

“Sweet Jesus, how we need You to help us resist the urge to disobey. To stand strong and walk boldly in obedience knowing You lead us to abundance.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 7, 2018

Blessed In The Midst of Unknowns

“When I called him (Abraham), he was only one; I blessed him and made him many.” Isaiah 51:2b (HCSB)

Leaving familiar behind is not quite my easy stride. I love the comfort zone. I enjoy repetition. I don’t get bored with same. Routine is my best friend. But moving away from what fits me pushes me into uncharted territory. Places I feel uncomfortable. Places that stretch me. Places that dare me to be bold and courageous.

Have you ever been there when leaving what seems ordinary and easy beckons you to come? Perhaps it’s a new job. Maybe it’s a move to another area. Perhaps it’s stepping out to share your faith. Maybe it’s taking the next step to be all that God has called you to be. Perhaps leaving means different things in different seasons of our lives – navigating through the stages of our lives.

Abraham’s was the ultimate sacrifice. Leaving everything he knew. Leaving his inheritance. Leaving his relatives. Walking with God faithfully to a place he had never seen. Following after God in a direction he didn’t even know how to take. Goggle maps couldn’t lead him. Facebook couldn’t connect him. Twitter couldn’t encourage him. Instagram couldn’t remind him. Totally uncertain of whether he would ever return to his homeland, yet faithfully trusting the unknown to the One true God who called him.

Scripture is filled with over 200 references to Abraham’s faith journey. Was he without fault? Absolutely not. Like you and me, Abraham had moments of reactive fear. Like you and me, Abraham learned how to trust God completely. Like you and me, Abraham was faced with God’s supreme test in laying down what he loved so dearly. Like you and me, he sometimes failed.

Love the promises of God sprinkled throughout Abraham’s life. Constant reminders that He is the rewarder of those who live righteously. He blesses those who remain faithful to the very end of life in this world. And our God knows precisely when and how to stretch us out of familiar.

Is God beckoning us to a deeper walk? Has he nudged us to leave comfort and easy? Is God inviting us to trust Him more with each wobbly step toward the unknown? Sweet friends, let’s answer when God calls and embark on an incredible journey of faith.

“Father, help us to be women who aren’t afraid to step out of our comfort zone and joyfully follow your leading even towards the unknowns.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2018

When Knowing It All Doesn’t Serve Us Well

“Exhort one another every day that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)

Remember those days when we thought we knew it all? Our parents, well, they were lost in a time warp unaware of what was going on. Us, we had the answer to everything or at least we thought we did. Age seventeen, I took the plunge and married my new boyfriend. Dismissed all the advice from friends and family – after all I was old enough – I knew everything. Didn’t take me long to realize my dependence on “self” wisdom was way off course.

Perhaps you have found yourself in the same place. What appeared good, exciting and adventurous in a moment evaporated all too quickly. Wore out my knees on cold floors many times crying out to the very One I never consulted because I knew it all. Held out that just maybe things would turn around, and they did but not for the better. Found myself a single parent at age thirty struggling to survive.

Wonder what would have happened if I had listened, waited and accepted the truth staring me in the face? I’m sure this girl’s story would have been different, but my heart was so full of self and not enough of Jesus. God’s truths had saturated my mind the moment I had air to breathe. Church was my first trip as a babe and Sunday School stories filled my days. Flannelgraph and all – I knew them one by one. Yet knowing and doing are two different venues. My heart was fooled and my mind was hard, steadfast determined to do life my way. It didn’t serve me well.

Love this reminder from Hebrews. Gentle words not harsh. Simple phrase to exhort, encourage one another every day. Temptation, distractions, harshness seek to form a crust over tender hearts ready to receive His words. Before we even know it, we’ve slipped further away. Reading His words doesn’t soak in; they’re just simply duty. Truths that should propel us away from ugly consequences are rationalized quickly.
Despite my “self” wisdom this Jesus girl is thankful for His ever presence. When I kept turning away, God kept seeking. Planting people all around me to encourage, exhort and soften my hardness. Blessed to know God has enough mercy for our mistakes, failures and outright disobedience. Grateful for His grace in never leaving us nor giving up.

Lessons well learned living hard roads. Encouragement abounds when we’ve experienced it washing other us. Note to Self: Hard hearts reap hard places – soft hearts reap His joy.

“Sweet Jesus sin is a our great deceiver leading us further and further away from You. Protect our hearts, shield our minds and keep us on our knees totally dependent on You alone.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 4, 2018

Removing High Places

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV)

I have to admit, I have been totally taken by it. Maybe it’s the stories of valor; of storming the enemy confident in God who assures the victory. Perhaps it’s the justice; the integrity of God who means what He says and says and what He means. Then again, I suspect it’s the hope; that God will deliver, restore and bless His people for those who run after Him with their whole heart.

For whatever reasons, I have been captivated by 2 Chronicles for a while now. As if about to burst if I don’t begin to write of it, I know that this is only the beginning. The treasures in these words are waiting and I must examine.

This book chronicles the events of the kings that spanned from the ever-so wise Solomon to the ever-so evil Zedekiah. Before one gets lulled by yet another endless reference to genealogies, each account lists additional information. Of relevance becomes the inclusion of Levites, law and sacrifice in one’s kingdom. Of importance is the taking down of foreign altars, high places, sacred stones, Asherah poles and incense altars, all of which were used to worship evil and lying gods. Turning one’s heart towards the Lord and living according to His precepts equated to securing His strength in battle and prosperity in acquisitions. This brings us to Jehoshaphat.

Jehoshaphat had an upbringing that most would envy. He learned to walk in the ways of the Lord from an early age. As king, he appointed men to sing and praise the Lord for His holiness. Jehoshaphat’s Judah became powerful, wealthy and favored by God. Then in 2 Chronicles 20:33, after all the successes and victories while serving the Lord, truth emerged and judgment followed. “The high places were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.” (NIV) High places, the areas of one’s heart not surrendered to the King of Kings and in so keeping, one becomes vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Jehoshaphat would align himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, a wicked king. Destruction proved eminent. All that remains is a well written manuscript to teach and instruct the children of God.

“Father, after my devotion, seeking and service, have I left any high places in place? Holy Spirit, reveal and convict my heart, give me strength to repent and correct, so that I may be totally Yours.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 3, 2018

Remembered By One

“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” Genesis 40:23 (NIV)

From an empty, dark pit to a lavish palace, Joseph tasted life at its worst and at its best. Abandoned by his brothers. Left to die yet rescued and sold into slavery. Elevated to serve directly under Potiphar. Unjustly accused, Joseph found himself doing time in Pharaoh’s prison. Would the tragic events of his life ever end?

Overlooked, cast aside, rejected – words that often fill our minds. Wonder if those words ever saturated Joseph’s thoughts especially when forgotten echoed in his ears? Joseph had just interpreted the cupbearer’s dream of being restored to his duties in the palace. A favor deserved a favor was the basis of Joseph’s plea. One simple request, “Remember me, show me kindness and mention me to Pharaoh; get me out of this prison.” When morning comes, the cupbearer is released and returned to serve Pharaoh. Life goes on and remembering Joseph is a lost cause.

Forgotten and left in prison, Joseph continued to endure challenge after challenge. What man choose to not remember, God purposed to never forget. He was with Joseph every step of the way. Abandoned in a pit, God was there. Sold into slavery, God was there. Serving in the palace, God was there. Battling temptation, God was there. Unjustly chained in prison, God was there. Forgotten by many yet remembered by One.
Wonder how we would have responded if we walked in Joseph’s shoes even for a day? Have to admit, my attitude would need a major adjustment. Grumbling would definitely spew from my mouth. Loneliness would creep in and depression would cloud my view. Don’t know about you but being punished for something I didn’t do doesn’t set well with me. And then to help someone and simply ask for favor – remember me – can’t say I’d handle that one well.

Two years go by and Joseph is still in prison. Pharaoh has a dream and finally the cup bearer remembers him. Impeccable timing – God’s perfect timing. Chains are released. Promotion comes when Joseph least expected it. He would never be forgotten again.

What’s your story? Has challenge after challenge left you wondering if God has walked away? Do you lay in bed at night and question if He even exists? Sweet friend, Joseph’s life reminds us that regardless of where we go, regardless of who seeks to harm us, regardless of injustices -God is fully aware of our situation. He is always with us. We might be forgotten by many, but sweet friends we will always be remembered by One.

“Father, when forgotten labels my life help me to trust Your plan and cling to Your truths.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 31, 2018

Stepping In With Mercy

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

Moms wear lots of hats: chef, chauffeur, housekeeper, personal assistant, cheerleader, tutor, office manager, etc. Of all the hats I wear as a mom, my least favorite is my nurse’s hat. I would like to ditch this hat altogether since it requires mercy. (I am sorely lacking in mercy.)

I prefer natural remedies over doctor visits so the vitamins, juices, and other natural treatments taste nothing like the cotton candy medicine a pharmacy might prepare. I give my children what they need to fight viruses and stomach aches, but stroking a feverish forehead with a cool cloth or rubbing the back of a retching boy is not in my wheelhouse. My philosophy: rest so your body can fight the invader and let me get my work done. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but there it is.

Our key verse presents a big challenge for me. To be merciful is to care for those who are in agony, distress, or sorrow. Mercy moves beyond compassion, sympathy for another’s unfortunate situation along with a desire to help, to action. Mercy acts on compassion. Mercy steps in and gets her hands dirty. Mercy listens to the grief and makes it her own. Mercy hears the heartache and accepts the sorrow as her own.

Often a virus that latches on to one child eventually makes its way through all the members of our household. When the virus strikes me, mercy floods my heart for those who have been struck before me. “So this is what you were feeling?” I think. I swim in a sea of remorse as I brave the fight my body is waging. If only I had known.

Mercy doesn’t wait to find out what devastation feels like until it strikes her personally. It dives into the devastation along with the wounded, serving in whatever way God directs.
I will dig my nurse’s hat out of the trash bin. I will enter into the suffering of others, ready to offer a cup of cool water.

“Lord, I commit to not only sympathize and desire to help those in misery, but to enter into the suffering. Show me how I can be merciful to those in need of mercy.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 30, 2018

An Anchor For My Soul

“This hope (this confident assurance) we have as an anchor of the soul (it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it) – a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil (of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells).” Hebrews 6:19 (AMP)

The Earth is covered with about 71% water, and the oceans make up 96.5% of that water. Water is never motionless, it’s constantly moving. The “water cycle” moves water from place to place and from one form to another. Metaphorically, what if we viewed human lives as sailing vessels? Barges, warships, cruise ships, kayaks, row boats, dinghy, yachts and the list could go on. As with lives, there are many different kinds of watercrafts and as with people all these vessels are different in size and function. Yachts are playgrounds for the ultra-wealthy. Warships are the equivalent of an airstrip, arsenal and small town wrapped in steel. Cruise ships are designed as floating amusement parks and a kayak is a one man self-propelled adventure. However, every water transport known to man has one common denominator…an anchor, which for safety purposes is the number one must have on any watercraft.

If we imagine our lives as a boat and God as the Anchor; then the rope between the two represents our life’s journey. What would our ropes say? What would our ropes look like? Would your rope be frayed or mended, tangled or unraveled, new or used, weak or strong, tired or energetic? Would the rope of your life be securely attached to the Anchor at all times or occasionally? Or would your rope be dangling off the side of your boat tossed about with each wave of life? When the storms of life rage and the seas of uncertainty get choppy; hurling us around and we can’t see the shore. The most important piece of gear needed to stabilize and survive any storm is the Anchor.

Our vessels may have been through the scariest of angry storms or the wildest surges being battered and bruised. However, it is never too late to attach ourselves to the Anchor that holds against any gale because it’s impossible to sail through life without the Anchor as our number one must have.

“Father, life will have tempest and squalls, but Your unseen hand holds back the disturbance and sees us through the downpour, thunder and lightning safely sheltered in Your harbor.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 29, 2018

Little Birthing Big

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

Little seeds grow into big things. Saw it first hand right outside my back door. Months ago, I carelessly pitched a few past ripe tiny little tomatoes out into the yard next to our patio. Just glad to throw them away. Never gave them a second thought. Until last week. I was cleaning up the patio and noticed this large plant growing against the brick pavers. And to my total surprise it was a tomato plant. Looked a little further to the side and there was another tomato plant. Big things popping up right where I had cast little things aside.

Ever witnessed the settling of seeds birthing big right before your eyes? Not all seeds are equal, but they all possess the potential to grow something. Seeds of forgiveness are never wasted. Seeds of bitterness always entangle. Seeds of joy are ever increasing. Seeds of grumbling stifle quick. Seeds of kindness forever flourish. Seeds of gossip destroy many. Seeds of patience are inviting. Seeds of disillusionment cloud our view. Little birthing big even if we didn’t intend for it to grow.

Wonder what’s growing in our garden – sprouting where we never imagined. Things or words we carelessly cast aside never thinking twice. Perhaps attitudes or excuses we didn’t realize would run out of control. Maybe a tiny little compromise now gaining ground quickly. Big things popping up right when we thought it didn’t really matter.

Whatever we plant has the potential to be harvested even if we thought we discarded it. Note to self: pay attention to the seeds we’re casting aside. Nurture good seeds that flourish into beauty. Fertilize the soil of your mind and heart well with God’s word and prayer. Avoid seeds that extinguish and squelch life. Grow a beautiful garden, a display of God’s glory even in the most barren field. And just when you least expect it – big things will burst forth – a sprouting of His righteousness, kindness, grace and love. Amazing how little seeds grow into big things.

“Father, You never cease to transform us moment by moment to be more like You. Can’t wait to see what You do with our little seeds.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 28, 2018

Back to Basics

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 (NLT)

School is in session! Two boys and two new schools. At the end of the first week, I am the only one who has had homework, but I think I’m nearing the end of the pile of parent paperwork. Not sure what all I’ve just signed away!

Now the house is quiet and I ponder how I am to alter my time throughout the day. Much like a new year upon us, back to school is a time to examine the usefulness of my hours and adjust accordingly. This year, like the heart’s cry that I’ve heard from many a friend, it is my soul that longs for more. What’s next Lord? How I need more of Your grace, more of Your presence. I long to know my purpose and hear Your voice rumble against the backdrop of a world of chaos and confusion. And in my yearnings, I hear You ask if I’m ready to change. And so, in prayer, I surrender my flesh and brave my hesitation at what change requires.

Like a review of 1 Corinthians 13, You remind me of what is needed and what I need to give up: replace control (in unusual places) with patience, jealousy (in others’ blessings) with contentment, anger (at insults lodged) with forgiveness, fear (of the future) with trust and regrets (of the past) with perseverance. Indeed, a chapter I often breeze through as though intended only for marriage ceremonies contains the very words that usher me into a deeper season of intimacy with You.

As an instructor of fourth year business students, I often remind them to refer back to their 101 class as many of the fundamentals tend to be forgotten with unfortunate consequences. Might it be the same in a spiritual sense? We look for depth, we seek after newness, we want to move forward in our relationship with the Lord, however in so doing, we must not forget the basics: His love that gave all when we were unlovable. And from there, may we embrace the mystery of a love that never fails.

“Father, Your gift of salvation is for all. Thank you for being a God who has made Himself accessible through the blood of Jesus. May each of us be drawn closer to You.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 27, 2018

The Power Of His Words

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 (ESV)

Ben Carson was a teenager filled with anger. In fact, he described his anger as explosive and knew he could never become a doctor unless he tackled his own anger. So Ben got down on his knees and asked God to change him. Where did God lead him? To the book of Proverbs, which is filled with verses about anger. Ben began reading a chapter in the morning and a chapter before going to bed. He saturated his mind with the truths of God’s word to strengthen his personal weakness.

What is our greatest weakness? Not always easy to admit what stares us in the face, but God’s word reminds us in James 1:23-24:

“Do not merely listen to the word and deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself forgets what he looks like.”

Ben Carson’s decision to tackle explosive anger served him well. Whenever I saw him in debate when he was running for President he was meek, calm, firm and reserved – hard to imagine that angered teenager ever existed! Gives us hope that the power of God’s word can change us too!

So let’s circle our weakness again – we all have one or more of them. Let’s not hide and deny. Let’s choose to dive deep into God’s word. Admit our weaknesses and then seek His guidance in knowing how to surrender them to Him. Let’s not settle for “less than” when God created us for so much more.

Can’t help but wonder if Ben Carson hadn’t tackled that anger would he have become such an incredible doctor? What are we missing simply because we don’t saturate our mind with God’s truths and allow them to change, empower and transform weaknesses into strength? God can change me and you if we lean into His guidance and submit to His Spirit’s control in our life.

“Father, we don’t want to stay the same. We don’t want to miss out because we failed to entrust our weaknesses to You. Take all that we have and transform us into mighty women of faith.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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