Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 9, 2018

The God of Angel Armies Is By Your Side

“For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (NIV)

When I was in third grade, there was a girl in my class who intimidated everyone, but especially me. Though she was just months older than me, that girl was a lot bigger and stronger than me. Most boys in our class would not mess with her, because she could strike all of them together like bowling pins.

For some reason which, to this day, I cannot figure out, that girl simply didn’t like me. She picked on my clothes, shoes, lunch box and even my name. She followed me around the school yard as if I was a prey and she was a watch dog sent to attack, but not before I did something that she could excuse her behavior by hurting me. I dreaded going to school because of her. In today’s lingo, that girl was a bully, and that bully gave me a very hard time in third grade. Whenever the school bell rang, I’d run for my life, finding the quickest way home before she got to me.

One day, as I was getting ready to leave for home, my worst nightmare started to unfold, as my foe was walking towards me with two other soldiers from her army of bullies. I don’t know where I learned to run so fast, but I did. I ran like Forrest Gump when the football stadium told him to run. And I ran to my Daddy’s office because I decided I would no longer be afraid of going to school or to be myself around my friends just because someone in my class had decided to make my life miserable. I told Daddy everything I had been dealing with at school, and he nipped the problem in the bud by speaking with the school leadership, who ended my agony by contacting that girl’s parents.

Are you facing some bullies of your own? Is Satan using his army against you? Are you afraid to live life to its fullest because you have been brought down too much, too often? Go to God. He is your Father, your Abba, your Daddy. He cares. And He will send His army of angels to rescue you.

“Father God, You are our refuge and strength. We are always safe in You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 8, 2018

Deeply Rooted Joy

“for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” Psalm 63:7 (ESV)

Where’s your happy place? You know the perfect spot for fun, relaxation, just chilling – the one spot that always brings a smile to your face. For me that spot has always been the calming waves of the ocean. I love sitting on the edge of sand and watching God orchestrating the perfect crash to shore. Can’t get enough of the warm breezes and the sunsets that melt before my eyes. And the quiet early dawn as sun kisses water – totally my happy place.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if our every day unveiled happy? Have to admit, I’d probably love it for quite a while, but even happy can be overrated. Despite all the joy money, time or people can buy, we eventually realize there’s a deep whole inside us that happy can’t fill.

Discontentment sprouts weeds even in the presence of happy. Boredom settles in quickly when ease overcomes us. Complacency moves in displacing perceived momentary joy. Our souls were created for so much more than the perfect spot, best day or the easy life.

We thrive in the midst of challenges. We grow when hard places teach us deep lessons. We experience strength in the face of adversity. We gain deep insight nestled close to disappointment. We embrace contentment when we zero in on the One who gives everlasting joy.

So sweet friends the real issue isn’t elusive happy – it’s a realization that feelings and emotions will at times leave us empty. They fluctuate constantly creating an unstable place to land. Joy, however, is rooted deep within us. It’s a vibrant fruit of God’s Spirit indwelling us regardless of our circumstances. No one steal it away. No one can rob us of its presence. Joy is only denied when we quench the very Spirit of God living within us.

Happy place or joy – the choice is up to us. We can settle for happy or we can allow God’s Spirit to fill us to overflowing with His joy despite our circumstances. Don’t know about you but everlasting joy sounds incredible, unbelievable – yet its true. Even when happy evades us, joy will give us the confidence that our God is working all things for our good. We can rest in His tender care and embrace the closeness He offers – now that’s a real happy place.

“Father Your joy is beyond anything we could ever imagine. Praising You for filling us up, sustaining us and drawing us safely under Your wings.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 7, 2018

Diffuse Don’t Ignite

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

Like many couples, a division of labor at our house creates a sense of harmony. Some couples decide ahead of time who will be cooking the meals for the week. Others may plan who is saddled with the icky jobs like cleaning toilets or taking the trash out. While I would prefer never taking the trash out or going to the grocery store, there is one job I dread above all others which my husband has so graciously taken responsibility for. My love for my husband increases exponentially when he performs this task, allowing me to avoid it entirely.

I despise making phone calls. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy catching up with family and friends on the phone on occasion. However, I would rather clean a toilet than call Direct TV to try to get a better deal. I prefer doing dishes (every single dish in the house) over calling the insurance company to clear up a procedure they failed to cover. Presented with the choice of dusting or calling a credit card company to cancel our account, I will choose dusting every time.

My husband has a way with customer service representatives that eludes me. I get frustrated too easily with what feels like their unwillingness to help me. My conversations with customer service representatives end in a stalemate, leaving me fuming in anger. My husband, on the other hand, speaks with kindness and clarity. He asks the representative’s name and how his/her day is going. He is so kind that generally he ends the call with more than we were asking for.

As followers of Christ, we do not have the option to avoid distasteful activities. We may be confronted with angry people. Angry, hurt, disgruntled people may present logical or illogical claims against us. Anger or hostility may be directed at our friends, our church, and/or our families.

Our key verse calls us to calm the situation, as much as it depends on us. We can choose to speak with words that honor and bring glory to God. These may not be the first words that pop into our minds. Those negative words would probably be better off swallowed and consumed in the acid of our stomachs. Our key verse directs us to take a deep breath, exhaling words that bring life and not death, words that restore and not destroy, words that extend grace and not condemnation.

“Lord, may we seek to speak Your words of love and grace in every situation. May we lead others to the cross for restoration and healing. Thank You for Your grace in our own lives.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 6, 2018

Leaving Rejection Behind

“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in. Psalm 27:10 (ESV)

How can such a tiny grey furball of a kitten capture a heart so fast? To be totally honest, I’m not a pet lover, but the cuteness of this abandoned one overtook us. We couldn’t figure out where she came from. Two cats like to visit our house but neither one would have anything to do with her. Like an outcast, she sat whimpering constantly. Just a few weeks old and eyes still shut desperate for help. My husband cleaned her up and carefully got those eyes free. His was the first face she saw. And for a few days she stole the show. Every move he made in our yard, Charcoal (did I mention we named her) followed behind his footsteps as fast as her little feet would let her go.

When the one abandoned meets kindness following is natural. When eyes are opened wide, following is easy. When one feels loved despite other’s rejection, following draws them.

Love the way Jesus didn’t need to bribe others to follow Him. His kindness and gentleness drew them in. Captivated by His loving acceptance, crowds eagerly stayed close for a chance to hear His voice. Regardless of who rejected them or cast them aside, when Jesus came by they didn’t want to miss out.

Maybe if we had even a little more Jesus in us then those abandoned would capture our hearts too. We wouldn’t walk past them or judge them. We wouldn’t offer up excuses or be afraid to get a little messy helping them to see. Our acceptance and not prideful arrogance would be the one thing that propels them to follow after the One we love. Making favoritism rare versus familiar (James 2). Loving others the way God loves us.

And sweet friend, if you ever find yourself cast aside, abandoned – don’t ever give up. People may forget you. Friends may leave you. Jobs may fail to deliver. But this I know, God has never forsaken His own. Even in our loneliest hours, He is right by our side. Ever cheering us on. Orchestrating His perfect plan at just the right moment. Loving us large and singing loud over the weary. Leaving rejection behind and embracing the love of One who reaches down to make us great never looked better.

“Father, I love the way you teach us simple lessons of how to love, care for and draw others to You. Simple reminders to care more than we dare think and leave the rest in Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Love, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 3, 2018

Embracing The Struggle

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17-18 (ESV)

I kept telling myself it was just a word. Yet the weight of its message crushed my spirit. No one wants to feel the sting of rejection – the book proposal remaining on the shelf, the husband who walks out, the promotion that doesn’t happen, the friend who excludes – I think you get the picture.

Despite our determination to capture every thought in the aftermath of disappointment, we still hear the lies of the enemy – “You’re just not good enough.” Amazing how quickly he arrives on the scene to rain on our drenching downpour of self pity. As if we didn’t need anyone else cheering us down, Satan picks up the mantel and slays us even more.

Perhaps you too have experienced those moments when dreams fade, persistence appears to be wasted and giving up resurfaces. Maybe you’ve entertained Satan’s taunts and received his fiery darts. Could it be that you too have heard words spoken over you – rejected, unworthy, not good enough, etc. echoing deep down into your soul.

Sweet friend, our enemy loves to sneak in when we are down, but we don’t have to accept his dance. God has equipped and empowered us to resist and flee the very presence of Satan. We are not powerless but powerful when we exchange the lies of the enemy for the truths of God’s word.

Life will always present us with wins and losses, but they don’t dictate who we are. The real wins are moments bathed in obedience despite seasons of drought and emptiness. It’s staying the course, pressing through despite how we feel or what other’s may say. It’s holding on to God’s dreams and releasing our timetable. It’s trusting big and determining to never quit. It’s embracing the struggle, rising above the disappointment. It’s drawing closer to the One who never leaves our side.

“Father, We don’t have to wonder – our identity has been sealed – we are Your beloved. We are clothed in Your righteousness. We are precious in your sight.. What more could a girl want?

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 2, 2018

Jehovah Jireh: Our God Provides

“Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John 6:7 (NIV)

Why do we get up each day, get ready and head to work? Why do we look for a paycheck at the end of each pay period?”

If you are like me, you work because you need to earn a living, which means doing whatever we can to ensure our survival: having food on the table, having routine medical checkups, paying for transportation, which could mean taking a bus, subway or owning a car. We also separate part of our wages for tithes, education, leisure, clothing, and unavoidable emergency needs such as surgeries or vehicle repairs. All these things require money, and we must work and depend on our wages, i.e. paychecks.

Now imagine Jesus by the Sea of Galilee, surrounded by a multitude of 5,000 people who, followed Him around to listen to His teachings and partake of His healing. Though that multitude was being fed spiritually, however, there came a time when they also got physically hungry. You can probably imagine that it’d be very hard to get a caterer to deliver by the Sea of Galilee, especially if you take into consideration that a camel’s back is not even close to being the most suitable vehicle to carry food, because it entails a very slow and bumpy ride.

Jesus asked one of His disciples, Philip, where they would buy food to feed the hungry people. He knew exactly what the answer would be, but He asked anyway, because those people were about to see a miracle. Philip didn’t even hesitate to say that in order to feed those people, it would take more than half a year’s wages. So, incidentally a young boy, probably a street vendor, appeared with a basket holding five small loaves of barley bread and two small fish. Jesus took that food, blessed it, and passed it on to His disciples, who, in turn, passed it on to the people and they all ate to be satisfied. Oh, yes, but not only that!!! They collected 12 baskets full of leftover food after everyone was done eating.

Are you living dependent upon a paycheck? Are you worried about how you will pay your bills each month? Give it up to Jesus. Ask Him to bless the work of your hands. Follow His lead and you will see your prosperity grow and multiply because our God provides.

“Lord, thank You for being our Jehovah Jireh.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 1, 2018

When Real Sabotages Growth

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

“That’s just the way I am.” We’ve probably all used or heard that line. It’s the one that soothes over our rough edges or so we think. Being real, authentic in a world filled with imitation and fake is refreshing and energizing. Removing the mask revealing our self rather than hiding behind true self is liberating. But what happens when “just the way I am” sabotages growth and transformation?

Don’t know about you, but it’s easier to claim I can’t change than admit I won’t change. Facing our own weaknesses and admitting what doesn’t serve us well isn’t exactly where we like to visit. Unveiling all of the “real us” even if it hurts others isn’t pretty. Too many times, I’ve seen “just the way I am” on full display and the damaging effects of authenticity gone wild is more than I prefer to experience. Sorry to say, I’ve been real for the sake of real unfiltered, and I’m sure there were some innocent bystanders running for cover.

Ever wondered how to be real and transparent without our weaknesses dominating everyone’s space? Balance – yes it works, but we aren’t called to balance our authenticity – we are called to be led by God’s Spirit and not our own.

One of the beautiful things about our relationship with God is His intentional work in us. A surrendered heart flourishes when faced with God’s truth and doesn’t allow excuses to prevent transformation. A woman clothed in right living, discernment and grace isn’t faking it – she’s truly trusting in Him – allowing God’s Spirit to respond and react even when she finds herself in a hot mess. A woman committed to change even if she’s the one that needs to change is breathtaking. Real never looked so good.

 

Choosing to bring our real to the feet of Jesus and ask for His wisdom to guide us shines bright even in our dark world. What we thought or had convinced ourselves was impossible now faces us in the mirror (James 1:22-24). It’s a chance of a lifetime to admit, agree, alter and yes, surrender our real so others get a glimpse of His glory.

“Father, we long to be authentic believers completely honest about our weaknesses and totally dependent on You to transform us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2018

When Narrow Seems Hard

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” Matthew 7:13 (ESV)

Never been good at backing up or parking. Especially don’t like it when my vehicle is huge. I’ve been driving the “tank” (SUV) for the past month. I’d much rather drive my small BMW but a sciatic nerve issue doesn’t like me constantly putting in the clutch to change gears. So my sweet hubby and I switched and I’ve become the driver of our “tank.”

Practice makes perfect or should I say practice helps. I’ve learned to back into my parking space at work with ease. If I simply keep my eyes focused on the side mirrors and stay within the lines, I park beautifully. But if I get outside the lines or allow myself to focus on the vehicles parked beside me then I risk – well let’s just not go there. Hitting someone’s car is my parking fear.

Focus is everything when it comes to staying inside lines. We learned that the moment we picked up our first crayon and attempted to color pretty. Didn’t get it right for quite a while, but practice works and before we knew it coloring was a breeze. But staying inside the lines isn’t limited to parking or coloring.

God’s boundary lines are an ongoing reminder of His deep love for us. His protection is undeniable, and He longs to see us avoid the pitfalls of stepping outside the lines. Intentionally keeping our eyes fixed on God’s truths creates a safety net guiding us in the best direction. Avoiding the distractions surrounding us eliminates the risk of allowing our feet to wander where we know we shouldn’t go. Daily prayers seeking God’s input in our day keep us perfectly poised for obedience.

Sound simple doesn’t it? But you and I both know staying on the narrow way is far from easy. We can quickly find ourselves entangled with people and things that draw us away from God’s best. Somehow we lose sight of His goodness and protection when the tangible, visible entices a more better way. Lost perfection forgets grace covers all and avoids return because of shame and guilt.

Sweet friends avoiding the devastation of stepping outside the lines will require intentional, committed and determined focus. But in those moments when Satan’s tactics convince us otherwise, God remains a fountain of amazing grace ready to steer us back on course.

“Father, Your way is the only way for us to succeed. Teach us to love Your Word and follow hard after You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 26, 2018

God’s Waiting Room

“Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalms 27:14 (NAS)

Try to relax. Go for a walk. Take a nap. Come back when you have other symptoms – advice our daughter received at the hospital several years ago. Hoping to meet her daughter that day only indicated it was false labor, and she was instructed to go home and wait. Disappointing to say the least.

How many times do God’s children spend long intervals in His waiting room? Waiting to have a child, to get a job, for God to provide that special need, to see a child return to God, for a mate, etc. Waiting requires strength and endurance to ‘hold on’ no matter the cost.

The Bible describes faith as the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Being in His ‘waiting room’ places our hope and trust in the unseen acknowledging God is in control. Nothing can be done to speed up God’s timetable, change His course of action, or undo His perfect plan. As difficult as it may be to accept, God is sovereign.

Are you waiting? Don’t lose hope. Eventually our daughter gave birth and God’s little angel entered this world. Every child of God can be confident He will come through, His blessings are always worth the wait, and He never disappoints His children.

“Dear Father, please give me patience and endurance, as I trust You with every aspect of my life.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 25, 2018

Resisting the Urge to Splurge

Amazing how it only takes a second to get off track. I’ve been eating clean for months. You know – avoiding all the stuff that’s not good for you. Eliminating preservatives, sugary sweets and the things we love to nibble on. Out of sight – out of mind that’s my go to and keeping those things out of my kitchen and off my grocery list has kept me on target with my eating goals. Never felt better. Never slept better.

And then there was a special event… you know it’s so hard to resist the urge to splurge because it’s a special event. So I took the plunge and ate some chocolate. Now, I’m struggling to stay on course. My fave food has stirred up my desire for sugary sweets and left me defeated on too many occasions. While I enjoyed the “special event” that one bite has totally sabotaged my appetite.

Wonder if we ever find ourselves slipping off track? We all know the one little thing that trips us up every time. Perhaps it is gossip camouflaged as just sharing someone else’s prayer request. Maybe it’s listening to the wrong influencers. Could it possibly be that we simply take a “much needed” break from Bible Study, prayer and miss a few church services so we can recharge? Now don’t get me wrong, we all need rest and solitude. But it doesn’t take too many misses to assume one more won’t matter. Maybe the real culprit is something that once ruled us, held us bondage and we’ve managed with His strength to avoid it until it rises to the surface again.

Sweet friends, I admit I totally loved eating that chocolate. But my mistake wasn’t in eating it – the root of the issue was I allowed its sweetness to draw me back to something I had worked hard to avoid. Satan is the great deceiver and he loves to zero our attention to those little things that quickly get us sidetracked from God’s best. If he can convince us that one compromise won’t affect us then he’s already winning the battle. One splurge leads to another and before we know it – we’ve slipped off track.

Simple solution – don’t buy in to the enemy’s tactics. When temptations come our way let’s decide now to not even entertain the thought of it being okay or not that bad. Let’s align our thoughts and actions with God’s word and fight our battles armed with His truth. We’ve got this girls as long as we don’t give in and allow the enemy to sabotage God’s best.

“Father we face temptations on a daily basis. Help us to decide in advance a route of escape that keeps us on track with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

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