Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 8, 2018

Blessing Hannah

“Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.” I Samuel 1:17 (NIV)

Have you ever heard the phrase, “we should not judge others by their appearance?” Well, I am going to share with you the story of a woman named Hannah. She was loved by her husband, Elkanah, but she could not conceive. The trouble was that Elkanah had another wife named Peninnah, and Peninnah bore him sons, so she would constantly pick on poor Hannah, because God had closed her womb. Hannah really wanted to conceive a child and one day, while the family was in Shiloh to worship, she was so bitter in her soul, that she began to weep and pray to the Lord. I don’t know if you can fathom the kind of crying that Hannah did on that day, but it was a lot.

I recently poured my heart out to the Lord during a church service. Afterwards, I looked in the mirror, and saw little red dots all over my face (from busted little blood vessels). My eye makeup was all gone, and I looked like I had taken a beating. In short, I looked rough. So, imagine poor Hannah at the temple, crying like there was no tomorrow, asking God to give her a son, and yet unable to speak her words audibly. Her heart was definitely praying loudly, but no one could hear her muttered words. So, temple-keeper prophet Eli gets up and reprimands Hannah for “being drunk with wine.” Poor soul! Not only is she barren and now she is taken for a drunk. Hannah explains her plea to the prophet, who blesses her. Soon after, her wish comes true: she bears Elkanah a son named Samuel, who becomes a prophet and is well respected by all who encounter him.

Even godly men such as Eli, the prophet, can make mistakes. He judged Hannah by her appearance. Yet, there she was, a tormented woman, crying out to her God, asking for nothing else but a baby of her own. She wanted to be a mother, nothing else.

Do you know any “Hannahs” out there who could use some encouragement today? Who knows, you may just be the Eli in their lives, not to condemn them, but to bless them.

“Dear Lord, please help us to love beyond appearances.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 7, 2018

Best Saturday Ever

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10a(ESV)

Ever find yourself at the mercy of someone else’s urgent? Friday night, I planned out my Saturday. Several projects needed to consume my focus and distractions like shopping, running errands, etc. really needed to take a back seat. Snuggling under the covers, I committed myself to seizing every moment. Confident I would stick to my schedule.

Fast track to Saturday morning and my husband’s urgent took center stage. He needed someone to follow him to the Virginia Beach area where he was delivering a vehicle. Unfortunately, all his attempts to find someone failed and his urgent sat right in front of my eyes. My list kept rolling through my mind, yet I knew my husband really needed help. No brainer here – I got in my car and followed my man in the big truck to Virginia Beach.

Urgent stole away my list and my undistracted Saturday or so I thought. But God had everything totally under His control. While I cruised down the highway, prayers began to flow from my lips. Isolated in a vehicle for four hours just me and my God – sweet moments. Didn’t even realize I had so much to talk to Jesus about but I did. Notepad by my side, every stoplight became an opportunity to jot down what God was sharing with me. Totally undistracted – best way to spend Saturday in the presence of God.

And that list I left behind well all those things actually fell perfectly into place in God’s timing. Someone else’s urgent ushered me into the presence of God – treasured moments concentrated on Him alone. Totally confident that my God knew I needed this time with Him more than I needed anything else. Convinced this wasn’t just a coincidence but a divine appointment – an opportunity to be totally His in a place where dirty dishes and piles of laundry couldn’t compete.

Love the way God loves us so much that He carves in time for us right when we need it the most. Love His tender mercies for all those other times when we ignored His call. Blessed to discover God is really all we need and He is the One who can every item on our list. Grateful for moments at His feet where perspectives are changed and wisdom is poured out. Best Saturday ever!

“Father, You desire an intimate, thriving relationship with each of Your children. Help us to hear Your voice and welcome sweet moments in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 6, 2018

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 Attitude, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 5, 2018

His Stamp of Approval

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

How often do we seek to be “perfect” or give up on doing something because we are not “perfect?” I couldn’t even count on my hands those things I’ve longed to do but perfection stood in my way. I wasn’t good enough, smart enough or looked the part enough. Perfection is not only overrated it’s simply not godly.

Our Father God knows we will never achieve perfection on this earth. Our fleshly, sinful nature, despite our efforts, will rise to the surface because “No one is righteous – no one is good except our God” (Psalm 14:3). But we can’t give our state of imperfection license to live contrary to His will.

Paul challenged young Timothy to offer God his best not perfection. And that sweet friends, is what God desires from us. He knows our frailty and imperfections – He’s not interested in our pursuit of perfection but rather our pursuit of Him. When we pursue Him, we will give our best to Him and we will walk in obedience to His commands. Perfect no, but genuinely desiring to offer Him our very best and that’s how we receive God’s stamp of approval. He looks inwardly at the heart not at the perfection level ( I Samuel 16:7). God is the One who doesn’t condemn our attempts but rather lovingly encourages us and helps us to get back up and stay on track.

Our enemy well that’s another story….Satan’s game is condemnation. He loves to slam us when we fail and echoes words of defeat and shame in the midst of our sinfulness. Satan’s strategy is to keep us down, discouraged and forever pursuing the elusiveness of perfection. If Satan can keep us chasing what we can’t attain then he’s got us zeroed in on self and not the power and might of our God.
So if perfection is our pitfall, let’s choose to leave that game and instead pursue offering God our very best. We can walk blamelessly and pursue holiness without getting distracted by the trap of perfection or becoming a casualty of our own imperfections.

“Father, help us to release the pursuit of perfection and instead pursue You with our whole heart, soul and mind.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 2, 2018

Clean Slates

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22 (ESV)

I’ve been in a cleaning frenzy. Chalk it up to the emergence of Fall and cold weather keeping me inside. Just love the feeling of everything being in its right place which hardly ever happens for this working girl. My pantry never looked better after hours of cleaning, organizing, and yes, throwing some things away.

Note to self: Clean not only feels awesome it’s inspiring. My list keeps growing..maybe I’ll even tackle the garage.

Know what I love more than the obvious “Fall cleaning?” Every morning, I get up and start my day with a fresh clean slate. No mistakes, no failures, no regrets……God grants me a new beginning, a new chance to obey Him. An opportunity to run after holiness. A launching pad for the day where His mercies cover me before I even leave my house. A sparkling white that enables me to shine for Him.

I’m quick to remind you don’t paint a picture of me as saint – it doesn’t take long into my day before an attitude resurfaces, a negative thought occupies my mind or a reaction runs out of control. Amazing how quickly our best intentions go wrong. Sad how fast we forget His words we read or the prayers we offered. Despite my mess-ups, I still love that morning clean. Relying on God’s strength, submitting to His guidance and reflecting His righteousness. It might be short-lived but nothing feels better.

Wonder what would happen if we extended that clean slate to someone else? How would they feel knowing the past wasn’t looming over their future? I have a feeling that offering a fresh start just might be the motivation and inspiration they so desperately need too. Let’s all drink deep of His grace in those moments when our dark covers white – accepting His clean slate.

“Father, we fail You often – we miss the mark and yet, You lovingly restore and cleanse us. Great is Your faithfulness every morning.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 1, 2018

Who’s Your Daddy

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

There is something about children mimicking adults that has always amused me. When my boys were little, it was not uncommon to find them walking around the house in their daddy’s shoes. They would also put on his suit jacket as they took turns pretending they were the daddy. They played “family” with one another and changed their voices to sound more adult-ish. In sum, they wanted to be like him.

In the Jewish culture children are exposed to the word of God at a very young age, and are expected to learn and memorize Scripture on a daily basis. Because a lot of the stories shared in the Jewish culture are not written down in any books, spending time together sharing and learning is very important. The patriarchs of each family passes on to their progeny important details about their heritage that those children will someday pass on to their own offspring. The Jewish culture is kept alive by the commitment each household leader has in modeling their beliefs to their children.

Children are God’s way of reminding us that we should use wisdom in what we say and do, because – more often than not – they will emulate our actions, good or bad. A child who is exposed to love, patience, kindness, generosity, and compassion will also practice those things. If we raise them thinking that the lack of those things is the norm, they will grow to lack in those areas, too. Children are teachable, and they will be eager to follow in their parents’ footsteps, because their mommies and daddies are their heroes.

My boys are now men with their own families; they get to watch their own children walk around in their shoes and they get to share their own life stories with them. As their mother and grandmother, my heart yearns nothing different for my grandchildren than it did when raising my own sons: to model Jesus to them. It will give me no greater pleasure than to be remembered by my progeny as a child of the King of Kings, whose love I always hope to emulate to anyone with whom I cross paths.

“Lord Jesus, You always modeled the Father to us. Please help us to model You to those around us, especially our own heritage.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 31, 2018

Loving Him

“Let your heart, therefore, be wholly true to the Lord your God, walking in His statues and keeping His commandments.” I Kings 8: 61 (NIV)

Fave thing about Fall for me is baking. Love me some pumpkin muffins, zucchini bread, and apple butter smothered on warm toast sprinkled with cinnamon. Nothing better than cozy food on rainy, chilly days. Sweetest thing is I can substitute the “not so good for me” ingredients with healthy ones and still enjoy the flavors of Fall. Top it all off with your fave latte and it’s got unbelievable written all over it.

Substitutions in life well that’s kind of a different story. A broken down car on a dark country road will welcome an alternative part that gets us moving until a permanent fix can occur. It’s not what we really wanted, but it will work in a crunch. When a sports team goes up against their competition, you can guarantee their first string will be hitting the playing field – no time for substitutions. And the girl whose heart is broken by the love of her life has no intention of settling for less.

Easy to see why substitutions work great in recipes, but they don’t always work well in life. Why? Because replacements simply take the place of an original. They leave us wanting the “real thing” despite their resemblance to what we desired. Replacements rarely evoke the same passion and usually we get discontented real quick.

Love these sweet words from I Kings reminding us that there is no substitution – no replacement for the one whose heart is wholly devoted to her God. King Solomon challenged the Children of Israel to remain faithful and walk in obedience to God’s Words. Settling for less would prove dangerous and unwise for this wandering group of people and the same is true today. It’s so easy to allow other things to dominate our time. Convenient to excuse away truth and compromise convictions. Tempting to pick and chose what parts of His truth we embrace. Much simpler to follow after our own desires because it serves us well in a crunch.

Dividing our hearts –spreading our love for many things – appears balanced. But God longs for those who will be completely devoted to Him. Moving in sync with God’s rhythms and not our own positions us for a life well lived. It removes the tendency to settle for less, easy and desirable. Loving God, walking in His footsteps and obeying His voice is so ever good for us. Can’t go wrong with this winning combination.

“Father, You desire all of us not just the parts we chose to surrender. Cultivate deep within us a desire to obey Your voice and love you deeply with all our heart, soul and mind.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Love, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 30, 2018

God’s Season

“And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

Living in central Virginia we have the distinct pleasure of enjoying all four seasons of the year…spring, summer, fall and winter.

In spring, the land which laid dormant during the cold months is showing signs of new life. Animals are being birthed. Vibrant colors of fresh blooms burst from the ground. Tender leaves unfold on tree branches. All the earth comes to life again.

Summer comes in like a heatwave. The days are the longest and the nights are the shortest. Gardens are ripe with goodness. Outdoor activities are in abundance…especially swimming. And let’s not forget the family vacations.

My favorite season, fall or autumn is the transition from summer to winter. The days become cool and crisp. The landscape is bold with burnt umbers like; reds, browns, yellows and orange. Trees shed their leaves, pumpkin patches display their bounty and corn mazes are etched in fields.

Winter comes in as the coldest of them all with blustery winds and scenic snowfalls. Hills and slopes become children’s sledding playgrounds. Field animals put on heavy fur coats and the earth goes into hibernation mode.

However, there is a fifth season, which is “due season”…God’s season.

The time we’ve been waiting, trusting and believing God for with great expectancy. Due season…the time after all our preparedness and readiness for our specific purposes and assignments has arrived.
Just like God uses the four seasons of the earth as preparation. Each season is purposeful, it’s intended for a reason, a function, a cause. As in our own seasons of life, God has a plan; there is a goal, an objective, a benefit.

Never quit! Do not get discouraged. Don’t get bogged down in weariness for God will show up on the due date. Your victory and breakthrough will come! You will reap a harvest of blessings. At the appropriate time God will keep His promises.

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 29, 2018

Cherishing What’s Really Important

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

Ever have one of those Mondays that really makes your head spin? Like nothing is going right and everything is urgent. Overwhelming comes quick. And right in the midst of one of those head spins, I stretched out my hands to release a little stress and went into my crazy dance. When my eyes saw my hand, I realized my diamond was missing. The prongs were intact but my beautiful heart shaped diamond was nowhere to be found. So crazy Monday took a backseat.

Panic mode shifted to high gear. While I was spinning my wheels and getting nowhere, my co-worker starting looking in my purse, my work tote and around my office. We scavenged through my trash cans. Nothing shiny rising to the surface. We retraced my steps. My friend went in one direction and I headed to the women’s restroom. Digging through the trash can to see if my diamond got hooked in the paper towels. Nothing shiny to be found. I headed to the stall and got down on my knees carefully scouring the floor. Next to the dark grey tile edging the wall, I finally saw a sparkle and yes it was my heart diamond. My heart beat finally slowed, my breathing settled back to calm – what was lost was now found.

Wonder if we ever search for God the way I did for my diamond? Now I know God isn’t missing, but sometimes we totally forget He is even there. Often we allow the craziness of our days to override His presence. Too many days, we slip into survival mode when what we really need is to lean into His power and strength. Sometimes, we simply need to still our hearts and minds so we can dig in deeper to understand His truth. Wouldn’t it be great if we grabbed a friend by the hand and together we devoured the scriptures? Maybe we could even unplug from all the distractions long enough for God to have our undivided attention.

Sounds amazing and totally possible if we chose to value time with God over all the rest. Clinging to His every word. Resting in His calming wisdom. Cherishing what’s truly important. Radiating a true inner beauty as we are transformed in His presence. Now that sweet friend is the best sparkle of all.

“Father You find great pleasure in revealing Yourself to us. Give us a deep desire to know You more and more each day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 25, 2018

Forgiveness Is The Key To Freedom

“And the spirit of the king longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” 2 Samuel 13:38 (NIV)

Even the most loving people can be the perpetrators of evil violence and disgrace. Such disgrace fell upon the household of King David when his son, Amnon, decided he was in love with his sister, Tamar. Overtaken by lustful thoughts, Amnon plotted to get his virgin sister to his home by pretending to be ill and asking her to bake him some bread. The innocent girl attended to her brother’s wishes and instead of gratitude from him, she was raped. Tamar was very close with another of her brothers, Absalom, and she went to him for comfort. Absalom was furious with his brother for raping their sister. He took Tamar into his home, and plotted revenge against his brother. So, Absalom had Amnon killed.

Can you imagine how King David felt finding out one of his sons raped his daughter and then finding out that another son killed him to avenge his sister’s honor? Two wrongs never make a right, and revenge belongs to God.

In fear of the king, Absalom fled and stayed hidden for three years. King David mourned the loss of Amnon, and his heart was severely broken with grief. As time elapsed, the parent inside the king longed for his other son. The only way Absalom could return to his homeland was by receiving pardon from his father. And this is what happened.

If someone has wronged us, hurt us and caused us grief remember God can heal our pain if we forgive. Sometimes we hold on to pain due to bitterness and lack of forgiveness and the only outcome is more pain. By releasing our troubles and our perpetrators to the Lord, we are set free.

“Lord Jesus, You are a forgiving God, and thanks to Your great love we are not consumed. Forgiveness is hard to practice at times, but when we do, we experience a freedom that only You can give.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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

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