Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 24, 2018

Embracing New

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul went from persecuting Christians to becoming a strong advocate for Christ. He was one of the best teachers and equippers to followers of Jesus. What a change!!! In my family, I watched my mother, who once was a medium in Spiritism and spent years devoted to the occult, desperately search for something supernatural to happen in her life. God’s unending mercies delivered my mom from the power of darkness and brought her into His kingdom. Now she spends her retirement years devoted to the Gospel and shares her story with others so they might become free from the things that hold them captive. So thankful for that change!!

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we have to reinvent who we are because the “old us” will not cut it anymore. In the workplace, we may have to get training for a different job. If a spouse walks out, we have to learn to do things differently. If mother nature sends inclement weather and we lose our homes, we may have to adjust to being in a shelter or living with friends. The list is endless. Nevertheless, the word of God is filled with promises. If we trust Him, we will be okay. If we have faith, He will see us through. And if we yield to Him, He will change us FOR THE BETTER.

As the pendulum of life takes another swing, leave your worries at the feet of the One who matters most, the One who can change your circumstances and turn you into someone whom you may even like better.
“Lord, change can be scary sometimes. The unknown can be a dreaded place if we don’t have the assurance that You are there. Please help us to trust You to mold us according to Your will. Turn us into vessels that matter to You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 23, 2018

When The Rains Come

 

“The rains came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 (NIV)

The foolish man built his house upon the sand and when the rains came it fell with a crash. I can still remember those hand motions from Sunday School – just loved this song. But then again I was probably 4 years old the first time those words came out of my mouth. Life is pretty good for a 4 year old. Easy to sing words about rain, wind and storms crashing down when the weight of your world revolves around Sesame Street. And the foolish man, well he was beyond my little thinking just seemed like a fun part of the song to crumble to the floor, especially since we had no trouble getting back up for a re-do.

Definitely past my 4 year old self now and totally get God’s message. In life, we will experience drenching rains, rising streams and strong winds aimed at tearing us down. Doesn’t matter if we are wise or foolish – storms don’t discriminate – they will come. Difference maker is really what we are standing on when it arrives – will we crumble or will we remain firmly planted?

Blessed to watch several friends going through the storm and standing strong. One was homeless and yet never gave up hope her God would come through. One is diagnosed with a rare cancer yet trusting her God for the impossible to come true. One is helplessly watching her son struggle yet clinging to the source of her strength. Brave courageous women and my list could go on and on.

Seem unreal, unlikely – no wise women are authentic emotion filled women who have built their life upon the solid rock of our God. Yes, there have been tears along the way and moments of desperation. There are certainly days when strength is gone, hair is lost and questions rank high. There are moments when depression and wrestling settle in. But the wise woman knows her God – she has planted herself firmly in His word and promises long before the storms began.

Unexpected happens every day. We’re moving through life unaware that rain is coming. And then the wind begins to pick up. The downpour comes and beats against everything we ever knew. It’s in these moments when unexpected offers us the opportunity to lean on our Rock, who is unmoveable, unshakeable and has unmistakeably proven His love for us. If our faith and trust is firmly planted in Him, we will not crumble or fall.

“Father, You have taught us well to preserve, press through and hold on tight to You. We may appear to be losing our grip, but You are cradling us in the palm of Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 20, 2018

Empowering Others

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“You have to share with your sister.” Ever heard those words? Childhood evokes lots of memories, and as much as I hate to admit it – I clung to my stuff. It was always my doll, my tennis racket, my dress….mine, mine, and definitely not yours. On the flip side, I had no problem with someone else sharing their stuff with me. Took great pleasure in wearing their clothes or playing with my cousin’s toys. Sounds selfish and one sided from my now adult viewpoint.

Sharing has always been a part of God’s vocabulary. When men were victorious in battle, they shared the rewards. And in the early church, God’s people were united in heart, mind and spirit. They shared everything – no one was lacking.

Ever unpacked what God would have us to share? First thoughts probably centered on possessions, money or food we could give, but what about our gifts and abilities? Each of God’s girls has been entrusted with at least one gift to use for His glory. And there’s nothing that pleases God more than to see the absence of comparing and the presence of sharing.

Got the gift of teaching, writing or singing? God takes great delight in those who pave the way for others to learn the ropes. He enjoys watching the seasoned speaker diffusing the fear of one who has never spoken before a small group. God welcomes the published author who gives away her secrets to a budding writer who is afraid to put words on paper. He is overjoyed when the recording artist harmonizes with the timid alto struggling to just stay on pitch. One accomplished investing in one desiring to simply please Jesus.

The body of Christ never shines brighter than when we uplift, inspire and empower all to glorify God with our gifts.

“Father, there is nothing sweeter than seeing Your girls working together. Thank You for the gifts You have entrusted to us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 19, 2018

A Life Line of Support

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:9 (NLT)

My husband and I spent the first eleven years of our marriage ministering to students of all ages (in addition to ministering separately for years before our marriage). Those years included a multitude of summer camps and overnight retreats. Watching students surrender their lives to Christ, seeing the hope and love that now consumed them, brought us the greatest joy.

One particular student stands out in my memory. Jeremy grew up in a home that required perfection in everything—school, housework, extracurricular activities, and behavior. He was knotted up with stress over completely unattainable expectations. A few days into camp, God began to break through his feelings of worthlessness, rejection, and hopelessness. Jeremy’s eyes were opened to God’s grace and mercy, causing him to give his heart and will to Christ and receive salvation and hope. We rejoiced with Jeremy, welcoming him into the family of God and showing him how to follow God in his daily life.

Then Jeremy went home. His parents were not happy with this new Jeremy. They rejected his news of new life in Christ. Their unattainable expectations became a noose around Jeremy’s newfound faith. His parents, acting out of fear of this unknown faith that gripped their son, lashed out in ridicule and taunts. Jeremy sought refuge in the church, but his parents even limited the time he spent there.

Our student ministry supported Jeremy in every way that we could, walking with him through this persecution from his own family. It would take 25 years of perseverance in the face of ridicule and taunts, as well as a commitment to honor his parents no matter what, for his parents to begin to respect Jeremy’s faith. Doors began to open for Jeremy to share the gospel with those he loved so selflessly.

Persecution is not limited to Jeremy’s. Believers lose their lives in countries around the world. Followers of Christ lose jobs, homes, and families to those opposed to the gospel. Who can we reach out to today in support as they face such persecution? Let’s not become so isolated in our own circumstances that we don’t ask God to use us as a lifeline for those who are suffering.

“Open our eyes, Lord, to the suffering of fellow believers so that we may support and bless them in their persecution.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 17, 2018

Feed Me

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk.” 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

I went to Buffalo, NY, one Labor Day weekend to see my children and grandchildren, and most especially, my new grandson Tristan, who was born in June. That baby has the fairest skin and bluest pair of eyes I have seen. Oh, and he has dimples that show up on his cheeks any time he decides to display a gummy smile, which is any time when he is not trying to find solace at his mother’s breast. One who would not know better, would think that the poor baby was starving to death, as his cry for his mother’s milk was rather intense, strong, and somewhat unstoppable, unless, of course, mama made herself available to his demand.

In my early Christian walk, I was somewhat like Tristan, with my hunger for God’s Word. I had this unquenchable desire to hear more about Him and learn how to be a better child of His. I wanted to be a good steward of the things (and the people) He had entrusted to me, as well as to hear the testimonies of others who leaned on their faith in God as a survival tool. My appetite was voracious, and I could never seem to get enough. As the years passed and I have experienced more of God’s power in my life, I have learned to discern what I need to stay well-nourished and strong in my faith. I have also always relied on other Christians in my life to help ensure I stay the course, as I have made myself available to mentor others in their walk of faith.

Some of those key ingredients for a strong spiritual life include trust in God, perseverance, obedience, submission to His will, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians (the church). Spending time in prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance, fasting, and reading his Word help us to recognize that we need Him especially in order to overcome the difficult times we often face in life. And our family in Him helps to secure a safe environment for our growth.

As baby Tristan grows and starts to eat more solid food, he will no longer be so demanding on his mama, though he will still need his parents to watch over his diet to ensure he grows healthy and strong. Likewise, we need fellowship with other Christians, which helps ensure that we have a balanced spiritual walk.

“Lord, may our desire to please You never be quenched.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 13, 2018

When Strong Denies The Release of Weak

“For You (God) equipped me with strength for the battle; You made those who rise against me sink under me.” 2 Samuel 22:40 (ESV)

Ever experienced moments when being strong denied you the release of being weak? We do a great job at being courageous. We put on the happy face and preserve even in the toughest of storms. We hold the family together with our knees shaking beneath, and yes, we even tell ourselves we’ve got this covered. We keep pushing through claiming strong because admitting weak would take too much energy.

Wonder what we’re really missing when we don’t admit weak? When we fail to let go of the strength evaporating around us and attempt to keep doing it all, we miss out on all of these:

• God compels us to embrace weak because He is right there with us (Judges 6: 15-16).
• God promises to strengthen our weak (Ezekiel 34:16).
• The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes what we can’t put into words (Romans 8:26).
• God chooses the weak over strong – those who desperately depend on Him (I Corinthians 1:27).
• God promises to raise in power the weak (I Corinthians 15:43).
• God’s power is magnified in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 11:30).
• We are made perfect in our weakness – transformed by our loving God (2 Corinthians 12:9).
• We can be content with weakness when we depend on God’s strength to sustain us (2 Corinthians 12:10).
• God sympathizes with our weaknesses – He knows what we are facing (Hebrews 4:15).
• Exercising faith infuses our weak into strong (Hebrews 11:34).

Loving these words of God today friends. Totally encouraged that yes, we can be weak. We can release our control and run into our Father’s arms. We can admit the struggle, remove the mask, unveil the unpretty and still be filled with His strength. Why? Because it’s not about us and what we can handle or take on. It’s all about His glory and power shining through our toughest battles and positioning us for victory. Today’s weak can be tomorrow’s strong if we plug into God’s power. And it all starts when we release our strong and chose weak.

“Father, You delight in transforming our weaknesses into beautiful displays of your power and grace. We are safely held in Your arms.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2018

Get Your Door to Open

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

I got tickled a couple nights ago when one of my grandsons grabbed a dry erase marker and wrote on a white board on my bedroom door these words, “Knock on the door for vovo.” Vovo means grandma in Portuguese and this is what my grandchildren call me. What triggered AJ to write those words on my door was the simple fact that he wanted to spend time alone with me and get my undivided attention, without any competition from his brothers. He had a plea to make, and he was not taking any chances for distractions.

This illustration from my grandkids drove me to wonder why sometimes doors do not open before us. Doubt and hesitation are enemies of faith, as they take our focus away from heavenly things and keep us pinned on things that put a damper on our drive to achieve what we are seeking. The question I would pose, then, would be, “How badly do I really want that for which I am knocking?” So, if we want to see the outcome of our faith, we must persist, and we must continue to ask for however long it takes, believing that God will grant us our wish.

Do you remember the widow from Luke 18? The Bible depicts that widow as being persistent, because when she realized the judge who could make a decision on her case was not acting on her favor, she continued to go before him and plead her case over and over. Finally, the judge gave in to her plea and gave judgement in her favor. It was not because she hired someone to intercede on her behalf; it was not because she sent the judge some letters to explain her case. It was because she consistently appeared before him to plead and beg that her case be honored. That judge granted the widow the desire of her heart, and the Lord will grant you yours. Keep knocking! Get that door to open!

“Father God, You are our everything and everything that we need comes from You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2018

When His Good Seems Lacking…

“My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5 (NIV)

Mid-summer and we’re holding on to days of sunshine, swimming, watermelon, homemade ice-cream and vacations. Seems like the days slip away faster and faster, especially to this summer girl. I have always loved spring and summer. If I had my way it would last forever. But in just a few weeks, we will see the emergence of Fall clothes, backpacks, dorm furniture. Time will move on and yes, I will sulk for quite a while.

Love the easy strides in life reminding me of spring and summer. Wish they could stay forever. Quiet nights staring into the star studded sky. Days unfolding just as we planned – no unpredictables appearing on stage. Moments when laughter rules and tears are vanished. Glimpses of beauty filling up my soul. Life is good, carefree and simple – would want it to last forever.

Amazing how quickly we forget good when hard arrives. Seems to rush in, staking its claim and vowing not to leave. Fools us into believing good has passed us by. Strips us of joy, peace and sleep filled nights. Robs us of patience. Steals away laughter. Zeros our focus away from ease and saddles us with fear, doubt, etc. Distracts us quickly and empties our souls. Not exactly what we want to last for even a moment.

Buying into the enemy’s view of hard will always set us up for failure and disillusionment. Discrediting God’s goodness is his aim, and if he can get our focus convinced we’ve been shortchanged – he’s accomplished his goal.

But if we cling and hold on to God’s word even in the middle of hard, we will find the sweetness of His presence. An overwhelming shower of His love and wisdom will drench us. An abundance of His gentleness, kindness and holiness will clothe us. Peace will cover us despite the chaos surrounding us. Fear will fade gently away as the beauty of God’s glory shines through us.

Right in the midst of what we didn’t want, God writes a chapter that will forever remind us He is the One that goes before us. He is the One that walks beside us. He is the One that goes behind us. God is carving out a way in our desert, purifying our hearts and drawing us close. Good will arrive disguised as hard and we will never be the same.

“Father another day unfolds and we decide if it’s easy or hard – yet all the days You give are meant for our good. Teach us Father to trust and grow regardless of the journey.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2018

From Emptiness to Abundance

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

We’ve all been there; each in her own way. Discouraged, at rope’s end: no hope; desperate; alone. Our efforts were supposed to result in fruit. Our faith was sure to bring forth a happy ending. But the end appears to be here and it’s not happy. Oh yes, even those of the Bible had days like this.

The widow in 2 Kings was no ordinary woman. In a land overtaken with evil, her husband had set himself apart as one of the company of the prophets, a loyal follower of God. She likely was accustomed to hearing of God’s heart towards His people. Knowing full well God’s compassion on His people and the efforts taken to free His children from Egyptian slavery. But now, her husband deceased, the creditors were coming to take her sons into a slavery of their own.

The answer? Empty jars. Her own and her neighbors; all that could be found. Inviting others to participate in God’s workings. In obedience, the emptiness was gathered.

And shemen flowed. Shemen, the Hebrew word for oil, is used 192 times in the Old Testament. Oil was a sign of the Lord’s blessing. Sanctification practices and consecrations of priests included the anointing of oil. Oil was symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Empty. Pour. Set aside. Empty. Pour. Set aside. Bring the emptiness. Watch the pouring of oil. And continue. Each and every jar filled. From emptiness to abundance. The widow had enough funds to pay her debts and future expenses. There would be no slavery for this family.

Rather than effort and expectations, may it be our emptiness that we bring to the Lord. In obedience, may we follow His commands and statutes. Allow ourselves to be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit: pure, stable and holy. And each good fruit will become ours. Faith to see the inexplicable will become a way of life. And, freedom will prevent our captivity.

“Father, you are a Good and Holy God who wants only the best for me. The answers lie not in my own understanding but in You. Holy Spirit fill me that I would have no lack.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2018

Why Asking Serves Us Well

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

Asking has never been my go to. Raising my hand in class rarely happened. Unfortunately, I tend to be a figure it out for yourself kind of person, but it doesn’t always serve me well. Time can evaporate quickly when we’re spinning our wheels relying solely on self to get it done. Independence is overrated when we struggle and give up because we’re too afraid, too proud or just don’t want to ask for help.

Asking questions birth solutions. Opening up the door for wisdom to grow and knowledge to flourish, we gain confidence to accomplish more than we ever imagined. Asking for help resolves overwhelming challenges. Inviting others into our circle and working together, we experience deeper relationships. Asking empowers and liberates us – now that’s inviting. Yes, asking’s benefits far out weigh any misconceptions we have that hold us back leaning on self alone.

Love the way God is the instigator of questions. Throughout scripture, He asks questions inviting deep thought provoking introspection. Choosing to answer our questions with questions. Birthing in us a desire to seek His wisdom. God’s questions move us from simply wanting a response to uncovering the beauty of His divine character and the importance of leaning on Him. No question is beyond His reply. No question is too big for our God. No request is criticized, mocked or ignored. God delights in leading us to truth and a greater dependence on Him.

So, sweet friends let’s deny our instincts to rely on self. Let’s purposefully choose to seek help and ask tough questions. Let’s resist the urge to discredit the wisdom of those God has strategically placed in our circle. Let’s forego the need to do it all ourselves and forsake the help sitting in front of us. Let’s lay down pride. Let’s release fears. Let’s embrace help and give help. Let’s lean on God’s character and rely on His provision even if it requires welcoming others into our circle.

“Father, You know exactly what we need. You provide help and answers in ways we could never have imagined. Praising You for the beauty of asking that unveils Your divine provision.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

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