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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 24, 2018

Claiming Ours

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.” Acts 5: 32 (ESV)

“This is mine.” Words uttered from young, childish lips. Separating dolls and clinging to our own. Staking our territory and daring anyone to cross. Not sure what prompts our claiming “it’s mine” at such an early age. We’d rather keep it all and forego the fun of sharing even if it means being alone. Stacking up in our corner, accumulating and protecting yet missing out on the joy found in sharing with others.

Ever lapsed back to those days – keeping what’s ours even when we know someone else is in need? Or perhaps it shows up right in the midst of everyone’s plenty, and we gather ours measuring it up against another. Sometimes it can even rear its ugly head in the midst of busy. No one can do our job like we do it. No one can help us because we don’t want them taking our position. So rather than share, we carry the load and cling to what’s ours. End result burnout and exhaustion all for the sake of keeping ours.

Flip through the pages of Acts and you will find the early church displaying the giving of ours. What belonged to one – belonged to them all. No one was in need and everything they had was available for everyone. No separating or staking claiming just simply aligning their hearts and souls with God.

What made the difference? Perhaps it was their devotion to prayer. Maybe it was listening to God’s words spoken through the apostles. Could it have been their unbroken fellowship one with another? A cord of three is not easily broken – the combination of prayer, teaching and fellowship knit their lives together. And the result was love…loving God with all their heart, soul and mind…..loving others like they loved themselves.

Next time claiming “ours” appeals to us, let’s choose to love God and love others. Let’s release our clinging and enjoy the blessing of obedience – hearts united as one.

“Father, You take great pleasure in seeing Your children walking in Your truth. Give us a passionate desire to align our hearts with Yours.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 23, 2018

Master Manipulation

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15 (KJV)

Ever been blindsided or manipulated? Forgetting the disappointment, shock, and hurt is difficult!! Years ago what I considered a developing friendship was quickly severed once she got what she wanted. And, worst of all, I realized my innocence and gullibility actually assisted with her manipulation. Did she know what she was doing? Of course! Regrettably, I never saw it coming.

Being used by another person is selfish, deceitful, and damaging. God’s Word is filled with manipulative people. Eve persuaded Adam to sin, Jacob deceived his father and stole his brother’s birthright, and Sarah used Hagar to give Abraham a child. Each cleverly controlled or influenced the other person by masterfully altering decisions. Ultimately, these decisions affected generations to come continuing today.

Unfortunately, manipulation occurs every day. Employees ‘pull strings’ to get promotions, friendships are torn apart by jealously, marriages are wounded when partners cheat and lie, and children disregard authority by deceiving parents. Sadly, each scenario depicts overriding respect and honor.

Walking with Christ requires character. True honesty carefully considers decisions which may be hurtful or damaging to another person. Intentional wounding of another will be avoided by prayerfully seeking God’s direction. Godly character determines to do what’s right realizing two wrongs never make a right.

“Lord, please help me to be unselfish by honoring you in all my decisions.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 22, 2018

Caught Up In A Higher Love

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” John 15:9 (ESV)

I’ve done a lot of things in my lifetime for the sake of “hopeful” love. Watched endless hours of sports. Baked special treats. Helped with projects. Sacrificed time with other friends. Were all my actions the best choice? Sometimes they were and sometimes they were not. Some served me well and others led to regret. “Hopeful” love is exactly what it implies – the hope of – but not the guarantee of love.

Want the real thing – then lean into God’s amazing love. It’s never hopeful wishing – it is real. We don’t have to impress Him with our culinary skills. We don’t have to serve Him in order to receive His love. We don’t have to be perfect, beautiful or rich to benefit from His love. God’s love has been demonstrated to us regardless of our desire to believe. He is fully aware of all our quirks, annoyances and tendencies. He knows our fleeting emotions and superficial love, yet God still gave His Son for us. The Psalmist gets it so right – how deep and wide is His love it reaches to the heavens – higher than we can even see.

Wonder how many things we have done because of God’s great love for us? Note to self: Janet, don’t dismiss this question with a quick answer – let it settle deep. We love many things. We love lots of chocolate, pretty shoes, sunny beaches, purses, spa days, etc. So many things in this world distract our understanding of real love. We get so caught up in our own world and often lose sight of God’s great love for us.

Shouldn’t His love propel us to deeply love Him? Wouldn’t the very thought of His sacrifice compel us to relinquish pretense and demonstrate our love for Him?

Want to get swept away by a higher love? Then cherish God’s words – He loved the Son – the Son has loved us – don’t miss a chance to draw near, linger long and be captivated by God’s amazing love.

“Father, You have loved us even when we were unloveable. Your invitation still stands – Come abide with Me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Love, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 21, 2018

Not Problem-Free But Praise-Filled

“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 (NIV)

I remember a time when I had a lot on my mind as I watched friends going through hard times, and I wasn’t exactly equipped to get them out of the tough situations they were in. We spoke about trusting God for the outcome, keeping believing and persevering through the trial. It wasn’t exactly the problem-free philosophy described by Simba’s friends in the movie Lion King, as the Hakuna Matata song rocked my car. Oh yes, I listen to children’s movies’ songs as I drive.

While life is not problem-free and not everything goes according to our desires, we can always withstand the storms of life through faith. The trial comes and we soak it in prayer. We cry out to God, we plead and we do it all over again, if we need to. And we even throw in a little fasting, you know, when you abstain from eating something you really like – such as chocolate and desserts – or even an entire meal, or refrain from using something you really can’t stand living without, such as TV shows, or cell phones and video games. Giving up something that is dear to us is like a sacrificial offering to the Lord. Jesus was known to fast and pray during tough situations.

Do you remember how the Israelites, led by Moses, were pursued by Pharaoh’s soldiers, and how they did not know how they’d get out of that predicament until the Lord parted the Red Sea for them to cross? (Exodus 15) Whew… what a time, right? I mean, after wandering in the desert, going through many struggles, and then being so close to death when suddenly, supernaturally God parts the waters and they cross. Thus, in gratitude, Moses, and a throng of people, led by Aaron’s sister Miriam, who danced and played her tambourine, offered worship to the Lord for what He had done.

Are you facing a Red Sea in your life right now and need the Lord to part the waters for you? Never cease to praise Him, because God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3) and your miracle may be just around the bend.

“There is nothing too hard for you, Lord. My troubles I leave at Your feet.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 20, 2018

Bittersweet Journey

“For you (Moses) shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” Deuteronomy 32:52 (ESV)

We pulled out the driveway and she waved as far as we could see, I found myself too facing the bittersweet of a new chapter in her life. Hard to believe it’s been two years to the exact date that the two of us made that grand exit out of her Egypt. Many struggles, frustrations, challenges, joys, excitements, changes, tears, laughter along the way. I think you get the picture.

My heart instantly remembered Moses when his chapter ended and Joshua went on to claim the Promise Land without him by his side. I’m sure those last days of Moses’ life were bittersweet that his feet would not cross over with the ones he had loved and had been challenged by. The ones he had made such an investment in were going in a different direction than him. I think you get the picture.

Bittersweet are the journeys we make in this life. I’m heading home to continue the journey God has given me; and this newly freed one is beginning the journey God has given her. Tears flow as the memories of a year spent growing, learning and encouraging end as a new season begins. But I wouldn’t have missed it for a second. I would do it all over again because investing in a life is the greatest privilege we get to make on this earth. It’s the thing that keeps living beyond us; our souls forever intertwined.

Where does that leave us in the midst of the sadness of releasing and letting go? We must keep reaching out, investing in, and encouraging others to fulfill their journey. The joy of watching one released from chains walk in freedom is a treasured gift and a sweet blessing from God. Miles can never separate what God has done in either of our lives – and for that I am truly grateful.

“Father thank You for bringing this dear one into my life. Thank You for the work You did in restoring and redeeming her soul. Praising You for completing Your work in both of us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 17, 2018

When The Enemy Strikes

“Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)

Never been fond of a fight- I‘ve always been a peacekeeper. Never enjoyed a confrontation or argument; I’d much rather settle. I’m a go with the flow kind a girl. But there’s some things you just can’t give up.

When the enemy strikes, he comes with a raging force and we can’t give up the fight. Brave girls push through, cling to and raise their sword (God’s word). Wise women recognize that the real enemy is not the one stirring up trouble. Satan loves to divide and conquer. If he can get a wedge of discontent in the mix he will use it, grow it, nurture it and enlarge it.

God’s word reminds us that Satan is the great deceiver and father of lies (John 8:48), so wonder why we buy in to and get led astray so easily?

Perhaps our exhaustion and busyness pulls us away from our defense line (prayer) and opens us up to attack. Perhaps we slowly drift away from the truth (God’s word)– little compromises along the way. Maybe we just simply allow our emotions and thoughts to run freely without guarding our minds. Could it be that we lose sight of all that God has done, His power, strength and faithfulness? Whatever leaves us vulnerable, exposed and unprotected will not serve us well.

Let’s not give up the fight. When the enemy sneaks in, let’s partner together in prayer. Let’s cling to God’s truths and remind each other of who He is – our mighty warrior! Let’s forego the visible battle and determine to eliminate the invisible enemy. Let’s stay alert to Satan’s tactics and persevere taking our stand against him. And in all things let’s praise the name of Jesus and we will watch the enemy slither away.

“Father, You have equipped us for battle. You have given us everything we need to be victorious. Help us to ready to defeat the enemy in Your strength at all times.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 16, 2018

ToThe Moon & Back

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You!” Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

In July, 1969, people all over the world were mesmerized by a great feat: American astronauts aboard the spaceship Apollo 11, namely Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, landed on the surface of the moon. Up to that day, a trip to the moon was simply something called a dream, as the moon is located approximately 238,900 miles from the earth. History books worldwide feature pictures of the Americans standing beside our beautiful red, white and blue flag, which was placed on the moon’s surface as a symbol of triumph for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

In a not-so-glamorous but just-as-triumphant manner, back in 1972 a little girl drew and pasted on her bedroom wall a picture of herself, standing beside a bicycle whose handlebars were somewhat backwards. Her knees, arms and hands all had “boo-boos” on them, but on her face was a rather radiant smile. Just in case you wonder, that little girl was me. And in spite of the many scrapes and bruises on my body, nothing could wipe away the excitement and pride that engulfed my being for having achieved two major events that day: riding my cousin’s bicycle down a hill, and still be alive to tell the story. You see, halfway down that hill, I realized that the handlebars were not bolted, which made them turn towards me, causing me to lose control of the bicycle and end the last few feet of my ride tumbling down on the cobblestone paved street.

What is the similarity between the astronauts and me? We all faced some challenges during our journeys, but we all made it out alive and well!

If you are facing a challenge today and it feels like you are lost in space or have just been thrown from a really fast bike ride onto the hard ground, do not give up. If you remember Peter, Jesus’ disciple’s experience walking on water, you should know that he only sank when he doubted that Jesus could keep him safe throughout his experience. Trust the Lord with your troubles and you, too, will get to the other side.

“We love you, Lord. To the moon and back. Always.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 15, 2018

When Quick Isn’t The Right Fix

“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” Luke 12:2 (ESV)

Trying to get out of town for vacation can be tricky. We know for weeks in advance, and we determine this year it’s gonna be a breeze. So Friday arrives and we cram as much as we can into a late night. Felt good when our head hits the pillow. Alarm sounds at 4:00 am and we’re up like a jet taking off a runway – no hesitancy in our step And we’re off…. Or so we thought.

Despite all our packing, planning and doing until the late night hours, my husband and I didn’t calculate on having a drainage issue – water backed up in our tub, toilet wouldn’t flush – I think you get the picture. Seven hours later, we finally get on the road for vacation. Paid $500 to have septic drained and spent another $100 at Lowe’s because the real problem wasn’t the septic it was inside the house.

Ever attempt to quickly resolve or fix a problem so you could just move on? We’ve probably all been there. We treat what appears to be the issue because diving in deep would dig up more than we want to face in the moment. Or perhaps we’ve been in denial for so long we really don’t know the root of the problem. Even worse, we grow apathetic to the fact there is an actual problem that needs resolving.

Quick fixes often camouflage what is buried below the surface. It takes intentional time – alone time – reflect time – note to self: take the time. When we chisel away at those things that keep rising up to the surface, we remove the chance that they can negatively impact our lives. Real healing and growth flourishes when we release excuses and diffuse the thing that keeps pulling us down. And if we find ourselves stuck or blind sighted to our own issues remember God has created us for community. Don’t settle for less than total resolution. Seek Godly counsel. Develop accountability with a mature believer who can pray for you and give you insight that aligns with God’s word.

Got issues – we all have them. So let’s determine to not allow our issues to go unchecked. Let’s be brave, bold and courageous women who resist the urge to gloss over what God knows needs our attention.

“Father, we thank You for Your light that guides us to truth. Help us to avoid the quick fix and embrace Your total resolution of those things that defeat us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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