Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 23, 2018

When Disappontment Steals Our Joy

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24 (ESV)

Saturday morning is my fave day of the week. No agenda. No alarm. No rush. Love getting up, splurging with some homemade waffles or pancakes drizzled in whipped cream, fruit and of course syrup. But this girl hasn’t had sugar for two weeks and I’m trying hard to complete a 30 day clean eating discipline. No waffles or pancakes on my list but steel cut oats would do the trick. Hubby and I headed out the door to grab some breakfast. Walked into restaurant tasting those oats only to find they were out. Couldn’t believe it. The happy face dissolved quickly. I so wanted those power oats with almonds and blueberries. Resisted the urge to choose those sweet danishes staring me in the face. Walked right by the cinnamon buns drizzled with icing and settled on two eggs – nothing spectacular. Not my fave Saturday.

Truly minor disappointment here – let’s keep it real. But haven’t we all experienced those moments when disappointment steals our happy. The perceived perfect job slipping through our fingers. The guy we wanted to marry who chose someone else. The ‘just right” dress we saved to purchase to match the incredible shoes no longer on the rack. The event we bought the best seat in the house tickets for failing to deliver. An ever ending list……expectations and hopes crashing at our feet.

Settling for less…..swallowed up in the loss of what we hoped for, what we expected and anticipated leaves us vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Satan loves to seize those opportunities to zero in on what we didn’t get. Shouting loud reminders of what we’re missing out on. Ever so quietly whispering doubts attempting to discredit the goodness of our God. If we play that song too long, we will find ourselves joyless, discouraged, bitter, angry, jealous, apathetic……..an endless unraveling of our souls.

Life will not always offer what we feel we deserve or what we dreamed of, but God does promise to be the true source of satisfaction. When we trust in Him and not our circumstances then we can rest in His sovereign plan. We can anchor our souls firmly in His promises and release our expectations. Joy can rise to the surface even in the face of disappointment reminding us God’s goodness is not on short supply. He is our sweet portion and nothing will ever exceed His dreams for us. So when discouragement rears its ugly head sweet friend, let’s acknowledge the emotion but not allow it to overwhelm us. Let’s keep our eyes firmly planted on our God who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

“Father, happy vanishes quickly but inner joy sustains our souls. Help us to never lose sight of Your goodness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 22, 2018

Covenant of Grae

“It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” 1 Peter 1:19 (NLT)

As the world turns, time progresses, and technology gets more advanced and savvy. Many churches have gone from pianos, organs and hymnals to light shows, bands and giant screens. With new generations and up-to-date technology it’s out with the old and in with the new. In some churches, the great old hymns of the faith are being traded in for new contemporary Christian music. However, some oldies are goodies! Remember the power hymn by hymnist Lewis Edgar Jones “there is power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the Lamb?” The lyrics to this hymn are powerful and Biblically accurate to the shed blood and finished work of Jesus on the cross (John 19:30).

Even God saw a need to usher out the old…the old covenant law of Moses and usher in the new…the new covenant of grace (Rom.6:14). No more shed blood of animals because the old way was not working. God did something new, and He did it once and for all. He sent His son, Jesus! And from resurrection day forward, Jesus’ precious blood has been washing us whiter than snow ever since.

As the hymn says, because of the spotless Lamb His precious blood has freed us from the burden of sin (1 John 2:12). God doesn’t look at our sin, He looks at His Son’s shed blood that covers our sin and says, “we’re forgiven” (Acts 13:38). We are free from ourselves and have been given the gift of righteousness by God through Christ Jesus (Rom.5:17). We have won over evil and Jesus’ victory is ours (1 Cor.15:57).

“Father, we praise and worship Jesus for the gift of salvation from sin, eternal life, healing, protection, provision and peace… because our sins were nailed to the cross, we are covered by the precious blood of the Lamb.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 21, 2018

Best Read Ever

“For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.” Psalm 33:4 (NIV)

Need help with a recipe – just ask goggle? Looking for fresh ways to decorate your home simply check out Pinterest. Searching for the best deal on those cute shoes why waste time at the store when you have Amazon at your fingertips. And when it comes to special gifts Etsy’s got exactly what you need. Everything a girl could want just a click or scroll, and she’s got more choices than she ever imagined.

Boredom is definitely not a given when browsing the internet. We can find more articles than we will ever have time to read. Podcasts and YouTube offer us a wide selection of speakers, singers, you name it they’ve got it. And I love all the resources, encouragement and tips for making my life easier. But can we really trust everything we read?

Have to admit a resounding no when it comes to info, facts and tweets seeking to grab our attention. But when it comes to the word of God, we don’t have to wonder or doubt. Every single word is packed full of truth. Every story unraveling on the pages of scripture. Every promise. Every warning. Every prayer answered and every faith step taken. Every failure and every sin covered by the blood of Jesus. Every drama unfolding right before our eyes. Every miracle drawing our hearts closer and closer to His. Totally captivated by His compassionate acts and loving kindness.

God’s word is the best read ever. He is forever faithful, and we can anchor our souls on His truths. Don’t know about you but I desperately need that in this crazy, shifting world. Can’t imagine life without His words sustaining me or His psalms lifting me. Yet if I’m really honest…my love for His word is often in direct competition with everything else going on around me. I can easily get sidetracked and waste a lot of quiet solitude rather than stealing away to spend time with God. Maybe it’s because I know He will always be there. Just being real – maybe it’s the temptation to glamorize the words I long to hear versus the truth I need so desperately.

Praying we all cling to God’s amazing truths, cherish them, hold on to them and embrace the transformation He longs to birth. Never forgetting how much sweet they are to our souls.
“Father, we need your truth to saturate our minds and strengthen our souls. Your word is all we truly need.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 18, 2018

Seizing His Opportunities

“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” John 17:4 (ESV)

The ideal job – wonder what that looks like? For years, I thought it was only found in fulltime Christian ministry. I bought into the illusion that my job was second best, and my eight to five in the workplace was cheating me out of “ministry.” I had settled, and perhaps I had missed my calling – my one chance to make a difference.

Do those thoughts ever cloud your thinking? We’re teachers, lawyers, housewives, administrators, nurses, etc. and yet in God’s eyes we’re so much more than the title that hangs on our door.

Ministry is not an event or a job description. Instead it’s a calling to glorify God’s name wherever we are – whatever the job. Just like Priscilla – a wife and tentmaker in the city of Corinth. Along with her husband, Aquila, the couple joined ranks with the Apostle Paul who also was a tentmaker. Together the team of three made tents and later traveled to Ephesus as missionaries. All while being tentmakers. Discipleship was a top priority for Priscilla and Aquila – they mentored the preacher Apollos and hosted a house church in their home. All while being tentmakers.

Now, do you think God was displeased with their ideal job? Their job allowed them to meet lots of different people and provided a steady income regardless of where they lived. God opened doors for ministry – a chance to make a difference in their world outside of eight to five in the workplace. And He will do the same for us. God will use us wherever we are – whatever the job. The real ideal job is found in sharing His story, living out our faith and leaving our world a better place.

“Father, You give each of us a ministry – lives to touch and a place to serve. Help us to seize the opportunities You chose for us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 17, 2018

Wonders & Miracles

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Three years sobriety is celebrated. Cancer pounded at her front door except no one let it in. Smiles across the room that speak to love, once severed and broken, yet fully restored. The oneness that was once division and bound to be a statistic.

The miraculous. We read of it in books. First to stand in line at the movies to gaze upon it. Drawn by the mystery that such miracles would come to us. But they are too far off. Only the fortunate receive the prize and clearly fortune has not befallen us. The crowd exits the theatre, each to his own, and staring at the answer but not seeing it.

Community has been woven into God’s design from the beginning. God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are community. Passover was the start of seven feasts given to the Jewish nation. In gathering at the temple, they made sacrifices, acknowledged God’s ownership of the land and celebrated the harvests provided by God. Acts depicts the New Testament church. Believers devoted themselves to teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Disciples journeyed in pairs. In community, wonders and miracles were seen and the saving grace of Jesus became commonplace.

And today, where social media has redefined relationship, we replace gathering and community with the latest feed or meme. A group text discloses all but the heart of the soul. In contrast, over coffee and conversation, it is community that affords us the opportunity to reveal our tender and broken places. We share how God has faithfully and wonderfully restored the places of hurt that only love can heal. The older encourages the younger; tears fall and prayers are raised. Even correction finds its place. In vulnerability and authenticity, we share our hearts, entrust our trials and treasures to another and reveal the beauty of a Savior’s plan of relationship with each other and with Him. As in Biblical times, we see the wonders and miracles that God bestows on His children. Daily, our faith is renewed, not by stories on the nightly news or far-away places, but by the moments of awe that we experience first-hand.

“Father, may we not forsake the community to which You’ve called us. May we risk self to uncover substance.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2018

When Love Is Real

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Rom. 12:9&10 (NLT)

Who would ever conceive of pretending to care about others? Absolutely not me – those were the first words out of my mouth. But you know honesty is the key to growth and if I’m leaning towards the truth zone I’d better rethink those words. Its too easy to say we care when deep down we really don’t. How many times have we listened to prayer requests, even prayed over names and then later shared the tidbits of yes, gossip, adding our own judgements? What about those moments when we’re sharing the love because everyone and all things are going our way? Our love is strictly dependent on how well they treat us, agree with us and sing our praises.

A friend sent me this verse on Monday, and God has unpacked it all week long. Each day I prayed these words and asked God to help me delight in honoring others. Monday and Tuesday were victories – goal achieved. Easy going until the chaos of a deadline Wednesday arrived. Those words “really love them” haunted me. Between computer issues, various challenging personalities and the endless growing list, I had very little love in my heart. Biting my lips, yet allowing dislike to penetrate my soul.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words in Romans 12 and I couldn’t help but think how they must have penetrated his heart. He was a persecutor of Christians – one who showed no honor, respect or love towards those who disagreed with his beliefs. Until Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus, his life dripped of pretense and legalism. The shining light blinding his eyes truly removed the scales from his heart. Paul’s mission from that point on was to share the good news of Jesus Christ with anyone he met. Even in his dying moments, Paul didn’t judge or ridicule his accusers.

Wow talk about transformation and yet if we have accepted Christ as our Savior, our love should be just as real. Too many excuses. Too many exceptions. Too many denials. Too many – too manys. We’ve all got reasons to let ourselves slide on who we chose to love. But is that what God intended – absolutely not! Take it from one (Paul) who knows the power of love and harness the joy of truly delighting in honoring others.

“Father, our paths will always cross with those we find hard to love – help us to not excuse away your commands to really love them and hold on tightly to what is good.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 15, 2018

Truckloads of Grace

“Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” Isaiah 59:1 (NIV)

Keeping track of my rambunctious threesome while caring for the house, doing laundry, cooking meals, and checking on homework assignments was always exhilarating, especially when my day involved duty in the school cafeteria or home room, or attending a parent-teacher conference. Oh, and did I mention grocery shopping? Well, I guess I will start with this last one, then.

I’ve heard many a preachers say not to pray for patience, because when you pray for patience – according to them – God gives you situations to test your patience. Whether this is true or just a pulpit anecdote, in days like that one, I would be fervently praying for a truckload of patience. And grace, lots of grace.

A new Walmart was inaugurated in our hometown, and I decided, after a long day, to go buy groceries and see the new store. And yes, with the kite tails in tow. If I could rewind time and redesign how that day would be, I would have done so. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. With one child’s hand bruised from being run over by a shopping cart and with a terrible malfunction of my wardrobe due to my youngest child’s aspiration to be a gymnast (I will spare you the details). I was ready to tear my robe and spread ashes all over my body. That is how overwhelmed and bent out of shape I was that day.
Yet, the joy and giggles that my boys always brought (and still do bring!) into my life with their individuality, friendship, charisma, and love, were steady and strong, like the very heartbeats that kept this mother’s heart on beating.

My boys have their own families now and I relive these adventures with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I would give anything to have those kind of crazy, loud, chaotic days with my boys back. And adding to that, I see God’s mercy in my own life and in the lives of all His children. We all give Him plenty of reasons to give up on us or to be mad at us. Yet, His arms are always open wide to receive us and keep us close to His heart, as I will always be with my progeny, in spite of how old they may be.

“Thank You, God, for never giving up on us. You are always near, even when we are not.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2018

Impacting The Next Generation

When I think of Mother’s Day it has a two-fold meaning. One, I am grateful to God for the opportunity and privilege to be a mother. For some that may not have children, you may be the mother figure to family, siblings, or others God has placed in your path.

Second, Mother’s Day is about giving honor to the mother God gave you, whether in person or in memory of. They may or may not have been the best example of motherhood, but the word of God still commands us to honor them.

As Mothers’ an important part of our responsibility is the training and nurturing of our children. Proverbs 22:6 tells us that if we “Train up a child in the way he should go, that when he is old, he will not depart from it.” As society becomes more immoral and perverse, we (as Christian Mothers), need to intentionally deposit sound moral and ethical (biblical) principles into the lives of our children. We need to show them how to choose their friends wisely, because “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corin. 15:33) We must encourage them to make wise choices that are in step with biblical teaching.

Our daughters should be taught modesty in their dress and appearance, respecting themselves and thus honoring God. (I Tim. 2:9). Our daughters must know Gods purpose for their lives whether in marriage or family, singleness, and life in general. Proverbs 31 provides an excellent description of the mindset of a godly woman in her daily walk.

We must also model a life of prayer before our children, teaching them how to pray and praying with them. We need to expose our children to activities that will challenge and grow their faith in God. We not only need to wipe their tears, but there will be many times, that we may have to cry with them. They need to see us being transparent, loving, and yet firm and walking in the spirit – obeying the word of God.

As we prepare to celebrate this Mother’s Day, please remember your training, your testimony, and the teaching that you impart to your children will have an eternal value on their life. Let’s point them to Jesus!

“Father, thank you for opportunities to impact this next generation for You. May we as Mother’s seek Your face and Your will daily to make an eternal impact for Your kingdom.”

For His Glory

Cynthia McCoy
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2018

Unwrapping The Gift

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James1:17 (NIV)

Don’t you just love being on the receiving end? You know unwrapping presents or having someone treat you to lunch. Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of a gift you didn’t like? Perhaps it was a purple scarf a friend knitted to match the red mittens she gave you last year. Even better, how about the blender you got from your husband on your monumental birthday? Regardless, we grinned and said thank you even though our hearts longed for something else.

Found myself there the other day – God handed me a gift, and it was one I really didn’t want. He had especially picked this out for me, yet my reluctance spoke volumes. He allowed it to happen and believe it or not, He wouldn’t take any returns. It was mine regardless of my lack of desire or enthusiasm to unwrap it.

Wouldn’t we all rather have the sparkling diamond than a bottle of cleaner to make our windows sparkle? Yet God in His sovereignty extends gifts to us that buff out the rough spots and enable us to shine as women of God who glorify His name. His purpose isn’t centered on our comfort levels, but rather His divine plan to transform us from the dullness of this world into a sparkling reflection of His character.

What gift are we unwrapping this week? Is it the gift of discouragement which can teach us how to lift our eyes above our circumstances? Is it the gift of patience which reminds us to not force our timetable on anyone? Is it the gift of suffering designed to teach us the value of life and seizing every moment? Perhaps it’s a gift we have attempted to unwrap on several occasions and cast aside only to find He keeps giving it back. Regardless, God has entrusted all gifts – easy or hard – into our hands. The choice is ours. How will we respond?

“Father, thank You for the gifts that transform our lives to shine for You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2018

Perfect Timing

“Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” John 2:4b (NIV)

Jesus was all about glorifying His Father! Although He performed miracles before His declaration of being the Son of God, He was extremely protective of not exposing His true identity until the right time! Timing is always important to God. Throughout the Bible everything has been timed exactly to His agenda and often-required periods of waiting – creation, the birth and death of His only Son, miracles recorded in God’s Word, etc.

Waiting on God often involves wants and desires. He so graciously grants our many requests – He loves making His children happy. Unfortunately, believers have a tendency not to consider whatever enters life – good and bad – is to be used for His glory; forgetting He has a specific plan & purpose for each life He creates.

So what about those unexpected times you ‘never signed up for’ creating stress levels beyond comprehension? How do we cope when His thoughts and ways far exceed ours? Quite honestly He doesn’t owe an explanation. When you think about it God waited 30 years before prompting Jesus to publicly reveal His plan and purpose for Him!

Our heavenly Father is patient and understands it takes time to learn from Him. Since nothing is wasted in our lives, God desires to use our circumstances. Though the situation may still be extremely painful ask Him to use it as an opportunity to glorify Him and minister to others. God will reveal when, how, and with whom to share. His timing is always perfect!!

“Dear Father, please help us to use whatever You bring into our lives and wait for Your perfect timing to use it to honor You.

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope, Wisdom

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