Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 5, 2018

In The Midst of Blessings

“As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord His God, as the heart of David his father had been.” I Kings 11:4(ESV)

Ever noticed that the obvious isn’t always what happens? I’m sure we’ve all been there when things didn’t fall into place the way we envisioned. The one we thought was a sure in for the job didn’t get it. The one chosen to sing wasn’t the best soprano in the choir. The one selected to speak didn’t even go to college. The one who had the most friends was they quietest in the group. All the rationale we can dream up doesn’t even come close to the reality.

Divine placements at pivot moments with the least likely shattering our predictions. The Psalmist David was the youngest and overlooked son destined to be king. A shepherd boy at best not a privileged royal, yet God’s chosen man for the job. Fast forward and we find, Solomon, David’s son humbly desiring nothing more than wisdom and discernment for his reign on the throne.
Hailed as the wisest and wealthiest king ever, Solomon would be our obvious choice to serve as a standard for future kings. Flip through the pages of I Kings, and you will find a totally different story. David not Solomon was the measuring stick God used when describing other kings. Why would God choose David – a murderer and adulterer? Despite his obvious sin, David acknowledged his wrong and turned his heart back to God (Psalm 51). Nothing more beautiful than a redeemed soul – David was described by God as a man after His own heart.

So what about Solomon – you know the one who had it all? Solomon’s heart became divided. He loved many foreign wives who lead his heart away from God and into idol worship. Never do we hear even one simple, humble acknowledgment that sin had crept in and stole his heart away. No prayers of confession and forgiveness fill the pages of his story in scripture.

The obvious didn’t happen because God doesn’t look at the obvious on the surface. He looks deep into the heart. And what David’s heart revealed was a genuine sorrow that led to his repentance. God honored his covenant of love with David and kept His promises, but the holiness of our God couldn’t justify or overlook the sins of kings who came after him.

Note to self: Only God sees the heart of His creation. He alone knows the motives and desires that reside within each action and reaction. The visible tangible unveils our true depth – do we love Him more than all of these?

“Father nestled in the midst of great blessings lies the temptation to worship the gifts more than the Gifter. Help us to choose You over all the rest.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 2, 2018

Faithful Even In The Midst of Trouble

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Daniel 6:10 (NIV).

Daniel was doing fine in Jerusalem until king Nebuchadnezzar besieged it and took everyone into exile, including him. Then Daniel and some others were trained to serve the king in his court. While there, Daniel’s three friends were thrown into a fiery furnace. And what happened? They prayed to their God, the Lord Almighty, and nothing happened to them!!! They came out without wounds or burns.

Daniel kept his allegiance to the Lord, and he developed a gift for interpreting dreams. In all the troubles Daniel faced, God honored His faithfulness. Because the people were envious about his gifts and the fact that the king liked Daniel, some guys plotted against him. What’s next… right? He got sent to the lion’s den. All night long Daniel was shut in the den with those lions and not one of them harmed him. Daniel came out without scratches or bruises.

Get the picture? Daniel remained faithful to the Lord, and God honored him. He got into trouble, and God saw that he came out unharmed. Trials will always come, but if we remain faithful, God will see us through. Let’s look to Him; let’s seek Him; let’s be like Daniel, and not be ashamed to get down on our knees when trouble comes.

“Lord, sometimes we just get too scared about the lions and forget that You can shut their mouths and make them look like small kittens. Help us to trust in You like Daniel did and to not be afraid of fire or beasts, because we serve a God for whom nothing is impossible.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 1, 2018

How Great Is He

“For He whom God has sent [Jesus] speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.” (John 3:34 NKJV)

Aren’t there some conversations you just want to share with someone? Recently in our life group, we were discussing a headline. One of us had read that we generally feel closest to one person of the Trinity: Father, Son or Holy Spirit. Upon reflection, several expressed feeling closest to Jesus. In fact, for one, tears flowed effortlessly as precise details were given of each miracle performed, teaching offered and sacrifice made. God felt a bit elusive for some. Difficult to comprehend. And the Holy Spirit, a mystery and not well understood. Misunderstandings and misuses represented reasons to forego exploration. We were all left wondering if we were missing out on something. Of our own doing, not God’s.

God can be difficult to grasp or define. He transcends anything the human mind can conceive. Out of reverence, in Jewish tradition, one does not pronounce aloud any of the names for God except when reading the Torah or in prayers. And, once having written the Name of God, Jewish law prohibits the erasing or defacing of any name for God. God has been given many names throughout the Old Testament that show indeed, there is no one like Him!

And because of Jesus’ sacrifice we can access this very same God. Through Jesus we see the character of God. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to earth with the mission to restore our relationship to God. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith and as such, is the head of the church. Knowing His time on earth was limited, Jesus assures his disciples that “Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7b NIV)

Amongst many gifts Jesus has given us, one is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the witness that we are God’s children. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and is our counselor, teacher, guide into all truth and giver of new life.

And so, my encouragement is that each of us who bears the name Christian may reflect on the role of each person of the Trinity. Let us come to more fully know the character and role of each. In so doing, may we claim the richness and inheritance that is ours to powerfully declare His name to a world longing for truth and direction.

“Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I need You. All of You. May Your greatness be revealed through me so that others might see your Glory and turn their hearts to You.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 31, 2018

When Yielding Invites Abundance

“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

Driver’s education class was my fave in school, and I couldn’t wait to finish the course, take my test and sit behind the wheel all alone. Driving in the city was a little more challenging. I completely got what red stop signs or lights meant. I totally didn’t get what those yellow yield signs and caution lights meant. Unfortunately, I usually ignored them – not a good thing.

Yield is definitely not our usual go to thing, which is exactly the reason these yellow signs and lights were created. Dangerous intersections were common place. Arguments arose over who was at fault when accidents happened. So a police officer came up with the right solution – yield signs could cause drivers to slow down and prevent tragic accidents. One year after the first yield sign was put into place and the results were amazing. Not only did it lessen accidents but it blocked dangerous areas.

Who would have though yellow could do so much? If you’re like me, you probably enjoy go much better. If I’m really honest, I’d say I don’t like red at all. I’d much rather keeping moving forward despite the protection that can be unveiled in slow down, danger is ahead and somethings about to change.

Rather than avoid yellow let’s learn to embrace yield. Let’s not run ahead when God is saying “proceed with caution.” Let’s slow down and examine what’s going on around us before we plunge forward. Let’s not get hung up on surrender and relinquish when yield can be more fruitful.

Deep lessons are learned in the wait and caution. Incredible truths we would have missed had we kept pressing on. God desires for us to avoid dangerous intersections that cross our journey in life. He wants us to avoid the devastation of tragic consequences. Takes courage, discipline and awareness to unpack the obvious right before our eyes. Requires unshakeable trust to allow God to move us instead of self.

Yellow never looked so good to this God loving girl who has struggled through but found He is faithful and true. Gotta love His divine protection even when we tune out the danger. Grateful for His wisdom and discernment. Cherishing His grace for moments when my persistence overrides what God knows is best. Learning not to ignore the prompting in my Spirt that births His goodness.

“Sweet Jesus, we are truly independent beings – bent on going our own way – sheep wandering off. Praising You for being my good Shepherd who protects me from self.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 30, 2018

When Come Back Seems Impossible

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (HCSB)

Last year, for the first time in my spiritual life, my faith was shaken in a way that I wasn’t prepared. I cried. I prayed. I read scripture. Yet, nothing changed with what I was going through. Where was the God of comfort I was told was there for me?

And then one day I stopped. I stopped praying. I stopped reading. I stopped singing. My heart was broken, and I gave up that it would ever be healed. Months went by before I admitted to anyone that I was going through the motions. That I was a functioning Christian and not a faithful one.

However, the effects of this spiritual limbo eventually became evident. I was angry all the time. I felt lost and alone. I withdrew. My anxiety increased. I was exhausted from keeping up the charade.
But how could I come back to God now? I had turned away from Him, wouldn’t He do the same?

Fortunately, the answer is no. God will never turn us away when we come to Him. His word speaks to us in the present tense. His command isn’t contingent on how many times we have already come before Him. It is based on what we need to do right now, even if we have already done it before. The “Come to me” scripture appears in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. If God’s commands are repeated, then they must be important. Not just because we need to hear it more than once, but also to remind us that we will often need to repeat the behavior.

As I slowly make my way back, it helps to know that no matter how far away I have gotten, I can return at any time. He will not turn me away and His promise is that if I come, He will be there. John 6:37says “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” While I don’t know why I went through what I did, or why God was silent during that time, what I do know, is I still belong to Him. And that’s enough for now.

Are you far from God today? Are you unsure if you can come back? He isn’t going to turn His back or turn you away because you messed up. He is simply going to do what He promises and welcome you back.

“Lord, you are faithful to us even when we are not. Thank You for being true to Your promises.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 29, 2018

Living A Great Story

“He must increase, I (John) must decrease. John 3:30 (ESV)

I have this cutesy little boxed frame of daffodils blowing in the wind with four words scribbled at the bottom: “Live A Great Story.” Gotta say I bought it for myself. Strategically placed it within my direct view of my computer. It’s my inspiration to not just strive to write a great story but to truly live it.

So what does that really look like? Living a great story is one in which we decrease and God increases. It’s simply turning the focus off self and onto God. Not so easy right? All too often, we see our world through our lens and not God’s. Decisions, feelings and reactions quickly default to self – what’s good for us. When we continually put self at the center of everything then our story loses its potential for greatness.

Living a great story propels us to walk in obedience. It chooses love, kindness, joy and humility. It seeks God’s agenda and not our own. It draws others into the amazing redemption story of our Savior’s love one chapter at a time. It’s a refreshing breath of air for those who are tired of charting their own course. It’s embracing grace rather than condemnation for those moments when we all miss the mark.

I think you get the picture…..if we want to live a great story then we have to remember who is writing it. We can’t dictate the pages, chapters, etc. of our story. However, we can determine to live surrendered to His story. So what’s a girl to do…realize obsession with self is highly overrated, but a deep God desire to live for His glory will always shine bright.

Don’t know what your great story will look like or what God is challenging you with in the unfolding days of 2018. We’re already 28 days+ into a new year. Goals may have been broken. Resolutions tossed aside. We may be swirling in the pit of regret or overly confident that we’ve got it all under control. We may be facing the greatest challenge ever. Regardless of where life finds us, I‘m praying He moves us all away from self and closer to Him. I’m asking you to join me on the greatest journey ever – living a great story for His glory – best read ever!

“Father, self easily rises to the surface despite our brave efforts. Help us to ease out of first place and resist the urge to write our own story. Teach us the value of desiring Your greatness instead of our own.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 26, 2018

In God We Trust

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)

The surprising news of a long awaited child would send any woman into celebration, but the angel of the Lord gave Manoah’s wife some very specific commands. She was told what they were to eat or drink in preparation for the conception and birth of the child. The boy, Samson, was meant to be a Nazirite of God from birth until the day of his death (Judges 13:7).

Manoah and his wife raised the boy exactly as they were instructed by the angel. However, Samson grew to be very strong, attractive, and careless. He fell in love with Delilah, who tricked him into revealing the source of his strength. A little nagging on her part and too much confidence in his own heart amounted to a very sad outcome. Samson succumbed to Delilah’s questioning and revealed the source of his strength. And when his hair was cut while he slept, he was seized by his enemies. Delilah ultimately collected eleven hundred shekels of silver from the Philistines for unveiling Samson’s secret.

Eyes gouged out, Samson became a helpless prisoner of the Philistines. Because of his disobedience and carelessness, the power of the Lord had left him. Each day, we too are faced with situations that put our hearts at risk of falling out of God’s will. We must be careful and faithful to our calling, trusting more in Him and less in ourselves, so we can be victorious.

“Lord God, You have created us for Your pleasure. Help us to have the strength to say ‘no’ to those things that can come between us and You. May our strength always lie in the confidence that You are near and that You are all that we need.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 25, 2018

Noticing His Provision

“Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” – Deuteronomy 29:5

The Israelites exodus from Egypt is one of my favorite Bible narratives. God’s commission of Moses, who described himself as slow of speech (Exodus 4:10). The plagues sent to convince Pharaoh to let God’s people go. The parting of the Red Sea, which swallowed up Pharaoh’s armies after the Israelites were safely on the other side. Water from a rock; manna from the sky. Then, the complaining began. So, God sent quail to satisfy their desire for meatier fare.

I love this story which so dramatically illustrates God’s faithfulness, sovereignty and provision. And, I have gone back to it often when I have felt lost in the desert, unsure of where I was being led. After all, they did wander in circles for 40 years. That has been my story in recent years; having moved six times in six years. Wandering. Wondering if God saw me. Wondering if He would provide…a job, a home, a church, friends.

Only recently did I notice the miraculous provision of Deuteronomy 29:5 “Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” How did I miss that? Based on the text, it appears the Israelites may have missed it too!

This was a huge miracle! Seriously, do you own shoes that would last for 40 years? So, I am left to wonder, what has God provided for me that I may have missed? Yes, He has provided jobs, homes, wonderful church families and new friends with every move…but, He has provided so much more. He has clothed me with His presence when I felt utterly alone. He has allowed my feet to travel to places and experience things that have tested and grown my faith. Joshua 1:9 has become so real to me; “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Years ago, I read a wonderful book by Andy Andrews called The Noticer. The basic premise is that many people ignore the small stuff choosing to focus on the bigger picture, without realizing that the bigger picture is composed entirely of the small stuff. Similarly, God’s faithfulness is fully understood in the small stuff. I want to be a “noticer”…seeing everything—great and small— that His hand provides. I know you do, too. As we start a new year, let’s take time to reflect on our own journey, noticing His abundant provision along the way. And, let’s give thanks.

“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:13)”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 24, 2018

An Audience of One

“The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud.” 2 Chronicles 5:13 (NIV)

Bringing glory to His name and praising His awesome goodness. It’s what we are called to be – true worshippers in Spirit and in truth. However, the level of our worship and praise is directly linked to our heart relationship with God.

When we are fully engaged with our awesome Creator, our worship spills over and impacts all of our relationships. It influences our decisions, supersedes our insecurities and ignites our passion to serve God fully.

So how’s it going? Are we maneuvering through the motions of superficial worship denying the transforming power of a heart knit with our Creator?

We may play the part – hands raised, voices lifted. We perhaps portray the right image of one who is spirited in worship engaged fully experiencing the energy. We could sing those songs and clap our hands in our sleep. But if our lives don’t reflect the One we worship then we are missing the filling of His glory. If the words we sing don’t penetrate our hearts than we are missing the sweet aroma of obedience. And if we walk away and wonder what’s next then we just missed an audience with our King.

“Father, give us one glorious ambition to know and follow hard after You. To soak in Your love and spill over your grace as You fill us with Your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 23, 2018

The Importance of Godly Counsel

“Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14 AMP)

There are moments in life that are unforgettable. Graduation day. Wedding day. Birth of a child. Sitting across from a counsellor, marriage not expected to last beyond month’s end. Of course, a marriage in this state doesn’t get there overnight. Years of arguments, unrecognized and unresolved brokenness and, as we were to learn, years of thinking decisions were ours alone to make. We had prayed about them, discussed them thoroughly with a consensus, however, failed to consult godly counsel with those decisions that would have the greatest impact on the security of our family.

Solomon advises, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” (Proverbs 11:14 NIV). Teams assemble to discuss all angles of a decision in business, government and sport; however, when decisions of a personal nature are required why do we think we can make effective decisions on our own? Prayer is not to be undermined; God has provided an additional measure to ensure a right outcome: godly counsel.

Who are those individuals in your life who you would categorize as “godly counsel?” Those whom you know walk closely with the Lord in lifestyle. Set apart for prayer, camping at the throne of God, eager to know His character through His Word and presence. A life of the godly comes with a cost. They’ve turned their backs on the world and remain true to the precepts of God. Age is of no consequence. God has used those half my age to bring me wisdom twice my years.

On those days, when I pleaded with the Lord to let me end my marriage, my godly counsel directed me otherwise. When my insecurities wanted me to run from what the Lord was redeeming in my life, knowing that my decision would have to pass through my godly counsel forced me to stay and deal with my flesh.

Godly counsel is not a magic pill. God’s ways are not easy and most often not instant. More than two years later, He is building a new life for me that is stable, peaceful and good. That includes my marriage. I am convinced that without godly counsel the final story would read very differently. In fact, there’d be nothing worthy of words.

“Father, how we need You; how we need each other! May we recognize our need for godly counsel, seek out those worthy of the title and be brave enough to ask for their wisdom to help us walk a path that glorifies Your character.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Success, Wisdom

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