Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 21, 2017

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” I John 3:18 (NIV)

Remember the ‘ole saying, ‘actions speak louder than words?’ There are special people who fall into a silent category when actions do speak louder than words – caregivers. Any normal day would consist of routines, financial decisions, doctor office visits, tried patience, long lonely days, and physical and emotional exhaustion. Describe anyone you may know?

Ever consider Mary was Jesus’ caregiver during his short earthly existence? She was present at his birth, death, and multiple times in between. Do you think she became irritated, drained physically, and at times ready to throw in the towel? Of course she did, but she also knew it was all for a purpose – far exceeding her ability to comprehend.

Caregivers, you are not alone. For over eleven years, my personal life evolved around caring for my 95 year old mother. She was blind, confined to her bed or wheelchair, had severely impaired hearing, and dementia. When this journey began a really good friend offered an important word of wisdom: find humor. For example, on mother’s 95th birthday, she informed me she was 25 and sang happy birthday to herself. Laughing and having a good time there was no need to correct her – she was happy! I felt God kissing me on the cheek – His sweet way of encouraging my heart; He is with me every step of the way. God was with Mary every step of her journey, and Jesus became the Savior of the world.

Perhaps this Christmas bless an unnoticed caregiver – your actions will speak louder than any words – because all too often none are adequate. Blessings are adorned in varied ornate packaging – all they need are to be unwrapped!

“Dear Father, please bless those who unselfishly care for others and use me to bless them.”

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 20, 2017

More Than Anything

“Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation…’” Luke 2:28-30a (NLT)

 

Have you ever wanted something so much that it consumed your thoughts? When I was young, my friend had a Cabbage Patch doll. I wanted my own Cabbage Patch doll so much I could hardly think of anything else. I studied the commercials like I would be tested on them later. I gazed at the boxed dolls at the store—that beautiful yarn hair, dimpled face, and snuggly body signed by Xavier.

 

Not having much money at the time, my parents bought me an imitation doll. I knew immediately she wasn’t the real thing; she had the yarn hair, but the face wasn’t dimpled and she certainly wasn’t signed by Xavier. I tried to love her but she wasn’t quite right. I thought if I pretended to love her, eventually I would. No matter how hard I tried, the doll didn’t measure up. A few months later, I unwrapped my first Cabbage Patch doll, a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was I dreaming? Hugging her to me, my life felt complete.

 

Where is that coveted doll now? She’s hibernating in a box in the garage waiting to be given to (and eventually cast aside by) a granddaughter. The gift I thought I could not live without—the doll I thought would make my life complete—was forgotten in the end.

 

Simeon “was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25b-26 NLT) Simeon wanted more than anything to see the Messiah. He waited with anticipation, having received the promise that his greatest desire would be met before he died.

 

Do we have the same passion as Simeon? Do we want more than anything to see the Lord? Are we anticipating Christ’s return as much as Simeon anticipated the birth which brought salvation?

 

‘Thank You, Lord, for the salvation You provide through the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we want You more than any other gift. Our lives are complete in You alone.”

 

For His Glory

 

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

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 19, 2017

Beautiful Name

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

 

These words were written by the Prophet Isaiah more than 700 years before the birth of Christ. Two thousand years later, here at Christmastime we still celebrate the fulfillment of prophecy by Isaiah when the Lord left His throne in heaven and came to earth as God’s Son.  Let’s focus our hearts on His beautiful name as we head into Christmas week:

 

WONDERFUL: the root word in Hebrew is “pele,” which means God is a doer of wonders, miracles, marvelous things that are beyond mere human understanding (Ps. 78:12).  Pele is used in Judges 13:18 meaning incomprehensible or beyond understanding. In other words, the verse spoken by God says, “You wouldn’t understand if I told you.” When Isaiah called the promised Child pele he was referring to the divine God Himself coming in the form of a baby.

COUNSELOR: refers to perfect wisdom enabling the King to make right decisions knowing the will of God of what’s right and God’s purposes. This Counselor would not need a team of advisers. God is more than able (Is. 28:29). Wonderful Counselor is a clear statement of deity.

MIGHTY: the Hebrew root word is “gibbor,” which means hero; a doer of great, mighty acts for people who cannot do for themselves. God was the power in David’s swing against Goliath. God was the calm in Abraham as he walked up Mount Moriah.

GOD:  the simplest Hebrew word for God is “El.” El refers to the one true God, the creator, the Supreme Being. El is used in conjunction with other names like El Shaddei or God Almighty.

EVERLASTING: forever, perpetuity, no ending, but also no beginning. The God who lives forever (Is. 57:15) in the forever and inhabits eternity. Never restricted by time. God does not change, never getting older, slower or frail. He doesn’t need to mature, grow or learn. He is the way He has always been and will always be. A child born into this world; yet He’s called everlasting. This child did not come in to existence when He was born. He is forever…no ending and no beginning.

FATHER: a good father is compassionate (Ps. 103:13), loving (Jer. 31:3), protective (Ps. 91:4), guider (Ps. 48:14), supportive (Ps. 54:4), encourager (Rom. 15:5). Throughout scripture God is called our Father.

PRINCE of PEACE: God’s kingdom will be one of peace…forever. It will not be established by fighting wars and no military might will be needed. God’s peace surpasses all human comprehension.

“Father, there’s no doubt this Christmas, the Child we celebrate is nothing less than You, come to earth as a human baby, in order to fulfill Your promises.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
http://www.KimLaceySchock.com

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2017

The List

“Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you.  Look I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” Isaiah 49:15b-16a (HCSB)

Got your Christmas list?  Have you been checking it once, twice to make sure you don’t miss anyone?  Can’t leave someone off.  Don’t want to skip over anyone.  Clinging to that list with tight fist and two copies on my desk.  Would be lost without out one.  How about you?

Love the way God promises to never forget us – to never overlook us – to never skip past us.  Isaiah 49:15-16  reminds us His list is engraved in the open palms of His hands.  Sweet revelation before the babe even arrived.  A list unveiling the reason why He came – to redeem all of us.

The world may remove us from its list.  We may be looked over, scratched off.  Our sins may cause us to believe we didn’t make the list.  Guilt overriding freedom. We may even ignore the invitation. Not extended to people like us.   But the truth of Christmas is that we’ve always been on God’s heart.  He longs for us to receive the gift of His Son – the Christ child born in the manger.

Sounds amazing so why do we choose to distance ourselves from the One who draws near?   Hard to imagine why we would reject the Christ Child who came to save us from our long list of wrongs.  Unconceivable to understand why we would resist His power to set us free.  Yet so many times we do.  We believe the lie that He really didn’t come for us.  We distort the truth of who we are and who He is because believing the impossible would mean He can do the impossible for us.

Wonderful Counselor the answer to all we need.  Mighty God powerful enough to solve our biggest stressors. Eternal Father loving enough to choose us and sweep us off our feet. Prince of Peace reconciling our hearts with God. An incredible list that never ends – His greatness entering our world. The miracle of Christmas  – God’s love unwrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger – living, breathing proof that we are on His list.

“Father, Your love for us is far greater than we can ever imagined.  The gift of Your Son taking our place. The promise of life with You forever – our joy unspeakable.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 15, 2017

Open Hearts … Embracing His

“And He (Jesus) will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6b (NIV)

Brokenhearted over a lost love, young Ebenezer Scrooge allowed bitterness to penetrate deep. A Christmas Carol details Scrooge’s struggle from Christmas Past, Christmas Present and the Christmas Yet To Be. He not only extinguished joy in his own life, but Scrooge was determined to do the same to those around him. As he sees his life unfold, Scrooge realizes that he allowed the loss of one love to rob him of the love of many people.

Wonder if we unpacked our lives if we would find the same? Broken relationships can often close our hearts to loving others. Our disappointments can mount and especially during the holidays, we can find ourselves avoiding another Christmas season.

From the age of six, my son’s holidays were spent being transported from one parent to the other. An empty parking lot was often the meet and drop off spot. While his friends played with their toys, he left his gifts behind and headed to the other parent’s house. I’m sure there were moments when he was greatly disappointed and brokenhearted over his “imperfect family,” yet I never saw his joy escape him. There were no complaints or grumbling, instead he’d give me a hug and say, “Merry Christmas Mom.”

Amazing how resilient we were when our bodies were small and our hearts were large. We didn’t seem to hold grudges as long, and we definitely found it easier to forgive. Instead of letting broken relationships extinguish our joy this holiday season, let’s seize the moment to bless all the people God has brought into our lives.

“Father, You are the keeper of our hearts – help us to love large and extend grace reflecting Your heart to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 14, 2017

Jesus’ Gift

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

 

“Christmas comes but once a year, but when it comes it brings good cheer” reveals my google search when digging for descriptors of Christmas.  This 19th century nursery rhyme delighted children, no doubt, who anticipated a candy stick and home-made toy to mark the celebration.  In the same google search, another site identifies that 45% of North Americans who were surveyed dread the holiday season.  Less than two centuries later, as we count down to Christmas, our anxiety increases while our bank balances decrease.  The complexities of the season mask the simple gift presented to the world in Bethlehem.

Angels heralded the arrival of Jesus.  The shepherds gathered to welcome the Lamb of God.  Gifts of one’s heart given.  Word spread to all and all were amazed; including King Herod and the chief priests and teachers of the law.  Theologians speculate the Magi bearing gifts of gold, incense and myrrh did not present themselves to Jesus until he was two years of age.  Gifts given as a symbol of submission from the earth’s royalty to the King of all kings.  And we focus on the tangible gifts.

 

In this world that highlights the bling regardless of cost to the soul, may I focus on submission and not the tangible.  May I be thankful for that which draws my attention to the miraculous in Christmas and decidedly steadfast on the Savior and what He came to bring.  Jesus, the fulfillment of Old Testament law and prophesy, able to save me from my sins, restore my soul from destruction, giving life its purpose and power through the Holy Spirit.  All of these availed through my acceptance of Jesus’ gift; Himself.

 

During this Christmas season, may we come together with those from far and wide and herald Jesus’ arrival.  With the millions of saints that have gone before us, may we, in loud voices declare, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38). May our evaluation as to whether this was a good Christmas be that at its conclusion there would be more of Jesus evidenced in us and less of the ways of the world.  With this good news, I venture to say that our resulting great joy would leave us anticipating next year’s Christmas.

 

“Jesus, forgive us when our focus at Christmas becomes things rather than You.  Thank you for the gift of abundant life that you’ve given to us.  May we share that gift with others.”

 

For His Glory

 

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 13, 2017

The Significance of Shepherds

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” Luke 2:8-11 (NLT)

Shepherds. They were minding their own business, tending, feeding, and guarding the sheep in their care. So why, in the account of the birth of the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior of the world, are shepherds listed as the first (after Mary and Joseph) to hear the good news?

The chosen people endured 400 years of silence from God. They watched for signs of the prophecies and waited for the coming of their King. The birth of Christ could have been announced at the synagogue or in the throne room of the king who reigned over the Jews. Instead, the angel of the Lord along with the armies of heaven announced the news of the birth of the Lord to humble shepherds in a nearby field.

In Genesis 48:15 Jacob blesses Joseph in the name of “the God who has been my shepherd all my life.”

Jesus, during his three years of ministry, says of Himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NLT)

Revelation 7:17 (NLT) again names Jesus as the shepherd: “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.”

The good news of the birth of Christ, the good shepherd who sacrificed His life for us, His sheep, was announced to shepherds in a nearby field. As we celebrate this Christmas, may we respond as the shepherds did: “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.” Luke 2:17 (NLT) Just as the shepherds did, let’s share the “good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

“Lord, we praise You and thank You for the good news of the birth of Christ. As our hearts are filled with joy, may we share the good news with others this Christmas season.”

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 12, 2017

Sustaining Joy

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

After returning from exile the Israelites, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites assembled with the people to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law. Overcome with mourning and grief, the people wept as they heard the spoken words from Ezra’s mouth.

Though their weeping was understood by Nehemiah and all the other leaders gathered at the gate, they wanted to give God their best on that day that was supposed to be a time of celebration before Him. Nehemiah promptly instructed his leaders to say to the people, “this day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” He instructed the people to “go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.” Then he added again, “do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Oftentimes, we find ourselves in situations that are bigger than us, over which we have absolutely no control. Our natural tendency is to weep and mourn, crying over something that God can fix in just a blink of an eye. If you are going through a tough time, a situation that you feel impotent to fix, choose today to focus on God and praise Him in spite of your circumstance. As you make the choice to give God the glory in spite of your pain, He will fill your heart with unspeakable joy, the joy that nothing else in the world can give you. And you will forget the mourning and grieving – as a new day dawns, His joy will be your strength.

“Father God, You are our peace. You are our comfort. Lord, You are our joy. Thank You for giving us the assurance that You are right here beside us at ALL times.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 11, 2017

When The Broken Are Found

“He (God) reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deepest darkness into the light.” Job 12:22 (HCSB)

Red, blue and green sparkled through the branches – it’s the lights that really make a Christmas tree shine.  Until that obvious moment when your eyes glare into that one dark spot.  Yes, it seems to happen almost every year.  No matter how carefully I pack that string of lights, the inevitable occurs. And so begins the careful checking of each tangled strand and bulb until the broken one is found. Nothing more glorious than seeing the light once again dispelling dark.

2017 ushered in lots of hurting, broken ones. Difficult, strained, unwelcomed and uncertain journeys.  Lives navigating uncharted paths. Cancer consuming loved ones as options are narrowed.  Lives shattered by infidelity and sexual addiction flood our newsfeeds.  Relationships ripped apart fallen prey to the enemy’s game seem common place. Division, anger and insensitivity give way to what seems our right of voice. Storms ravaged people’s lives leaving empty.  Comfort, joy and peace so surreal to the one whose heart can barely beat. Silence of the soul appearing to drown out the wonder.  Heartache grown numb so one can simply survive.

To those who know the broken ones  – be faithful, loving and kind.  Let’s do all that we can to help and then do even more down on our knees.  Pray unceasingly (Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:9). Choose to   judge not and forgive big.  Release rights and welcome grace.  Extend margin and gather often.  Offer simple indulgences.  Prepare meals.  Text scriptures.  Share our broken places and God’s redeeming work.  Whisper God’s love daily not just in word but in deed.

To those who find themselves the broken one – be encouraged – we’ve all been broken. Our Savior came for ones like us.   He never gives up.  He never walks out.  He stays even in the aftermath of hurtful anger, frustration and woundedness.  God sees, knows and hears.  He completely understands our sorrow and tangled mess. And yet, right in the midst of our darkest places, He longs to birth the most beautiful light (Job 12:22).

Be found dear one – drink deep of His love and choose to believe. There’s nothing more glorious than seeing the light dispelling dark when broken ones are found.

“Father, You search for the one.  You relentlessly pursue the one.  You welcome the broken one to find hope and healing in You alone.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 8, 2017

Christmas Cookies…A Life Shared

“Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”  Luke 1:56 (NIV)

Creamy butter, fresh eggs, sugar crystals, nutmeg, vanilla – the perfect combo for Christmas cookies.  It’s one of my faves. Why?  Well, perhaps because it’s just the right balance of sweetness and melt in your mouth softness.  Maybe it’s because I’ve used it forever and it works every time. Maybe it’s because it’s the easiest dough for cutting out all those stars, Christmas trees, sleighs and Santas.   Maybe it’s because these delicious treats dunk perfectly in a warm mug of hot chocolate, latte or cappuccino.

Dare I share the real reason – it has absolutely nothing to do with the recipe although they taste yummy.  The real reason they’re so special, so treasured is the name etched in the upper right hand corner of that recipe card.  Smothered in sticky cookie goodness you can barely see it, but I can still trace it letter by letter – D▪e▪b▪b▪i▪e.

Ah…for a moment my life transcends time and I’m baking these cookies for the first time while little fingers reach for mine covered in dusty white.  A recipe shared yes, but even more delicious a life shared.  Sprinkled over days of searching and seeking as a young mom, God sent Debbie –who mentored, encouraged and prayed for me.  Her godliness drew me in, and her enthusiasm for God was contagious. We shared our children, swapped recipes, laughed and cried together – all incredible ingredients for two women navigating motherhood.  And yes, I cherish those memories though we now live miles apart.

Every Christmas, I still pull out that faded, crumpled paper and make cookies for friends and family.  Why? Because the sweetness of a friendship can only be tasted if you give it away.

“Father, I am so blessed  –  help me to be a woman who unwraps the gift of friendship with grace and love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

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