Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 20, 2017

Don’t Go Into The Village

“Once more Jesus put His hands on the man’s eyes; ... Jesus sent him home.” Mark 8:25a-26a (NIV)

 

How many times have you heard the phrase, “Hey, guess what?” This phrase is a good conversation starter when a special piece of news is about to be broadcast to friends, family, colleagues and even (thanks to the Internet!) the world. Whenever we hear this phrase, our ears immediately perk up, our eyes brighten, our heart beats faster, and all attention is on the news bearer.

 

But wait, if an imminent piece of news can get us so excited for the good, wouldn’t you think that it could also go the other way around? Sometimes, because we throw caution to the wind and start to count the eggs before they hatch – by assuming that there would be no fighting in the matter – we give Satan the chance to stick his dirty claws in our business and mess it all up.

 

Daniel had a vision once (chapter 10), and the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Do you recall what happened? In that vision, the angel told Daniel that though his prayers had been heard, the angel could not come for 21 days, because the prince of the Persian kingdom (one of Satan’s allies) had detained him! The angel was only free to proceed once the archangel Michael came and fought that demon.

 

The Lord Jesus dealt with those kinds of battles on a daily basis. It was not uncommon for Him to tell those whom He had delivered and healed to not share the news with anyone. Jesus knew that Satan could use those news against Him and His ministry on behalf of His Father.  The man mentioned in Mark 8, was told to go home once Jesus restored his sight. He was also told to not go into the village. Sometimes, it is good to keep things between yourself and the Lord. No broadcasting. No bragging. No village. Just you and Him.

 

“Lord, thank You for all that you do for us. You fight our battles for us. May all the glory be given to You always.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 19, 2017

Gather Around

“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.” Matthew 5:1-2 (NLT)

We stepped off the bus and the children eyed us with curiosity. As we moved through the neighborhood inviting all to a puppet show, children realized we had what they wanted: candy, small toys, and attention. They gathered around, setting aside their scavenging to see what we were about, these strangers. They followed us down one street and up the next. They held our hands and tried to communicate with us in spite of the language barrier. Surrounded by children whose bellies had never been full, we gave all that we had. We drew a crowd for foodstuffs and toys, but filled their hearts with the grace and love of Jesus as we presented the gospel and handed out Bibles. We applied for passports and visas, raised money for the flights, and spent vacation time for these precious ones.

Our key verses constitute the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The crowds gathered because Jesus alone had what they wanted. Had the people heard of Jesus teaching in the synagogues? Had they seen a friend healed of illness or disease? Had rumor spread of the Man who could free a demon-possessed boy? Whatever the reason the crowds gathered, God in the flesh was about to feed His people with the truth that gives life. I just love the simplicity of the verses. They gathered; He taught.

Do we gather? We gather at our kids’ school for meetings and assemblies. We gather at sporting events—professional and amateur. We gather at celebrations: birthday, graduation, anniversary, etc. Do we gather together as believers around Jesus?

“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)

Do we desire what Jesus offers enough to set aside our plans? Gathering at churches, small groups, Bible studies, and ministries puts us in a place to hear from God. He alone has what we want. He alone provides all that we need.

Gather around.

“Lord, may we never take advantage of the privilege we have to gather together in prayer, worship, and learning. We desire what only You can provide.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 18, 2017

Like Soldiers In A Battle – Know Your Enemy

“No weapon forged against you will prevail.” Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)

 

I grew up with an older brother and two younger sisters. My brother always enjoyed a good joke and if I may add, he was (and still is!) quite the prankster.  I remember one time when the girls were all nestled on the couch watching a movie and Roberto called us outside in a fake panic.  He had everyone in his prank, except for his three sisters. When we heard his scream, we immediately ran outside to see what was causing him to be so scared.  He told us to look up to the neighbor’s rooftop, and there it was, a well-lit Jack-o-Lantern, floating from left to right, then right to left. I bet that hearing our frightened cries for help as we called for our parents was of extreme amusement to my brother and his partners in crime in the house next door.

I can’t say for sure if it was due to our lack of knowledge about illuminated floating pumpkin heads or too much infusion of UFO’s-and-aliens-talk from our friends.  Perhaps it was just plain and simple naiveté, coupled with our girly impressionability; but that night we had an avalanche of adrenaline flowing through our veins! I, personally, was on the verge of a panic attack, when Daddy – finally – told Roberto to make the floating monster go away. I dreamed of that shiny floating monster for months to come, even though my brother did eventually show us how the prank was done.

Our mind is a very fertile ground for Satan to play his pranks. All it takes is for a simple idea to be implanted in one’s thoughts and soon it germinates, grows out of proportion, and completely depletes our peace bank.  And before we know it will lead to sleepless nights, fear, panic attacks, grief, and much more.  We must prepare ourselves well by reading God’s Word and covering ourselves with the armor of the Holy Spirit. By knowing what the enemy of our souls is capable of doing, we will be much stronger and well equipped to fight him.
 

“We thank You, Lord, that nothing is too difficult for You, and because we can overcome anything in Your name.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 17, 2017

When Listening Is All We Have

“When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words.”  Matthew 6:7 (HCSB)

 

I don’t know that’ I’ve ever been at a loss for words. How about you?  Chatting is my best sidekick – I just don’t stay quiet for long.  I’m sure as a child, I was annoying.  Always asking questions.  Talking endlessly as if tomorrow I wouldn’t be able to speak.  And what did this girl talk about?  While I don’t remember most of those conversations, I’m sure I filled up a lot of space with absolutely nothing but noise.

Fast forward to big girl status and my talking can still go on forever.  I just love the sound of my voice in an empty room reaching to the heart of God.  Soothes my soul in a big way.  Connects my heart in a deep way. Drowns out His voice  – not a good way.

Being still before Jesus doesn’t come easy to this rambling girl.  Don’t know that I would have ever learned how until I lost my voice.  Totally disconnected from everyone and everything, I strained my vocal chords simply attempting to be heard.  Next day what little I had was gone.  Not a single whisper.  A pen and paper in hand, I wrote words I couldn’t say. Held them up high for others to see and read.  Hoping to engage, connect and release all that was bottled up in that couldn’t get out.

Worst part, I couldn’t seem to find God.  Prayer suddenly seemed distant since He couldn’t hear my voice. So, I sat without a word to say or write.  Stillness surrounded me and then I finally listened.  My many words were gone and His Words filled my soul.  No more rambling and empty phrases just simply hearing what He had tried to say for so long.

Love Jesus’ sweet reminder that we don’t have to speak much to be heard.  Love the fact that our Heavenly Father isn’t impressed with our vocabulary or lack thereof.  Convicted that He expects me to come (when you pray) to listen and not just fill up space with my noise.  Love the way He ever so gently waits for quiet to settle in.

 

“Father, You are more impressed with our hearts than our words.  Help us to draw near to you and listen for Your voice and not our own.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Prayer, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 14, 2017

Unwavering Hope

“He (Abraham) believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations according to what been spoken; so  will your descendants be.”  Romans 4:18 (HCSB)

Ever had the odds stacked against you?  The negatives far outweighing the positives.  The “no ways” shouting loud and clear drowning out the “maybes.”   The possibilities evaporating right before your eyes.  Endings staring you in the face as dreams fade in the distance.

It takes tremendous courage to keep believing when time starts running out.  It takes boldness to keep trusting when promises go unfilled.  It takes a deep committed faith that stretches for what it can’t still see. It’s the stuff that pleases God the most when hope doesn’t’ cave in and give up but rather chooses to hold on tight with confidence – that’s faith!

A journey of faith characterized Abraham’s life.  Genesis 12 unveils the promises of God –  invigorating, hope givers. “I will make you into a great nation.  I will bless you and make your name great and you will be a blessing,”  promises flowing from our Creator God. Echoing deep in the heart of one who left it all to follow His God.  With no idea of where he was going and no timeline of when God’s words would be fulfilled, Abraham embarked on an amazing journey.

Love the way scripture doesn’t leave out those moments of doubt or struggles when Abraham zeroed in on circumstances.  Twice he lied and misrepresented his wife for the sake of insecurities.   At age 86 and no offspring in the picture, Abraham gave in to the wishes of his wife and slept with her handmaid.  Manipulating God’s time table didn’t serve any of them well. Chaos and drama multiplied, yet God renewed and enlarged his covenant. At age 100 Abraham and his wife had their son, Isaac – the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Faith in the midst of hopelessness is beautiful.  It propels us forward to boldly and courageously hold tight to God’s promises.  It reminds us that taking things into our own hands never serves us well.  And, if we persist faithfully trusting our God despite overwhelming circumstances then those who see, hear and live through our story will be impacted as well.

 

“Father, we want to be women who hope against hopelessness – fully trusting You without wavering.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 13, 2017

Pass Down The Baton of Love

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”  Proverbs 17:22a (NIV)

 

When our boys were small, we used to play silly games with them while on road trips. One of those games was called “duck.” Simply put, any time we spotted a bridge or viaduct, we were supposed to duck in the vehicle as to not “hit our heads.” Silly, right? You bet! But oh, many were the fun trips we took with our beloved threesome, and I always soaked in the laughter and giggles that went on in our vehicle. I would not trade those days for anything in the world, because our children felt love and cared about.

 

Being the mother of three sons has been my biggest achievement. Being a parent was something I had always looked forward to, so when I was blessed with my boys, the most important title I could take on for myself was “mom.” When I took my children to the park, it was not uncommon to see me playing hide-and-go-seek, duck-duck-goose, and soccer with them. I also would climb on monuments such as old war tanks and firetrucks, skip rocks on ponds, or anything else my body would endure, so I could be part of my children’s day. Despite any hard times or hurdles we faced, family time was of utmost importance.  We were often found piled up in a bed watching a movie together or playing outside as a family. We always instilled in our boys the importance of cherishing time together and supporting one another.

 

But then, one by one, the little birds grew and flew off the nest. Today, my sons are doing important (fun) things with their own children. When I visit or speak with them via Skype, I can hardly contain myself from jumping in my car and driving to them, so I can experience those giggles and laughter in person.

 

Children are such a precious gift from the Lord. Love on your little ones and show them how to love the Lord. They don’t stay children forever. One day, when they are grown, they will model that instilled love to their own children and you will feel a great sense of accomplishment.

 

“Lord, help us to love and cherish our heritage as a gift from you, passing down good values, faith, and love down to each generation to come.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2017

When We Find Ourselves In A Predicament

“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.” Daniel 2:20,23 (NLT)

Daniel was in a predicament. The future of all the wise men of the kingdom depended on Daniel interpreting the king’s dream. One minor problem: the king expected Daniel to interpret a dream without knowing what the dream was about.

Have you ever been faced with a seemingly impossible task? When my husband and I moved into our house, we were met with a yard blanketed in leaves. We should have anticipated this greeting when we noticed the shed carried not one, but four rakes. We raked for hours with only nominal change. A small cleared section disappeared by the time we were ready to tackle another section the next morning. Blowing the leaves didn’t work either since we were fighting ever-present rain showers that dampened and weighed down the leaves. At his wit’s end, my husband came to a solution: “Is it really necessary to get rid of the leaves? Do we really need grass? Or can we just let the grass die under the leaves?”

Stan to the rescue! At the suggestion of a friend, we contacted a gardener who spent the entire day blowing, raking, and hauling leaves to the street for pickup. He had more experience than we did. He had better tools for the job. In short, Stan was better equipped to handle our predicament.

Daniel was not equipped to handle the predicament in which he found himself. God was. After asking his friends to join him in praying for a miracle, God revealed the secret of both the dream and its meaning in a vision that very night. Our key verses record the praise Daniel expressed to God. God has all wisdom and power. He reveals His wisdom and strength to us.

Whatever predicament we may find ourselves in, God alone possesses the wisdom and strength we need. Will we ask? Will we seek the God Who has all wisdom and power, seeking His solution to our predicament? He alone is the only One equipped to handle our predicament.

“Lord, You alone have all wisdom and power. I come to You with my predicament, trusting that You will reveal to me the solution that brings glory to You.”

 

For His Glory

 

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

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2017

Always Safe in His Embrace

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

The first two verses in Psalm 91 always make me think of God as someone in whose arms we can always find solace for hard times; the One who wipes our tears away and soothes all our fears. He is our refugee, our fortress, our constant help in times of trouble. No matter what we are faced with, God is there.

In Isaiah 40, God is depicted as a shepherd who gathers His lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. Can you envision this picture in your mind? Getting that close to someone else and placing your head on his or her heart; being able to hear that heart beating! Friend, this action would mean that you are very dear to that individual. People don’t allow just anybody to come that close, unless they wish to show them that they are loved.

There was a disciple of Jesus who was known for being His beloved. That disciple was named John, and he was known for reclining his head on Jesus’ chest, even though the moment when that happened was not the best one for the Lord. At that moment, Jesus already knew that after sharing that meal with His disciples, He would be betrayed by one of them – by someone He had trusted. Yet, even with all the thoughts that could be haunting His head at that moment, Jesus allowed for His disciple to lean against Him and feel safe and loved.

In this day and age, a “I-Love-You” special moment can be experienced even from afar. Sometimes, it is not feasible for us to actually be with someone during his or her time of need, to physically hold him or her in our embrace. Nonetheless, by staying near through prayer and communication (e.g. phone call, text, mail, etc.) we may bring into others’ hearts a sense of security that they otherwise would not feel. Our loving gesture may feel, to them, just like leaning against their Father’s heart, safely into His embrace.
 

“Use us, Lord, to spread Your love to others, leading them into Your arms.”
 

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2017

When Good Runs Out The Door

“He poured out this Spirt (Holy Spirit) on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”  Titus 3:6 (HCSB)

Ever had one of those days when good evaporated before 9 am?  Really!  How can so much happen in such a brief span of time.  A perfectly great night of sleep.  A delish cup of coffee.  A carefree drive to the office. And when you least expected it – good ran right out the door.  Unexpected deadlines came out of nowhere.  The list of things to do grows and the inbox of your email has too many urgents.  Everyone wants it all right now.  Did I mention it wasn’t even 9 am yet?

Calm can easily transition into chaos without us even lifting a finger.  Those are the precise moments when we tend to lose control.  The things we didn’t plan to say slide right off our tongue.  The way we never wanted to respond hits us square in the face.  The verses we read that morning somehow fade. If we’re honest, we’ve all experienced those times when our spirit overrode His Spirit.  And the aftermath wasn’t pretty.  As soon as reality sunk in and we replayed the events in our mind, we wanted to run and hide.  Good left and our ugly moved right in.

Thankful for His sweet grace that covers me on those “less than days.”  Moments when I seize control without even thinking twice.  Times when I move into action without even consulting God and the guilt overtakes me.  Drinking deep of His mercy those mornings when good walks out and I choose self instead of Him.  No one to blame but me, because His Spirit is poured out abundantly in us.

Loving that word in our verse “abundantly.”  God has given us more than enough of His Spirit to handle our tough days.  He has filled us beyond expectation  – a large pouring that exceeds all those moments when self desires to rule.  So the next time we are tempted to just let go of Him and embrace self simply don’t.  Choose instead to be Spirit controlled even if no one else is.  Choose to speak His words despite what we hear all around us.  Choose to respond reflecting Him regardless of the actions, demands or urgents of others.  And then sweet friend we can stand firm and strong in the power of our God.

“Father, You have empowered us, filled us and equipped us. Help us to embrace Your Spirit regardless of what happens in our day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2017

Uncluttered

“You know when I sit and when I arise, you perceive my thoughts from afar.” Psalm 139:2 (NIV)

Buried beneath a sea of papers, I retrieved my keys and headed out the door.  How could so much stuff accumulate so fast?  Hadn’t I just cleaned off the kitchen counter?  For some unknown reason, the kitchen attracts the stuff you walk in the door with.  It’s the perfect dropoff place – until it assumes permanent residency.  The last thing I want to see when I walk in the door is yesterday’s mess accompanied with this morning’s leftovers.  One glance around the room convinces me to tackle the clutter.

Wow, I wish clearing the clutter from my mind was that simple.  Unfortunately, our minds seem to attract all the stuff we experience throughout our day, yesterday and years ago.  It’s the perfect dropoff place for regrets, comparisons, failures and negative self-talk. Somehow, we even squeeze in doubts and fears accompanied with worries.

Buried beneath our thoughts lie the seeds of God’s wisdom desperately trying to resurface for air.  Maybe it’s time we tackle the clutter by honestly examining what’s racing through our thoughts. Is there any leftover junk weighing us down?  Are we stuck in the mire of doubts unable to focus on the future God has in store?  Have we allowed our thoughts to accumulate to the point we don’t even recognize God’s wisdom?

Capturing our unhealthy thoughts requires hard work; it’s definitely not easy.  In fact, it can be over-whelming; but if we clear out the clutter one thought at a time, we will finally be free to move forward.

“Father, You know every thought that has ever entered our mind.  There are no hidden secrets.  Empower us to bring stray thoughts captive and zero in on Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Spiritual Living, Success

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