Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 21, 2017

Look Back & Remember

“Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9 (NLT)

“We’re still the worst, but I think we’re getting better.” This is the nearly identical quote I hear every night after swim team practice. My two sons have loved the water from a very young age, but have only just tackled swim team. They have worked diligently to develop better techniques in their strokes and dives, as well as a higher level of endurance, but they are newbies in a pool full of veteran swimmers.

 

Two months into preseason swim, our family traveled out of town, staying at a hotel with a pool. “Let’s see what you’ve been learning at practice,” I suggested in order to get their blood moving in the chilly pool water. Kaden took off, performing flip turns and strokes he had not even known existed two months before. Not to be outperformed, Josiah showed off his strokes and flip turns. I was thoroughly impressed. I reminded them of where they were two months ago—struggling to dive properly, possessing no speed or endurance. What a difference two months has made!

 

Satisfied grins showed me that my words had penetrated, increasing their confidence in their abilities. They needed an outside observer to point out the difference in their past and present abilities. The repetition of daily practice kept them from noticing improvements.

 

Our daily struggles can feel that way. Same old, same old. Taking a step back may be just the encouragement we need. Looking back at old journal entries to remind us of the incredible work God has already done in our lives can give us the strength we need to trust God with our current circumstances. Seeking the honest observations of a trusted friend can help us to be reminded of where we were just a few months or years before–far less mature than today. Asking God to remove the blinders caused by worry and stress so we can clearly see all that He has done in our lives may be just the confidence-builder we need.

 

He alone is God. There is no other like Him. He can do immeasurably more than what we may think or imagine. “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

 

Let’s take the time to look back and remember the amazing work God has done in our lives.

 

“Lord, You alone are God and there is none like You! Thank You for Your grace and mercy in working in our lives.”

 

For His Glory

 

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 20, 2017

Evil Doesn’t Provide Freedom – Jesus Does

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.“ Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

 

One of the biggest lessons we read about in the Bible is called forgiveness. We could ignore every instance about the Lord Jesus speaking to people on the need to forgive others. We could ignore the very words of the Lord’s Prayer.  However, it would be impossible for us to ignore what happened when the Roman soldiers severely beat, spat on, pushed, kicked, and ultimately nailed to the cross the Son of God. On that horrid day, as Jesus was about to draw His last breath, He did not use His last words to curse the people who were despising Him. Instead, Jesus prayed to His Father these few words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NIV)

 

If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we must learn from His teachings. If we profess to follow His lead, then we must also practice what He taught us and modeled for us. It is impossible to say we follow a leader and not to mirror His teachings.

 

Some time ago, I experienced something that hurt me deeply. Words can pierce so deeply within us that if we are not careful, we will let those very words determine our fate, which could culminate with our death (physical or spiritual). I must confess that when that happened to me, my blood felt like it was effervescing inside my veins; my thoughts were those of vengeance, that “an-eye-for-an-eye” type of rule. I was angry, hurt, and ready to pay back my attacker at the same level. Nonetheless, as I called out to the Lord, His Spirit made me grieve. I was in so much conviction that I could hardly breathe. “Pay back evil with evil? Is that what I have taught you, child of mine?” I heard Him ask me. I begged Him to forgive me for harboring those feelings in my heart, and I went to the very person who hurt me and begged forgiveness. Whatever the reason that made that person want to hurt me so badly culminated in the One who hung on the cross for me saying, “Let it go. Forgive and move on. I will take care of you. I am your peace.”

 
“Lord, in times when my own strength fails to hold me back, please rescue me.”

 
For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Mercy, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 19, 2017

When Giving Up Seems Sweeter

“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5 (NIV)

No one really wants to lose. If we’re totally honest, we’re in this journey called life to win. To capitalize on every moment. We want success in our relationships, careers and finances. To make the most of our days. To taste the sweet life and drink deep of joy. To seize every opportunity to make a difference, so what is it about today’s life that seeps with the pretend ease of quit?

Giving up appears to be the best route when the going gets tough. Letting go way too early characterizes the solution looking only for a quick relief. Yesterday’s pain reigns high and relevant influencing tomorrow’s desire to keep pressing through. We lose sight of winning because losing appears to be our only out.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we chose to stay in the hard places? To walk through difficulties hand in hand with Jesus. To choose growth and depth of character over running away. To linger in the midst of challenges clinging to His strength. To taste the delicacy of His grace and drink longingly of His truths. To resist the urge to walk away when staying speaks loud – I’m not giving up – we’re gonna win.

But then that would mean no quick fix. That would require much faith and stamina. That would mean when hope is exhausted, we trust God to be all that we need. We choose to thrive rather than just survive, and we encourage others along the way to hold tight, press on and reap the rewards found in not letting go.

Sounds a lot like a man named Job who suffered the loss of children, wealth, position and health. Yet despite the odds and advice to give up, Job didn’t quit. He just held on tighter to Jesus. And in the midst of pouring out his questions and frustrations, Job saw His creator in a whole new light.

“Father, You desire to take us to greater heights than we could ever imagine. Teach us to be clingers, stayers and winners to never give up when the journey gets tough.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 16, 2017

His Gift

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 6:23 (NIV)

 The red gift sat in the middle of the table, wrapped by the store.  The card had her name and the sender’s. Did she want a gift from this person—why did they do this? How could it be taken back?

Have you ever been in that situation? An unwanted admirer, an old boyfriend you thought was over you, a relative trying to mend fences? Yet the gift, opened, would release so many emotions—and yes, demand a response! You would be forgiving your family member or opening a path to a new relationship… what do you do?

This is how so many look at the free gift of God’s salvation: if they actually accept it, it will mean a change. They’re not sure they’re ready! To accept means responsibility: to forgive someone, perhaps change jobs or change friends—so many scenarios.

The gift goes untouched. The moment passes by. Yet going to a local store, where vendors are standing with free gifts or food to give to anyone creates a different response: we all accept. Why? The gift in the store doesn’t involve us going deeper into the relationship! For a split second we may waffle about buying the product, but the act of accepting doesn’t force us to do so. Accepting God’s gift, however, opens our lives up to a new vista, and we’re just not sure we’re ready!

What is holding you back from 100% commitment to God? God has prepared the gift (His Son, Jesus Christ), and it is not deserved (there is nothing in you that merits such a gift)—but it is the most wonderful gift ever given.  Accept it today, if you haven’t.

“Father, how can we thank You for the gift You have given us? Only by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior can we have a relationship with You. It is not a scary thing You offer, but freedom to live as You intended! Thank You, dearest Lord!”

 

For His Glory

Sandy Day
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 15, 2017

When Appearances Are Deceiving

“He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him.” 1 Samuel 17:42 (NIV)

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I cannot say how many times I have heard this saying, but I am sure it has been many. Yet, sometimes I have done exactly what it says not to do. Isn’t it how things are, though? We look at something – or someone – that is placed in front of us and we are quick to cast our judgment, in spite of not being a connoisseur of the subject in its fullness. We simply place ourselves on the throne of our own glory, point out our prideful scepter, and vomit our words as if we were the most important and the most knowledgeable member of the royalty from the kingdom of nowhere.

I have a good example of what being judgmental can do to a person – or a people. When the Philistines and the Israelites assembled for battle around the Valley of Elah, King Saul gathered the most valiant warriors in Israel to fight the Philistines. There was a small detail though. No, I need to rephrase that, because that “detail” was anything but “small.” That detail had a name: Goliath.

 

Goliath was a warrior for the Philistines, and he was a man of great height – almost a giant. His armor was made of bronze and was very heavy and secure. Besides dressing in strong armor, Goliath was also dressed in hate, pride, and arrogance. So, when shepherd boy David showed up wearing his shepherd clothes and holding just a sling and five river stones in his hand, that giant and his fellow men mocked him. Goliath assumed that the battle was already over, because, in his view, there was no way on earth that young David could defeat him without a “real” weapon.

Friends, the outcome in this story was not what people would’ve imagined, wouldn’t you agree? We all know what happened to that warrior. It only took one small pebble to hit him between the eyes, and he was a goner, a dead giant, and a carcass in a field. David was just a boy, but he was fighting for the One who can do all things, fight our battles for us, and who will never leave or forsake us. Definitely an exciting “book!”
 

“God, help us to see others as You see them. Strip us from our pride, Lord.”
 

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 14, 2017

Eyes Focused

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

We celebrated the end of another long school year with a trip to Carowinds (an amusement park). My 11 year-old son (pictured) is a daredevil. He has been dreaming of the day he would be tall enough (54 inches) to ride all of the thrill-seeker rides since the last time we visited Carowinds five years ago. As the day of reckoning drew near, rides to be tackled were listed in order of wildest to most tame. At the top of the list was The Fury, touted as the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster. Fury has a peak height of 325 feet and reaches speeds up to 95 mph. I had no desire to ride this coaster … except I wanted to share such a monumental experience with my boy. I gathered up my nerve and headed for the line, which was surprisingly short for such an epic ride. Did others know better than to entrust their lives to a mere lap restraint?

The trip up the hill seemed to go on so long that I fully expected an airplane to pass us at cruising altitude. I was chanting the words, “It’s just a ride. It’s just a ride.” I was also confessing any known sin to God as well as asking His forgiveness for any unknown sin (just in case). I tried to close my eyes to block out the fear, but that didn’t work. I had to focus my attention fully on my Savior in order to survive this adventure. If God could save the Israelites out of the hands of the Egyptians, couldn’t he save me from the clutches of this death trap? If God could raise the dead to life, couldn’t He lower my blood pressure as I struggled with the grip panic had on me?

We may not typically be faced with our own mortality on a roller coaster, but we can be filled with His perfect peace all the same. If we choose to trust Him—to focus our eyes on Him alone and not on our circumstances–whether we are driving to work or riding a roller coaster, whether we are waiting for news from the doctor or celebrating an achievement, whether we are struggling with overwhelming grief or plodding through a normal day, He floods us with his perfect peace.

“Father, we trust You alone with our very lives, including whatever situation or circumstances we may find ourselves in. Thank You for promising us Your perfect peace if we will fix our eyes on You.” 
 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 13, 2017

About Our Father’s Business

“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 (NIV)

I have seen many-a-t-shirt and many-a-hat with the words “Gone Fishing” printed on them. While these two words are there as a simple joke to let others know of one’s love of fishing, they also serve as a reminder to the persons wearing them that they have a love for the sport. They will make time and find a way to go fishing as often as they possibly can. While I have not fished more than a handful of times, I do have a couple of passions of my own, which include, of course, writing. Give me pen and paper or a laptop, and I am a happy camper! Filling blank pages with words is something that I would not trade for just any other activity. While I can write about anything; however, I choose to use my gift of writing to tell Bible stories from my own perspective, with the intent of bringing my readers into the stories with me.

The Lord Jesus was such a wonderful role model of ministry to others; He was passionate about His Father’s business and would pass up anything else He could be doing just to be with people, teaching them, loving them, praying with them, and healing them.

We are all important parts of the body of Christ, aka His church. There are no “unimportant” persons in the church, just as there are no “unimportant” parts in the human body system. We all play a significant role to keep the body healthy and strong. Your area of giftedness may be working with children, youth, or adults; it may be teaching, or doing “fun” things such as plays, musicals, vacation Bible school, and so forth. It may be mentoring young Christians, or leading Bible study groups. It may be praying for others or visiting those who cannot leave their homes. Whatever your area of giftedness is, wear it proudly. Do it often. Be excited about it. Hone your skills so you can do it well. We don’t need a special t-shirt, hat, or sign over our door, but our modus operandi should always reflect the love of God.

“Father God, You are so good to us. Please help us to reflect Your goodness to those around us, especially those who need to know You.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 9, 2017

His Boundaries = His Best

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 (NIV)

While we may at times feel boxed in or stifled – boundary lines are actually our helpers. Like coloring in the lines creates a beautiful picture, living within the boundaries of God’s design positions us for His delight. When we resist the urge to shortchange our morning with Jesus and recharge, we feel empowered regardless of the challenges. When we keep distractions in check and not allow them to sidetrack us from God’s plan, we feel empowered regardless of our success level. When we choose to honor His commands (God’s boundaries), we are empowered even in the midst of much needed grace. And oh how we need His grace – our natural tendency is to step over the line declaring our independence. Removing the boundary, we move ahead unprotected and vulnerable – charting a journey God never intended.

We often deceive ourselves that control is elusive and we can’t own it, but the real question is – are we yielding to God’s control or fighting for our control? Wouldn’t it be awesome if we accepted the boundary lines God has established for each of us? Instead of being destructive or resistant, we would naturally flow with what He knows is best.

Your lines and my lines will probably look very different, but God is great at establishing individualized plans to empower our lives. He knows where to place those lines that will shape, transform and position us to receive His inheritance.

“Sweet Jesus thank You for the boundaries You have established in my life – protecting and positioning me for Your best.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 8, 2017

Sympathy: More Than Just A Word

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”  Romans 12:15 (NIV)

I recently spoke with a friend whose wife filed for divorce a few months prior, and he found out that they were now divorced.  He lost his job over the depression that overtook his heart. The sadness caused by his spouse’s departure became his constant companion and he could not shake it off. I confess that when I heard this news I was deeply saddened, because I, too, had walked in those shoes.

When my ex-husband left me, I thought my world would come to an end; thus, I had two options.  I could succumb to it and let everything go to waste, including myself or I could use my faith to help me overcome the sadness, disappointment, anger,  depression,  anxiety and so many other feelings that had sprung from within me. Divorce is a very sad thing and only those who have gone through it can sympathize with the pain that others are going through after them.

Divorce is a separation. It is like severing the limb of a tree from its trunk. To us, humans, who can be so emotionally driven, the pain can seem like a path that is unsurpassable, and perhaps even like a precipice upon which one stands and could easily fall to his or her demise. The pain will overtake one’s mind, if the appropriate help is not sought. I praise God daily for strengthening my faith through the whole separation and divorce process. When I felt abandoned by my spouse, He placed amazing, godly friends in my life to pray with me and to help me up when I was so weakened by my sadness that I could not stand on my own. We all need those people in our lives.

Do you know anyone walking through the sadness of divorce? Let them know they are not alone. Even if you do not know what to say, you can be there to listen, to offer company, and to pray with them. Oftentimes, reassurance suffices; knowing one is not alone. If you are willing to show Christ’s love to someone hurting from the pain of divorce, you may be the very lifesaver he or she needs.

 

“Father, please help us to love others like You love them.”

 

For His Glory
 

 Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 7, 2017

Lasting Beauty

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (NLT)

Concealer to cover the dark circles under the eyes. Foundation to even out the complexion. Lotion to firm the skin. Brightener to liven up tired eyes. Bronzer, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, etc. to draw attention away from “problem” areas. Color to cover the gray sneaking into natural hair color. Highlights to bring depth and interest to bland hair. Clothes to slim or accentuate. Shoes and jewelry to accessorize. All just a taste of the tools women use to create beauty. We view ourselves in a mirror to adjust and improve the image of beauty we desire to project.

According to our key verse, outward beauty is nothing but temporary. How can we develop a beauty that won’t fade? How can we become women who fear the Lord? This type of fear refers to the awe and reverence we feel toward God. When we are reconciled to God—acknowledging our innate sinfulness as well as our need for Him, accepting His free gift of salvation, and surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior, we are filled with a beauty that will last forever.

Our heavy burden is lifted, filling us with a peace that surpasses understanding. We are consumed with love and grace, spilling that love and grace onto others. We draw attention to the glory of God, as we daily crucify our pride and selfishness. We are a display of His splendor, a tree bearing good fruit. We are clothed in His righteousness. We project His goodness as we reflect the incredible ways God is actively maturing our faith on a daily basis.

Physical beauty can demand a daily allotment of time which increases as the years and wrinkles increase. Spiritual beauty bubbles up and overflows from a right standing with God and ever-growing awe and reverence for our Lord, rejuvenating us from the tips of our manicured fingers to the depth of our very soul. On which kind of beauty will you focus your attention? Will you let the fear of the Lord paint your appearance in beauty today?

“Father, You alone are worthy of awe and reverence. Please fill me with Your grace and love so that I may reflect the beauty that only comes from You to others.” 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Spiritual Growth

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