Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 22, 2017

Soaking In His Words

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 (NIV)

“Can’t do it – there is no way.”  Those were the words flying off my tongue when challenged to memorize the book of James.  For years, I struggled to memorize one verse a week – not a huge undertaking, but still one I had failed to do.  So my response was quick and to the point, and God equally wasn’t slow in reprimanding my spirit of resistance.

Conviction brought me full circle as I typed out James Chapter 1.  Seeking God’s help, I carried my paper into the gym and opted to tune out the noise for solitude with the Almighty while exercising.  Amazing how easily that was accomplished when I disciplined my heart and mind to be in agreement with God.  After memorizing the first eight verses,  I’ve realized some incredible truths about me and the God who plunged me forward.

With God’s help, we really can do anything.  We often say that but then don’t put discipline, hard work and faith into action. Taking the initial step to move toward God’s leading requires that we take action.  I had to type the chapter, carry it with me and attempt to memorize those words.  Nothing would have happened if I continued to convince myself I couldn’t do it.  Refusal has a weird way of locking us into a corner of disbelief that paralyzes the life transforming blessings of our God.  I’m trusted Him, not myself, for the multitude of remaining verses and learned that a mind drenched in His word has little time to wander somewhere else.

“Lord, how quick we are to object when the price is high.  Enable us to be true followers who forsake all else for the glory of knowing and serving You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 19, 2017

What Do You See?

“But I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ just as Eve was tricked by the snake with his evil ways.” II Corinthians 11:3 (NCV)

So many thoughts circle in my mind.  What are they thinking?  Where have they been?  What is their story?  What can I do to help them?  What am I fixing for dinner?  Will I be able to get it all done?  How can I juggle this schedule and still be a good mom and wife?

It is so easy for our minds to be led astray from God.  There is so much pressure to be your best, look good, volunteer here, move up the corporate ladder, wear this brand of clothes,  etc.   Just as a computer retains each entry imputed into it, our minds file away everything we see and read.

What are we watching on TV?  What books are we reading?  What goes in will come out.  I think of the song “Oh be careful little eyes what you see,” what truth there is in that song.  It’s important that we guard our minds from filth and things not of God.  We must guard our eyes from what we watch, read, and see.  That may mean canceling that subscription to our favorite magazine.  Changing our reading lists or our favorite TV show.

Eternity is so much bigger.  Satan wants to lead us astray and uses our weak points to do it.  Will we give in and say we can handle it or will we give it to God?  He gives us the choice.

“Father, protect my mind, guard my thoughts.  Guide me to things that are pure and glorifying to you.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 18, 2017

Faith That Conquers

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

 

I arrived at the church where he was about to speak only five minutes before he stood at the pulpit. We had never seen or heard about each other before, yet, when I first met Bruno four years ago, the love of God gave us a special connection. My interpreter skills were blessed with a very special anointing that made Bruno’s stomach butterflies completely ease away. That day was the beginning of a mother-son-like relationship that I have come to cherish much, as my three sons all live a good 10-to-12-hour drive away from Lynchburg, VA, where I live.

Since that day at The Ramp Church, much has happened. Bruno’s English skills have flourished, and he has now become a graduate student at Liberty University, has adopted Lynchburg as his current residence, and even has a job with the school’s IT department. And to top all that off, Bruno, who has amazing videoing skills, can always be found manning the camera at his church on Sundays. One who sees Bruno doing all that he does, would never imagine the paths he conquered to get where he is. He grew up in a single-parent home, not really knowing the man he calls his father. Since his mother’s income was very small, Bruno and his older sister had to get by with the basic necessities she could provide for them. With a love for learning and a desire to do better than their mother when they grew up, the siblings applied themselves and vowed to never give up when things got tough.

 

The road that brought Bruno to the U.S. to learn English and pursue an MBA through Liberty University was not an easy one; it has been filled with hurdles and some disappointments along the way. Yet, one can clearly see that the Lord has steadily blessed this young man’s path, as he constantly depends on faith for what is yet to come. What an inspiring life and testimony of God’s grace!

 

“Lord, thank You for helping our faith as each day dawns. Amen.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 17, 2017

Transforming Loss

“I gain understanding from your precepts;” Psalm 119:104a (ESV)

Ever felt the weight of loss?  What seemed like a win-win ended up our loss – definitely not our happy place.  Amazing how quick the enemy sneaks in and zeros our focus on what we didn’t get, what we gave up, and what we watched slip right through our fingers.  A never-ending list of our losses hitting us square in the face as the tidal wave of depressing self-talk overwhelms us.

Loss doesn’t just happen it can consume us.   By exaggerating our losses and lamenting what is missing, we fail to see the gain right in front of us.  Satan wants us to linger, entertain and wrap ourselves up in misery.  Feels good for a while.  Justifies our giving up and pulling away; but the longer we settle into loss-ville, the deeper we seem to go. Winning becomes a distant illusion and gain appears to never resurface.

So what’s a girl to do when memory flashes back mesmerized by the what ifs or what could have been?  Don’t know about you but for me a good cry does wonders.  God created us with deep emotions and it’s healthy to grieve the losses in our lives.  It’s beneficial to acknowledge painful situations and pour them out at His feet.  God welcomes us with open arms and promises to heal our broken hearts and crushed dreams.  He is the One Comforter that stays, listens and graces us with space to heal.  But then, we must release the self-defeating chatter and position our eyes on God’s gain in the midst of our loss.    He will shine the light away from what was to what can be.  If we hold our thoughts captive and look intently, we will see the beauty of what remains.

God’s greatest work in us can be the undoing of our very own wins.  What we wanted, pursued, desired and ultimately lost can be transformed into a deeper understanding of what gain really means.  The ultimate win is knowing and trusting that God’s power is always working within us even in moments of loss.

“Father, You are our sweet Comforter, the One who collects our tears and holds us close.  Praising You, for picking us up and carrying us where we can’t go.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2017

Joy In The Midst

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.” Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT)

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The end is near. And I cannot wait.

It sounds ominous, right? But I’m referring to the end of the school year. No more math tests. No more projects. No more research papers. No more slogging through daily assignments. We are so close to crossing the finish line into summer break I can almost taste it. Yes, “we” is the correct word in this case. While these assignments, tests, projects, and papers may not bear my name, they are painted with my sweat and tears just the same.

I will shout with joy at the finish line! Hallelujah! We made it! The psalmist doesn’t list a specific time we are to shout with joy to the Lord, though, does he? It’s easy to shout with joy when the work is completed, when the time for relaxation is here at last … when the painful circumstances are in the past … when the fear is no longer a constant companion. As children of God, we are to shout with joy at all times—in the midst of stress, fear, depression … when our circumstances threaten to drag us under.

How?

Part of Nehemiah 8:10 gives us our answer: “For the joy of the Lord is your strength!”  Our key verse doesn’t ask us to sing with happiness before the Lord or to shout with happiness to the Lord. Happiness is an emotion determined by our surrounding circumstances. Joy is a state of being based on the indwelling Spirit that fills us when we surrender ourselves to God in Christ.

 

So, whether we’re limping through the last torturous days of the school year or truly grieving through heartbreaking loss, we can shout with joy to the Lord. The rest of the Psalm (verses 4 and 5) gives us reason to praise Him: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”

 

“No matter our current situation, Lord, we choose to praise and worship You. Thank You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness in the midst of difficulties, pain, and grief.”

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2017

Victorious Together

“For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6 (NIV)

Thousands of dedicated men and women have sacrificed and served our country.  Not missing a beat, they’ve left family and careers behind to fight for our freedom. And not a single one of them headed off to the war zone alone.  None of them were self-reliant nor did any of them resist the wisdom and strategic plans of their military leaders.

So why do we try to wage spiritual warfare singlehandedly?

Dedicated yes.  Willing to sacrifice and serve our God – yes.  If you searched our faces, you wouldn’t find anyone more serious about defeating strongholds and raising the flag of victory.  But often, we miss the mark by falling prey to one of Satan’s greatest lies – we can do it alone.  We don’t need counseling, we don’t need accountability, we don’t need anyone else’s input – we can do it alone.  We’re strong enough and bold enough to take the enemy down singlehandedly.

Have you ever said those words?  Have you then found yourself scrambling for cover as the enemy’s attacks hedged you into a corner wondering what went wrong?  God never intended for us to do life alone. Instead, He created us to partner together.  Fighting for our freedom will never be sweeter than when we leave self-reliance behind and embrace God’s strategic plan.  He desires for us to dig deeper into the Word and allow His Spirit to empower us. When we join forces praying together, seeking Godly wisdom and applying the truths of God’s word, we can be victorious. And the enemy will be defeated because we seized the right plan to take him down – empowered by our mighty Warrior.

“Father, how incredible to know that You fly the banner of victory over us before the battle begins.  Help us to leave self behind and join together in one voice to defeat the enemy’s attacks.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2017

Blessing Others

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

After a long six-year hiatus, this year, I was able to travel back home to Brazil for a few days during Easter. Part of the reality of a third-world country is that people who live in poverty will do virtually anything to earn a living, and that includes competing for the chance to watch other people’s vehicles in store parking lots. Yes, you read correctly; though the vehicles are fine where they are, there is a widespread idea among those without fixed income, that vehicles need to be watched or cared for – and even washed – while their owners shop.

With that being said, off I went to a large shopping mall on my second day in my hometown of Brasilia, and parked my sister’s vehicle outside, instead of using the paid parking structure. And mind you, I was thinking with my very Americanized mind frame, that I would be able to take care of my business at that mall with my debit or credit card, because “I don’t need to carry cash around.”

A young lad (also known as moleque, or moah-lah-kee) approached my car window and outstretched his hand to get a few coins.  I thought to myself, “Lord, here is this young boy who supposedly watched my car, though I never did see him around it, and I have no money to give to him.” I really wanted to bless that boy, so I reached into my bag and I got out a large, plump, deliciously looking banana.  I said to him, “look what I have for you! I hope you are hungry!” That boy smiled big, took the banana and off he went. I don’t know what surprised me the most that day; if it were my actually paying someone with a banana, or the recipient’s joy in receiving it. To me, it was just a banana, but to that boy, it was probably his first meal of the day. Sometimes it is in the little things that the Lord provides opportunities for us to bless someone else.

“Dear Lord, we need to show Your love to a world desperately needing it. Help us to use whatever means we have to reach out and bless someone.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2017

Walking In His Steps

“Then He (Jesus) said to them all, If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow.”  Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Wounded beyond recognition, broken from the weight of our sin, surrendered completely to the Father’s will – a Holy sacrifice to cover all of our past, present and future.  No greater love has ever been shown. No price has ever been higher. No sorrow has ever been deeper.  The world saw a rugged, blood stained cross  – God saw our Savior, Redeemer and the Holy Lamb of God.

Broken, crushed and wounded – we all find ourselves in desperate need of a Savior.  We embrace His gift of salvation.  We enjoy the peace of eternity; but do we emulate His life, His choices or His sacrifice?  Do we seek to be changed so that we are more like Him?  We can cherish the cross, we can admire the cross; but we will miss the mark if we don’t allow the cross to transform who we are.

Change for someone else is great, but changing ourselves that’s another story.  We get comfortable with who we are – our attitudes, actions, decisions and thoughts. Changing ourselves means allowing God’s will to dictate our lives, even to the point of drinking a bitter cup of suffering.  Changing ourselves requires desiring Jesus more than anything else the world has to offer.

If the cruelest of deaths on the cross could bring the greatest of joy, then how amazed we will truly be as the cross changes us.  It won’t be easy or painless – but it will make us more like Jesus – true followers walking in His steps.

“Father, we are so unworthy of Your incredible sacrifice.  The depths of Your love far surpasses our understanding, the greatness of Your mercy far exceeds anything we’ve ever known and the riches of your grace frees us!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2017

Diffuse, Don’t Ignite

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”  Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

Like many couples, a division of labor at our house creates a sense of harmony. Some couples decide ahead of time who will be cooking the meals for the week. Others may plan who is saddled with the icky jobs like cleaning toilets or taking the trash out. While I would prefer never taking the trash out or going to the grocery store, there is one job I dread above all others which my husband has so graciously taken responsibility for. My love for my husband increases exponentially when he performs this task, allowing me to avoid it entirely.

I despise making phone calls. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy catching up with family and friends on the phone on occasion. However, I would rather clean a toilet than call Direct TV to try to get a better deal. I prefer doing dishes (every single dish in the house) over calling the insurance company to clear up a procedure they failed to cover. Presented with the choice of dusting or calling a credit card company to cancel our account, I will choose dusting every time.

My husband has a way with customer service representatives that eludes me. I get frustrated too easily with what feels like their unwillingness to help me. My conversations with customer service representatives end in a stalemate, leaving me fuming in anger. My husband, on the other hand, speaks with kindness and clarity. He asks the representative’s name and how his/her day is going. He is so kind that generally he ends the call with more than we were asking for.

As followers of Christ, we do not have the option to avoid distasteful activities. We may be confronted with angry people. Angry, hurt, disgruntled people may present logical or illogical claims against us. Anger or hostility may be directed at our friends, our church, and/or our families.

Our key verse calls us to calm the situation, as much as it depends on us. We can choose to speak with words that honor and bring glory to God. These may not be the first words that pop into our minds. Those negative words would probably be better off swallowed and consumed in the acid of our stomachs. Our key verse directs us to take a deep breath, exhaling words that bring life and not death, words that restore and not destroy, words that extend grace and not condemnation.

“Lord, may we seek to speak Your words of love and grace in every situation. May we lead others to the cross for restoration and healing. Thank You for Your grace in our own lives.”

 

For His Glory

 

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

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 8, 2017

Bittersweet Journey

“For you (Moses) shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” Deuteronomy 32:52 (ESV)

 

We pulled out the driveway and she waved as far as we could see, I found myself too facing the bittersweet of a new chapter in her life. Hard to believe it’s been one year to the exact date that the two  of us made that grand exit out of her Egypt.  Many struggles, frustrations, challenges , joys, excitements, changes, tears, laughter  along the way.  I think you get the picture.

My heart instantly remembered Moses when his chapter ended and Joshua went on to claim the Promise Land without him by his side.  I’m sure those last days of Moses’ life were bittersweet that his feet would not cross over with the ones he had loved and had been challenged by. The ones he had made such an investment in were going in a different direction than him.  I think you get the picture.

Bittersweet are the journeys we make in this life.  I’m heading home to continue the journey God has given me;  and this newly freed one is beginning the journey God has given her.  Tears flow as the memories of a year spent growing, learning and encouraging end as a new season begins.  But I wouldn’t have missed it for a second.  I would do it all over again because investing in a life is the greatest privilege we get to make on this earth.  It’s the thing that keeps living beyond us; our souls forever intertwined.

Where does that leave us in the midst of the sadness of releasing and letting go? We must keep reaching out, investing in, and encouraging others to fulfill their journey.  The joy of watching one released from chains walk in freedom is a treasured gift and a sweet blessing from God.   Miles can never separate what God has done in either of our lives – and for that I am truly grateful.  Note to self:  God loves repeat performances.

 

“Father thank You for bringing this dear one into my life.  Thank You for the work You did in restoring and redeeming her soul. Praising You for completing Your work in both of us.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
Women’s Life Devotional

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

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