Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2017

Divinely Exquisite

“Oh yes, You shaped me first inside then out; You formed me in my mother’s womb.  I thank You, High God – You’re breathtaking!  Body and soul, I am marvelously made.”  Psalm 139:13-14 (Msg)

Created in the very image of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – we are divinely exquisite.   Don’t you just love the way those words flow through your lips. His work is perfect in placement.   His work is perfect in value.  So why do we struggle with our place in life? Why do we confuse our calling?  Why do we question our value?

Unbelievably, the careless swirling chatter in our minds overrides the thoughts of our Master Designer.  We’ve discarded His label and taped on a cheaper imitation.  We’ve opted out of the best and settled for the good. We’ve reduced our price and determined we’re only Bargain Store material.  And that’s just the short version of how we often see ourselves.  Innocently, we claim a mistake was made because our story couldn’t be His plan.  But in reality we are refusing to accept His place, calling and value  – begging for a do over.

Never once has God issued a recall or reject. He didn’t give us the wrong parents or short change our gifts.  He didn’t look us up and down and shake His head in  disappointment.  Rather, our Creator God sees all that He has made and it is very good.  Did you hear those words – we’re not just good – we’re very good. We are at the center of His attention; the apple of His eye. Now that’s worth thinking on. When we fill our minds with His thoughts and truths, our lives will sparkle and shine.  Divinely exquisite – we better not forget it!

“Father, how quickly we lose sight of how precious Your thoughts are of us.  Every hair on our head is numbered, every tear we cry is collected and there is not a moment when we are out of your sight.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 6, 2017

God’s Word is Our GPS

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Have you ever gotten lost while driving through a new neighborhood in the town where you live or even during a vacation trip? If your answer was ‘yes,’ then you are likely to know that getting lost can be a source of frustration and anxiety. I have gotten lost quite a few times in my lifetime, so, when the global positioning system, or GPS came out, I was overjoyed. No longer do I need to stop every so often to check the map or be frustrated by unexpected detours.  I now have a device that talks to me and tells me where to go. All I need to do is to enter my destination address in my GPS and get in the car and drive.

Can you imagine if Moses had a GPS when he was leading the Israelites into the Promised Land? That trip may have lasted way shorter than 40 years! I know that nothing happens without God’s knowledge and plan. Yet, I can’t help but smile as I imagine God’s voice guiding and warning Moses of the road blocks and detours instead of Siri. Moses would have been able to select the places he and the people would like to see during their journey, and then, upon arrival, he would hear God saying to him: “You have arrived.”

Sisters, can you imagine our spiritual walk without God’s instructions for our life? Wouldn’t we agree that we would be in much distress if we did not have His Word readily available to us? God’s encouragement, exhortation, and guidance makes our journey so much more pleasant and with the added assurance that we are on the right path.

God’s Word is our spiritual life’s GPS. Don’t go anywhere without it.

“Dear Lord, thank You for guiding us and protecting us each and every day. Your instructions are valid and true, and if we follow them, our journey is so much more pleasant! Thank you!”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 5, 2017

Every Detail

“Lord,  God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show kindness to my master Abraham.” Genesis 24:12 (HCSB)

Love this prayer from Abraham’s servant. On an important assignment to find Isaac a bride, he faced quite a challenge. Yet he was not anxious, overwhelmed or distraught. This servant, not named, turned to God so his assignment would be a success.  And God chose to include his story in scripture so we would be reminded of His sweet love and tenderness; God’s concern for every detail in our day.

Love that we can boldly come before Him with our needs and desires and walk in confidence that He will do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine. Thrilled that asking for favor, success and blessing isn’t wrong.  Excited to know that God heard the prayer of Abraham’s servant and guided him to the right bride for Isaac – reminder to self –  He still guides today.

Don’t know about you, but I desperately need God’s help to be a success.  Too many times, I fail to ask for daily help.  My little world seems so insignificant in contrast to all that is going on in our world.  So many people need God more than I do right?  No.  Whether we admit it or not, we all need a God saturated day.

Couldn’t tell you how many times I have walked into my work world tired and overwhelmed.  Hate to admit that despite my weakness, I kept pushing through with self at the wheel.  Never serves us well, when depleted and empty refrains from seeking His strength and power.

Simple solution for us girls on the go – stop long enough to seek His help.  Reach out to the One who holds all the answers to all that we need.  Slip pride into our pocket and embrace humility admitting we can’t do it all.  Welcome conversation with our God who is personally aware of our struggles, challenges and overwhelmed schedules. Cling to His truth and accept His grace. Pour out so He can pour back in and fill us up with His power and strength.  Success 101 with God always serves us well.

“Jesus, we so need You every day.  Help us to come to you before the morning craziness slips in and trust You with our daily success.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 4, 2017

What’s It Worth?

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 (NLT)

Do you have a favorite book? I have a book that I treasure—The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It isn’t worth much to a collector, but it holds great value for me. It was the first real story to draw me into its world, causing my imagination to expand and my love of reading to begin. I value this book, not for its worth to others but because of its worth to me, the owner.

As believers in Christ, we are called to take delight in honoring others, to hold others in high respect. How can we hold others in high respect when we don’t see much in them that is deserving of respect? How can we honor someone who seems particularly difficult to honor? Humans hold inherent worth, not because of their worth to us or anyone else, but because of their worth to God, their Creator.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

People are worth the sacrifice of God’s only Son. We, who have been made new in Christ, are called His masterpieces. How humbling it is to think that God values us this way! We can truly enjoy honoring others when we see them, not in their broken state, but covered in the inherent worth God places on each one of us. God loves us extravagantly so let’s share that love with others.

So when we struggle to respect someone because of the way they act or talk, let’s view them as the subject of God’s love and inherent worth. Let’s see others through the eyes of God. We are His. We are valued beyond measure.

“Thank You, God, for the inherent worth You place on me through the sacrifice of Your Son. As I revel in the knowledge that I am Your masterpiece, may I see others as Your masterpiece.”

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2017

Leaving Regrets

“Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted He had made Saul king over Israel.” I Samuel 15:35b (HCSB)

 

Anointed as Israel’s first king, Saul had a bright future. The supreme honor of leading these people who wanted what everyone else had – an earthly leader.  Job description didn’t exist – Saul was the first  – the one who had the potential to set the course.  He looked like a dynamic, charismatic leader.  Tall, handsome and noble, but his character didn’t serve him well.

In the heat of the battle against the Amalekites, Saul made a pivotal decision to do things his way.  God’s instructions were simple and clear – completely destroy everything – do not spare them.  Even their oxen, sheep, camels and donkeys –  no remnants of this enemy were to be left behind.  Saul had no problem destroying the worthless and unwanted things, yet he chose to spare the Amalekites’ king and the best of their livestock.

God was not impressed by Saul’s partial obedience and He isn’t pleased with yours and mine either.  How many times do we hear clearly what God desires yet choose to do what we want?  Do we ever follow part of His instructions and claim full obedience? Too many times to count for this Bible study girl.  We’ve probably all walked a few miles in Saul’s shoes.  Glamorizing what we did because no one else knew what God was telling us to do.  Looked like we obeyed, but deep down we knew we met him halfway.

Saul’s decision birthed God’s regret.  Israel’s first king was about to be dethroned – not by an earthly enemy but by the Lord God Almighty.  Saul’s insecurities and lack of courage resulted in overriding fear of the very people he led.

Let’s keep it real sweet friend – has fear blocked us from complete obedience?   Have we excused away our disobedience and blamed it on others?   God reminds us that He looks into the heart and weighs our motives.  Even if we fail,  wouldn’t we rather fail at obedience than seemingly succeed doing half of what He asked us to do?

“Sweet Jesus in the midst of intimidation and fear help us to rise up in courage and boldness to completely obey Your voice.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2017

Loving Brave

“Calmness can lay great errors to rest.” Ecclesiastes 10:4b (NIV)

Gotta love those brave souls that seem to shine in the midst of a crisis. With wisdom, integrity and determination they press through the most difficult situations. Despite a whirl of chaos and uncertainty, they do life well – they stand strong and lead us peacefully.

Who are these brave individuals? They’re the school teachers quieting their students while a gunman fires down the hall. They’re the rescue workers talking the defeated one off a ledge and back to safety. They’re the waitresses responding calmly while being criticized for all to see and hear. They’re the parents hovering over their children while tornado winds blow off her roof. They’re the co-workers organizing groups to descend the Twin Towers when the enemy attacked. Individuals who reacted fearlessly even though they were shaking in their shoes. Individuals who didn’t get lost in the moment and lose their cool. Individuals who focused on the big picture versus the “me” picture.

How do we handle the unexpected emergency? Does calmness define us or do our actions create even more drama? Do we breathe urgent prayers for wisdom and strength or do we respond relying on self?

Scripture is filled with brave souls that met their moments of crisis clinging and holding tight to the Great I Am. Shaking inside but standing firm. Responding appropriately vs. overreacting. Seeking God moment by moment, brave souls know that the One who created the universe still holds them in the palm of His hand.  They don’t fear for tomorrow because they know who has them today.  They don’t lash out in a sea of raw emotions; they are confident God will carry them.  They don’t collapse even when the ground is shaky – instead they claim His promises, lean in close to His heart and wait for God to lead.

“Father, life is unpredictable and can change in an instant. Help us to stay close to You and draw from Your power when uncertainty surrounds us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 30, 2017

The Samaritan Woman’s Diary: If You Only Knew

“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink; you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 (NIV)

Dear Diary: As usual, I was the only woman drawing water out of the well and, not only was I alone, I felt alone. I’ve been longing for peace, but my life is full of turmoil.

I was taken aback when a stranger (a Jewish man!) asked me (a Samaritan woman!) for a drink of water. He said if I knew the gift of God and who He was, I’d be asking Him for living water, and I would never be thirsty again. It’s a deep well, and He didn’t even have a bucket; but, this living water sounded appealing.

The man told me to go get my husband. When I said I didn’t have a husband, He recounted my entire marital history, including my current live-in arrangement! I asked Him to answer the controversy about where we are supposed to worship. He said God is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit and truth, not in a specific place. I told Him that when the Messiah comes, He would explain everything.

He looked at me and said, I AM (He). Right then, I realized this man was the Messiah; He knew everything about me, and yet He had come to offer me eternal life. I was so excited, I left my waterpot and ran to tell others what had happened.

In retrospect, I knew other people had been wagging their fingers at me. However, unlike others, the Messiah deliberately sat at the well to talk with me. Dealing with my problems and daily chores consumes so much of my energy; I felt thickheaded when He began talking about spiritual things. I was shocked (and relieved) that He didn’t criticize my personal life. Our conversation was baffling; but as He related things I was familiar with to spiritual truth I was able to comprehend the larger meaning. If only I had known this years ago – my life could have been so different!

Once the Samaritan woman tasted living water, she immediately shared the good news. Her simple testimony – “He told me everything I ever did” – spurred others to believe and to seek out Christ for themselves. What specifics in this woman’s life and testimony can strengthen your efforts as a witness for Christ?

“Father, thank you for the living water of eternal life offered through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to follow our Savior’s example and consciously make opportunities to share this good news with others.  We ask for wisdom and guidance as we seek to change our world and grow your Kingdom.”

For His Glory

Trina Stephens
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 29, 2017

Embracing New

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul went from persecuting Christians to becoming a strong advocate for Christ.   He was one of the best teachers and equippers to followers of Jesus. What a change!!!  In my family, I watched my mother, who once was a medium in Spiritism and spent years devoted to the occult, desperately search for something supernatural to happen in her life.  God’s unending mercies delivered my mom from the power of darkness and brought her into His kingdom. Now she spends her retirement years devoted to the Gospel and shares her story with others so they might become free from the things that hold them captive.  So thankful for that change!!

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we have to reinvent who we are because the “old us” will not cut it anymore. In the workplace, we may have to get training for a different job.  If a spouse walks out, we have to learn to do things differently. If mother nature sends inclement weather and we lose our homes, we may have to adjust to being in a shelter or living with friends. The list is endless. Nevertheless, the word of God is filled with promises.  If we trust Him, we will be okay.  If we have faith, He will see us through. And if we yield to Him, He will change us FOR THE BETTER.

As the pendulum of life takes another swing, leave your worries at the feet of the One who matters most, the One who can change your circumstances and turn you into someone whom you may even like better.

“Lord, change can be scary sometimes. The unknown can be a dreaded place if we don’t have the assurance that You are there. Please help us to trust You to mold us according to Your will. Turn us into vessels that matter to You.”

For His Glory

 Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 28, 2017

Dig In

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:22-25 (NLT)

I love a good story. When I convince someone to read one of my treasured books, I feel like I’m introducing them to a friend. I love to talk about these treasured books as if the stories are real. I love to hash out the details with fellow readers.

One of my friends is a skimmer. She skims books! She has read nearly every book I love, but when I try to talk to her about some detail of the story, she draws a blank. Her typical response: “Umm, I’m not sure I remember that part.” What?!

My friend is not the only skimmer. We skim through Facebook and Instagram posts, as well as tweets. We skim emails. We skim notes for a test. We skim our children’s homework. (That can’t just be me, can it?) We skim directions for a recipe.

The trouble comes when we skim in our relationship with God. We throw up a prayer as we head into an interview. We skim a devotional for a quote to cling to that fits our circumstances. Then we wonder why we don’t feel very close to God.

Now is the time to dig in. Let’s commit to read Scripture straight from the Bible, taking time to marinate in its meaning and how it affects our life. Let’s get on our knees and pray for loved ones to be drawn to the LORD, for relationships to be reconciled, and for God to be glorified in all that we say and do. Let’s not be a body of believers who merely skim the surface of Christianity.

Are you ready to dig in? I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to just be fooling myself. I choose to “look carefully” at God’s Word and “do what it says.”

“Lord, forgive me when I skim in my relationship with You. I commit to dwelling in Your presence through Bible reading and prayer.”

 

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 27, 2017

Chance of a Lifetime

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great ; and thou shalt be a blessing:” Genesis 12:1-2 (NIV)

Genesis 12 introduces us to Lot, a man who held onto the curtails of his uncle, Abram’s, faith.  Wealth, possessions and favor followed in Abram’s footsteps, so it’s a no brainer as to why Lot would want to tag along.  He was eager to follow and experience the benefits of Abram’s faith walk.  Leaving his homeland of Ur for a great adventure to see the world, Lot’s bags were packed in record time.  It was the chance of a lifetime, and one that Lot had no intention of missing.

What about us? Have we found ourselves eager to grab a hold onto someone else’s faith because success characterized their journey?

Anytime, we hold onto someone else’s faith walk, we will always shortchange our own. God has a unique growth plan for each of His children’s lives, and He desires to deepen our level of trust in Him.  Basing our decisions on what God is leading in someone else’s life without His clear direction for us will land us outside the will of God.

So whose curtails do we tend to hold onto? Maybe’s it’s our parent’s faith.    Or perhaps we’ve placed our trust in results evidenced in the lives of others rather than the One who sovereignly orchestrates the events in our lives. God is the Rewarder of those who place their faith in Him – don’t miss out on the journey – embracing the life He has for us is more than we can ever imagine.

“Father, empower us to step out in faith and pursue the journey You have for us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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