Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 26, 2017

Follow Me To Jesus

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”    Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Taking down a 250 year old tree wasn’t an easy task, but what became more challenging was the hive of bees embedded within the tree.  As my husband and his brothers tackled the task, the rest of us watched at a distance.  And might I add a safe distance.  Using smoke and a trained beekeeper, we discovered that when the Queen Bee came out, the rest swarmed right behind her.  Like soldiers marching with their leader, the bees were committed to following the Queen even if it meant leaving their hive behind – that’s true loyalty.

Wonder if we have anyone following us?  Now I’m definitely not advocating striving for Queen or idol status.  Rather as devoted followers of Christ are we living in a way that others would be impassioned to follow Him?  Would they want to follow us as we are following hard after Christ with all our heart, mind, and soul?

I don’t know about you, but there are many times when I doubt my ability to even lead myself, and the very thought of someone else walking in my footsteps is scary.  You know what, the disciples felt the same way.  Even after seeing, talking, touching and worshipping the Risen Christ, some of those eleven still doubted.    How sweet of Christ to meet them (and us) with their doubts and yet proclaim, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”    Sweet friends , we’ve been commissioned to go out into our world and make disciples – now let’s give them a reason to follow us as we follow Christ.

“Father, every day we are presented with opportunities to influence our world – help our loyalty and devotion to You to draw others to follow in our footsteps.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 25, 2017

How Job Learned To See

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

Well-known for his staunch belief in God, Job suffered indescribable hardships.  One of his most commendable traits was that he never denied his belief in God; even when he experienced great pain, loss and despair.  God did not run to Job’s side to comfort him, alleviate his pain or answer his many nagging questions.  Our mighty God, who proclaims to be “near to the brokenhearted,” (Ps 34:18) chose instead “not to draw near” to His suffering servant so he might come to “see and know” God rather than just believe He exists.

Rather than responding to our urgent S.O.S. signals and prayers of desperation, God often chooses to veil His glory and remain silent so that we can gain something greater than our healing…an insight into the power and grandeur of our mighty Savior.  Consequently, God may often withhold what we desire most because there is more at stake than an answer to prayer.  However, God’s silence is never an indicator of neglect.  Despite our dark nights and painful seasons, we can trust that the same God who laid the foundations of the earth is near and does care, even when we feel as though He has left us alone.  And although we do not always understand His ways, it may just be that He is postponing his work on the external aspects of our lives so that a far greater work can be accomplished internally.

“Father, please help us to trust in You, even when we cannot see You, make sense of our hardships or even feel Your presence.  As Job learned, help us to trust that you are all-powerful, purposeful and worthy of our trust.”

 
For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 24, 2017

Eternal Benefits

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”  Colossians 3:22 (NIV)

Why is control always an elusive dream?  We entertain, for a brief moment, the concept that obedience strips us of control.  We think that submitting is outdated and unconventional.  We maintain that only “we” know what is best – yet from 8:00 to 5:00 we serve for the sake of a paycheck.  Or is that really why we are doing what we are doing every day?  Did God really place us in the world just to pay the rent, feed our families, etc.,  or was there a broader scheme –  a greater vision  that we could make a difference.

Office politics have often cast us as skeptics just doing what it takes to keep our job and no more.  But God never intended our lives to be about the fringe benefits the world offers. Instead, He offers us eternal benefits that are a direct result of doing what we do because it honors Him.  When we release control and obey, even a difficult boss, we are responding out of respect to the One who placed that authority in our lives.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating that we compromise our character or do anything illegal.  What I am suggesting is rather than just meeting the quota for the day – might we find a way to be an agent of change.  Might we consider praying for our bosses, supervisors and co-workers.  Might we allow God to mold and shape our character right in the midst of 8:00 to 5:00.  Might we stand out from the rest, because we’re giving our best  because  it’s all for Him.

“Father, You have placed us in this world to make a difference – help us to never lose sight of what that looks like day by day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 23, 2017

Joy Even In The Rain

“I will shout for joy when I sing praises to you. You have saved me.” Psalm 71:23 (NCV)

What happens when it rains?  Do you pull out the umbrella, an upside down smile and just be blah since it is raining?  What if when it rains it brings a smile and a song to your heart?  Is that even possible?

Personally, I love the rain.  No, let me rephrase that I absolutely LOVE the rain.  Ok, not a hard-torrential down pour, but a gentle steady rain.  Years ago, I was at an outdoor concert of Michael W. Smith’s, and he shared with the audience a new song he wanted to play for us.  Just when he started singing and playing that song a soft gentle rain started falling on us. Michael told us to enjoy the rain and listen to the song – it was “Healing Rain.”  He told us to feel the rain, bask in God’s goodness and feel the healing drops from God.

It’s all in perspective, how we react to something.  I have chosen to enjoy the rain and bask in it since that day.  I walk into the rain, stand, raise my hands and just spin and bask in it – I take that time to praise the Lord.  Did you know if a raindrop lands on your smart phone screen, then you walk under florescent lights and when you look at the drop of water it will sparkle like a diamond?  One of those precious gifts God has given me for having joy in the rain.  Next time it rains, raise your hands and enjoy the healing raindrops God is choosing to give you as a blessing, and shout a praise to Him for the gift.

“Father, thank You for the rain, and the healing drops to remind us of Your love and healing power.  I pray I never grow out of my love of the healing raindrops and spinning in the rain with childlike love.” 

 

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

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 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

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