Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 10, 2017

Every Moment

mar-10“The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord.” Psalm 45:11 (NIV)

We’ve all faced moments of desperation.  You know, those times when we’ve fallen on our face before Almighty God, because life is out of our control.  Our minds can no longer comprehend the threat of the unknowns.  Our hearts can no longer contain the pain coursing through our veins ripping us apart. We’re quick to fall on our knees, and we’re eager to be in His presence listening carefully for every word when our world is falling apart. Promises slide carelessly from our mouths to God when our heart is breaking.

Wonder how God feels when we cry out to Him in the midst of a crisis but fail to recognize how much we need Him every waking moment?  Does He look down in disgust shaking His head remembering when we were too busy to even spend a few moments in His presence?  Does He recall our previous actions that were contrary to His Word?  Does He reflect on our self-reliance and determination to need no one?  Does He struggle in His heart to love us or walk away giving us what we deserve?

Despite our independence and neglect, God is eager for us to come into His presence.  No questions asked, no lengthy parental speech just love poured out so that we might see Him in all of His glory.  Opening our eyes, enlarging our view, revealing more and more of Himself to us so that we can soar in the power of His love.

Busyness and distractions will always seek to lure us away.  Our list of things to do will always grow.  Interruptions occur.  Our inbox will fill up.  Text messages can wait.  Facebook and Twitter will still be there tomorrow.  Prioritizing our time with God will always serve us well – He’s patiently waiting to give us His undivided attention.

“Father, we are so undeserving of Your attention and yet we are always on Your mind. From morning to night, You wait to hear our voice calling out to You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 9, 2017

Focused On His Best

mar-9 “To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!”   Psalm 123:1 (ESV)

I heard the story of an engineer who was asked to solve a problem, when all other efforts to troubleshoot the issue failed.  After a few hours of looking at the machinery and contemplating what might be wrong, the engineer took a piece of chalk out of his pocket and placed an X on a large machine.  The baffled corporate leaders were amazed at how quickly and effortlessly this man identified the issue.  They were equally surprised when they looked over his itemized bill of service which said: $1 for chalk to write the letter X  and $,9999 for knowing where to put the X.

 

Obviously, there is something to be said for knowing WHERE to focus one’s efforts and attention in life!  As we contemplate another year it may be helpful to consider whether or not we have placed our focus and efforts in the “right” areas of life.  Are we focused and committed to the BEST?  Have our good intentions and right focus been derailed by distractions and temptations?

For Christians, if ever there was an X which “marked the spot” on which we should be focused and committed, it is the cross.   As this Psalm reminds us, the BEST place for our fixed attention and focus is always the Lord Himself.  When we live from a posture of setting our gaze upon the Lord and abiding in Him, then not only can we trust that we are rightly focused, but we can also trust that He will make an indelible mark on us!

“Lord, please draw our gaze to You and Your cross.  Help us fix our eyes on You so that we are not distracted and lured away by the temptations and distractions of the world.  We love You Lord!”

For His Glory

 

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 8, 2017

Fruitful Abundance Found In Wait

mar-8“Now I want you to know brothers that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles.”  Romans 1:13 (HCSB)

Just the thought of Spring wets my appetite. I love fresh veggies and fruit.  Strawberries, blueberries, melons, peaches, apples  – I want them all.  Nothing is sweeter than fruit from the vine.  Untouched organic delivers a flavor like no other.  Picked too early – unripe not so good. Picked too late – overripe not so good.  Picked at just the right time – delish – fruitful abundance.   The trees know exactly when to produce.  The farmers know precisely when to harvest.  And we sweet friend know exactly when to eat.

Love these words from Paul reminding us of God’s timing.  Love his honesty in learning to patiently lay aside his plans for God’s plans. Don’t know that I am so good at that.  I’m either rushing ahead or lagging behind.  But Paul has learned the lesson of waiting until God says go.  Wouldn’t it serve us all well to do the same.  I see what I want and I fix my eyes on it. I see what I feel I should achieve and press toward it. I resist the wait because time is slipping through my fingers – yet Paul reminds us the better way is found in the wait.

Just like the luscious sweetness of fruit ripe on the vine, God knows the sweetness of fruitfulness in our lives.  He is fitting all the pieces together, one by one, weaving us into His perfect plan.  Setting the stage as only He can do. Preparing us for using our gifts.  Opening hearts to receive our gifts.  Maximizing the days until He says go and fruitful abundance unfolds one step a time.

Wondering how we navigate this hold back, waiting to be more fruitful?  No deep theological unpacking here – just simply drawing close and staying connected to the vine.  The one who stays connected to God produces much fruit because they follow God’s agenda.  Like Paul, they lay down the “plan” and embrace the ultimate “planner.”  They learn the wait, they accept the time and the remain faithfully preparing for the moment God says go.

“Sweet Jesus, we get so lost in our own way.  Help us to listen, prepare and wait so we will flourish and produce abundant fruit for your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 7, 2017

Making Time For God

mar-7“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 (NLT)

Born in Prussia in 1805, George Muller lived a sinful lifestyle and possessed a cold heart (by his own admission) until the night when God “began a work of grace” in him. Soon after, he surrendered to preaching the gospel. From the first message George Muller preached, he felt led to never ask anyone for money. He prayed for each need, refusing to even draw a salary from the church. He lived a life of absolute faith and trust in Christ for every shilling needed for the ministry, as well as his own personal needs.

Every page of his autobiography is a testimony to God’s provision. George Muller lived his life in service to God, but in the midst of his amazing journey is this quote: “I must offer a word of warning to believers. Often the work of the Lord itself may tempt us away from communion with Him. Public prayer will never make up for closet communion.” (The Autobiography of George Muller)

We live our lives today in fast-forward it seems. We sprint from activity to activity, even within the church community. Attending church services is what the writer of Hebrews (10:25) encourages us to do. Being an active part of a small group is beneficial; we are not meant to live life alone (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Setting aside time to serve in whatever ministry God has called us to is commendable (2 Timothy 4:5b). However, no ministering on behalf of the Lord should replace time spent alone with the Lord.

If a hero of the faith, someone who is known for his complete sacrifice to further the gospel of Christ, gives a warning, how can we not take heed? We must take the time (rather, we must make the time) to spend with God meditating on His Word, surrendering to His will, and hearing from Him in a personal way. Nothing else will satisfy more than time alone with Him. When we spend time alone with our Father, He meets us at our point of need.

 

“Lord, I commit to setting aside time with You in prayer. I thank You for the privilege we have to serve You in ministry; may I never allow opportunities for ministry replace my time alone with You.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 6, 2017

Common Threads

mar-6“The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.”  Proverbs 28:13 (HCSB)

Unintentionality never serves us well.  I’ve often chosen to slide past versus backtrack and deal with.  Why?  Because confrontation is not my strength even when the one I am confronting is staring back at me in the mirror. We want to think we’ve got it all together but there’s a common thread which continues to rise to the surface.  It’s seemingly insignificant or so we convince ourselves to believe.   But at the least unexpected moment It gains momentum and reveals itself and it isn’t pretty.

One wrong action births another.  One lie attempts to cover half truths.  One slip of the tongue reveals bitterness buried deep.  One season of envy births multiples of jealousies capitalizing on insecurities. One doubt breeds inaction.  One journey to discontent welcomes negativity and emotional empty.  One unprayed for decision eases into a lifetime of choices without His wisdom.

So easy to allow the common thread of sin to stitch ugly in our soul.  What we thought could be excused, dealt with later or not really that important now has seized our attention.  Consequences always speak loud when the results land us flat on our face.

Intentionally failing to examine our heart opens the door for the common thread of sin to take root and multiply.  What isn’t extinguished flourishes repeatedly out of control, and the pattern it weaves stifles pretty right out of our life.

Solution – confront ugly head on.  Search deep asking God to uncover seeds of shoved down remnants of sin.  Breathe confession early morning.  Breathe confession late night.  Leave each day cleansed, forgiven and resist the urge to simply slide past our ugly.  Hold on tight to God’s promises and lean in to hear His guidance.  Zero in on His truths, write them on our hearts and keep them in front of our eyes.  Being intentional in confronting us will always serve us well.

“Sweet Jesus, I am so thankful for Your grace and  Your promise to scatter to the depths of the ocean sins confessed.  Amazed at the way You forget, restore, and redeem our ugly transforming it with the beauty of forgiveness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2017

With Open Arms

mar-3“The one who believes in the Son has eternal life…..”  John 3:36a (HCSB)

W-2 sends me gathering…searching for receipts.  It’s the beginning of March – hard to believe. Seems like yesterday was Christmas and today, I’m trying to remember where I put all those papers I need to file my taxes.  I’ve been busy uncovering my piles and making new stacks that I dare anyone to move.  Clusters of little papers occupying a corner of my desk – my hopes of breaking even.

Wonder if we ever gather in hopes of breaking even with God?  Do we search for proof of all we’ve done?  This deed supersedes that wrong attitude.   Serving others will replace my lack of tithing. Forgiving someone else exchanged for my pursuit of selfish ambition.  The balancing of the scales as if I can earn, achieve or buy God’s approval.

Love the fact God spells it out clearly – there is none righteous no not one. He makes it plan, concrete and without excuse – we all fall short of His glory.  There is no earning of heaven – the price well beyond our reach.  There is no exchange of good deeds versus bad deeds or convincing God we’re worthy. Our list of achievements, sacrifices and financial gifts will never earn us God’s approval.

Instead, God sees our sin and failures.  He watches us walk in disobedience.  He witnesses the thoughts and inner workings motivated by our sinful hearts that perhaps no one ever glimpses.  Hidden and tucked away concealed by pretense.  And the amazing truth despite our unworthiness, God invites, compels and draws us to Himself.  Willingly, He offers us forgiveness and redemption bathed in mercy and grace.  Knowing it all, seeing it all – yet God welcomes us with open arms.

“Sweet Jesus, our future is secured with You – Heaven is our eternal home – we are so blessed.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 2, 2017

Who’s Really In Control?

mar-2“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

I miss the days of pushing these carts around the grocery store. My sons loved to “drive” down each aisle. When they turned the wheel to the right, the cart turned right. When they turned the wheel to the left, the cart still turned right. Wait…that can’t be right, can it?

My boys loved to “drive” the cart around the store, but were they really driving? No, I was really in control of the cart. I decided which way to turn, when to stop, and when to start moving again.

I’m sure you’ve heard this saying: “You need to give God control of your life. You need to move out of the driver seat and let Jesus take the wheel.” I may be alone in this, but this analogy is a pet peeve of mine. Please allow me to explain.

God is sovereign. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is not relegated to the passenger seat prepared to “take the wheel” whenever we decide to give up control. We may think we’re in the driver seat, but really we are spinning the plastic wheel in the kiddie car, beeping the little horn.

When my boys tired of “driving” down the aisles, they would sit back and rest. The cart still rode smoothly along even when they weren’t trying in vain to direct the shopping cart.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

We, as Christians need to just sit back and rest in His sovereignty. He is trustworthy. If we will surrender to the ultimate Driver instead of trying in vain to direct our own lives, the Lord will make our paths straight. God loves us more than we can even fathom. Let’s lean on His perfect wisdom rather than our own faulty understanding.

“Lord, I surrender to Your will, trusting that You will direct my path.”

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 1, 2017

Trusting God With The Unfixables

mar-1“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer.” Ezra 8:23 (NIV)

When there’s nothing we can do to help, solve, or fix – it’s excruciating to just let go.  As women, we are natural nurturers.  If someone is sick, we drop off chicken soup.  If a friend needs a ride, we don’t mind being their taxi.  If a neighbor dies, we organize meals for the family and our casserole shows up the next day.  The list goes on and on….from bandaging our children’s knees to treating our discouraged teenager with a trip to Starbucks.  Sorrow, drama, and challenges thrust us into action – help mode.

But what happens when we can’t help, solve or fix?  Found myself there last year.  Sweet friend was battling cancer 3+ hours away.  Chicken soup doesn’t ship well.  Distance prevented taxi rides to chemo.  All I could do was wait for updates.  Helplessness wasn’t my friend – I so wanted to be a part of her solution.  And then God whispered exactly what He wanted me to do – pray.

While my friend was beginning chemo, I was praying.  It seemed so insignificant compared to what everyone else that lived close by was doing.     I felt confined, hands tied because I longed to “do” so much more.  I didn’t want to let go of my human nature and allow God to work supernaturally.  And that’s where prayer walked in.  Every day, I wrote out my prayers in a journal for my friend.  Praying unceasingly as God showed me how to release my nurturing desires into His capable hands – accepting the role He designed for me.  Not only was my friend encouraged by those words God gave to me in prayer, but I learned the power of prayers entrusted to One who can do so much more than we could ever imagine.

“Father, thank You for the gift of prayer; teach us to trust You with the ones we love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 28, 2017

On Mission With Jesus

feb-28“This is my request. I will ask one of them for a drink. If she says, “Yes, certainly, and I will water your camels, too!” –  Let her be the one you have appointed as Isaac’s wife…” Genesis 24:14 (NLT)

What an important mission! Abraham’s servant was given the authority of selecting just the right woman to be Isaac’s wife. Imagine choosing the spouse for your children? Even though it’s customary in some cultures around the world, I personally would never want the responsibility of such a major assignment.  Envision the marriage going awry and the blame is directed towards you…what a liability!  Instead, I’ll keep praying for the Lord to bring the right person for my last child to marry; and that is exactly what Abraham’s servant did…he prayed.

The servant was aware the future of a whole nation populated with Abraham’s descendants was at stake. He prayed asking the Lord for success, kindness and accomplishment. Then he devised a plan to stand near the spring where the young women of the village came to draw water. His request of the Lord was not only would the right woman give him a drink but offer to water his camels too. Then he would know which lady the Lord had chosen to be Isaac’s wife.

Have you ever wondered why the servant put a clause in his request about watering both him and his camels?

By Abraham servant’s request, he wasn’t looking for just any girl. He was looking for a kind, giving, caring and compassionate woman. A lady who puts others before herself. Most of the girls would have offered the servant a drink, but which girl would realize the camels need to drink too.  Because Rebekah put others needs before herself the servant knew she would make a wonderful helpmate for Isaac.

“Father, like Rebekah, we pray to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others; always being compassionate and understanding with a heart that mimics Your loving kindness.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
http://www.KimLaceySchock.com

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 27, 2017

Sharing His Amazing Story

feb-27“So is my (God’s) word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

We were sitting on the edge of our seats.  Captivated by the story line in a movie and then….the unthinkable happened.  A power surge at the mall resulted in an evacuation, and we missed the ending. Remember it’s the one that kept us sitting on the edge of our seats – caught up in a story that now we don’t know what happened next.  Two days later, I’m still wondering but not enough to go buy the book and read the rest of the story.

Wonder how many times we leave others hanging without the whole story of Jesus?  Do we give them a watered down version of the truth – what we think they will understand?  Perhaps we leave out some really important details like grace, mercy and forgiveness.  Could it be the story we’re telling focuses on rules, don’ts and warnings rather than sharing about the woman at the well, Jonah in the belly of the fish, the thief hanging next to Jesus, etc.  Maybe we don’t share at all because we’re not really captivated by His message.  Our enthusiasm and passion have faded.  Or maybe we don’t even have an audience to hear what we have to say because they didn’t even know we knew Jesus.

Let’s give them something to talk about. Let’s share the whole truth – the amazing message of God’s love.  Let’s keep them sitting on the edge of their seat captivated rather than bored or skeptical.  Let’s lead them to His Book – the rest of the story.

“Father, give us a hunger to know every detail of Your story – help us to share the whole truth – knowing that You Word does not return void.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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