Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 12, 2017

Seeking Jesus

“As he (Jesus) approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it  and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42 (NIV)

I missed it – couldn’t believe I walked right by that bargain.   My heart sank as I reflected on how close I was to it and yet totally missed it.  What was I thinking – guess that was the problem.  I was searching too hard, looking everywhere and it was right under my nose.  I could have fallen over that display in the store, but instead I rushed past it giving up hope that I would find it.

If you’re a bargain shopper there’s nothing more frustrating than missing “the deal” especially if it is something you really want.  Blinded by my own preconceived idea of where I would logically find it, I walked out the store without the “special deal.”

Jerusalem was no different.  They had been looking for the Messiah – the answer to all they wanted and longed for.  Diligently they kept the law and expected everyone else to do likewise.  There were no margins for grace or mercy.  And they loved the superiority of being an authority on what people should or should not do.  Tradition and rituals didn’t serve them well.  Clinging tightly to their position, they missed the very One they were looking for.  They accused the One who came to save their souls.  They persecuted, mocked and crucified the very Son of God – all because they were looking somewhere else.

Sweet friends, how many times do we long for Jesus and yet look in all the wrong places.? We hold on to our positions, our rituals, our preferences and elusively miss the sweetness of Jesus right in front of us.  We anticipate His working in our way, in our favor.  We eagerly waiting for Him to accomplish His purposes all the while we are focusing our eyes on “me.”

Jerusalem is all around us.  Don’t miss out on our Messiah, Savior and Lord.  Let’s turn our eyes on Him, His words and His gift – salvation infused with grace.  Let’s not grieve the heart of God but rather bring joy and gladness to Him.  Let’s wrap our arms around who He says He is, fully trusting and believing. Now that will serve us well.

 

“Jesus please help us to fully grasp the wonder of who You are.  Reveal Yourself to us and guide us to Your amazing truth.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 11, 2017

Worship: Our Conduit to Heaven

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”  Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)

The Liberty University School of Music, under the leadership of Dr. Vernon Whaley, puts on a magnificent praise and worship annual event called the Night of Worship hosted at Thomas Road Baptist Church. I have been attending this event since I moved to Virginia.

This year, I was blessed with the opportunity to join a group of local females for a women’s retreat at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, in North Carolina. The retreat ended on Sunday, and on my way back, I was reminded that it was the evening of the yearly LUSOM Night of Worship event. I literally drove straight to TRBC  The church was very full and the stage was equally populated by men and women in black and white, a rather beautiful sight.

The two large projecting screens on either side of the sanctuary highlighted portions of the singers and instrumentalists on the stage. Everyone that was projected on those screens, whatever their task at hand, depicted a joy on their faces that made me think they really enjoyed playing and singing praises to the Lord – true Levites!

What I experienced at TRBC last night was nothing short of angelical, heavenly, something so well-orchestrated and brought forth, that I couldn’t help but wonder what worship in heaven will be like. Dr. Whaley spoke before the last song, Total Praise, and as he called out the many roles and names of God, people in the audience worshipped in a loud noise and clapped enthusiastically, myself included. In that celebratory moment, I imagined what the angels sounded like once Jesus ascended from the grave and went to the Father. In the words of the last song of the evening, I humbly, yet boldly, did just as it said, “I lift my hands in total praise to You!”

“Lord, You created us for Your pleasure. And You take pleasure in our praises. Thank You, Father, for allowing us to experience true joy through our worship of You!”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2017

His Precious Blood

“…Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7 (NLT)

In Exodus chapter 12, God promised when He saw the blood of the lamb on the doorframes of a home; He would pass over sparing that family the plague of killing the firstborn sons and firstborn male animals in the land of Egypt. This disaster would be the LAST and FINAL plague needed for Pharaoh to surrender to the demand of God to let His people go. After 430 years of slavery, God’s people would finally know what it was like to be delivered from bondage, released from long days of unrealistic, hard manual labor and to experience freedom from the chains that had them bound.

In the original Passover, those Israelite’s sacrificing a lamb signified they would be spared God’s judgment…His promise in verse 13, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you…”

Some 1,500 years after the Israelite’s liberation from Pharaoh’s captivity, Paul used the same term to describe Christ as the sacrificial Passover Lamb.  He knew the events in Exodus foreshadowed the coming sacrifice of Jesus when he penned “…Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us” in 1 Corinthians.

The Israelites needed a lamb without blemish to cover their homes to save them from death. Both stories parallel, nothing has changed, even now 2000 years later, humanity still needs a spotless Lamb to save us from the grave. Jesus became the spotless sacrificial Lamb. He took the place of the blood from bulls, goats and fowl.  He became the LAST and FINAL sacrifice good for all time.

Passover recognizes the defeat over death, the empty tomb and the victorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  Easter celebrates the new covenant; the better, perfect promise not chiseled in stone, but written with the precious blood of the Lamb.

Father, it’s Your unselfish love that freed Your people in Exodus and the same love throughout the span of time that continues saving us in 2017. Your shed blood is still covering our sins, freeing the captives and saving the lost.

For His Glory,

Kim Lacey Schock (www.kimlaceyschock.com)
Women’s Life Devotional

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

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

Leave a Comment

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

Leave a Comment

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

 

Leave a Comment

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

Leave a Comment

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

 

Leave a Comment

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

 

Leave a Comment

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories