Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2016

Counterfeit

nov-15“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

You are walking on a sidewalk on a brisk fall afternoon, your hair flowing with the breeze and your body feeling rejuvenated by the sunshine.  The color of the changing leaves warrant the perfect background for that selfie you want to take when you meet up with your friends for your weekly ladies time. Suddenly you spot a $100 bill caught in the edge of a brick wall, and you rush to it before it flies away with the wind. As you bend down to pick up that bill, you are already fantasizing about how you are going to spend it. Nonetheless, as you look closely, you realize the $100 is a fake, it is nothing but a replica that someone made in order to lure others to pick up an advertisement for some brokerage firm.

What a disappointment, right? Almost instantly your plans for that money fall down the drain.  Your countenance changes and you are suddenly not as excited as you were before you spotted it on the ground, as it waited to catch your eyes.

What a good illustration of the works of Satan to lure people into doing that which is displeasing to God, wouldn’t you agree?  Sin seldom looks bad at first. On the contrary, in order to “hook” you into falling for something that will hold you captive and ultimately destroy you, he will make it seem like a pretty good option. It may be an X-rated movie that will turn into an addiction to pornography or a “feel-good pill” that will turn into an addiction to drugs, or a little pocket change you find in someone else’s purse that will give you a thirst for big bucks and lead you to actually steal. It may also be a little “secret” that will become a gossip that will tear someone else’s life down (and yours, too) or a secret friendship with a married someone who makes you feel good about yourself for a time but will tear down his or her family and break hearts.

Friend, listen to God’s voice. If you sense a nudge telling you NOT to do something, that is probably because He is telling you just that. Do not risk it. The joy offered by sin is counterfeit and will bring you nothing but heartache. Choose the joy of the Lord.

“Lord, the devil is  sly. Please help us to be watchful and wise in our decisions.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 14, 2016

Life Might Bitter But Jesus Is Sweeter Still

nov-14“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.” Psalm 62:5 (ESV)

Ever get that call in the night – you know the one you dread?  All too familiar for my friend whose daughter has suffered strokes at the age of 35.  A new normal greets them every morning.  An assisted living facility is now home to one who was so independent – to one who is a single mom to a beautiful girl missing her mommy.  The kind of story, if fully told, would draw tears to our eyes.

It was that call one night that sent my friend frantically driving from her home two hours away to the emergency room.  Her daughter was found non-responsive and the thought of yet another stroke weighed heavy.  Tired and weary, my friend knew she needed something to keep her awake for the drive in the dark of night.  She pulled into the drive-thru at Chick Fila and ordered a large lemonade.  Nothing special, divine or providential, or was it?  When she pulled up to the window to pay, she heard these words: “This is on us – have a blessed day.”

When my friend insisted that she pay, the attendant refused.  My friend thanked her and explained how she was trying to stay awake to make it to the hospital to see her daughter.   The girl working the window listened intently and promised to pray for her.

A simple lemonade and prayer to quench a parched desperate soul.  A sweetness that only Jesus can bring to a lonely drive in the dark of night.  Incredible reminder that God is present in all our moments and hears what we don’t even utter.  He is closest to the broken hearted and provides simple, yet profound reminders of His love.  To my friend this was a healing balm to a weary soul that has wrestled with God over the normal that no longer exists.

Praises can often evaporate when whys overload our thoughts.  God’s mercy can seem distant when the unthinkable happens.  And if we are left to ourselves, we will often wonder, “Does God really love us?”

My friend had danced with those thoughts.  So her unwanted assignment was to write down all the ways God had intervened, how He had moved and orchestrated through every one of those hard places. And it didn’t take long to see that where God once seemed absent, she could now see He was fully present. Nestled in the midst of disappointment, fear and challenges was the simpliest of truths – life might be bitter but the love of Jesus is sweeter still.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 11, 2016

Delighting The Father

nov-11“And there came a voice from heaven:  This is My beloved Son.  I take delight in Him!” Matthew 3:17 (HCSB)

Delight in Him –  wonder what inspired those words?  Jesus was just arriving on the scene.  There were no followers, disciples, or great crowds.  No miracles had been performed.  No one had been healed.  No demons had been cast out.  Amazing events that would characterize Jesus’ ministry – yet a simple act of obedience birthed great delight in His Heavenly Father.

Perhaps a snapshot of his childhood opens wide the lens of what God saw as His only Son navigated the streets of Nazareth.  Luke invites us to glimpse the life of the boy, Jesus.  And even those details leave us lingering, desiring more.  Simply put – Jesus grew up and became strong.  Scripture reveals that He was filled with wisdom.  Instead of playing in the temple or running through the streets of Jerusalem, the pre-teen Jesus was found sitting among the teachers. Intently He listened.  Astoundingly He asked questions.  The scholars were amazed by Jesus’ understanding and His answers.  Having left the glories of Heaven, Jesus wanted to be in His Father’s house.  Obedient to the wishes of Mary and Joseph, Jesus returned with them to Nazareth.  Luke bookends Jesus’ early life with “He increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and people.”

No other details are given until we find Jesus wading into the waters at age 30. And it grabbed the attention of His Father.

What are we doing to amaze the Father?  Are we consumed with activity?  Are we attempting to create a platform?  Or are we desiring His presence and obeying His words – giving our Father a reason to take delight in us.

“My Lord, how I long to please You – to leave position, influence and accomplishment  in exchange for Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 10, 2016

Life Is Like A Onion

nov-10And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Therapists often talk about onions. Metaphorically speaking, that is. How a person has multiple layers and we have to help them uncover or peel off layer by layer to get to the center. That core could be their real problem.  Or that core could be their real self. I’ve always kind of liked the metaphor. But, one night it became more literal to me.

It was Cinco de Mayo, so, of course, I was making Mexican food. As I was taking a knife to those onions, and my eyes naturally watered, I thought of how hard it is to peel them. The deeper I got, the more sting I felt in my eyes. At some point, I just had to stop, move away from the onion, and take a breather. And it hit me…working through issues is even more like an onion than I ever thought.

This stuff is hard. Working on problematic behaviors, self-defeating thoughts, or painful emotions is tough. Before the onion is cut, it is physically whole, but no good to anyone. As the layers are removed, the onion becomes more useful, but the process of that king of uncovering is challenging. It’s easy to want to stop cutting. Even when you know that you shouldn’t. So it is with us.

Friend, are you in this place? Are you working through something? Something that you’d rather run and hide from? If so, know that you are not alone. And that even though each step is painful, getting to that core really can result in a better you. It will take time. And you may need to take a break. But, in the end, it’s worth it. Trust me. I’m a therapist.

 

“Dear Lord. Thank You so much for sticking with me as I work through the hard stuff. Help me cast my cares upon You.”

 

For His Glory,

Laurel Shaler
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 9, 2016

Facing Obstacles Bigger Than Yourself

nov-9“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB)

She inspired, encouraged, and challenged me.  On rare occasions glimpses of her private life surfaced – her attitude on difficult days, interaction with her children, conflict with her husband, and many other real life situations.  Though there were many personal one on one encounters, the majority of lessons were learned through observation. Was each planned?  Not necessarily.  Who was she?   Special women who helped shape me into who I am today.

Though the word mentor is not used in scripture it is exemplified throughout.  One of the greatest examples is the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth recorded in Luke 1:39-56.   Immediately following the angel’s unexpected birth announcement, Mary ‘went in haste’ to visit a close family relative she obviously respected and admired.  Staying three months with Elizabeth intensified spiritual and practical stimulation. Why?  She had much to learn and many questions to ask! Returning home, Mary faced her new assignment filled with reassurance, motivation, and confidence.

Mentoring happens every day.  Be an Elizabeth to someone – as Mary she may be facing an obstacle bigger than herself and needs someone to inspire her to be whatever God has called her to be!  It has been said influence speaks volumes without saying a word.   It is amazing how powerful it can be!

“Dear Father, use me to mentor someone by investing in her life.”

 

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 8, 2016

Pass The Salt

nov-8 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”  Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

“Please pass the salt!” This is a very commonly used phrase, as salt is something that people enjoy adding to their food for flavor.  As a matter of fact, some people are so addicted to the taste of salt, that they will add it to their food even before ever tasting the food.  If a dish does not have just the right amount of salt in it, it will taste bland and somewhat “boring.”

I have met Christians who are just like food that needed a little kick, a little added hint of flavor to make them interesting and engaging… like food that needed salt!  I have also met Christians who are so in tune with the Word of God, so in sync with the Holy Spirit, and have so much energy and charisma about them.  They have a strong desire to share their faith with other people and no matter what they are doing, who they are with, or where they find themselves, they are always witnessing to others. Those are the people who are truly following the words of Jesus during His Sermon on the Mount, when He sat down with the people and taught them how they should live being salt and light.

Jesus used the analogy of salt to let people know how important salt can be to life.  According to research, there are several benefits to the consumption of salt.  It promotes insulin sensitivity and good digestion, improves metabolism, supports thyroid function, reduces stress hormones, helps with overall hormone balance and is a natural antihistamine.  Sounds like life to me!

In everything I do, I try to keep in mind that if I do it as unto the Lord, I will strive to always do better.  I don’t want to be compared to tasteless salt; the salt that is only good to be thrown away because it has quit serving its purpose.  I hope that next time we are at the dinner table and we hear someone asking for the salt, instead of being offended that they want to add more salt to their food, we will be reminded that we have the opportunity to be like salt ourselves, adding flavor to the lives of others.

 

“Dear Jesus, Thank You for creating us to bring taste to a world that needs You.”
 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 7, 2016

Removing High Places

nov-7“Yet even in his (King Asa’s) disease, he didn’t seek the Lord, only the physicians.”  2 Chronicles 16:12b (HCSB)

Wonder why it is so easy to tear down and remove what someone else has lifted up?  Eliminating another’s idol appears much easier than tearing down our own?  If we’re truthful, we prefer to remove from others what we wouldn’t dare take from us.

King Asa was one who had no problem removing the pagan altars in his land.  He was described as one who did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord.  When he faced a mighty army, King Asa cried out to God for help.  And the Lord faithfully delivered him and his people.  But somewhere along the lines after years of peace, King Asa stopped crying out to God. Perhaps he forgot what it was like to be rescued from his enemies.  Maybe daily dependence on God evaporated when life was easy. Scripture doesn’t unveil what deterred his trust, but we see a shift from God to man.

A seemingly innocent manipulation revealed the true nature of King Asa’s affections.  Using his wealth, he bribed the king of Aram to handle his issues with King Baasha.  What seemed like sweet victory and relief actually defined King Asa’s untrusting heart.

The end of King Asa’s reign makes a pivotal change.  The man who once cried out to God and trusted Him fully begins to depend on others.  The one who lead his people to make a covenant to seek God with all their mind and heart is now lifting up idols of his own making.  And when disease darkened his doorstep, Asa remained prideful, unwilling to seek God’s healing.

Sound familiar?  We elusively dismiss what others lift up, yet don’t want to acknowledge our own crutches.  Things we turn to when fear rises up.  People we attempt to manipulate when waiting on God seems elusive.  Pride that slips in and robs us of the blessings of God.

How do we avoid this trap?  In the good times, hard places, peace, chaos – we remain fully trusting in our God.  We cry out to Him in daily dependence even if we think we’ve got it all covered.  We lean in close and remove anything that attempts to slide into first place.  Humbly we bow and acknowledge that He is the One and Only true God who is worthy of our worship.

“Father help us to be faithful, strong and courageous women who trust in You alone!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 4, 2016

Unstirred

nov-4“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Pumpkin, eggs, oil, sugar and now to add in the flour, spices, baking powder and salt.  Phone rings and my batter is left sitting on the counter.  Moments later I return and pour it into the pan for baking.  Nothing brings on Fall like the smell of pumpkin muffins straight out the oven – yummy!

One bite  – not quite what I expected.  Two bites and something definitely wasn’t right.  Rechecking my recipe, I confirmed all the ingredients.  So what went wrong?  Retracing my steps revealed the culprit.  When I returned from my phone call, I forgot to stir the batter completely after adding baking powder and salt.  What looked like well mixed ingredients were actually lumpy clumps that left a bad taste in my mouth when unstirred.

Don’t we just love it when God stirs our heart?  We’re sitting in church and the pastor’s words stick. Or perhaps, we hear a song and the lyrics penetrate provoking deep emotion. Maybe we’re sitting with friends enjoying a pumpkin spice latte and God’s intervention in their life challenges us.  Perhaps we’re curled up with His Word or praying and conviction stirs deep within us.  All reminders that something needs to be changed.

Ever felt God’s stirring and walked away unchanged?  Our intentions were good, but our actions were lacking. A distraction pulled us away.  The moment slipped through our fingers, and God’s stirring in us didn’t produce His desired results.  Unmixed stirrings left clumped yield undesirable results.  Change only occurs when we allow His stirrings to be complete, thorough, totally mixed until our yucky is transformed into His beauty. The life that truly glorifies God is the one that welcomes and invites His holiness to penetrate us from the inside out.

“Sweet Jesus, gently You speak, compel, and invite us to partake of Your righteousness –  help us to respond without delay.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 3, 2016

Faith Like That Of A Blind Beggar

nov-3“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Mark 10:46:52 (NIV)

Walking through desert land is not exactly what one would call a pleasant walk. I have friends who enjoy hiking, and they have shared that hiking the Arizona Grand Canyon was the hardest hike they had ever done. They needed special shoes that would be both comfortable and equipped to move around rocky soil.  They also needed to carry along a backpack with essentials such as water (lots of water!), special energy bars, and toilet paper, just to name a few.

Now, imagine people back in Jesus’ days, traveling in the Judean Desert, walking miles and miles on foot, with no special shoes other than thongs or leather sandals!  Also, if they were lucky to have a donkey, all of their supplies would be piled on top of it, but if they didn’t, someone would be following along with their supplies. Would you call it a picnic? I guess not. I know I wouldn’t, as I am a creature of comfort.

On one particular day as Jesus was traveling with His disciples and about to leave the town of Jericho (I have seen Jericho, and there isn’t much around there today!), a man called Bartimaeus was sitting alongside the road begging. The poor fellow was not only dirt-poor and needy, but he was also blind. In simple words, he was really down on his luck, sitting by the road, at the mercy of those who passed by and hoping they would throw him a piece of bread or a fruit, or even some spare change. Yet, that blind man knew who Jesus was and that He had the ability to make his eyes whole, so he could see. When He heard Jesus, he immediately began crying out to Him and would not stop until Jesus called for him. Because Bartimaeus believed and because he asked, he got his blessing that day and from then on he walked without the aid of anything or anyone to guide him. On that day Bartimaeus, the blind beggar met his healer.

Do you need a miracle? Call out to Jesus. He hears you.

“Ah, Lord, how sweet it is to know that You are just a whisper away!”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 2, 2016

Radiant Joy

nov-2“For You make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of Your presence.” Psalm 21:6 (ESV)

Seeds of real joy – you  know the kind that last – are embedded deep in the heart of those who chose to believe.  Real lasting joy radiating from within because the One they trust is the One who walks with them every step of the way.  Extraordinary joy comes to those who linger, draw near and cling to Jesus.  Sounds so inviting….to truly be filled to overflowing .

Ever witnessed the seeds of joy exploding?  Laughter filling the air because He’s the lifter of our head.  Storms may surround us, but moments in His Word remind us that God’s joy rises above earthly circumstances.  (The joy of the Lord is our strength.)

Ever seen the radiance of real joy?  Stunning, captivating because He calls us His own.  The world may ignore us; but listening to God’s voice, we shine in the warmth of His love.  (Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.)

Ever heard the pure sound of extraordinary joy?  Compelling because He sings over us as the morning dawns.  Noise may seek to distract us, but we are quieted in the presence of God.  (Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!)

Filled to overflowing….the cup full and never empty… seeds of real joy that flourish and grow.  The world can rain on our parade, but no one can extinguish the rays of the Son (Jesus) shining over us.  Lasting – radiant – extraordinary JOY – filled to overflowing!

“Sweet Jesus, joy can slip through our fingers  – help us to trust You more day by day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

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