Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 18, 2016

What A Wonderful World

oct-18“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1 (NIV)

As much as I grumble about getting up and taking the dogs out in the morning, I have to admit, secretly I enjoy this time. Often it is still dark. Although I can be a little fearful out in the yard in the dark, all of that goes away as soon as I look up. The beauty of the stars and moon in the sky takes my breath away. And I’m not afraid, I am in awe.

It has always amazed me that when God created the earth and everything on it, that He did so in such a beautiful way.  He could have just as easily created a no nonsense practical world with the very basics.  Things could have been bland in color, lacking in creativity or even uninspiring, yet at the same time we would have had everything we needed. But He didn’t. Instead He gave us a gift. God with His infinite love for us made this world beautiful. Just look around and you will see. He created plants to not only provide food and oxygen but that were lovely to look at as well. He gave us a sparkling night sky and a bright sunshine day sky that is also our calendar. He made animals that give us entertainment and joy as well as nourishment.  All of this was done for our benefit and our enjoyment.

So what is it for you? Animals, flowers, the moon and stars, the sun and clouds, ocean waves or mountain tops? Whatever your favorite part of creation is, take some time today and every day to feast your eyes on the wonderful world around us.

“Thank you God, for this beautiful and functional world You have created for us. Help us to take notice of the beauty that is all around us every day.”

 

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 17, 2016

Authentic Worship

oct-17“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.” Job 1:20 (ESV)

Ever experienced the amazing sweetness of sacrificial worship?  It’s the kind that flows from an aching, broken heart that chooses to still praise God. It’s the overflow from those who don’t need blessings, gifts, and yes answers to fuel their praise. It’s the sweet rhythm of souls eager to lay down all that is left at the feet of Jesus and lift empty hands in praise.

Hurricane Matthew birthed some of those moments.  Hundreds of miles away from the US, the country of Haiti was devastated by the storm.  With the death toll rising daily to now over 1,000, Haiti is one of the most impoverished countries in our world.  The 145 mile per hour wind whipped through their villages and left over 1.4 million people in desperate need of help.

Despite the loss of family members and homes, survivors of the hurricane got up on Sunday morning and put on their best clothes.  They walked among the devastation and gathered at churches where roofs were gone and walls were shattered.  Some Haitians were even found setting up an altar and praying outside of their crumbled sanctuaries.  I would have loved to hear their voices praising God.  Sweet, powerful and authentic worship not dependent on what they had but rather enlarged by their losses. I’ve read the news article over and over again and each time I am captivated by the depth of their love for God.

Sunday, I got up and rode to church; I didn’t have to walk.   I took a hot shower, washed my hair and put on my face – did I mention I had water?  I rummaged through my closet and grabbed a new dress from among many.  I ate a delish breakfast with my sweet husband – no one was missing from our table.  My life was full and not empty.  I sat among others in our beautiful church with stage lighting and great acoustics and wondered if God loved hearing my voice?  Was my worship real or was it dependent on the ease of my life?  Would I be there lifting my hands and voice if all I had were stripped away?

Deep in my heart, I pray that I would be that real, authentic worshipper. That I would not offer Him anything that did not cost me something.  That I would forever recall God’s faithfulness and love Him for who He is and not for what I have.

 

“Father, in the depth of great loss our worship unveils what we really worship.  I want to be that woman who stands with hands full or empty praising You – blessed be the name of the Lord!”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Gratitude, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 14, 2016

Illuminating Hope

oct-14“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you (God) more and more.”  Psalm 71:14 (NIV)

Empty cup viewed as full – the way my Dad saw all of life.  Regardless of finances, struggles or defeats, he never lost sight of the Hope Giver – confident, trust in God is contagious.  When we see and watch others living out their faith day in and day out, we desire what they have.  We want the Abraham faith that walks in obedience regardless of the sacrifice.  We want the Noah faith that acts in obedience regardless of what other’s think.  We want the Sarah faith that despite emotions and doubts reaps the blessing beyond human logic.  We want the Rahab faith that believes in the One who redeems and invites despite a record of wrongs.

Confident, trust in God fills every inch of reasoning, and welcomes Him as the Only One who can fill us up. Placing our faith and trust in His abilities spreads beyond our story and unfolds in those who watch remembering what God has already done.  Like a raging epidemic, hope realized inspires us to hang on, hold on, cling to, depend in regardless of the circumstances.

Empty cup viewed as full – always when we put our faith and hope in God.  Positions us to draw others to the amazing character of our God.  Speaks volumes to a world longing/searching for someone to believe in.  Encourages obedience even when the price is high.  Awakens obedience despite the outcome.  Inspires obedience when perceived solutions don’t add up.  Desires obedience regardless of our past. Women living out their faith day in and day out  – blessings that overflow – hope that surpasses our wildest dreams.

“Father, open our eyes to see all that You have done – infuse us with Your hope that sustains and uplifts.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 13, 2016

Feed Me!

oct-13“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk.”  1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

I went to Buffalo, NY, over Labor Day weekend to see my children and grandchildren, and most especially, my new grandson Tristan, who was born in June. That baby has the fairest skin and bluest pair of eyes I have seen. Oh, and he has dimples that show up on his cheeks any time he decides to display a gummy smile, which is any time when he is not trying to find solace at his mother’s breast. One who would not know better, would think that the poor baby was starving to death, as his cry for his mother’s milk was rather intense, strong, and somewhat unstoppable, unless, of course, mama made herself available to his demand.

In my early Christian walk, I was somewhat like Tristan, with my hunger for God’s Word. I had this unquenchable desire to hear more about Him and learn how to be a better child of His.  I wanted to be a good steward of the things (and the people) He had entrusted to me, as well as to hear the testimonies of others who leaned on their faith in God as a survival tool. My appetite was voracious, and I could never seem to get enough. As the years passed and I have experienced more of God’s power in my life, I have learned to discern what I need to stay well-nourished and strong in my faith. I have also always relied on other Christians in my life to help ensure I stay the course, as I have made myself available to mentor others in their walk of faith.

Some of those key ingredients for a strong spiritual life include trust in God, perseverance, obedience, submission to His will, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians (the church). Spending time in prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance, fasting, and reading his Word help us to recognize that we need Him especially in order to overcome the difficult times we often face in life. And our family in Him helps to secure a safe environment for our growth.

As baby Tristan grows and starts to eat more solid food, he will no longer be so demanding on his mama, though he will still need his parents to watch over his diet to ensure he grows healthy and strong.  Likewise, we need fellowship with other Christians, which helps ensure that we have a balanced spiritual walk.

“Lord, may our desire to please You never be quenched.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 12, 2016

Escaping Compromise

oct-12“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine…” Daniel 1:8a (NIV)

Settling on the edge of compromise is the place where flesh wars with spirit.  Been there and wallowed in the revamping of me.  Weakened and impaired by the desire to fit in.  Accommodated and quieted my voice to squelch discord while my spirit screamed.  Amazing how much control, how strong our will is to settle.  Unreal how uncontrolled, how weak our will is to stand strong.

Cast into the mold of transforming  him into service for the king, Daniel faced the edge of compromise – the place where flesh wars with spirit.  Part of the elite, Daniel was handpicked  by the king’s official because he was handsome, smart, without physical defect and a quick learner.  Without entertaining a thought of revamping himself.  Without a moment’s hesitation or desire to fit in.  Daniel’s voice screamed quietly from within and he resolved, determined and concluded to stand strong.  Denying the royal food and wine would separate him and his three Israelite companions from the rest; but they would be honoring their God – the place where spirit wins over flesh.  Favor, blessing and abundant wisdom follow those who choose to stand versus settle.  Daniel and the three were healthier, wiser and none equaled them.  Their deliberation to conclude that serving God was their top priority spoke volumes.

Ever caved into your gods of compromise?  Ever attempted to fit in, be accepted and not rock the boat? Ever laughed or joked in the face of sin?   Daniel reveals the secret to flesh versus spirit – absolute devotion to the One true God – the only answer when we’re faced with the edge of compromise.

“Father the temptation to settle, give in and accept what doesn’t please You is strong.  Help us to respond with bold conviction and glorify You with our choices.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 11, 2016

Handling Anger God’s Way

cb-devo-oct-11“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  James 1:20 (ESV)

Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be fine and then suddenly BAM! Something happens and you find yourself angry, hurt, frustrated or sad. These feelings can often leave us teetering on the edge between a good or bad reaction. When we face difficulty, it is normal to have negative emotions. Although these feelings are not in themselves sinful, our reactions could easily become sinful if we are not careful. How we handle these situations shows whether we are learning and growing in our faith. It gives others a glimpse of Jesus in action.  Lashing out, while feels good at the time, will only produce a worse situation.

So how do we act in righteousness instead of anger? Here are a few ideas that may help:

  • First, acknowledge your feelings. Denying these feelings is not handling them and eventually those feelings will resurface.
  • Second, try to understand why the situation is really bothering you. Is there something deeper going on? Have you been angry about this same type of situation before? Why?
  • Next and most importantly, pray. Ask God to help you with what you are feeling and your response.
  • Lastly, focus on the good. Finding things to be thankful for even in a difficult situation can shift your perspective from positive to negative. When our perspective shifts our actions will follow.
  • One additional note: If the difficulty you are facing requires a response, wait. It is sometimes best to say nothing and wait until we can get our emotions in check.

I’ll admit I have not followed through on this list as often as I would like. But growth is a process, it doesn’t happen overnight and it can be filled with mistakes. In those times, I simply humble myself, apologize, evaluate where I went off track, and then file it away for next time. And prayerfully next time something comes, as it most assuredly will, I will be a little wiser and better equipped.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word to guide us in our lives daily. Thank You that You are a Father who understands it is hard to face difficulty. Help us to react in a way that is pleasing to /you even in the midst of our emotions. Give us strength to do the right thing despite how we feel.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 10, 2016

When Strong Denies the Release of Weak

cb-devo-oct-10 “For You (God) equipped me with strength for the battle; You made those who rise against me sink under me.” 2 Samuel 22:40 (ESV)

Ever experienced moments when being strong denied you the release of being weak?  We do a great job at being courageous.  We put on the happy face and preserve even in the toughest of storms.  We hold the family together with our knees shaking beneath, and yes, we even tell ourselves we’ve got this covered.  We keep pushing through claiming strong because admitting weak would take too much energy.

Wonder what we’re really missing when we don’t admit weak?  When we fail to let go of the strength evaporating around us and attempt to keep doing it all, we miss out on all of these:

  • God compels us to embrace weak because He is right there with us (Judges 6: 15-16).
  • God promises to strengthen our weak (Ezekiel 34:16).
  • The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes what we can’t put into words (Romans 8:26).
  • God chooses the weak over strong – those who desperately depend on Him (I Corinthians 1:27).
  • God promises to raise in power the weak (I Corinthians 15:43).
  • God’s power is magnified in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 11:30).
  • We are made perfect in our weakness – transformed by our loving God (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • We can be content with weakness when we depend on God’s strength to sustain us (2 Corinthians 12:10).
  • God sympathizes with our weaknesses – He knows what we are facing (Hebrews 4:15).
  • Exercising faith infuses our weak into strong (Hebrews 11:34).

Loving these words of God today friends. Totally encouraged that yes, we can be weak. We can release our control and run into our Father’s arms.  We can admit the struggle, remove the mask, unveil the unpretty and still be filled with His strength.  Why? Because it’s not about us and what we can handle or take on.  It’s all about His glory and power shining through our toughest battles and positioning us for victory.  Today’s weak can be tomorrow’s strong if we plug into God’s power.  And it all starts when we release our strong and chose weak.

“Father, You delight in transforming our weaknesses into beautiful displays of your power and grace.  We are safely held in Your arms.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 7, 2016

Where Grace Lives

oct-7“Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23 (ESV)

Home…where love grows, grace is extended and God is praised!  Beautiful slogan don’t you think?  Sounds incredibly inviting – who wouldn’t want to experience a home filled with love?  Sounds too good to be true – who wouldn’t want to feel the warmth of grace in their failed places?  Sounds beyond belief – who wouldn’t want to stay where worship is lived out in the ordinary moments?

Home… it’s supposed to be our safe haven – a place of acceptance without reservation.   Home… it was designed to be the place where we love one another so that others will see Jesus in us.  Home… it’s supposed to be the place where forgiveness reigns.  Home….it’s  supposed to be the place where God is known, worshipped and exalted.

So how’s our home?  What’s life look like behind those doors?   Would our husband, children, extended family or roommates  find love, grace and praise under our roofs?  Harvesting love requires planting give and take – compromise without attitude.  Especially when love must be tough but seasoned with grace.  Receiving grace requires forgiveness  – seeing others clothed in His righteousness. Especially when grace means letting go of our expectations in exchange for God’s.  The reality is if we all gave what we really wanted then home would be that safe haven – the place where love grows, grace is extended and God is praised!

“Father, help me to be a planter of love, an extender of grace and a voice that never ceases to praise You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 6, 2016

An Anchor For My Soul

oct-6“This hope (this confident assurance) we have as an anchor of the soul (it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it) – a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil (of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells).” Hebrews 6:19 (AMP)

The Earth is covered with about 71% water, and the oceans make up 96.5% of that water. Water is never motionless, it’s constantly moving. The “water cycle” moves water from place to place and from one form to another. Metaphorically, what if we viewed human lives as sailing vessels? Barges, warships, cruise ships, kayaks, row boats, dinghy, yachts and the list could go on.  As with lives, there are many different kinds of watercrafts and as with people all these vessels are different in size and function. Yachts are playgrounds for the ultra-wealthy. Warships are the equivalent of an airstrip, arsenal and small town wrapped in steel. Cruise ships are designed as floating amusement parks and a kayak is a one man self propelled adventure. However, every water transport known to man has one common denominator…an anchor, which for safety purposes is the number one must have on any watercraft.

If we imagine our lives as a boat and God as the Anchor; then the rope between the two represents our life’s journey. What would our ropes say? What would our ropes look like?  Would your rope be frayed or mended, tangled or unraveled, new or used, weak or strong, tired or energetic?  Would the rope of your life be securely attached to the Anchor at all times or occasionally? Or would your rope be dangling off the side of your boat tossed about with each wave of life? When the storms of life rage and the seas of uncertainty get choppy; hurling us around and we can’t see the shore. The most important piece of gear needed to stabilize and survive any storm is the Anchor.

Our vessels may have been through the scariest of angry storms or the wildest surges being battered and bruised. However, it is never too late to attach ourselves to the Anchor that holds against any gale because it’s impossible to sail through life without the Anchor as our number one must have.

“Father, life will have tempest and squalls, but Your unseen hand holds back the disturbance and sees us through the downpour, thunder and lightning safely sheltered in Your harbor.”

 

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
www.KimLaceySchock.com
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 5, 2016

Echoes of Faith

oct-5“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 (ESV)

History has never been my fave subject.  All those dates, events and people were way too much for me to keep up with in school.  And to be honest, history was one of those subjects I just didn’t get why I needed to take it.  When would I ever have to recite the Gettysburg address?  Would I ever need to know when the American Revolution was fought or who started the Boston Tea Party?  In my immature mind, I squeaked by history with a passing grade and moved on.

Fast forward to middle age and I’m walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg taking in all the sites. Amazed at the way the history of our nation has been preserved and celebrated.  Horse drawn carriages, reenactments, children fascinated with wooden sticks and street games without an electronic device in hand.  Beautiful fall day to experience the culture, food and intrigue of how our nation was established. And now that I’ve walked those streets myself, I regret my lack of enthusiasm and desire to learn about our nation’s history.

Whether we are a history buff or not, we can learn a lot from the past.  Significant events recorded, shared and remembered long after those people left this world.  Seemingly unimportant journeys now but when we look back and examine the path, we can find inspiration, wisdom, motivation and courage.  We can learn how to avoid mistakes. We can choose to step back rather than run ahead when we calculate the cost of other’s actions and their consequences.  We can unfold the pages of hard decisions and sacrifices and realize the benefit of pressing on despite difficult challenges.  We can glean from their history while at the same time writing our own for future generations.

Fast forward 100 years from now – what will be the impact of our lives?  Who are those people who will hear about the history of us and our faith walk?  Will our legacy continue to be passed on from one generation to the next?  Godly influence is not a given it is earned by those who are intentional in following after God.  I want to be one of those whose authentic, real struggle with faith propels others to keep holding on to Jesus and never letting go.

“Father, I love the sweet words of Hebrews that echos the story of real people whose faith walk inspires us to trust You completely.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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