Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 1, 2016

Growing Stronger

sept 1“From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 61:2 (ASV)

Some days we all grow weak; we wonder how much more Lord?  We are hit with one burden after another.  We feel the weight of the tow truck that just ran us over.  The tears flow, the heart aches, the questions start.  Why?  The blame is cast, anger hits and then the choice is ours.  We can choose to fall on our face and cry out to the Lord like David, or we can call a friend, or we can grow bitter and choose not to deal with it.  I often wonder why God gives us the choice, but He wants us to freely call out to Him and grow stronger thru each battle.  He wants us to see Him in the midst of the turmoil and trust His will for our lives.  He wants to give, as my friend Joy likes to call them, “God winks” to remind us He is still there and loves us.

Recently I went thru one hit after another, sometimes several in a day, and wondered when will this end.  Each day, I was reminded of His love for me and His protection over my life and my family.  I was shown blessing after blessing, because I was watching in the midst of the pain for those “God winks.”  It’s all about where we place our focus.  I choose to put my focus on God and His plan. Rejoicing in the blessings, I am positioned to grow stronger even in the trials.   Will you join me in growing stronger in Him this year?

“Father, thank You for Your “God winks” and for protecting me in the midst of the storm. I choose to grow stronger in You.

 

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 31, 2016

Surrounded With Peace

aug 31“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

Have you ever had one of those nights when you just can’t sleep?  You know like when you hear everything that goes bump in the night.  I had one of those nights recently when my husband was out of town.  The warm temperatures left the heat pump silent.  And without even realizing it, my mind raced in a hundred conjured up places.  Now, I’m not usually one to fear being home alone.  However, my rapid heartbeat was probably a result of watching too many crime shows (NCIS).  Quickly fear rose to the surface and peaceful sleep marched out the door.  After a few moments of claiming scriptures and burying my head under the covers, I finally drifted off to sleep.

Amazing how quickly fear can seize us, overcome us and yes even send us into hiding.  Bondage always carries a price tag of hidden fear lurking under the surface.  Ask the Children of Israel, and they would remind you that being slaves of the mighty Pharaoh left them hopeless and fearful.  And even though they marched out in the middle of the night paralyzing fear would restrain them from trusting in God as they journeyed in the wilderness.  Peace would evade them as fear stole away the abundance God so desired to give.

Whether fear is justified or imagined, God has the perfect prescription.  When we place our trust firmly in the One who walks beside us and watches over us then we receive an abundance of peace guaranteed even in the most restless nights.

Has fear derailed your peace?  If so, claim His promises and lean into His protection – it’s the safest place to be.

“Father, You are trustworthy and true – thank You for restoring peace even in moments of overwhelming fear.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 30, 2016

Follow The Pattern

aug 30“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2 (NASB)

I finished another row of the afghan I had started. As I held it up to look at my work, immediately I knew something was wrong.  Somehow the piece was growing wider instead of progressing with a straight edge.  I pinpointed the start of the wideness and began counting stitches.  Sure enough, I had added extra stitches to the row. Pulling on the yarn to remove the stitches, I thought about how easily a few extra stitches can change the look and size of a project.  If I continued crocheting, adding stitches that were unnecessary, instead of a practical afghan, I would have created something that didn’t fit its true purpose. Of course if that was what the pattern called for, then I would be fine.  But that wasn’t the plan or pattern I was trying to follow.

So often we do the same thing in our walk with God. We add conditions and unnecessary expectations in an effort to earn His love or earn our way into heaven. This causes difficulty in following Him, which leads to frustration at our failures.  It really is quite simple.  Follow the pattern that we have been given in the Bible. Believe in the sacrifice of Jesus for our benefit, and follow God’s commands. God’s love for us is not based on doing extra; it is based on our belief, faith and trust in Him.

“Lord, thank You for giving us such a simple pattern to follow. Help me to trust You completely and put my faith in that simplicity.”

For His Glory

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 26, 2016

God Whispers

aug 26“While you were doing all these things, declares the LORD, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer.”  Jeremiah 7:13 (NIV)

TV going in the background, radio blaring downstairs, and did I fail to mention the washer and dryer were vying for their spot in the orchestra?

Whoever said silence is golden was right.  Noise surrounds us both at work and home.  Love opening up the door to an empty house and just taking in the quiet, but it doesn’t take long before conversation, music or cooking steal my solitude.  And my little piece of stillness evaporates leaving me longing for more.

Wonder if God ever feels like He’s competing with all that chatter, activity or busyness in my brain?  Wonder how many times I miss His whispers because I avoid silencing my voice so He has a chance to be heard?

As a child, I remember my Mom pulling me close and whispering in my ear.  I loved hearing her hushed voice as she spoke whispers into my soul – reminding me I was loved or telling me how proud she was of me – sweet words of affirmation.  I also remember moments when I was disobeying, and she drew me up in her arms and whispered words of warning so I wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of my friends – sweet words of discipline.

Wonder if God does the same?  Wonder if He draws me close so only I can hear the hush of His voice telling me I’m His girl.  Wonder if He draws me close so only I can hear the things that need to change before I land flat on my face?    One things for sure if He draws me close, God’s whispers are worthy of my undivided attention.

“Father, teach me to draw near and hear Your whispers guiding me each day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 25, 2016

Stronger Together

aug 25 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV).

A good friend’s advice, comforting words, and presence can go a long way when one is walking through difficult situations.  In Exodus 17:8-15, we read about three friends – Moses, Hur, and Aaron – who had this kind of relationship. Faced with the tough leadership decision of assigning Joshua to fight a battle against the Amalekites, Moses told Joshua, “Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”  Moses knew that as long as his arms held up the staff of God, victory would be certain.

The battle lasted all day, and Moses soon found that holding his arms up all day was no easy feat.  If his arms faced down or brought down the staff of God, the Amalekites would start winning, so he needed to keep his arms up until the battle was over.

When Moses’ friends saw that he was not able to fulfill his task alone, they quickly ran to the rescue.  Finding a stone for Moses to sit on, they held his arms up until sunset, i.e. until Joshua won the battle against the Amalekites.

“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (NIV).  Like Moses, we are blessed with “Hurs” and “Aarons.” When the going gets tough, good friends are always present to pray with us, to cry with us, and to uplift us.  Is your battle too hard to go through alone? Are your arms too heavy to keep up? Let your friends stand in the gap with you.

“Father, we are so blessed to be called the family of God. And through Your love, we find the strength to encourage one another when the need arises. Thank You for blessing us with godly friends.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 24, 2016

Adrift On The Sea of Life

aug 24“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”  Hebrews 2:1 (ESV)

Unlike the billboards hit of the 70’s that glorified the idea of “drifting away” (with your rock & roll), I recently heard a pastor warn his congregation about the likelihood of drifting off course.  Strong winds, environmental currents, poor choices or simply a moment of relaxed concentration can create potentially devastating consequences.  Personal experiences coupled with his convictions made this a compelling sermon.  And despite the tiring nature of remaining vigilant, he reminded his listeners that staying on course requires constant and purposeful intentionality.

Honestly, this is something which has been resonating with me as a mom. Because we live in a world which is not well-suited for innocence, I am constantly reminded that I cannot lead my children in excellence with broad-sweeping, “let’s just do our best.”  No, to succeed as a godly mom (and as a child of God), I must be prayerfully and painfully intentional about the things I plan, do, say and allow.

I know how easy it is to veer off-course if I allow myself the luxury of relaxing at the wheel.  So, I cannot help but wonder if that is why Paul urged his Hebrew followers to pay much closer attention to the possibility of drifting.   If we fail to pay close attention to God’s truth and the daily choices we make, we may find ourselves arriving at a destination quite different than the one by which we first set our course!

“Lord, please help us to set our eyes on You and dedicate ourselves to a life of intentional excellence.  Left alone, we will surely drift off course.  But as we seek You and purpose to be diligent, we ask that You keep us on track with Your plans and purposes for our lives.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 23, 2016

Lavished With Abundance

aug 23“And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”  2 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)

A princess is the daughter of a sovereign head of state such as: a king, queen or emperor. Most of us have seen, read or heard a story of how royalty live. To the average person it’s hard to fathom the lavish lifestyles of the ultra-rich. The children, heirs better known as prince and princess, born into extravagant lifestyles of affluence is mind boggling. Lavished with abundance of property, riches, wealth and all the excess of material goods money can buy.

Have you ever stopped to wonder, we too are princesses! We are the daughters of the Ultimate figure of royalty. The King of the universe, who sits on His throne.

You may be thinking, “I don’t live like a princess” with all the attributes derived from a natural perspective in a tangible way.  However, if we know and understand our Father in heaven is truly our Daddy; then why don’t we view ourselves as His daughters, His heirs…His princesses? We have a Father, who spoke the world into existence. All creation bows at His command. He tells the oceans where to stop, the rains when to fall, the winds when to blow, the sun when to shine and the moon where to hide. Our Father owns the cattle on thousand hills (Ps. 50:10) and everything in between. It’s by the grace of God, who gives the ability to produce wealth (Duet. 8:18). If He gives the heathen of this world the ability to obtain wealth, why wouldn’t He do the same for His children?

It’s time to believe big, trust big and dream big! Several years ago, I coined the phrase, “if you believe God is small He has no reason to prove otherwise. However, if you believe God is big…He’ll show you just how big He is.”  With simple “child-like” faith trusting and believing God and standing on His word. I have found in my own life God will meet you exactly where you are believing Him and add in His word as “back up”; and He has no other choice but to show up.  He will never, ever disappoint in His perfect timing.

“Lord, we believe You are our Father. Therefore, each of Your daughters has an inheritance fit for a princess because we are the heirs to all You have to offer.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 22, 2016

Refreshing Our Soul

aug 22“He (God) lets me lie down in green pastures; He (God) leads me beside still waters. He (God) renews my life…”  Psalm 23:2:3a (HCSB)

Amazing what a little rest can do for the soul.  My happy place – the beach – always refreshes my spirit. Peaceful, relaxing, calming and inspiring. I love to listen to the ocean waves, talk to God on long walks and admire the beauty of His creation as the sun sets.

2016 has been packed with many unexpected things. I started a study called Breaking Busy and never made it past Chapter 1 – so much for breaking my busy.  I planned many things and watched them evaporate right before my eyes.  Overwhelmed became my mainstay as I navigated May, June & July.  So when August arrived and vacation came, I embraced every moment of it.  Quiet moments at night drinking deep of His love, grace and words.  Stillness in the morning soaking in the power and beauty of His presence.

Love the way God knows my green pastures are truly ocean waves.  Love the way He leads me through crashing waves and renews my life. Love the way God gently beckons me to draw close and rest in His embrace.

As women, we know how the list grows and grows – we never seem to have enough time.

Unpredictable happens. It steals away our joy, our rest and yes sometimes even attempts to quiet our faith. Challenges crash around us and stealing a little “me” time seems impossible.

Amazing how a long walk by ourselves refreshes the soul.  A hot bubble bath soothes the soul.  An evening sitting outside with a cool breeze energizes our soul.   Our fave coffee and the whispers of worship stills our aching hearts. Just me leaving everything else behind to find Jesus is right in the midst of unexpected and overwhelmed.

What can you do this week to invite rest and relaxation into your life?  Cherish some “me” time with your soul  – you won’t regret it.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 19, 2016

Seeking God

aug 19“When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me.”  Jeremiah 29:13 (NIRV)

Have you ever watched someone from a distance and wondered what they were really like?  Perhaps, you even met them through a mutual friend.  A brief encounter that caused you to draw some conclusions about them in those first few moments.  First impressions are important.  They either draw us in or send us running in the opposite direction.  One of the sweetest friendships God has blessed me with started out pretty much this way.  We were in the same singles class at church and from a distance she seemed perfect – way too perfect to be one of my friends.  I was a struggling single mom; she was a professional educator.  Her clothes were stylish, and my wardrobe usually donned the label of “Goodwill.”  Eventually we were introduced, and God birthed our friendship in the crushing moments of a crisis.

Have you ever watched God from a distance and wondered what He was really like? Perhaps like me with my friend, you felt that friendship with God was out of your league.  Perhaps like me and my friend it took a crisis moment to draw you closer to God.  Perhaps, you’re still sitting out there on that limb all by yourself wondering if He really exists.

I love the promise in Jeremiah that reminds us that searching and seeking out God will never land us empty handed or confused.  We will uncover who He is if we connect with Him.   Just like a growing relationship with a friend, God reveals Himself to us day by day.   He longs for us to discover, search out and unveil the glories of His character. Because only as we uncover His beauty will our lives be positioned to reflect the same.

“Father,  open my eyes so I can see  – reveal Yourself to me.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2016

Get To Steppin’ Into His Will

apr 21“…The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

I was scheduled to go away on a ministry-related event. It was all planned. Everything had been worked out, the day and time were perfect.  Nothing standing in the way.  And then the day before I was to leave, something came up.  Life interrupted. Nothing I could do about it, I tried, and tried, and tried.  But the door was shut.  My thoughts were, “why God”.  It’s ministry-related, “Why would you allow something to happen to prevent me from going?”  “Not to minister, not to be a light.  What have I done?”  And as I wallowed in those questions, even telling my husband to “Leave me alone and let me have my pity party.”  And I can truly say, party of one.  God wasn’t in that.  And perhaps it was a party of two.  Me and the enemy, who had obviously taken control of my mind and thoughts.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation, where God steps in and changes things, redirects your steps?  My encouragement to you is to, run to Him and His word.  Meditating on scriptures like Philippians 2:5 (Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus). Blessing the Lord and quoting His word and promises are vital during times of discouragement. When God redirects our plans, we should look for his blessing, for what He is saying to us. When we allow the enemy to creep in, we can’t hear from God. While the pain we may be feeling is real, God’s grace is sufficient to carry us through.  And by the way, pity parties are for babies.  We need to put on our BIG girl pants, and get to steppin! Walk into His will – His way;  it’s a great road trip!

“Father, I am so grateful for the many lessons you teach us.  All to continually shape and conform us to your glorious image. Lord You give and You take away, but I can truly say, Blessed be Your name!!

For His Glory

Cynthia J. McCoy
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope

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