Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 16, 2016

No Longer Barren

aug 16“The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.” 1 Samuel 3:21 (NIV)

The prophet Samuel was well respected by all who knew him, was recognized as God-appointed and God heard his prayers. If you know anything about Samuel, he was used mightily by the Lord. In fact, he was the prophet who anointed King David to the throne.

Samuel’s mother, Hannah, a barren woman, prayed before the Lord that she would bear her husband, Elkanah, a son (1 Samuel 1).  God heard her prayer and the temple keeper, Eli the priest, blessed her in His name.

So, Hannah poured her heart out before the God of Angel Armies.  She told Him that if she did bear a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord for all his life, right after the lactation period. Wait a minute! Did I mean to say that this mother was so desperate to have a child that she promised to dedicate her son to the Lord for all his life. Yes, I did! This is exactly what Hannah did. Turning her child over to the Lord was a symbol of her gratitude for honoring her request to conceive. Now, we all know that children do not nurse forever. So Samuel’s mama was willing to give up a lifetime with him and would be content with keeping him for just a brief time, in order to allow the Lord Almighty to use her son for His glory.

The Lord indeed heard Hannah, and Hannah fulfilled her part of the bargain. When Samuel was weaned, she took him to Eli the priest at the temple and dedicated him unreservedly to the Lord.

The boy was brought up in a holy life, learning Scripture and working at the temple. He began praying very early on. And the communication between Samuel and the Lord was not unilateral, as the Lord began speaking to him very early on as well.

A God who hears us. A God who acts when we pray. A God who speaks to us. A God who loves us. A God who delights Himself in us. A God who will not withhold blessings from us when we place our all before His altar. This is our God.

“God of Angel Armies, thank You for hearing us and for blessings us.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 15, 2016

Aiming For The Prize

aug 15“Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” 2 John 1:8(ESV)

Years of practice…hard work…dedication…. sacrifice and it all culminates within a two week period.  The Olympics have kept us sitting on edge to see how our fave athletes will do – cheering the USA Team on to victory in pursuit of the gold.  We love the inside story of those who have beat the odds, overcome obstacles and tragedies. And with today’s technology we can read posts, tweets and replays instantly.  We know who won the medals without even watching the event.

In this thing called life – we put in a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.  We give it our best shot.   And as children of God, we press on for a far greater prize than the gold.  But it doesn’t usually culminate within a two week period – it’s a lifetime, a journey from our first cry to our final breath.  All the gaps inbetween  – extraordinary moments to beat the odds, overcome obstacles and tragedies.

Aiming for the reward?  How’s your prayer life?  The Father rewards those who pray authentic prayers from a genuine humble heart.  Not for show but for relationship.  Ever fasted?  The Father rewards those who don’t draw attention to their sacrifices, yet quietly cleanse their hearts and seek His face in secret.  Ever given to the poor or served the broken hearted?  The Father rewards those whose service to Him isn’t motivated by the praise of man.

Doubt that any of the athletes competing in the Olympics aim for second place or strive to fail?   The same should be true of us – our settling for less will never reap the reward God delights in giving.  We must diligently seek Him, faithfully serve Him and humbly walk after our God.   Like the Olympic athletes it will require some “nos” in order to seek the “greater yes” that positions for victory.  It will require denial of self, discipline, perseverance and empty praise.  But when we stand before our Father and lay our crowns down at His feet it will be worth it all.

“Father, the things of this world will fade away but only what is done in Your name will last.  Help us to  remain faithful to the high calling of serving You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 12, 2016

Got Dishes?

aug 12“So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:31 (NAS)

As soon as the last bites of dinner had been consumed, everyone fled the table. Off to listen to music,  play games on IPODS, talk to friends or watch TV. As I sat there looking around at the empty plates and bowls, the crumbs scattered about, I simply took a deep breath and sighed.  After all the time it took to cook, I’ll admit I was a little disappointed that I was left to do all the cleaning as well. “Well, someone has to do it,” I thought.

Ever feel like you don’t matter? We’ve all had times in our life when we have felt as though nothing we do has any value.  Day in day out – same old job – same old life. How can anything I’m doing be important? Does God see me at all?  The answer is yes. God sees you. What we see as insignificant or minor, He sees differently. Cleaning our homes, taking care of children, making a living, yes even washing dinner dishes – these things are all necessary duties.  And when we do what needs to be done every day as we are supposed to, we honor God. Nothing escapes His eyes. He created us and He doesn’t make anything that doesn’t matter.

Every bit of His creation has a purpose, including you. For right now, that may mean cleaning up after children or a job that doesn’t offer immediate recognition. Rest assured though, that in God’s eyes it all matters.  Knowing and accepting that truth is valuable enough.

“Heavenly Father, I want more than anything to honor You with my life. Help me to do what needs to be done with the right attitude. I don’t need recognition from the world, only You.”

For His Glory,

Josey Bozzo
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 11, 2016

Ask & You Will Receive

aug 11“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Your child wants dessert. She comes to you and asks, “Mom, can I have a cookie?” and your answer is “no, honey, we don’t eat between meals.” She walks away for what seems like a half-second and returns with the question, “Mama, can I have a popsicle?”  You say, “sweetheart, if you eat sweets now, you won’t eat dinner, and that is not good, so you’d better wait until after we eat.”

Again, here she comes, “Mommy, can I have a piece of candy? That is small, and it won’t spoil my dinner!” “Fine,” you reply, “but that means ONE piece of candy and if you don’t eat your supper, you will sit at the dinner table for the remainder of the night.” The child skips away happy and cheering, while you shake your head thinking, “man, she is a persevering little one and will not give in until she gets what she wants!”

My dear friend, are you that persistent when you ask anything of your Father in heaven? Do you pray over your requests until you receive your blessing or do you easily give up at the first sign of the possibility you may not be granted your request?

I have a New Year’s tradition I am going to share with you. On December 31st each year, while fireworks, horns, whistles and cheer go up in the atmosphere, I am usually down on my knees talking to my heavenly Father, placing before Him my prayer requests for the new year. I make a short list, which I present before Him in prayer. After that, the list will be inside my Bible for the year, and I will pray my requests before Him over and over, throughout the year. Sometimes, by December 31st the next year, I will shift some of my old requests into the new year, and say a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for the requests He has granted me. Last year I was overjoyed, as all but one of my requests came into fruition. The Lord pleases Himself in blessing His children, especially when they persist in Him, and He does so in abundance (Ephesians 3:20).

“Dear Lord, thank You for giving us so much more than we ask or deserve.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 10, 2016

The Sweetest Choice

aug 10“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)

Sitting here at my computer, I’m nibbling on celery and broccoli – not my favorite chocolate snack.  It’s a conscious choice – one I made when I went grocery shopping. One that I’m sticking with despite I’d rather indulge in something else.

Indulge that little word conjures up a lot – it’s the one thing that sabotages my desire to eat healthy.  I’ll indulge just one treat and then tomorrow I indulge again. Before you know it my indulgence has become my mainstay rather than an occasional guest.  In fact, curiosity drove me to Webster to understand it a little deeper – indulge – basically means I’m giving free rein and excessive leniency. Ouch!  That little word catches me unaware just like sin does in my heart.  I’ll indulge a tv show or movie that discredits what I believe. Or perhaps I’ll indulge an attitude that isn’t fit for my King, or I’ll indulge self-talk that wounds my Creator. Regardless indulgence wasn’t meant to stay around my waist or my mind.  Those little thoughts that plague my goals or those tempting treats that ruin my success all end up devouring my best intentions.

So, today let’s face the fact that indulgence can be a trap instead of a treat, and we have a choice to determine what place we will give it in our lives.  I hope you will join me in pleasing the Father  – it’s the sweetest choice we can make.

“Father, help me to remove even the shadow of darkness from my life as I live in the light of Your Holiness.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 9, 2016

To The Moon & Back

aug 9“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You!”  Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

In July, 1969, people all over the world were mesmerized by a great feat: American astronauts aboard the spaceship Apollo 11, namely Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, landed on the surface of the moon. Up to that day, a trip to the moon was simply something called a dream, as the moon is located approximately 238,900 miles from the earth. History books worldwide feature pictures of the Americans standing beside our beautiful red, white and blue flag, which was placed on the moon’s surface as a symbol of triumph for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

In a not-so-glamorous but just-as-triumphant manner, back in 1972 a little girl drew and pasted on her bedroom wall a picture of herself, standing beside a bicycle whose handlebars were somewhat backwards. Her knees, arms and hands all had “boo-boos” on them, but on her face was a rather radiant smile. Just in case you wonder, that little girl was me. And in spite of the many scrapes and bruises on my body, nothing could wipe away the excitement and pride that engulfed my being for having achieved two major events that day: riding my cousin’s bicycle down a hill, and still be alive to tell the story. You see, halfway down that hill, I realized that the handlebars were not bolted, which made them turn towards me, causing me to lose control of the bicycle and end the last few feet of my ride tumbling down on the cobblestone paved street.

What is the similarity between the astronauts and me? We all faced some challenges during our journeys, but we all made it out alive and well!

If you are facing a challenge today and it feels like you are lost in space or have just been thrown from a really fast bike ride onto the hard ground, do not give up. If you remember Peter, Jesus’ disciple’s experience walking on water, you should know that he only sank when he doubted that Jesus could keep him safe throughout his experience. Trust the Lord with your troubles and you, too, will get to the other side.

“We love you, Lord. To the moon and back. Always.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 5, 2016

Before GPS

aug 5“Leave your country and your people,” God said, “and go to the land I will show you.”  Acts 7:3  (NIV)

Long before MapQuest, GPS…and those old-timey paper maps from days gone past, if someone wanted to travel, they set their course in the “general direction” of their destination and made adjustments along the way.  Although using a GPS sounds much more appealing to my taste, the concept of traveling in a “general direction” actually seems more in line with the way God leads.

Think about it…when was the last time God provided a travel itinerary which mapped out the exact roads, turns and distance between travel points?   No, God seems to employ the more cryptic method of assigning a “general direction” and then inviting us to travel by faith.

In fact, this seems very much like the experience of Mother Teresa as revealed in the book, Come Be My Light.  This book, which records decades of her writings and correspondence, reveals the pain she often felt because God was strangely silent and absent throughout seasons of her ministry.  While I certainly cannot relate to her remarkable experiences, I can relate to the  notion of “wanting a bit more God” in the everyday moments of my life. But, the reality is that God often calls us to walk by faith in the direction of a promise or a destination because He wants to do something miraculous in our lives.

As in the life of Abraham, who was called to leave home and “go to the land I will show you,” God may never provide a clear and specific itinerary for our lives.  But, we can trust that He will carry us as we carry out that which we have been called to in faith!

“Lord, grant us the faith to trust You, even when we do not see the path ahead or hear Your voice in the moment.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 4, 2016

Priceless Words

aug 4“Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12 (NIV)

Do you ever struggle with knowing the right thing to say?  I sure do. As a writer I’m always editing, proofing, changing and attempting to perfect those words that fill my pages.  I’ll read them over and over again to ensure clarity.  I verify my scripture references carefully, and my knees get worn out on the floor as I bathe what I’ve written in prayer.  And the cool thing is when I seek God’s guidance, He shows me the revisions I need to make and assures me when the edit is done.

Unfortunately, I don’t always treat the spoken word with the same respect.  It is so easy to just let those words flow carelessly off our lips, rather than pause and seek God’s guidance.  As women our nurturing tendencies can often rise to the surface quickly handing out advice to solve anyone’s dilemma.  We love to help our husbands, children, siblings, friends, co-workers and even strangers.  We have a remedy for every situation that arises.

Why?  Because we want to help.  But sometimes, those words and our inquisitiveness can do more damage than good.  Like sandpaper on a glass top, our abrasiveness scratches the surface of tender hearts.  Not everyone wants a solution – sometimes they just want a shoulder to cry on. While our intentions are good, timing is critical when it comes to sensitive matters of the heart.

Unlike my writing, once those words are spoken they can’t be erased or revised.  Maybe that’s why God instructs us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. When we take the time to listen first, pause and seek God’s guidance then our words are priceless treasures.

“Father, help us to partner together to bathe our words in prayer.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 3, 2016

When Life’s A Little Crazy

aug 3“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:10b-11

When things seem to be going crazy for me on this cancer journey, I often find myself putting my attention on the “who can fix it” so I can live in ease and comfort. I forget those verses which say “in this world you will have trouble.” I must confess, I have found myself looking to the world of doctors, blogs, research, clinical trials, and medicine to do something for me only God can do. And that makes me weary because what if I or they miss something? What if there’s a new treatment the doctor I have doesn’t know about? How can I with certainty select the best new doctor for me?

This past week I made a new commitment about some things to the Lord.  And I am amazed by how God has worked.  I now notice my sin more quickly. Which is good because I can confess and forsake it more quickly. I sense His presence, His mercy, and His compassion more readily. I realize I don’t have to beat myself up, but I can continually lay myself before Him so He can shape and transform me into the person He created me to be.

Maybe you too need to be reminded along with me that the Lord is “full of compassion and mercy” and He is for you more than anyone is for you…..even you. He longs to know you and for you to know Him. Not just in a “church way” but in a personal way. And while knowing Him requires giving ourselves to Him, we get the best of the exchange because we get Jesus. He wants to heal you. Maybe it won’t be physically, emotionally or the changing of your difficult circumstances, but definitely spiritually. And that is really the only healing that makes an eternal difference.

“Father help us to seek You today and keep our eyes open for how You may speak to us.”

For His Glory

Jane Abernathy
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 2, 2016

Choose Joy

 aug 2“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.”  Psalm 126:2 (NIV)

The three upper-70’s ladies were standing in church one Sunday morning, visiting before the service began; and as they did, I watched them. Their hair was like shiny silver and their skin showed signs of being well worn. Some of their hands exhibited evidence of arthritis. Yet, the three of them were dressed in lively colors, had makeup on, and their jewelry matched their personalities. They had a fun, loud, jovially-sounding laughter and it was evident they were enjoying one another’s company.

I love to watch people, especially when they are among friends. A lot can be said about people when they feel free to be themselves without the concerns of being monitored for their actions. Even when we cannot hear what people are saying, their facial expressions, and body language can give away the occasion, i.e., whether they are sad, mad, happy, jolly, concerned, or struggling. For those three little ladies in church that day, I could tell it was definitely a good day.

We all need friends and encouragers, especially when life’s curve balls throw our balance off. When we surround ourselves with caring friends, we can’t stay sad, even if we tried. When I was faced with the abandonment of divorce, I was hurting and my pain was very deep. I was grieving the loss of my marriage and tears had become my constant companions. Yet, because I had caring friends who checked on me and made sure I didn’t succumb to the “blues,” I was able to navigate the sad waters of divorce and come out stronger on the other side.

Life is not a bowl of cherries, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely, dark and sad journey, either. Those three little ladies I saw in church had chosen to get out of bed, get dressed and go to church that morning. They chose to have a good day. My struggles with anxiety, grief and sadness from divorce were overcome because I made a conscious choice to not let them drive me down. Whatever your struggle or worry is today, I encourage you to choose joy. If it doesn’t come naturally, surround yourself with your sisters in the Lord, who will lift you up, pray for you, and provide the fellowship and friendship you need during your hard times.

“Father, thank You for our friends and family in You.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

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