Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 13, 2016

Standing Firm In His Love

july 13“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17 (NIV)

Who has never fallen in love in their lives? That feeling that makes your spine tingle and tremble at the mere mention of your beloved’s name or the sound of his voice. The excitement one feels about going on a date and looking into his eyes for hours unending; holding hands during walks; sharing an umbrella in the rain; going on a picnic; listening to your favorite song together, and so much more.

Courtship is an important part of a long-lasting relationship. It is during this stage that couples can get to know one another well and learn about the likes and dislikes of their future partner. It is also during this stage that love is developed and nurtured along with the respect two people have for each other. It is like building a foundation for what is on the horizon, i.e. marriage.

Couples that communicate well seem to have stronger relationships, because they relay to one another what is on their hearts and hold nothing back from their mate, building mutual respect and solidifying their love. When this happens, it is less likely that their relationship will be invaded by outside pollution that will contaminate the purity of their journey together.

God’s love for us is pure, unconditional, unending and it cleanses us and perfects us.

Similarly, in our walk with Him, when we devote time to spend in His Word and learn what He expects of us, we will have a fulfilling life that leaves no wedges for Satan to creep in and spoil.

“Father, You are the foundation which enables us to stay firm against the enemy.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2016

When The Long Journey Never Seems To End

july 12“Yet I am confident that I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 (NLT)

You have been tried and tested! You feel like the metal between the anvil and the blacksmith’s hammer. Plunged into the red, hot coals formed by the hammering process and then thrust into a cold bucket of water. Over and over again being shaped and sculpted by the Blacksmith. God has allowed you to travel a long distance through the fiery foundry. Time has been an enemy and a friend. The journey is meant to make us pliable, so in the Lord’s hands, He can mold us into the person He needs us to be. Solid, stable and firm never to return to who or what we once were.

The culprit of time lingers. The hands of the clock seem to be stationary. Dawn turns to dusk, morning to night as the years pile up and accumulate. Waiting, believing and trusting with each passing day the fire, heat and sculpting wasn’t for nothing. You are well aware each loving pang of the Blacksmith’s hammer has purpose. The Craftsman knows the exact minute when His sculpture is ready for display. Once the soot, slag and the black oxide has been polished off, a beautiful masterpiece rises from the flames. A work of extraordinary artistry and workmanship for His glory and His namesake.

When the crucible has been scraped clean and nothing has been left behind; and the casts reveal the likeness of Christ. It is then we realize the steps were well worth the journey. Waiting patiently for the Lord to lay His hammer down because the process is complete. At the appointed time, we are sure God will not allow our pain and suffering to be null and void, but to minister to a lost and dying world. A world yearning to hear of God’s hope and unconditional love. Precious souls are what your pilgrimage has been all about. Count it all joy when the Lord trust you with such a long, arduous mission.

“Thank you Father for when the refining process is complete, Your goodness allows us to reap the aftereffects of our journey here in the land of the living. Our testimonies of Your faithfulness of bringing us through the fire will be an encouragement and example for the ones whose journeys will come after ours. Ensuring them the journey isn’t for nothing.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock
www.KimLaceySchock.com

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 11, 2016

His Divine Work

july 11“You also, like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5 (NIV)

Road trips – you either love or hate them. Me, I love them cause I get to eat “trip food “– you know the stuff I always avoid. Every time we stop for gas, I feel a hunger pain coming on – a need for some munchies – and it’s usually not for fruit.  On the flip side, road trips often land you right on the path of a “construction zone” now that’s definitely not my fave thing.  The speed drops, lanes are eliminated, traffic mushes closer together….and we creep like a snail.  Night or day  – crews make repairs, build new bridges and disrupt the flow of traffic for miles.

Have you ever felt like your life was a “construction zone?”  Our fast pace comes to a screeching halt.  Options are eliminated and we seem to be sidelined watching everyone else drive by – all the while wondering what’s God up to.

Hard place to be – that’s why God’s word reminds us that every detour or delay is part of His master construction plan.  Moment by moment, piece by piece He is building our lives into a spiritual house – holy, pure and acceptable.  He alone has mapped out a grand reconstruction. On the flip side, we probably won’t like it – it’s painful and hard.  Letting go of attitudes and actions, releasing old habits and heavy baggage doesn’t happen overnight.  But when we embrace God’s work and the plans He has for our lives, we are guaranteed to be moving in the right direction.

We can love it or hate it, but that won’t alter His divine work in our lives – God love us too much.  And He will work night or day to fashion our living, vibrant stones into a spiritual house reflecting God’s glory.

“Father, You are the builder and creator of our lives – I know we can trust You to complete the work You started within us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2016

Blessing Our Heritage

july 7“Children’s children are a crown to the aged.”  Proverbs 17:6a (NIV)

There are two colors that are predominantly used to differentiate babies upon their birth. Blue is the color assigned to the little bundles of testosterone, aka baby boys, while pink is the color used for little divas, aka baby girls.

A few days ago, over Father’s Day weekend, I was privileged to attend a baby dedication for the one-year-old granddaughter of some friends of mine. Everything pertinent to that event was made with much detail and care. You could say that the event was “pink extraordinaire.” The proud parents had a beautiful table set up with pink cupcakes, teddy bears in tiaras, and girly decorations to honor their little princess. On a back wall, a slide presentation kept rolling, showing members of the family with their smallest addition. To add to the color scheme, the parents and all three children – two boys and their baby girl – were dressed in pink and white. The entire family took part in the event, with dad at the piano while her two older brothers played their little violins and mom sang a special prayer song she wrote for her daughter. There was no doubt in anyone’s minds as to whether that little girl was loved.

When the actual dedication took place, the paternal grandfather got on stage and spoke about the meaning of dedicating a child to the Lord, and shared with those in the audience what the responsibilities of raising a child to honor and serve the Lord were. The family stood beside him on the stage, and sharing in an old Jewish custom, the parents handed the child to the grandmother for the grandfather to pray over her.

What a celebratory event of the gift of life, of family tradition, of love and of reverence to God, who created us all. That granddad was dedicating to God the younger generation of his bloodline, asking God to bless, to protect and to guide. What a gift to celebrate Father’s Day giving back to God what He so graciously has given to us, the blessing of our heredity!

 

“Lord, our Father, thank You for giving us families. Thank You for allowing us to pass our faith on to other generations!”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 6, 2016

When Urgent Collides With Slow

july 6“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”  Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)

Ever find yourself getting lost or better yet overwhelmed in the urgent trap?  If we don’t respond fast enough on our phone or with an email, someone will instant message us and that flashing light on our computer won’t go away until we respond.  If someone needs anything – it’s urgent.

Get the picture – so what happens when our urgent mentality collides with slow?  I don’t know about you, but when I have to wait for anything my patience slides right out the door. I’m so used to people pushing my urgent that I can easily perceive others should do the same for me.  Waiting rarely is an option in our get to the next thing mode.

Flip back through the pages of scripture and we will find that Jesus did not allow others’ urgents to dictate His agenda. In fact, some who loved Him the most thought He was late in responding to their miracle. Those who walked the closest to Him often thought He should stay put, heal more and not retreat.

Love the patience of Jesus because He sought not the ease of people’s situation but the character development of those involved.   Love the patience of Jesus when He sought the greater glory at the best time rather than ease the discomfort or sorrow of the immediate. Love the patience Jesus demonstrated to us as an example of how we are to respond in His image.  Seeking God’s timing, accepting God’s sovereignty and yes, waiting for the greater glory to be revealed.

So, what can we do to embrace patience? Maybe it’s a coworker pushing all our buttons –  how about relying on God’s Spirit to infuse us with a patient response.  Maybe it’s slowing down our response rather than spewing out random thoughts. Maybe it’s simply refusing to let the sense of everyone’s urgency reflect anxiousness in our spirit.  Resting close to the heart of God and clinging to His words rather than worrying, fearing, and attempting to meet everyone’s demands.

When urgent collides with slow, we can guarantee God’s up to something miraculous that only He can do!

“Father, transform my urgent moments into opportunities to trust You completely  – waiting on Your timing and not my own.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 5, 2016

The Gift

july 5“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NIV)

 

Life is sweet, it is full of surprises. Sometimes it is overwhelming at the joy God has set aside. Everywhere there is a gift, a flower, a smile, a hug, a remembrance of a gift He has sent. Maybe it is a drive with the most beautiful view and the wind blowing. Listen closely there is a song.

What a gift. A gift to be celebrated. What else does God hold that He wants to give? We can only imagine how sweet a time that will be one day with Him.

When eyes are closed and a deep breath is taken there is a sweetness in the air. A slight touch we can almost feel. A love that can only be felt when we are close. A reason to stay close. A reason to stay in His Word and to share our utmost secrets with Him. He wants to share the gift.

I Sing of His love, shout of His joy. Be reminded of what He has waiting. The secret? Just draw near, pray, read His Word and listen, the joy is there. Smile, and enjoy the moment the Lord is giving right now.

“Father, draw me to You. Let me sing of Your goodness. Let me be filled with Your joy. Surprise me Lord. Give me reason to smile all day and night. Thank You for the many blessings You have given me and have yet to give. I bask in Your sweet love.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 4, 2016

Everlasting Kindness

july 4“The women said to Naomi: ‘Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman redeemer.  May he become famous throughout Israel!”  Ruth 4:14 (NIV)

God’s kindness was alive and active in Naomi’s life despite her inner turmoil and darkest days. The loss of her husband and about ten years later the loss of both her sons left Naomi empty and blaming God.  Her circumstances were overwhelming, the losses were piling up and the once happy family had dissolved right before her eyes.  Totally devastated, Naomi exchanged her name for “Mara” because in her eyes the Almighty had made her life bitter. Naomi felt God’s hand was against her rather than His hand of blessings upon her life.

Do we ever feel that way?  Inner turmoil and overwhelming losses can land us flat on our face.  Bitterness and disillusionment can quickly partner with feelings that question God’s favor.  However, sometimes God’s kindness and favor come to us in the most unexpected ways and times.

Right in the midst of vanishing hope and dreams, God was working to restore and prepare a future for Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth.  Boaz, one of their closest  kin, showered them with kindness, favor and later became Ruth’s husband redeeming the family heritage.    While we may not see or understand how God could turn our circumstances around at just the right moment He will reveal it.  And if we keep our eyes focused on Him and remain open to all that He is doing, we won’t miss the blessing of a deeper relationship with our Sovereign Lord.

“Father, Your hand is never short toward Your children – You always act on our behalf to bestow kindness and redemption to our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2016

Right Road – Wrong Direction

july 1“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV)

My family finds humor in my ability to get lost – even with directions.  Once returning from vacation, my tired husband needed some assistance driving.  Switching places, I drove the car and followed his instructions as he quickly fell asleep.   Two hours later a gut wrenching horror encased me! Remarkably, I had managed to go back in the same direction!! Obviously, losing my focus was generated by distractions.   My choices were consequential; it took twice the time to arrive home, and my husband wasn’t overjoyed.

Isn’t the Christian life similar?   God’s Word is clear and precise, yet somehow lack of focus and distraction lead us down paths contrary to His Word.  Notably, wrong choices always lead in wrong directions with monumental consequences.   Two wrongs never make a right!!

Distraction is one of Satan’s most effective tools.   How is he distracting you today?  Could it be completing devotions, witnessing, ministering to a hurting friend, or perhaps completing a project at work, carrying out a decision, losing weight, etc.?   Stop, pray and stay focused.  Giving Christ freedom to direct our path is guaranteed.   He will never lead us in the wrong direction!!

“Lord, help me to see Your guidance and not be distracted throughout my day.   Let me follow Your path outlined in Your Word.”

 

For His Glory

 

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 30, 2016

Blessing Hannah

june 30 “Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.”  I Samuel 1:17 (NIV)

 

Have you ever heard the phrase, “we should not judge others by their appearance?” Well, I am going to share with you the story of a woman named Hannah. She was loved by her husband, Elkanah, but she could not conceive. The trouble was that Elkanah had another wife named Peninnah, and Peninnah bore him sons, so she would constantly pick on poor Hannah, because God had closed her womb. Hannah really wanted to conceive a child and one day, while the family was in Shiloh to worship, she was so bitter in her soul, that she began to weep and pray to the Lord. I don’t know if you can fathom the kind of crying that Hannah did on that day, but it was a lot.

 

I recently poured my heart out to the Lord during a church service. Afterwards,  I looked in the mirror, and saw little red dots all over my face (from busted little blood vessels).  My eye makeup was all gone, and I looked like I had taken a beating. In short, I looked rough. So, imagine poor Hannah at the temple, crying like there was no tomorrow, asking God to give her a son, and yet unable to speak her words audibly. Her heart was definitely praying loudly, but no one could hear her muttered words. So, temple-keeper prophet Eli gets up and reprimands Hannah for “being drunk with wine.” Poor soul! Not only is she barren and now she is taken for a drunk. Hannah explains her plea to the prophet, who blesses her.  Soon after, her wish comes true: she bears Elkanah a son named Samuel, who becomes a prophet and is well respected by all who encounter him.

 

Even godly men such as Eli, the prophet, can make mistakes. He judged Hannah by her appearance. Yet, there she was, a tormented woman, crying out to her God, asking for nothing else but a baby of her own. She wanted to be a mother, nothing else.

 

Do you know any “Hannahs” out there who could use some encouragement today? Who knows, you may just be the Eli in their lives, not to condemn them, but to bless them.

 

“Dear Lord, please help us to love beyond appearances.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2016

Everlasting God

june 29 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?   My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalms 121:1-2 (TNIV)

 

I had the wonderful privilege of serving in Russia for two years. I taught in the public and private schools and help begin children’s ministries in several churches. It was an experience of a lifetime!

One of the hardest things was riding the train from the city I lived in  Podolsk, to Moscow every day. I cannot accurately describe how crowded the train was on a daily basis! As the train slowed down, everyone would take their positions trying to see exactly where it would stop so they could be right in front of the doors. If you were the unlucky person in the back or you misjudged the door position, you would turn around and push with your back to squish everyone in so the door could close and you were on the train. There was no need to hang onto anything, because the people in the train were so tight everyone would just sway together. I dreaded the train every day except Saturday or Sunday. During the week, the train was unbelievable, but during the weekend, it was like a sigh of relief not to be smashed against the window or strangers (who often forgot to brush their teeth).

As I was riding those trains, I would often think about why the trains weren’t crowded on Saturday or Sunday.  Naturally it was because everyone was taking a break and not working. But then I would be so thankful that we serve a God who never takes a break and who is always working for me and through me. I love that! I love the fact that at the end of the week when I’m exhausted or at night when I’m sleeping God is still working!

“Lord, Thank You for always being there for me!  I am so thankful that no matter where I am, You have gone before me!”

 

For His Glory

 

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

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