Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 31, 2016

God’s Undivided Attention

cb devo aug 18“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

The best advice I can give someone is to pray! Pray about everything, anything and do it first before anything and everything.

Do you think the disciples struggled with prayer? They did not ask Jesus how to preach or teach, but how to pray. If the disciples who walked, ate and slept in the presence of Jesus and personally witnessed Him perform miracles had to ask Him how to pray; then how important is it for us to learn to pray?

Is your prayer life thriving or surviving? When we pray, we have the distinct privilege of knowing God is hearing our worship, thanksgiving and petitions. Prayer is active communion with Almighty God. As our Christian lives mature into a relationship with Jesus, our prayer lives also mature. We go from asking for “things” to worshipping God for all He has done and for who He is. We no longer need to plead and beg, but exalt and reverence the Holy One.

The Lord’s Prayer is not self-important, the words are not impressive, but simple, meaningful and powerful. We begin and end with giving God glory. There is no correct posture to prayer. Kneeling, lying, sitting or standing; God doesn’t care. Where you pray is wherever you may be. God is there. Jesus doesn’t specify a certain time of day. Anytime around the clock is fine with God. He’s awake and attentive. Prayer is not dressing in your Sunday’s best, putting on a serious look and praying in a tone that is not authentic.

Prayer is having God’s undivided attention to your worship and requests. Psalm 116:2, “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”  What a beautiful picture of our loving Father caring for the needs, concerns and desires of His children. Prayer is one asking heart moving one giving heart. Amen!

“Father, You know, You hear and You care. It is our prayer to never cease praying because You will never stop answering. “

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 30, 2016

When The Answer To Why Isn’t Enough

apr 29“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

As children “whys” seemed huge as we grasped for a reply.  Any answer would do; we just wanted to be heard and understood to know there was some explanation for what our minds couldn’t wrap itself around. And we would relentlessly ask the same question until someone gave voice to our search.

Not quite so simple as adults.  Our whys are really huge, and we won’t settle for just any reply.  We want truth even if the depth of it drowns us. And sometimes what we didn’t want to hear does drench us head to toe.

Ever been there when totally comprehending the why just isn’t enough?   Believing something else seems better, prettier, softer, easier to manage.  Accepting the illusion is more comforting and less exhausting.  We don’t want the truth, yet reality keeps stealing away our dream and the answered why unveils a darkness we never dreamed.

So what’s a girl to do when the answer to why isn’t enough?  Won’t deny there may be tears, frustration or denial; normal responses to hard places.  Our God is big enough to handle all our emotions. Won’t excuse away the chaos that may follow.  Our God is big enough to handle all the  drama.  He understands our longing for a different chapter and the happy ending.  Yet, despite what we want, He allows the unthinkables to touch our lives.

In those moments when the truth is more than we can take, we learn to treasure deep His abiding presence.  We sit in silence knowing that He hears our heartbeat and feels our heartaches.   We drench the pages of our worn out Bibles with fresh tears and cling to His promises. We trust what God has allowed and steward what He has entrusted to us.   For His glory alone, we release the brokenness and allow God to use it to make us more like Him.  And one day, we will meet someone else whose answers to why are more than they can bear.  Arm in arm, prayer by prayer, truth by truth we will walk them through reminding them that God’s faithfulness always supersedes the answers to why.

“Father, Your light shines brightest in our darkest moments – teach us to trust in You alone and not our circumstances.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 27, 2016

Just Give Me Mercy

may 27“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart.” Proverbs 3:3 (KJV)

Have you ever been driving and someone cut you off or “got in your way?”    When I first moved to Virginia in 2000, I was in awe how people let you over to change lanes and didn’t blow their horn  and swear at you in silly traffic.  I was getting used to the kindness until I traveled back to a frozen northern state this summer. My first day there, I had another female call me a curse word out her window for changing lanes in front of her. Yeah, welcome home right?  (I guess she was angry that she had to slow down to the speed limit.)  Just give me some mercy and grace.

My dad preached an awesome sermon  on mercy and grace.  God gave it to us.  We don’t get what we deserve, and He also rewards us with blessings we don’t deserve.  Mercy and grace –  Jesus is awesome!  I even dug deeper and studied numerous stories in the Old and New Testament, which illustrate God’s mercy and grace.

Wonder if we are showing that to people?  God gave it to us, yet we’re so quick to “get back” at people, and give them “what they deserve” in our opinion.  Why not show God’s mercy?  Why not show grace?  Let someone get a head of us or be merciful when they make a mistake.  God will continue to reward us for it, and we will encourage one another.

“Thank you for not giving us what we deserve.  Thank you for the gift of your Son, and giving us mercy and grace. Lord may we learn how to show mercy and grace to our family, co-workers, friends, and fellow citizens.”

For His Glory,

Julia Forystek Bergstrom
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Love, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 26, 2016

Common Unity

may 26“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”  Romans 12:15 (NIV)

 

This past weekend the neighbors who lived underneath my apartment unit, a single mom and her two-year-old boy, moved out. That lady seldom had anyone over for visits, but when she moved out, I saw several cars and people of different age groups going in and out of her apartment moving furniture, boxes and other items. When all of her things had been moved out, some of those people returned.  They spent a few hours cleaning and painting, so that her place would be ready for inspection and she could get her deposit back. “What a great sense of community!” I thought.

 

Community, nonetheless, is more than just people helping other people carry boxes when they move out. Community, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a “unified body of individuals,” which could mean people with same cultural traditions, tastes, religious beliefs, etc. I like to think of community as common unity. It is that feeling that enables us to feel the joy that someone else feels or suffer her pain just as she goes through it. It is offering our shoulder to someone who is going through a life storm, or cheering for someone who is about to get married, graduate, or run a race.

 

In a community, when someone sees a need, he or she will jump in and meet that need somehow. If people need prayer, others will join in and pray.  If they need food, food will be prepared for them.  If they need encouragement, people will gather around and encourage them, and so forth. We see this happening in times when catastrophic events happen, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and wild fires, as people gather together to help others in need.  They will raise money for supplies, offer shelter, clothing and other needed items.

The Bible instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, to encourage one another and to edify, or build each other up. What a wonderful reminder that we, as children of God, must pull together for one another when the need arises, building up and encouraging, just as the Lord Jesus Himself modeled for us.

 

“Lord, as Your children, we pray we can lift up our neighbor as You often do us.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 25, 2016

The Time Is Now

may 25“Whoever is not willing to carry his cross and follow me cannot be my follower.” Luke 14:27 (NCV)

 

Living life our way, living on the edge – a fun way to live life and a great motto for our society –  selfish, full of greed, and “It’s about me” mode.  It’s hard not to fall into that category.  Problem is a life full of fortune, ease, and freedom is not the life we committed to when we said yes to Christ.
Being a follower of Christ means daily taking up one’s own cross and dying daily to self.  It means raging through the rapids of trials.  Dealing with sorrow and loss – being watched as we endure the cross for His glory not ours.
How many times have we started through the valley and given up only to later see the impact it could have made. It means risking our pride and sharing with co-workers, neighbors, and friends about our relationship with Christ and how He has changed our life.  It means missing out on some of the fun, bucket lists and wants so we can serve in local shelters, host a life group, or give of our precious time to listen to a hurting friend.  Not always what we want  – but what He requires.
Are we willing to die to self and carry the cross?  Are we willing to say yes to God and no to self?  It’s not an easy thing to do, but God never promised us a land of milk and honey on earth – our reward is in heaven.  Will you commit to being His follower today?
“Father, thank you for the opportunity to carry the cross for Your glory.  Give me strength as I rage the rapids and fight the battles of self.”

 

For His Glory,
Debbie Struble
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 24, 2016

Love Beyond What We Can See

may 24“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

 

A few evenings ago, I heard a knock on my door.   Standing there with a huge smile on his face was my 10-year-old neighbor Peyton, in his blue and white baseball uniform, excited to tell me that his team had won its game. He spilled out all the statistics about his team; how many games they won, how many they lost, how many they tied, and what would happen if the lucky streak kept on going. His bright, blue eyes were sparkling with euphoria as he shared his accomplishments with me. Then, suddenly, he popped a question, “Would you like to see my pet toad?” Now, mind you, I am not fond of many critters of the wild, and a toad is not something I would envision a child wanting to have as a pet. Nonetheless, in order not to wipe my little neighbor’s smile off his face, I agreed to step outside and take a look at his friend.

 

Peyton hurried out ahead of me and jumped in the protective barrier of the first floor apartment’s window seal, where the toad was being “housed.” He picked it up and climbed back out to show it to me. I didn’t want to seem afraid or disgusted by the ugly frog he held, so I kept nodding my head as he caressed the creature with his fingers. Then, I finally couldn’t resist it and asked,” Why a toad? What is so special about toads that you wanted to have one?”

 

Without hesitation, Peyton responded, “I love this toad. Not everyone loves toads and if it weren’t for me, he would be out here all by himself, with no one to look after him. He is special to me.” After saying those words, the lad kissed the frog and placed it back in its safe spot by the window seal.

 

Peyton seems to understand well the language of selfless, unconditional love the Lord Jesus modeled for us, the love that sees beyond outward appearance and warms the heart. Like this little guy, we, too, can love, nurture, encourage, and comfort without judging by someone’s outer appearance.

 

“Lord, help us to love like You do, unconditionally and selflessly.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Love, Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 23, 2016

In My Proper Place

may 23“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8a (NIV)

Hovered over in the corner of my patio, I found my garden cherub.  The winter winds had tipped this little baby cherub over and left it wedged between two large stone pavers face down.  My first thought was to put it back in its “proper place.”    But then how many times do we find ourselves stuck between a hard place unable to move except down to our knees?  In God’s eyes it’s a beautiful place – one of total surrender – it was in its proper place.

In my kitchen, I have a tiny baby chick (not real) perched on my window with its face straight up.  Another posture that God loves.  Every time I come in my kitchen, I am reminded to keep my eyes on things above, to exam life through eternity, and to praise God with every breath. Regardless of what I have or don’t have –  an eye focused on God is always at peace and full of gratitude.

Two positions one faces down or one faces up – where have you been lately?  If God has us in a tight squeeze, we would be wise to stay on our knees until He picks us back up.  If God has our head tilted back and eyes gazing into His, we would be wise to praise Him in all things.

If our eyes are the windows into our souls, then our gaze is critical to healing,  nurturing , cleansing and igniting that soul.   Surrender and praise will always guarantee that we are in our proper place.

“Father, being with You is the most awesome place to be – surrendered, dependent and fully confident that I am Yours forever.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 20, 2016

Praying With Purpose

may 20“Your kingdom come,Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 (NIV)

Burdens, heartaches, and struggles are part of the Christian life.  As a woman who has experienced each of these, I understand praying persistently about something/someone. Prayer is communicating with God – a longing to go deeper still.  The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)  patterns Christ’s example of how to pray most effectively.

He prayed with purpose.  Prayer is much more than repetitious words and requesting ‘things’ of God.   Jesus always prayed with eternal perspective in mind and sought to glorify His Father by submitting to His will.

He prayed specifically – He magnified His Father, requested only daily needs, and concluded with praise – never once mentioning Himself.

He prayed consistently – early in the morning, all night, for forty days/forty nights, following great gatherings, before making major decisions, etc.  He prayed about everything.

He made prayer an intentional priority in His life.  Without question when we realize we are nothing apart from Christ, prayer becomes an element of our character.

As women, oftentimes our prayers are all about self-gratification.  We pray selfishly, complain and compare ourselves to others, want fleshly desires met, feel we don’t ‘measure up’, etc.   Before our next prayer, let’s try asking ourselves the following.  Is this request God’s will, does it glorify Him, and is my heart completely submissive to Him regardless of the outcome?   I’m afraid many prayers will require edits!!  Deletions perhaps because it entails issues we don’t want to confront, are not willing to surrender, and frankly, because it’s not what ‘we’ want.  Living a Christ centered life is always adhering to His will and praying with an eternal perspective in mind.

“Father, please teach me to pray as Christ prayed – purposely, specifically, consistently, and intentionally as I go deeper still.”

 

For His Glory

Patsy Sanders
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 19, 2016

Warning Labels

may 19“Woe to the obstinate children, declares the Lord, to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin;”  Isaiah 30:1 (NIV)

Are you a label reader?  I spend more time reading the labels in the grocery store than I do actually shopping.  Organic, all natural, whole grain, low sodium – you almost need a degree to translate what’s really inside some products.  Nutritionists would be quick to say it is time well spent, however, I find label reading totally confusing.

I’m so glad that God makes His warning labels crystal clear.  In fact, He’s the original red flag raiser establishing safe boundaries to protect us from our own sinful desires. Throughout scripture, God warned His people in advance of impending danger and horrific consequences that would result from their disobedience.   Obstacles arose in their paths, doors were closed and even angels were dispersed to lead people from danger.  Yet the overwhelming desires of their hearts and determination to continue with their own plans often resulted in devastating consequences.

Today, we are faced with the same dilemma.   Determined to go our own way, we often settle for a temporary pleasure instead of a guaranteed blessing. We ignore red flags and often trudge forward asking God to bless our upcoming messes.  By heeding God’s warnings and obeying His commandments, we can avoid unnecessary heartache. Maybe we should spend more time reading God’s warning labels; I’m sure He would be quick to say it’s time well spent.

“Father, Teach us how to heed Your warning signs and avoid the pitfalls of moving against Your will. You are our great Protector guiding us away from danger; thank You for positioning us to receive guaranteed blessings.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 18, 2016

Life Is Like A Baby on A Jeep Ride

may 18“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  Luke 12:48b (NIV)

In the days when children played outside and parents took their families for walks and car rides after dinner, my family would do no different. Right after supper, my parents gathered their brood and took us to play in the city square.  It was a public gathering area in the middle of town, which displayed a water fountain that played music while the water would “dance”, an old locomotive, a gazebo that housed local bands, rose gardens, and benches where the parents would sit while the children were amused by the sloths that climbed the trees.

Those were also the days when people didn’t really know the importance of buckling up their seat belts or strapping children in car seats. So one hot summer night, while taking a ride around town in my parents’ wrangler Jeep, two-year-old-me managed to fall out of the vehicle when Dad put the car back in motion after the traffic light turned green. Dad didn’t drive far before horns were honking all over the place, and he looked to see what was going on.  He noticed a man picking up a child from the middle of the street – yes, that was me! – So Dad stopped the vehicle and ran to rescue me.

What happened on that evening showed my parents a couple of things: first, it showed how tough I was, as there were no scratches on my body and the bump on my head wasn’t serious. Second, it showed them that family car rides needed to include a way to keep me seated during the ride.  Lastly, that adventure showed them the importance to be alert at all times, for the unexpected could happen in a moment’s notice.

God is a faithful God who gives us much to enjoy, but He also expects that we become good, responsible stewards of that which He entrusts to our care, including our children. I am grateful for the many times in my own life as a parent when God spared my kids from harm. As the old preacher would say, “life is fragile; handle it with prayer.”

“Lord, so often we place ourselves in harm’s way, but so often you deliver us. Thank you!”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Living

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