Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 17, 2016

Ready To Shine

may 17You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.” James 1:3 (MSG)

The word diamond comes from the Greek word “Adamas”, which means indestructible. “Natural” diamonds are formed by severe temperature and extreme pressure.  Invisible about 90 miles below in the Earth’s mantle under tons of different kinds of sediment where the temperature is at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

After years of being hidden during the transformation from carbon to a stone under the Earth’s weight and heat it’s hard to fathom that something of so much worth and desire comes out of the ashes. Once unearthed, the hardest naturally formed substance known to man reveals itself as a diamond in the rough. At first glance the chunk of rock might not look like much from the untrained eye. However, in the hands of an expert gem cutter something wonderful develops. With precise cutting, chiseling and shaping a precious, pristine and polished diamond comes to life. What was once thought of as useless with no value has developed into a priceless work of art.

Has the Lord allowed enormous pressure and heat to invade your life? Has the transformation taken longer than you anticipated? During the refining process have you felt hidden and alone?

Perhaps on some days it was a struggle to put one foot in front of the other as you journeyed in obedience towards the expectancy of God’s promises; building dynamic faith under pressure. All the while, whispering every step of the way…I trust and believe You Lord.

God has purposefully hidden you while He has been preparing and equipping you in the furnace of life. He’s been making a diamond out of you. At God’s appointed time you will be found. When you have been discovered its evident you are not what you used to be. Your life has been in the hands of an expert gem cutter. God has precisely cut and chiseled the rugged imperfections out of our lives. He carves away undesirable features and smooths rough edges. When it’s time for unveiling a flawless, indestructible and brilliant diamond is ready to shine illuminating His glory and His namesake.

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 16, 2016

Greatly Blessed

may 16“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” Nehemiah 9:28 (NIV)

Sitting at my kitchen counter, I glimpse the sun beginning to set.  How amazing that God would paint such a beautiful melting dreamsicle for me.   I’m reminded of His grace, His love, His protection, His guidance – all His benefits that have followed my footsteps.  Too many to count, yet so often quickly discarded.

Like a yo yo bouncing back and forth, we often find ourselves hanging in the balance of gratitude and discontent.  Maybe it’s because we’ve learned that yo yo dance so well. Like the Children of Israel, our allegiance slips. We become self-sufficient when life is good and the sunsets are breathtaking.  We fail to see beauty in His presence or we simply desire more discrediting the bounty in our hands. And before we know it, we find ourselves wallowing in the consequences of careless decisions.  Our worship becomes fleeting absorbing whatever is before our eyes rather than focused on the One true God.

We sin, we confess, and we accept grace.  We reel God back in as our Awesome Healer and Deliverer often without even a glimpse of how He must feel being strung along for the ride.  But that’s how amazing He truly is – even in my ugliest discontented state, God glimpses a righteous Son living and breathing in me.  He envisions the masterpiece He is painting.  Instantly God extends grace, love, protection, guidance – all His benefits yo yo back to me.

“Father, we are truly in awe of Your compassion – so undeserved, yet so deeply loved.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 13, 2016

Claiming Ours

may 13“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.” Acts 5: 32 (ESV)

“This is mine.”  Words uttered from young, childish lips. Separating dolls and clinging to our own.  Staking our territory and daring anyone to cross.  Not sure what prompts our claiming “it’s mine” at such an early age.  We’d rather keep it all and forego the fun of sharing even if it means being alone. Stacking up in our corner, accumulating and protecting yet missing out on the joy found in sharing with others.

Ever lapsed back to those days – keeping what’s ours even when we know someone else is in need?  Or perhaps it shows up right in the midst of everyone’s plenty, and we gather ours measuring it up against another.  Sometimes it can even rear its ugly head in the midst of busy. No one can do our job like we do it. No one can help us because we don’t want them taking our position.   So rather than share, we carry the load and cling to what’s ours. End result burnout and exhaustion all for the sake of keeping ours.

Flip through the pages of Acts and you will find the early church displaying the giving of ours.  What belonged to one – belonged to them all. No one was in need and everything they had was available for everyone.  No separating or staking claiming just simply aligning their hearts and souls with God.

What made the difference?  Perhaps it was their devotion to prayer.  Maybe it was listening to God’s words spoken through the apostles.  Could it have been their unbroken fellowship one with another?   A cord of three is not easily broken – the combination of prayer, teaching and fellowship knit their lives together.  And the result was love…loving God with all their heart, soul and mind…..loving others like they loved themselves.

Next time claiming “ours” appeals to us, let’s choose to love God and love others. Let’s release our clinging and enjoy the blessing of obedience – hearts united as one.

“Father, You take great pleasure in seeing Your children walking in Your truth.  Give us a passionate desire to align our hearts with Yours.”

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2016

Moving In The Right Direction

may 12“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

The children of Israel had been liberated forty years earlier. So why were they still wandering in the wilderness after forty years of freedom? You would think they would get tired of the same old same old. Going in circles wandering around Mount Seir year after year. Their destiny was the Promise Land; however, they were still in the wilderness. God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt, but the wilderness journey was to get Egypt out of the Israelites.

The time had come to change course. God told the Israelites they had been wandering long enough now “turn north” and head towards the Promise Land where their destiny and victory was waiting. Even though the Israelites had a destiny waiting for them action was required on their part. They had to make some changes. They had to turn north.

We also have a supernatural destiny charted by God. No matter what your natural may look like at this very moment. God has a good plan. Are you believing Him for an incredible destiny? If you are ready for a change in your life. If you are weary from going around the same mountain. If you are tired of the enemy whispering in your ear you can’t. Declare today you can and you will! It’s time to take back what the enemy has stolen by way of fear, doubt and intimidation. The enemy can no longer keep you in the wilderness. Decree from this day forward you are promise bound.

God has taken a lot of thought in making plans for your life. He has outlined your life using multiple ways to bless and benefit you. God said it, therefore, He meant it! You just need to believe it! Take action! The time has arrived to make the necessary changes to live the promise!

“Father, thank You our lives are full of hope and blessings because You have planned our good and secure futures taking us from faith to faith, strength to strength and glory to glory.”

For His Glory

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

 

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2016

The Very Best Invitation

may 11“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (HCSB)

I just love getting invitations in the mail!  I am thrilled by the words, “Please come.”  Doesn’t matter if it’s an invitation to a wedding, shower, birthday party or some other occasion…it is always a privilege to be invited to celebrate milestones with friends and family.  Even the invitation to join friends for casual fellowship is cause for celebration. The time we invest in relationships with others, is a blessing to us and to them.  And, usually there are some yummy refreshments involved too!

Each and every morning, we awaken to an invitation from Jesus.  “Please come.”  He invites us to spend time with Him so that we can get to know Him better, celebrate milestones in our relationship with Him, and so that He can provide spiritual refreshment for our weary souls.

What invitation could possibly be better than that?  We have all had to turn down invitations that we truly wanted to accept.  Jesus understands the demands on our time… and, He loves us even when we don’t accept His gracious invitation.  But, we miss out on so much when we don’t spend time with Him…especially when we are weary and burdened.  I love that when I accept His invitation, He always shows up with nourishment for my weary soul.

“Jesus, thank You for inviting me to spend time with You every day.  Help me to make this a priority occasion on my calendar. Thank You for the nourishment that You provide as I read Your Word and fellowship with You.”

 

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2016

Strong Ties That Last

may 10“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.”  Ruth 1:16-17 (NIV)

Friendship is a beautiful thing. Whether we meet at random or through the ties of marriage, a true friendship can outlast life itself.

The Bible tells us of the story of two women who were connected when the son of one married the other; they were Naomi and Ruth. If you’re not familiar with their story, I’ll summarize it here. Naomi was a woman from Bethlehem in Judah. Along with her husband and their two sons, she went to live in Moab for a season, because there was a famine in their land. While they were in Moab, Naomi’s husband Elimelech died and her two sons married two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Then, the unexpected happened: the two men died, leaving all of the women widowed.

When word came that the famine in Bethlehem in Judah had ceased, Naomi prepared to return home and her daughters-in-law were going to return with her because they were family.  Naomi, however, told the women to go back to their mother’s home because she had nothing else to offer them other than herself. So, Orpah did return to her home, but Ruth clung to Naomi and was not about to leave her on her own. Ruth loved Naomi and she vowed to be with her until her last days; and so the two journeyed to Bethlehem.

The friendship that Naomi and Ruth had was so strong and so committed, that they endured everything together. One day, God opened the floodgates of heaven and blessed them. Ruth remarried into Naomi’s family and bore a son, keeping Naomi’s family name alive; and that son became the father of Jesse, who later became the father of David.

True friends are blessings from heaven, especially in times of turmoil, and blessed are those who have them.

“Lord, thank You for blessing us with friends.”

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 9, 2016

Extraordinary Faith

may 9“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 (ESV)

Ever been captivated by those stories of real people filling up the pages of the Bible?   Sarah’s laughter revealed at the thought of childbirth in her 90s.  Hagar’s desperate cry for help.  Deborah’s bravery in waging war against the enemy.  Elizabeth’s quiet joy erupting at the birth of John the Baptist.  Mary’s prompting Jesus to save the day at the wedding feast.    Martha’s hard questions boldly uttered at Lazarus’ tomb.  Successful business woman Lydia opening her heart up to God.

Nothing speaks louder than God’s truth lived out. Real women with real struggles and challenges just like you and me.  Ordinary women in love with an extraordinary God.  Love hearing how He worked and continues to work in the lives of His girls.

Why?  Because authentic faith inspires us to exercise our faith.  It encourages us to get out of the boat and at least attempt to walk on water. It stirs a passion within us that says, “Maybe I could do that.”  It challenges us to the core and propels us to trust deeper and bank on His promises.  It compels us to draw closer and ask the hard questions knowing God will meet us in our doubts.   Courageous faith that keeps pressing on when no one else will.  Inviting faith that whispers, “I gave my Son just for you.”

We make the choice every day to choose to believe or doubt that God is still doing amazing things in the lives of His girls.  Opportunities that knock on our door just like they did in the pages of scripture.  Circumstances that remind us of the power given to those who trust fully in Him.  So let’s embrace our ordinary moments and watch as God transforms them into extraordinary faith.

“Father, there’s an audience waiting to see if we truly believe in You  – help us to be bold women who share their stories so others will be drawn closer to You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 6, 2016

Everyday Life – Influence That Matters

may 6“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”  Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)

A mother’s influence is taught in the midst of everyday life.  Her words, actions and presence fill the pages of our lives with positive or negative messages.  Little ears and eyes drink in deep the lessons birthed from the one that gave them life.  Right in the midst of laundry, cooking dinner and shuffling children from one athletic event to another – teachable moments surface.

Drana Bojaxhiu  didn’t realize the generational impact the world would see through her influence.  A widow with three children, Drana took in sewing to help support her family.  Despite her hardships and living in poverty, she helped take care of the poor and sick in her neighborhood.  She cleaned their homes, fixed meals, and watched their children. Drana’s powerful influence propelled her daughter, Mother Teresa, to follow in her footsteps – the very mention of her name reflects a life devoted to being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Influence is not regulated to birth mothers – it is freely given to any woman who chooses to invest her life in others.  There is no shortage of students; God’s divine appointments are worthy of our attention. Fast forward to the 21st century and we have to look hard to find those who speak and demonstrate intentional godly lives.  In our social media dominated world, it’s crucial that we weigh our words, posts and tweets.  It’s critical that we don’t lose sight of face to face encounters that mold someone else’s heart.  It’s vital that we make an investment in the lives of others.

Drana had no idea the impact her daughter would make on this world. We have no idea the difference we can make in one person’s life for eternity. Let’s grab the baton and be intentional in passing God’s truths on to someone in the next generation.

 

“Father, as women You have gifted us with the power of influence – help us to welcome the opportunity to invest in another’s life.

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2016

Set Up To Win

may 5“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

When teaching a child how to play a game, you make it age appropriate so they have a chance to win. Likewise, God will never put us in a situation that He hasn’t already set up for us to be victorious over. As our Creator, God knows our strengths, weaknesses and exactly what situations we will encounter. Therefore, He knows how to set up our challenges in a way that we can overcome them.

Just as a parent celebrates when their child hits the ball for the first time, God celebrates each time we take a step towards victory. A parent also holds on to the bicycle until the child is steady enough to let go.  However, God holds on and never lets go as we are empowered in His strength and courage. As our Heavenly Father, God loves us and positions us to be successful. We just have to be willing to take that first step towards reliance in Him, so we will be the winner He has set us up to be.

“Dear God, Thank you for wanting us to be successful and for giving us ways to do so. Help us as we take that first step towards victory.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 4, 2016

Running On Empty

may 4 “…put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.” Colossians 3:8  (NASB)

One day someone did something that made me angry—really angry.  I tried just “getting over it,” but that didn’t work.  I tried talking to my husband, but that was no good.   Invariably, I went right back to my seething.    As the afternoon dragged itself into view, I realized I needed a little help, so I very “humbly” started to pray.

I told God (not very nicely) that if He wanted me to have any patience at all—He would have to give it to me.   After all, my “tank” was empty, the “gas light” was on, and I was running on fumes!  I then took a deep breath, opened my Bible, and started to read.   How uncanny that my fingers flipped right to Colossians 3:8, which told me to put aside my anger and wrath.   How remarkable that vs. 12 told me to put on a heart of kindness, humility, and patience.   And how interesting that vs. 13 said to bear with one another and forgive just as the Lord had forgiven me!

Wow.   God had used His word to soften my heart and gently rebuke me.   My demanding prayer swiftly changed to a humbler one.   I then thanked God for His patience with me.  The next time someone lights a fire in my engine, I will ask the Lord immediately to fill me with grace.  Furthermore, I believe the Lord wants me to start my day with quiet time in His word, so that I can be filled with His Spirit and not “running on empty” before the day has even begun!

 “Dear Lord, thank You for extending grace to me.  Help me now to extend grace to others.” 

For His Glory

Ruby Sand
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

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