Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 19, 2016

Paying It Forward

apr 19“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”  Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

 

As I opened the small envelope and began to read the handwritten message, I could not contain my satisfaction or withhold my smile. It was a note from someone who had taken a few minutes of her time to write a note to thank me for the attention and kindness I’d shown her. The random act of kindness yielded in me a desire to pick up a ‘thank-you’ card and write that individual back, which would defeat her purpose in thanking me in the first place, as I would be thanking her for thanking me.

 

Almost instantly, I thought, well then, ‘pay it forward.’ If you have not heard this expression before, it basically means that when someone does something nice for you, and you are not able – for one reason or another – to repay the favor to that individual, you find someone else who could use some kindness and you do something nice for her.

 

So, long story short, I grabbed a couple cards and I sat down and jotted notes to two friends I’d not seen in a while, basically thanking them for being in my life and for being my friends. I placed stamps on both envelopes, took the envelopes to my mailbox, raised the little red flag, and voilà, kindness, thoughtfulness, TLC, whatever one may wish to call it, was on its way to those two people. Now, let me share with you something I do which some people really get a kick out of: I place confetti in my mail! Yes, multi-colored, fun shaped (musical notes, stars, hearts, angels, etc.) confetti! If I am going to brighten someone else’s day, I want to add that extra little sparkle.

 

‘Paying forward’ requires NO previous niceness from the recipient, just a willing heart on the giver’s part.

 

“Lord, You always bless us with more than we need. Help us to pay Your generosity forward, Lord.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 18, 2016

Seeking Change

apr 18“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:22 (ESV)

Change – wow – that’s a conversation starter.  As women we embrace, endure and struggle through many changes.  Some we like and some we don’t. Change has a funny way of reinventing us and let’s just admit it – we like us just the way we are.

Wonder why we forego our “unchanged” mindset for us and yet require it of others?

It’s easy to target change we desire in the lives of those we do life with. We get so enmeshed in what we want to see changed: behaviors we want transformed, comments we want censored and appearances we want altered.  And if we are not careful, our prayers will zero in on our “wish list” of how someone needs to be reinvented. Wonder what would happen if instead of listing change, we left it up to Jesus?  What if we turned our “want your behavior this way request” into “want you to know and love Jesus more?”  Isn’t that where change really starts?

Sweet reminder to self  – only Jesus can really change a heart.  And the cool thing is He doesn’t need my input.  We can trust Jesus with the lives of those we love.  We can let go of our burden to save, redeem, restore and reinvent when we release them to Jesus.  Now, don’t misunderstand – I’m definitely not advocating giving up or foregoing specific prayers.  I’m simply considering where lasting change evolves – at the feet of Jesus.  When we exchange our list and focus on Jesus’ agenda, we move out of the way so He can do the work.

Not easy for moms when they long for a prodigal to return.  Not simple to say for wives who dream of a husband who would follow after God’s heart.  Doesn’t seem doable for the one whose wounds run deep.  But exactly where we need to be – focusing in on their relationship with Jesus rather than nitpicking their outward mess.  Grace spilled over invites return – coming home – changing lives to be more and more like Jesus.

“Father, we get so in the way of what You are doing.  Help us to let go, release others into Your capable hands and faithfully pray that they return to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 15, 2016

Speaking God’s Word

apr 15“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

 

Have you ever found yourself quick to correct or rebuke someone?  After all, its our Christian duty to keep our sisters in line even if we don’t know all of the circumstances – right?

A quick surface view and some little stewing quickly thrusts us on a pedestal overlooking innocent bystanders trying to do life the best they can.  Whether they are new Christians learning the ropes or seasoned believers worn out and tired – we would be wise to heed Paul’s advice to young Timothy.

When we preach the Word (and not our own words), our message is seasoned with truth and grace.  When we are prepared in season and out of season, our motives are God centered bathed in prayer.  And if God leads us to correct or rebuke, then our hearts will be filled with humility seeking to encourage and restore others.

I love the fact that Paul knows our tendencies and tags onto this verse two ways to preach the incredible truths of God’s Word.  With great patience and careful instruction, we will draw others to our loving Heavenly Father.  Lasting growth takes time and perseverance.  Instruction that is given carefully will be tailored to where the person is at rather than where we feel they should be.

Being open about our own mistakes and how God has shaped our lives will encourage others to fully embrace God’s forgiveness and restoration.  There’s no greater way to encourage growth and spur others own than to shed perfection and be authentic.  Real women who face real struggles. Real women who make mistakes and need daily grace. Real women who desperately cling to Jesus.  Real women who know the steps they have taken and extend grace so others can be lifted back up too.  Real women who speak His words.

 

“Father,  Your grace is more than enough  – help me to never forget where I’ve been and what You have done for me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Mercy, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 14, 2016

Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

apr 14“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” Hebrews 12:2a (KJV)

What are you looking at?

I wonder how many times has God asked us that very question, “My child, what are you looking at?”

We all know the familiar passages of scripture, where Peter walks on the water (Matthew 14:22-33).  Peter looks down and begins to sink.  What was he looking at?

I can imagine our heavenly Father thinking (and possibly shaking His head): “Peter, what are you looking at?   I’m out here, not down there.  Come to me.  Keep your eyes on me.  Life is in me, peace is in me, hope is in me.  Every good and perfect thing is in Me.”

What are we looking at today?  Our past failures?  Our problems, our circumstances?  The Bible tells us to forget those things that are behind. God says don’t be anxious, don’t worry.  Paul tells us to look toward Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full at His wonderful face.  And the things on this earth will grow strangely dim.  In the light of His glory and grace.

“Heavenly Father, please help us to focus on You.  Please help us to walk in Your will and Your perfect way.  Thank You for being our guiding light.”

 

For His Glory

Cynthia J. McCoy
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 13, 2016

When Impossible Bears Down

apr 13“But I will hope continually and will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14 (ESV)

We were looking for the huge thing.  The miracle that would end an untimely, unwanted event.  Yet nestled right in the middle of all that we wanted and prayed hard for, God was intersecting in the minute details of every moment.  Still, silent acts that nudged us to remember that miracles are birthed in small steps just as they are birthed in leaps.  And we would have missed them, if “thanks” hadn’t lodged its way right into our conversation.

Another disappointment, a setback and Satan would have us peer into the darkness and wonder if God were even there. Wasn’t He listening when we cried out in the night?  Didn’t He see the tears streaming down our tired faces?  Could it be this miracle wouldn’t happen? Amazing how quickly Satan rehearses and replays those tapes to invite doubt, disappointment and even anger to rise to the surface.  In little spurts, he attempts to drown out the sweetness of God’s truth: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Thankful today for small steps.  For edges of gray melting out of darkness reminding us God’s light still shines.  For divine interventions God was orchestrating before we even knew what lay ahead.  For scribbled down lists of His faithfulness and goodness that would have gone unnoticed or easily forgotten.  For unrehearsed conversations that turned our eyes back to the One who is worthy of our praise.

So if you’re looking for the huge thing, the miraculous, the extraordinary don’t get lost in the results.  Get lost instead in the love of Jesus and the sweet abiding of His presence. Drink deep of His encouragement and glimpse His touch sprinkled over all our days.  Pay close attention to the seemingly insignificant details and watch as He unfolds an amazing story.  Gather up praise, thankfulness and gratitude – keep them close and never forget that miracles still happen.

“Father, help us to believe, trust and hold on to the truth of who You really are – the God of all possibilities!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 12, 2016

Family Privilege

apr 12“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Some of the best memories a person will have are those made during his or her childhood. I vividly remember times when my parents got our house ready to host banquets for important people and what all it entailed. We had extra pairs of eyes, hands and feet to come over and help put each event together and make our spacious home to look proper for the occasion with special lighting, flowers, and plenty of food to go around. The entertainer was always my dad, as he tickled the ivories while we all sang.

During those times, it was so exciting to wait for the parade of cars to stop in our street and watch people get out of their cars and into the house I called my own. Though the children were not exactly the hosts, we all felt special as we stood by our parents to bid everyone welcome to our home.

We never hosted the President of Brazil, but we hosted politicians at all levels, as well as parishioners and other upscale figures of society. Going to school the next few days was always interesting, as people would be talking about the banquet that was held at the Natali residence. I never even fathomed the level of importance some people gave to those events, as I was automatically granted the privilege to attend the parties as the daughter of my parents.

Isn’t this how it feels to be a child of the King of Kings? There is absolutely nothing we need to do in order to enjoy the blessings He has for His children, because once we declare Him as our Lord and Savior and ask Him to dwell within us, we become family and we are treated as such. And because we love Him so much, we will always offer Him our best, especially in what pertains to taking good care of His temple.

“Father, thank You for saving us and calling us Your own. May our hearts always be Your home.”

 For His Glory

Luska Suzano
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 11, 2016

God’s Happy

apr 11“Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart.”  Psalm 119:2 (HCSB)

Where’s your happy place?  My mind instantly transcends to the ocean.  Soaking up warm sunshine, listening to the waves and reading my fave book –  my go to place to rejuvenate my spirit.  How about you?  Got a place that relaxes, recharges and refuels you?  Regardless of where or what elevates our happy, we often elusively run after or run to perceived happy.

Psalm 119 reels it all in and showcases God’s happy – the sweet abide of obedience.  When we heed God’s wisdom, we birth happy.  When we listen to His instructions, we invite happy.  When we cling to His truths, we welcome happy.  When we seek Him with all our heart, we prioritize happy.

God’s happy is so much deeper, vibrant and life giving than we dare dream in our surface happy.  We visualize happy as problem free and easy.  God sees happy as transformational bliss – it might not be pleasant for a season but the end result is undeniable and everlasting joy.

Got it – real, authentic happy is extreme joy found only in the presence of God regardless of our circumstances. Its walking in sync with His words and demonstrating obedience to His commands.  Webster even gets it with his definition:  “Happy is marked by an atmosphere of good fellowship.”  Can’t think of a better place to be than close to the heart of God – that’s sweet fellowship!

So girlfriends what about our happy?  Do we need to make some adjustments?  Do we need to cultivate a hunger and passion for His words?  What about our actions – do we need to roll up our sleeves and quit resisting what we know brings Him great joy?  And what about our thoughts – would we serve our memory better by focusing on His talk rather than our self talk?

Love the way God spells it out – crystal clear – no guessing.  The real happy place is loving God with all our heart, mind  and soul.

“Father, it’s quite so simple , yet we miss it so often.  Our circumstantial happy will never equate to the joy found in You alone.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 8, 2016

Bittersweet Revelation

apr 8“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.  Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

Dark chocolate is incredibly delicious.    It has a texture all its own and that tinge of bitter dark chocolate mingled with the overriding sweetness causes me to grab one more piece savoring every bite.

While bittersweet chocolate is a favorite treat, I don’t particularly enjoy bittersweet moments. Exchanging our plans and time table for God’s often leaves us questioning “why” rather than savoring the bittersweet.   Why doesn’t God intervene?  Why did God allow this to happen?  Why do I have to wait?   And the list goes on and on……

Nestled in the middle of all our questions lies a bittersweet revelation – God is ultimately in control and knows what is best.  It doesn’t erase our heartache and it doesn’t mean we will enjoy every moment, but it does remind us to taste and see that the Lord is Good!  And as we do, the “bitter” of our situation turns to sweetness when we focus on His loving kindness.  He who collects our tears in a bottle – He who knows every hair on our head – He who has etched our names in the palms of His hands – He is the overriding sweetness that causes us to draw closer and savor every moment.

Life will undoubtedly challenge our perception of who God is, but the one who seeks out His character will find He can be trusted to turn our bitter moments into sweetness.

“Father, when we are blinded to the depths of Your love, help our hearts to trust in the glory of Your name – You are the Great I Am!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2016

Genuine Friends

apr 7“Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote on it at the instruction of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the firs.  And besides, there were added to them many similar words.” Jeremiah 36:32 (NKJV)

I love my friends! I love hanging out with them, laughing with them, and sometimes crying with them. All my friends are different. Not all of them enjoy shopping or sitting around to people watch. But I have a friend who I can always count on to support me as I seek to obey God!

Whenever I’m ready to give up or throw in the towel, my friend reminds me of God’s love and His provisions.  Not all of my friends are like this. With some of them, if the cost is too high, their advice is to give up.

While reading my devotions (Jeremiah 36:32),  I learned about Jeremiah and his friends. Jeremiah was a prophet who had to tell the King he would be defeated and his family would be killed –  not a fun message to deliver. But Jeremiah had one friend, Baruch, who encouraged him to do what God commanded. Baruch wrote down God’s message to the people of Judah as Jeremiah dictated it. When the king had Baruch’s work destroyed, a lesser of a friend would have given up and encouraged him to give up too, but not Baruch. Jeremiah dictated the letter again, and Baruch wrote it all over again even though he knew his life was at risk for helping Jeremiah.

Do you have a friend like Baruch? Do we appreciate the friend who encourages us to do the right thing? Are we that type of friend?

“Lord, thank You for the friend that You have provided to encourage me and help me when I need it.  But more importantly, Lord, thank YOU for being that friend that is closer than a brother.” 

For His Glory

Melissa Tucker
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 6, 2016

A Beautiful Mind

apr 6“Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.  You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness – righteous, holy and true.”  Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)

I love surfing the web. Finding recipes, downloading articles, checking out websites, catching up on Facebook, etc. Unfortunately, all that surfing tends to bog down my computer causing it to operate really slow.  Easy solution – I defrag my computer to clear out the scattered bits of information and organize my disk space.  Amazing the difference it makes, and I’m back up to speed in no time.

I don’t know about you, but my mind can get bogged down with scattered and runaway bits of information.   A tiny seed of doubt, fear or discouragement slips in and before we even realize what’s happening, we’re bogged down with careless thoughts.  We entertain a thought for a moment and an hour later it’s mushroomed beyond our comprehension.  And if we’re not careful, those thoughts will impact our emotions and actions as well. Not to mention all the wasted energy we expend trying to maneuver through them.

God’s solution – clear out the clutter and defrag Your brain.  Halting a thought before it has time to seize any unoccupied space terminates any chance of that same thought taking root.   Recognizing Satan’s lies and deliberately choosing to saturate our minds with God’s truths will enable us to function at our best.  Next time we find our minds conjuring up the unthinkable, we would be wise to drop to our knees and seek a spiritual renewal.

“Father renew my mind with Your thoughts and teach me to walk in the freedom that comes from trusting in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Freedom, Spiritual Living

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