Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 4, 2016

Forever Changing

mar4“Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7 (NIV)

Just getting it done – I remember that well when I was in high school. Homework was a chore – a thing to mark off my list. Cleaning my room gave me freedom on the weekend. And reading the Word well that kept me on God’s favor list or so I thought. But did I really benefit by “just getting it done?”

Choosing to slide by will always reveal our weakest link. And when it comes to God’s classroom, we can’t afford to settle for less. Mentored by the Apostle Paul, Timothy was taught powerful lessons. Reminders to hold fast to the truths of God’s word that he had been taught from early childhood. Encouragement to have a clear conscience. Warnings to flee even the slightest presence of evil. Challenged to be ready, prepared and willing to share the gospel that transformed his life. “Just getting it done” never entered Timothy or Paul’s mind.

Do we ever entertain those thoughts? Doubt that we would admit it, since we often pride ourselves on being in the know. But knowing and acknowledging are distinctly different. Anyone can take in but only the brave, courageous, and humble recognize that acting on what we know leads to transformation. God longs for us to not only hear the Word, but to be empowered by the Word. I don’t want to just slide into Heaven’s gates. I want to take others with me. I want to leave an imprint on this world that catapult’s others to hold on tight to what they have learned at the feet of Jesus. Won’t you join me? Always learning – forever changing.

“Father, it is too easy to sit, listen and read – spurred in the moment – but discarded in a second. Help us to hold on tight to the truths of Your Word that position our lives to act, impact and reflect Your heart.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2016

Enjoying His Peace

mar3“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)
What’s occupying our mind today? Are we basking in the joy of the Lord? Are we shining for the Lord? Maybe, we are thinking about the words that won’t leave our head that someone said to us. Maybe we are thinking about health, money, illness, or just how we’re going to take care of this. Do you know that God has already taken care of it – He has already covered it and defeated it. He never wants you to fret, be troubled or afraid. Question is have we given it to Him? He is bigger than whatever we are facing.

I have faced many trials in my life and anticipate many more to come. He didn’t promise us every moment would be a perfect moment. He promised trials and tribulations until we reach heaven. What I do know is He has it covered! We just need to hold our hands out straight in front of us, palms up placing our cares in our palms and lift them to Jesus. He has given us a beautiful gift – a gift of peace of mind and heart. Rest in Him – take a drive to a river if you can, sit beside it and listen to the water running – it’s peaceful, enjoy nature and let God give you the peace the world can’t give. Ahhh….

“Father, what a precious gift You gave when You gave me peace. I don’t deserve it, but I do want it and thank You for it. Today, right here and right now, I want to specifically give You my burden of _____________ for You to cover. I trust You and Your plan.”

For His Glory,

Debbie Struble
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 2, 2016

Leave The Baggage Behind

mar2“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)

Life is constantly giving us lessons, so the key is to take the time to learn them. All too often we cannot move forward from a lesson because we are too busy looking back. It’s kind of like trying to finish reading a book but stopping to reread the previous chapters. We will never know how the book ends because eventually we will get frustrated with the process and quit reading.

The same can be applied to our lives. Sometimes we go through things in our past that we haven’t properly processed or dealt with. Instead of using them to learn a lesson, we continue to drag them from one relationship, job or situation. And then we add new baggage on top of it all. Soon, we are so overwhelmed with everything and give up. We become accustomed to the weight of the past and try to continue life like it’s not there.

God gave us His word to teach us that we don’t have to carry the burdens of past mistakes and disappointments around. Through the grace of God and the gift of salvation, we can turn those burdens over to God and continue to the next chapter of life burden free.
“Dear God Help us lay down the hurts, disappointments, and failures of our past at Your feet. Show us Your scriptures that will give us the strength to move forward towards the freedom and hope we have in You.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 1, 2016

How Big Is Your God?

mar1“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)

Sometimes I need to be reminded of how big our God really is. He is everlasting…without end. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and all of the glorious things that we see every day…mountains, oceans, sunrises, sunsets, flowers, trees, animals…everything was created for and by Him. He never grows weary. We cannot begin to fathom His understanding. When my circumstances seem impossible, I need to remember how big my God really is…

When things aren’t the way we want them to be. When circumstances block our goals…when illness comes…when hearts are broken… when life disappoints. We need to remember that our God is bigger than anything that is keeping us from what we want. But, we also need to know that our God is bigger than that thing we so desperately want. He, himself, is the ultimate fulfillment of all of our desires.

Marshall Segal of desiringGod.org says it this way, “The reality is that all of us can imagine something better for ourselves than our circumstances today. The greater reality is that, if you love and follow Jesus, God always writes a better story for you than you would write for yourself. The “better” is based on this: God himself is the best, most satisfying thing you could ever have or experience, and, therefore, fullness of life is ultimately found not in any earthly success or relationship or accomplishment, but in your proximity to God through faith.”

“Lord, help us to seek You above all else. Remind us that, in You, we have all that we need.”

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 29, 2016

Contagious Prayers

feb 29“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” Psalm 69:13 (ESV)

Ever thought of prayer as contagious – igniting someone’s heart to talk to Jesus? Think for a moment who are the prayer warriors in your life? Who encourages you to spend time at His feet?
Love the story of Corrie Ten Boom and her sister, Betsie who was devoted to prayer. While their lives hung by a thread, Betsie was praying for her enemies – the Germans – who hovered over there hiding place bombing their beloved homeland. This simple act of humility and total surrender so impacted Corrie’s life. Through the words prayed out loud in the darkness, Corrie witnessed the beauty of transforming prayer in Betsie’s heart towards the very ones that sought to extinguish their lives. Betsie’s audible words poured out at the feet of Jesus challenged Corrie and deepened her faith.

Wonder what keeps us from praying bold, courageous and surrendered words to Jesus? Maybe we’re so stifled by rituals and saying just the right words that we miss the relationship. Perhaps we’re afraid to trust and hope because our dreams have been quenched by the world. Could it be that we have entertained the voice of Satan declaring our unworthiness to even approach His throne? And then there’s the possibility that putting voice to our feelings and struggles before a Holy God might require change from the inside out.

Birthed in obedience, deep in faith and trust – contagious prayers inspire us. And that’s what spills over and touches those in our circle. When they hear our passion for prayer. When they see who we go to when life is hard. When they witness our struggles through the silence. When they feel our joy when prayers are answered. When they witness the impact of a life devoted to prayer. Contagious prayers are evidence of those who draw near and linger long in simple conversation with Jesus.

“Father, You invite us into Your presence, You welcome us with open arms and You hear our prayers. How blessed to be Your child.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 26, 2016

The Perfect Ending

feb 26“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV)

Ever watch one of those feel good movies? You know the kind with the predictable ending where everything works out great! The hero wins, the problem is solved and yes, the bad guys lose. We knew it from the very beginning, but we still clung to the edge of our seat waiting for goodness to spill out everywhere.

Wonder if we view life that way? After all, we are assured of an amazing ending – God triumphs over evil and everything works out beyond our imagination. We’ve read Revelation and even though we don’t understand all of it – we do know we have an incredible future. But it’s that space of time between now and then that often derails us. Instead of trusting and resting in our Mighty God, we find ourselves locked into today and minimizing His power.

Hope fades when justice is blown out the window, and we forget God lifted Joseph out of prison to save a nation. Joy evaporates when people don’t measure up to our expectations, so we forget that Christ built His church upon Peter, the one who denied His very existence. Faith is challenged in the midst of overwhelming problems, and we forget at the sound of His voice the storm ceased. Evil appears to deal us a bad hand, and we forget the grave could not hold Him.

Despite our doubts, God divinely intervenes in our lives longing to exceed our predictability and surprise us with the miraculous. For those who choose to look beyond today and believe the rest of the story, they will find that our God is faithful and true.

“Father, Your goodness spills all around us – You are our Hope, and our future is secured in your promises.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 25, 2016

Sweet Endurance

feb 25“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

What an awesome encouragement to us when we want to give up or get frustrated with situations! Amen to Christ’s endurance and for interceding for us at the right hand of God!

What is your current situation you are called to endure? This morning, I’m driving to work with snow everywhere and frigid cold temps. Perhaps the Winter weather is the last thing on your mind because the blizzard brewing in your life is gigantic. Broken relationships, financial struggles, illness, unmet goals – the list goes on and on.

I’d like to encourage you that there is joy coming, and not to give up! Endure that workout plan you started in January! Yes your body might be sore, but your daily discipline for Jesus is not for naught! Keep up the exercise! Press through the painful growth that comes from brokenness – envision victory is one moment away. That snowstorm that keeps hitting your town, week after week, fear not – Spring will come, don’t get depressed!

Endure the challenges, allow God to strengthen your faith and experience His unexplainable peace. When we focus daily on Him, and remember what He did for us on the cross, our daily earthly complaints seem to diminish and feel less overwhelming. Thank you Jesus for teaching us how to endure.

“Lord may we remember the joy that is set before us, and praise You daily for Your work on the cross.”

For His Glory

Julia Forystek Bergstrom
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 24, 2016

Drenched But Not Shaken

feb 24“The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!” Matthew 7:27 (HCSB)

Ever felt the sting of drenching rain? Penetrating beneath the surface one torrential down pour after another. It’s as if the sky has unloaded, emptied itself right at our feet. One problem at a time compounding already shaky ground. And then the rivers rise and overflow. The path we’d planned to take washes out and we’re forced in another direction. The journey we envisioned sinks in the flood of disappointment and disillusionment. And where are we in the midst of overwhelming? Gasping for air, struggling to survive, attempting to just breathe.

Life has a way of dumping on our happy. Smooth sailing interrupted by winds of change that toss us back and forth. Unsettled emotions as we desperately cling to self. Totally unaware that we can’t do it on our own. Easily believing the lie; we don’t need anyone telling us what to do.

Love the way Jesus never sugar coats the truth; anyone who hears His words and doesn’t act on them is building their life on sand. Trusting in self is easily blown and scattered by the winds. Convinced that standing on the solid rock of God’s wisdom is not for us, we shift our focus to loose interpretations, partial truths and tiny bits of rock to ease our conscience. And when the storms of life hit, the rain drenches, the winds and waves roar – our collapse is great.

Never caught the impact of those closing remarks before. Great collapse is guaranteed for those who hear the truth and yet chose to walk away unchanged. Note to self: Choose Jesus, stand strong and we won’t drown in a sea of regret. Trust in Him alone even when the winds of doubt and fear rise up. Hold tight to His promises, obey His commandments and when the storms come our anchor will hold.

“Father, give us ears to hear Your words and a heart yielded to Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 23, 2016

My White Flag of Surrender

feb 23“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:35 (NIV)

When is the last time we found ourselves surrendering or throwing in the towel? Sadly, it is a fairly common occurrence in my life. When my honey’s “Honey-Do list” grows but never shrinks…when my children commandeer my TV for their video games…when my Yorkie decides to decorate my freshly cleaned floors with wet, muddy paw prints…I pull out my white flag of surrender! Though it is frequent, it is never pleasant. It’s as if these inhabitants of MY SPACE decided the “My Way Highway” was for their sole use and pleasure. But what about what Mama wants?!?!

There may be an air of humor to this, but the truth is part of me recoils at the thought of surrendering…even to God. My preferences and plans have such a strong pull over my heart. Yet, as Andrew Murray noted nearly 200 years ago, “Absolute surrender to God, our loving and holy Father, is the first and last duty of the Christian.”

Recently, I heard a story about two pots placed on display (both holding lights within). The light could not be seen through the first pot because it was solid and secure. But, the light shone brightly through the second pot which was cracked and broken because it had many gaping holes and openings. In the same way, God wants to shine His light through us. But, He cannot do so unless we surrender our control and allow Him to design and rearrange our lives according to His standards and preferences rather than our own.

“Lord, today we ask for Your grace and strength to surrender the control of our hopes, desires and preferences. Have Your way with our lives that Your glory and power may shine through us!”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 22, 2016

To Be Like Him

feb 22“You are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of truth.” Ephesians 4:23-24 (HCSB)

Sticky fingers and licking too many pans decorated my face. It was the holiday baking – celebrating Valentine’s that left me dressed in flour, sprinkles and drizzled chocolate on my sleeves. Note to self – an apron does have a purpose.

Last batch in the oven, my tired body just wanted to jump under warm covers and snooze after a busy day in the kitchen. But there was no way I could skip getting clean. Crumbs and sticky icing were not following me to sleep. My visible dirtiness greeted nice, hot shower and I was like new.

Got me thinking – clean feels incredible , but wonder how many times invisible grit follows us to bed? Anger carried over into our dreams. Frustration lingering as we count sheep. Replays of the day’s wrongs stealing away our peaceful slumber. Comparison plaguing even our shut eyes. Self talk judging our every move convincing us we didn’t measure up. Clean – wow that seems foreign now. Didn’t realize how invisible can color our clean.

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry welcomes clean. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming invites clean. It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense washes clean. Fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well secures clean. Let your conversation be always full of grace drenches us clean.

Simple, yet profound words of God offering clean that takes the invisible away. Leave anger, frustration, wrongs, comparisons, judgement at the cross. Can’t imagine freedoms dance when we fully embrace clean. Incredible. Amazing. Walking away new reflecting the glory of God.

“Father, cleanse me – so I will be the very essence of Your likeness to this world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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