Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 19, 2016

Captivated By His Words

feb19“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31 (NIV)

What’s on your reading list for 2016? Each year, I make a list of books I’d love to read. Some are fiction like “Sweet Sanctuary” by Shelia Walsh. Some are geared to my life purpose like “The Art of Discipling Women” by Dana Yeahy. Some specifically target spiritual depth like “The Hardest Peace” by Kara Tippletts. And my latest read is “Breaking Busy” by Alli Worthington.

A wide range of authors and topics compose my list, and each one is geared towards drawing me closer to God. And of course, the Bible is my all time favorite. Drama, excitement and ordinary challenges compel me to read further. Victory, incredible miracles and life transformation leap off those pages and encourage me to walk in faith. Real people with authentic struggles inspire me to trust God even when I can’t see the end result.

Amazing truths from the Old Testament become reality in the New Testament tying these two books together reminding me that God always keeps His promises. There is no substitute for His Words when it comes to nourishing our spirit and gaining wisdom to face each day. We can read His Words from our phone, computer, IPAD or sitting in our comfy chair turning real pages. We can easily compare translations, learn Greek or Hebrew, browse commentaries – all without spending a dime. God’s Word has never been more accessible than it is now – so let’s not waste a moment of being immersed in the greatest read of all time!

“Father, give us a hunger and desire for Your Word in 2016 that revolutionizes the way we think and act. Help us to live our days embracing the life-sustaining power of Your truths.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 18, 2016

#Struggles

feb18“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

I have decided to take a break from Facebook. Not because there is anything wrong with social media, but because there is something wrong with me! While doing a study called #struggles, I became aware of some ways social media was leading me to conform to the pattern of this world.

Social media has altered the meaning of the word “friend”…leading me to cultivate lots of shallow relationships, rather than deep friendships. Because I have moved several times, my closest friends are long-distance relationships. Since most of them are on Facebook, I have gradually traded exchanging “likes” and the occasional “private message” for soul-nourishing phone calls. But, friends are often the tools God uses to encourage, challenge and even correct me when my thinking gets murky. Those kinds of relationships require more than social media can offer, and I have felt the lack. In the two weeks I have been off Facebook, I have redirected that time to enjoy deep telephone conversations with close friends.

Furthermore, comparing the highlight reel of others’ lives with the reality of my current situation caused discontent to creep in to my life. If I did have something good to post, I was eager to see how many “likes” my post would receive…as if enough “likes” would in some way validate me. Finally, Facebook promotes a veiled image of who we really are. I recognized that my true self, struggles and all, was not being authentically displayed. I am not suggesting that we bare all on social media…oversharing is a problem in itself! But, as Christ-followers, everything we put on social media needs to be true…even though everything that’s true doesn’t need to be put on social media!
I suspect I will back on Facebook, eventually. I do believe that social media creates some wonderful opportunities to connect with others, as long as it is not at the expense of real, authentic relationships and my focus stays fixed on pleasing God. After all, one “like” from Him is worth everything!

“Lord, reveal to us ways that we may have slipped in to conforming to this world. Give us the wisdom and the courage to take control of any area of our life that causes us to stumble.”

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 17, 2016

Strengthening Our Memory Links

feb17“These words that I (God) am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (HCSB)

Don’t have a clue what my friends’ phone numbers are. Totally unaware of their mailing address. And if you asked me when someone’s birthday is, I’d probably respond – I don’t know let me check my phone. And mailing something – well I rarely do that anymore. Birthdays are programmed into my calendar on my phone. Got the picture, I don’t have to train my brain to remember because my computer, phone, etc. does it all for me.

So, let’s just admit it – our memory links are weak. We rely on other things to remind us and tell us what to do. Wonder if that’s why we find it easy to excuse away memorizing God’s word? Laying out the excuse – we can’t do that. Choosing to rely on what we think we remember about His word and who He is instead of chiseling out time to discipline our mind. Forging through the battles of life without His words nailed to our heart.

Every teacher knows that repetition seals the lesson. Going over and over again the same principle, rehearsing facts, makes recall easy. It’s how we passed all those tests in school and aced the exam. It’s exactly how we know our way home, and it’s how we cook that fav recipe without even glancing to our notecard. Simply put – its memorization – but we’ can’t do that anymore or can we?

To learn (something) so well that we are able to remember it perfectly – that’s how Webster puts it. And God’s view says cherish the words He gives us. Keep them in our heart. Repeat, rehearse and reflect on them with our children. Know God’s words so perfectly that they fill our mouth and bless the people we do life with. Never leave home without them.

“Father, help us to memorize Your truths – to discipline our minds to keep Your words in front of our eyes – remembering it perfectly.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 16, 2016

Tender Warrior

feb16“One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him.” 1 Samuel 16:18 (NLT)

This description of David definitely doesn’t sound like a shepherd. However, God knew that David would be a king and all these attributes would be necessary to lead the people of Israel. God knew that David would have to be sensitive to soothe troubled souls and also be ready for battle at a moment’s notice all while being in tune to His will. That’s a lot to balance, especially when sensitivity can often be seen as weakness. Whether he was a talented harp player or brave warrior, the Lord was with David.

I had the privilege of seeing these characteristics in my Granny. She was the typical sweet, southern grandmother but definitely had the fear of God on her side. She lived out her faith every day, and I thought she had God on speed dial. The words that struck fear in anyone who knew her was, “I’m going to put you on the altar.” My Granny didn’t fight physically; she fought spiritually and took you straight to God.

We may not be called to go to battle physically, but every day there is a spiritual battle going on. We need to be sensitive to the needs of others, while at the same time being on guard and ready for battle against the enemy. In both areas, we need a strong walk with God to discern which way God wants us to go.

“Dear God, Draw me near to You daily so I know which direction my steps should take. If it’s to minister to others help me to be loving and kind. If it’s to stand with You in battle, give me the strength and weapons needed.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 15, 2016

Love of My Life

feb15“Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Red shoe box decorated with white hearts – a slit in the top – perfect for my valentines to slide right in. Tiny little hands clutched that box as I stepped onto the school bus. It was the day my “love tank” would be filled with all those silly, crazy valentines. The girls giggled and the boys smirked. Love was a simple commodity – easily given no strings attached.

So why does love become so complex and complicated the older we get. Maybe it’s because we allow the wrong things to fill our “love tanks.” Maybe it’s a result of us not filling someone else’s “love tank.” Maybe it’s because we keep our love tightly clutched to avoid hurt. Maybe it’s because our expectations exceed what we are willing to give or sacrifice.

Hope and joy filled my “love tank” unexpectedly one day. Sweet conversations shared – just the two of us. My heart skipped at the thought of Him – it still does. And He not only captured my heart but taught me how to love. He didn’t even keep a list of my wrongs – even though there were many. And when it came to the ultimate sacrifice, His nail pierced hands spoke His love to me covering a multitude of sins. Red intermingled with white to unveil my new heart –now perfectly welcoming my valentine.

Wonder what would happen if I loved others deep like Jesus loves me? No strings attached – just simple grace and forgiveness extended.

“Father, You have captured my heart forever – teach me how to give that love away every day.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
Women’s Life

My sweet Valentine is none other than my Lord Jesus Christ. Would you like to meet Him? Reply to this email, and I’ll introduce you to the love of my life.

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 12, 2016

His Light

feb12“… I (Jesus) am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV)

Ever noticed how day slips into night ever so gradually? It’s never all of a sudden. Transitioning from light to dark is a beautiful part of creation. And the edge of light kissing dark paints the most glorious sunsets.

But there’s one darkness that we don’t want to entertain. It’s the gradual moving of our lives away from right living into the darkness of sin. It happens without even a hint that we are moving further and further away. Doesn’t necessarily mean we have been entertaining sin it could mean we haven’t been entertaining the good – Bible reading, study, prayer, focus, etc. Neglecting God’s truth will always set us up for too many compromises. The desensitizing of our minds and hearts will lead us slowly into dark one choice at a time. Unguarded moments that will rule our decisions and leave us stumbling in the dark.

Don’t know about you, but I want to see clearly. I want to walk illuminated by God’s truth and the easiest way to do that is to draw near to Him. When we cultivate a relationship with God, we are erecting filters through which everything else in our life is sifted. His truths position us to make the best choices. By seeking His wisdom first, we can avoid the pitfalls of making emotional decisions and hanging onto the thread of feelings. The gradual slippage will fade because we are consistently walking according to His ways. Don’t get me wrong, we will not attain perfection, we’re all sinners on this journey through life. But those who draw near to Him can walk blamelessly keeping a short account of wrongs. And in those moments when self rears its ugly head, God’s grace will abound.

The separation of day and night. The distinct separation of right and wrong. Those who feast at the Father’s table rarely confuse the two. So join me please – taste the goodness of our God and walk confidently knowing He is leading us to the best.

“Father help us walk in Your light so we can avoid stumbling in the dark.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 11, 2016

Pray & Walk Away

feb11“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:26-27 (NIV)

While I can quote all kinds of catchy, spiritual phrases about not worrying; I rarely ever stick to them. I’ve tried the “Let Go – Let God” and “It’s in God’s Hands.” My newest one is “Pray and Walk Away.” Easier said than done. My natural instinct is to be concerned – translated worry – but the Bible calls it a waste of time. And the reward for worrying: stress, frustration, disappointment and usually more trouble.

If God takes care of the birds, then we know He has even better things planned for us. One of the things my Granny always did was to lay things at the feet of Jesus. If your name was on her prayer list, you were prepared for God to shake things up. God expects us to bring our burdens (big, small, silly, serious, life or death) to Him because He has the answers. When we pray and leave our burdens at His feet, we need to walk away and wait until He answers in whatever manner He chooses. Instantly our burden is lifted off of us and more blessings follow as we watch God’s answer unfold.

“Dear Jesus, Help us to lay our burdens at Your feet then walk away and let You take care of them. Give us the strength and peace of mind to wait patiently for Your answers. May we enjoy the freedom of not carrying the burden that we don’t want to pick it back up.”

For His Glory

Katrina Redman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 10, 2016

What We All Want…What We Don’t Deserve

feb10“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this – WHILE we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Has someone ever just really done you wrong? I’m talking one of those situations where it’s not an accident that someone hurt your feelings or walked away with something you wanted… I’m talking the intentional; they made a choice to do or not do – and you got stuck with the consequences of their decision.

Matthew 18:21-35 is an incredible story that starts with a question/answer between Peter and Jesus. A king brings in this man who owes him “10,000 talents” (one “talent” was worth about 15 years wages). So for the guy to be able to pay off his debt to the king it would have taken him OVER 150,000 YEARS.

The king forgives him the ENTIRE debt!!!! This same man leaves the generous king and goes to someone who only owes him 1 day’s wages and has the guy thrown into jail because he can’t pay it. Obviously the king does something about it when he finds out and he holds the man accountable.

As I read the story, I reflected on the truly generous nature of our Savior. We owe such a tremendous debt to Him that we could NEVER repay! .And I don’t always accidentally make mistakes that hurt Him. Sometimes, I flat out choose to make a sinful decision. And yet Romans 5:8 is still in the Bible – “But God demonstrates His love for us in this – WHILE we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Wow, amazing generosity – amazing grace.

It’s this same kind of generosity, mercy, and forgiveness that God wants us to extend to others when they have hurt us. Forgiving doesn’t mean acting like a wrong hasn’t occurred. Forgiving doesn’t mean keeping yourself in dangerous or unhealthy situations. Forgiveness isn’t just letting someone off the hook. That’s not what God does when He offers us forgiveness. God doesn’t act like my sin didn’t happened… The reason God can offer me forgiveness is because Jesus paid for it.

“Father, enable us to extend forgiveness to others because You have forgiven us.”

For His Glory
Terra DeMerchant – http://www.wordblooms.com
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 9, 2016

In This World You Will Have Trouble

feb9“I have told you these things that you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world” – John 16:33 (ESV)

I don’t need a lot to be happy. I don’t care about driving a fancy car. I no longer think bigger is better when it comes to my home…quite honestly, it’s just more to clean! I don’t even get (as) excited about a cute pair of shoes these days. In fact, all I really want is a trouble-free life for me and my family…and, maybe a good book to read. But, when I read THE Good Book, I am confronted by the uncomfortable truth of Jesus’ words, “in this world you will have trouble.” There it is, in black and white. We live in a fallen world filled with all sorts of troubles; and we are fallen people, capable of creating our own trouble at every turn.

So it was with the Israelites. Seems like they lived from one problem to the next… captivity and a perilous journey, followed by years wandering in the desert. No food, no water. And, then came attacks from the treacherous Amalekites. Moses told Joshua to take some men and go out to fight the Amalekites while he stood on top of a hill with the staff of God in his hands. When Moses lifted the staff high, the Israelites were winning the battle, but when he lowered the staff the Amalekites were winning. Ultimately, with help from Aaron and Hut, Moses was able to keep the staff lifted high until the Israelites defeated the Amalekites.

Through all of the Israelites troubles, God provided. Liberation from captivity, parting of the Red Sea, manna from above and water from a rock. God provides for us as well. Our victory over trouble comes when we continue to lift high the name of Jesus. Take heart! He has overcome the world. And, when the battle goes long and you grow weary, grab a couple of praise-warriors to help you lift high the name of Jesus.

“Lord, help me to lift your name high in times of trouble and wait expectantly for Your answer. Do not let my heart be troubled; You have overcome the world.”

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 8, 2016

Big Dreams…..

feb8“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 9 (NIV)

We dreamed big and envisioned our future. We could taste the sweetness of longings fulfilled. We reached and stretched to realize the ideal, but awakened to find that life was not as it was supposed to be. Those dreams were elusive – a mere distant picture clued to our mind.

Singles long for marriage. Moms desire to stay home with their children. The unsaved spouse becomes more and more difficult. That degree framed on the wall collects dust while we work for minimum wage. The divorce papers arrive, and the happily ever after dances out the door. It feels like life isn’t as it was supposed to be.

Wonder if Paul felt that way? He’d spent his life killing Christians and ended up martyred for His faith in Christ. Wonder if that thought entered Peter’s mind? He denied Christ three times, however, his doubts and failures landed him the starring role in building Christ’s church. Wonder if Naomi felt that way? She enjoyed the fullness of life following her husband to Moab and returned home empty – childless and widowed. Wonder if Mary felt that way? Her baby – the Savior of the world – dying for her sins and rising again.

What in this life isn’t as it was supposed to be according to us? Like Paul, Peter, Naomi and Mary embracing God’s dreams meant leaving their ideals behind. His twist on their disappointments and disillusionments involved suffering mingled with joy and grace – the transforming of all things into His good. And in the happily ever after of eternity, our life is as it was supposed to be – worshipping the One who dreamed big of us.

“Father, You make all things new, better, improved and polished – a glorious shining of Who You really are!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

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