Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 19, 2026

God’s Care Of His Children

“You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (MSG)

Mordecai raised his cousin when death befell her parents. Esther saved herself and her people for such a time. Syrus’ daughter, Mary, lavished her riches on sin and worldly pleasures but would encounter Jesus, be forgiven, delivered and shown how real wealth is splurged. And Naomi, a woman of bitterness, would be of royal lineage through Ruth, great grandmother of David.

To every child of promise in the Bible is a person of significance. Often a parent, perhaps a close relative, but one who gave of self to raise forth the next generation. Dreams, preparation and concern were there. Countless hours teaching, listening and correcting. Sacrifice, love, support. All the ingredients of raising a child who would amount to something. Their children would lead the world to God.

As a parent, my children are constantly teaching me something. The latest tech craze, music fad or edible treat. Parenthood struggles are common as are my wonderings as to whether I’m capable of successfully landing this assignment. In addition to behavioral challenges, life comes in and throws curve balls that affect parent and child alike. The path of broken dreams bids us to wallow in despair and discouragement.

But, those of us who are Christ followers know better. Often in our most desperate circumstances and darkest valleys of the night we are pointed towards truths that sustain and provide promise that there is a purpose. A family crisis caused by us (the parents) affected our children’s schooling options. God provided in such a way that there was no doubt of His hand in the midst. Medical complications for our older son that we didn’t see coming. God provided, front and center, with shortened waiting intervals and the finest medical care. Through experiencing God’s provision, care and concern for my children, God has shown me how well He takes care of all His children, including me. Each and every detail.

So in those moments when I’m waiting for God to show up, when I wonder if He cares and when I vengefully ask how He could let this happen, let me not forget how He has shown Himself faithful, present and gracious through those I love the most: my children.

“You are my Father. May I run to Your love which is constant, enduring and strong. I stand rest assured that I am a child deeply loved by her Abba, Father.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Faith

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 18, 2026

Our Emotions

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

Do you know our emotions are no surprise to God? He created us with emotions. Sometimes we feel as if being emotional or having emotions is a curse, but the very essence of what emotions are comes from the heart of God.

Jesus experienced grief, anger, joy, anxiety, pain, exhaustion, compassion, frustration, disgust, and agony. We know Jesus lived a life free of sin while He took on our humanity, so we can have confidence that our emotions themselves are not sin.

Scripture is full of beautiful, heartbreaking, raw, and real stories of the emotions that people walked through. One of my personal favorites is the story of Naomi. Let’s take a peek into her life.

Naomi was married to Elimelech, and she had two sons, Mahlon and Killion. Elimelech moved his family from Bethlehem to the land of Moab due to a famine. As far as we can tell, things went well, and the boys grew. Then Elimelech died. We do not receive any information about Naomi, but we can imagine her sorrow. Mahlon and Killian grew up. They marry. Ten years later they both die. An interesting side note here is that two sons being married for 10 years each did not bring Naomi any grandchildren. Was this another loss she grieved?

Naomi hears there is food again in Bethlehem, so she makes a decision to return home, where she has family and friends.

As she arrives back in Bethlehem with Ruth, her daughter-in-law, she is so overcome she does not even mention what Ruth has sacrificed to be with her. From what scripture says, Naomi does not even introduce or acknowledge Ruth. Naomi tells her old friends to call her Mara, for the Lord has brought her home empty.

Isn’t that what happens when we are in the deep throes of grief? It is very difficult to see what is around us because we can only see our loss. God does not condemn Naomi or try to push her forward in any way. Much like Hannah, who was grieving in the temple as she asked God for a son, God did not say her grieving was wrong.

He created us, and He walked with us so that we would know He understands our humanity, which includes our emotions.

As you walk through the book of Ruth, when you get to chapter 2, it is Ruth who tells Naomi that they need to eat. Ruth says she will go and glean with the other foreigners and widows. Naomi offers no suggestions or people to connect with. She agrees. Can you imagine Naomi sitting by her window and remembering the days of her boys playing or her husband coming home to her? Ruth’s sacrifice of traveling with Naomi and seeing that she was taken care of allowed Naomi the time she needed to grieve and move toward healing.

We will look at more of her story next week, but for now, remember that whatever difficult emotions you are walking through, God is not surprised and He is walking with you. For those of us with friends and family in these circumstances, may we remember that if God allows time and space for emotions, may we do the same. May we walk alongside those walking through valleys and may we provide as Ruth did for Naomi.

“Father, help us to be your hands and feet. Help us to trust your timetable. Lord, please comfort and heal broken hearts today.”

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 17, 2026

One More Lesson From My Rescue Dog

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

If you’ve been reading these devos through the years and have caught my written reflections of God’s grace, today’s inspiration (my dog Caroline) may seem familiar. The Lord has used this incredibly sweet who-knows-how-old former-street-thug rescue to show me different facets of His character—and what my own God-glorifying attitude should be (check them out here, here, and here).

To me and my husband, Caroline is adorable in everything she does. We ooh and aww and marvel over every little thing, whether she’s snuggling with us, lying in the grass basking in the sun, or excitedly jumping around when asked about wanting to “go for a walk.”

She’s so lovely! And sweet. And perfectly perfect! Even though she’s not.

See, Caroline isn’t objectively adorable. She had a hard life before we adopted her six years ago, living on the streets for at least a couple years and “behind bars” for at least a year after that. Her back left leg hangs about three inches off the ground, having been broken at some point. She sports many scars on her face—likely from raccoon or cat fights (or whatever hit her and broke her leg). Her teeth are all brown little nubs. She also had a couple of puppies while on the street and not getting the “post-natal care” she would have in a loving home took a bit of a physical toll. Enough said there. Yep, most people might say, “Oh, she’s…um, cute,” but when we look at Caroline, we see absolute beauty.

Caroline is also far from perfect. As mentioned, she’s a bit gangster. (Just ask our once-Alpha dog Bella.) She basically does what she wants, and her daily habit of creating a “nest” on our bed would make most people cringe. She’s jumped through a screened window in our kitchen to get outside in hopes of getting to the neighbor’s dog. She tries to attack every truck trailer that drives by while we’re on a walk—especially ones with boats. And she loves to snack on cat poop, whenever possible, so we have to watch her diligently. Even when she’s being incredibly naughty, we can’t help but see her through the eyes of the absolute love we have for her.

Oh beloved, I hope the gospel bells and whistles are going off in your mind, heart, and spirit! When we surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are in Christ—we become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Roman3:21-26). In other words, when God the Father looks at you and me, He sees total perfection and beauty. Even though we’re not (Romans 3:1-20). This is the amazing grace of God. We were depraved sinners, disobedient, dead, and destined for wrath. But God, rich in mercy and great love for us, made us alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). And in our salvation, we are washed as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9) and made new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)—we share in His victory over sin and death. Yes, even as we slog through this broken world in our ugly, sin-ridden, flesh-fighting sanctification journey toward Home, we are wrapped in the righteousness of Christ…slogging in victory, not for it.

One day you and I will be perfect—no ugliness, no scars, no selfish behavior, no sin. Praise God! But, precious friend, please know that when you are in Christ, our heavenly Father already sees you as beautiful and perfect. And although we’re not yet what He sees, we will be (1 John 3:1-3). May the knowledge (and gratitude) of this astounding grace inspire us to pursue what we already have (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

“Oh heavenly Father, thank You for the undeserved righteousness I have in Christ Jesus—that You look at me not how I am (a sinner deserving Your wrath), but who You’ve made me to be: a victor over sin and death…the very righteousness of Christ.”

 For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith (encouragedbygrace.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 16, 2026

Why Delighting In Truth Is Essential

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have given me life.”  Psalm 119:92-93 (ESV)

My home is filled with Bibles – yes, many different translations.  As a writer, I have my collection of study Bibles, chronological Bibles and cultural study Bibles. And then there’s my computer which lands me on numerous sites to deepen my understanding of God’s word.   I think you get the picture – there is no shortage of God’s word in my home, especially my office. Yet in the craziness of a given day, I can easily become consumed with other things and forfeit precious moments in His word.

Perhaps the sheer fact that God’s word is so easily accessible to us tempts us to forego today.  We can always regroup tomorrow, right?  God’s word will still be there completely available and ready when we have the time.

One crucial problem with our excuses – we need God’s word on a daily basis.  Just like we need food to nourish and strengthen our bodies, we need His word.  Just like we need oxygen to breathe, we need His word.  Just like we need rest and refreshment, we need His word.  Bottom line, we can’t function and glorify God if we are not engaging with Him in prayer and the studying of His word. Every moment we spend with God deposits truth, wisdom, perseverance and patience in our souls.  We never know how a day or even moments will unfold, so wise women make sure their spiritual tanks are full and not depleted.

While days of ease are incredible and enjoyable, we all face moments when life is hard and challenging.  The “perfection” God created in the Garden is gone – sin birthed heartache, injustice, brokenness and death – forever changing our world. Discouragement can reign high when we zero in on our circumstances rather than cling to His words.  Disillusionment can sideline us if we focus on our plan rather than God’s best.  Defeat can overwhelm us if we choose to depend on self versus trust the character of our Holy God.

Sweet friends, where do we go when the pit we find ourselves in pushes us further and further away from the One who longs to come to our rescue?

Absolutely love the words and truth of the psalmist in 119 whose narrative enlightens us on the only way to survive, endure and yes gloriously thrive in those hard places.  The secret unfolds in verses 89 – 96 and it all centers on the word of God which sustains, strengthens and empowers us to navigate even the toughest battles. Acknowledging God’s faithfulness equips us to not give up. Choosing to delight in God’s word and obey His commands positions us to survive even in hard places with a deep joy and sense of peace.  Meditating on and memorizing His words infuses us with life even when our enemy lurks around the corner.

In this world, we will face tribulation (John 16:33) but our hearts can be strengthened to press on because He (Jesus) has overcome the world. We don’t have to entertain discouragement, disillusionment or defeat – they can be felt and experienced yet not take root because we are firmly planted in the truth of God’s word.

“Sweet Jesus, we can be victorious even in our weakened state when we place our trust in You.  Remove our excuses and teach us how to truly delight in Your holy words.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 13, 2026

Shining Bright For His Glory

cb devo mar 2

“His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” I Corinthians 3:13-14 (NIV)

And the winner is…… Silence fills the air as calm, confident celebrities hold their breath. Sitting on the edge of their seat, they wait to hear their name called. When it’s award season in Hollywood,  the glam of wealth parade down the red carpet. Flashing cameras are welcomed as they strike just the right pose. Always picture perfect.  Fans yell out their name, and the world waits in anticipation to see who takes home the honors. The elusive, coveted statue signifying their work was amazing, incredible, worthy and voted above all others.

Glad, my Jesus proclaims that whatever I do in His name with the right heart motive is amazing. Thankful that I don’t need to sit on the edge of my seat and wonder if my Jesus will call my name. Grateful that what the world dismisses: the hidden in secret kind deeds, the grace given, the forgiveness lavished – my Jesus sees and captures every moment – no special pose required. Reminded that the praise of Jesus far surpasses the praise of man.  Thankful we serve an audience of One – the applause of many fades quickly. Humbled that we, as believers, are not competitors but one spirit cheering each other on anticipating His glory not our own. In total awe that the value of who we are, what we have and what He allows us to do is not wrapped up in an earthly idol but rather His righteousness.

One glorious day, we will gather and bow at His throne. One day, our deeds will be known and those done out of pure devotion and love will survive – shining bright for His glory.

“Father too many times we settle for acceptance, praise and earthly glory – teach us to seek Your reward that survives and thrives throughout eternity.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 12, 2026

What Does God Have For Me To Carry?

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9

Often, it’s easy to skim through some of the more list-oriented portions of the Bible. But each part of the Bible has been given to us by God to reveal more of Himself, His good plans, and how He wants us to live. In Numbers 4, God gave Moses instructions for the Levite clans: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites. These instructions included assigning what they must carry regarding the tent of meeting and most holy objects.

“The Kohathites will come and carry them…”Regarding the Gershonites: “You are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry….” And finally, the Merarites: “You are to assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry” (See Numbers 4:15, 27, & 32.)

This passage is referring specifically to God’s instructions and expectations for the holy place He dwelled in while leading His people through the wilderness. Yet there is also an application for us today that can be drawn from this passage when considering the Bible as a whole, and it’s this: God has assigned each of us by name in this life the “items” we are to carry. We must each ask these questions: What does He have for me to carry? Am I doing it for His glory and by His strength and guidance? How am I displaying the holy dwelling place of God through my life?

Be encouraged today. God has an assignment specifically for you for what He’s asking you to carry. It may be through something hard in your life or something wonderful. Whatever it is, carry it well by His strength and guidance. Similar to the tabernacle of God in the wilderness way back in Numbers, if you’re a Christian, because of Jesus’ atonement, your life is a tent of His dwelling place, too. As you carry what He’s given you as your life’s responsibilities, know that you are carrying Him in the wilderness of this world to display His glory as an invitation for others to meet Him like you have.

“Lord, let us carry well what you’ve given each of us to display for your glory in these tents of our lives.”

For His Glory

Emily P. Meyer (www.Emilypmeyer.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 11, 2026

Where Is God When We Don’t Feel His Presence

“The mountains surround Jerusalem and the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.”   Psalm 125:2  CSB

As children of our Heavenly Father, we have all had times in the valleys of life when it seemed that our prayers weren’t rising or that God was ignoring us. Or maybe He was just busy with things more important than our requests, which often seem trifling compared to the world’s suffering. He has a big job, after all. So it’s easy to give up trying to reach Him, thinking He might have more time for us another day.

For those of us in a valley like that, the first thing to remember is James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you….”  The fact is, we need to worship Him, be still before Him, and wait. This is not to be taken as a guaranteed system for demanding God’s attention. God does not answer at the snap of our fingers or respond to a magic formula for getting into His presence. He is the great I AM, above being manipulated. But he lovingly desires to be close to you. So wait on Him. Surrender to His timing. Humble your heart. Ask Him if there is any sin between you and Him.

As you wait, here are some verses of scripture that tell us where God is. I keep them by my bed and meditate on them for encouragement on the tough days:

Isaiah 48:17                  God leads us – He goes before us.

Isaiah 30:21                  He is to our right and left, saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Psalm 36:7                    As we are in the shadow of his wings, He is above us.

Deuteronomy 33:27       Underneath us are His everlasting arms.

I Corinthians 3:16          He is in us: you are God’s temple, and the Spirit of God lives in you.

Psalm 3:3                     But you, Lord, are a shield around me…

 

Joyfully, He is in front of us, to our right, to our left, above us, underneath us, in us, and around us. So when you wonder where God is – He fills you from the inside and surrounds you in every direction. You can’t possibly go where He is not. What a benefit of His grace! There is nothing worth more than that!

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promises in your Word that assure us that You are always with us. Help us to hear You, whether You speak in a still, small voice or as a mighty wind. We long to bask in Your presence and give You honor and glory.”

 For His Glory

Cherie Williams (www.cherharbridgewilliams.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 10, 2026

Standing on God’s Providence

 

“For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’…” Isaiah 46:9b-10

Life is hard. We live in a fallen world full of sinners and broken people. Sure, we who are followers of Christ are redeemed—but we still fight against our sinful flesh and thereby contribute to the damaging stuff of life. Then there’s the world system (culture) run by the god of this world, Satan. He hates God, and he hates you. And he knows his time is short, so this father of lies has ramped up his campaign against us all.

Now, I’m not a social media girl (thankfully, I avoid all those platforms). And I’m doing my best to disconnect from the growing madness in our country, although it’s a challenge to not see or unsee the relentless “news” reports. But the fact is, we don’t need media of any kind to recognize the truths of life’s trials, tragedies, trepidations, and terrors. A friend’s newborn in NICU. An aging parent with dementia. A neighbor’s body riddled with cancer. A brother at church without a job and about to lose his home. A sister struggling with infertility. The lonely young and the lonely old. Our lost loved ones. Our own physical pain or illness. Who needs CNN or FOX or X or Facebook to put life’s upheavals on blast?

As Christians, we unequivocally know that we’re in a spiritual battle at all times in this world. And we know with all certainty that we’re fighting from victory, because Jesus conquered sin and death—at least, I pray you know that! We probably even quote Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28 with much enthusiasm.

Yes, but. We can’t just ignore or deny the sorrow, suffering, sadness. Like David, we cry, “How long, Oh Lord?” We look up to the heavens with shouts of “Why?” and maybe even (kinda like Job), “I’m (They’re) righteous, holy, ‘good’ Christians, Lord! What did I (they) do to deserve this?” Our tears fall and anger rises.

Beloved, these are the very times to crawl up into the lap of God. Run into the Shelter of the Most High. Cling to the Rock. To give Jesus our heavy burden in exchange for His light yoke. And remember: God may not share with us His “why” anytime soon—but we can stand firm that He has one. And it’s always for His glory. Maybe He’ll give us insight to His purposes. Perhaps we’ll look back in a year or five to see it clearly. But maybe we won’t. As with Job, God may just want us to remember that He is God, and we are not.

But before you get all, “Good grief, Julianne, way to encourage,” let me finish…Sweet friend, God is Sovereign—in control over everything. Every cell, every star, every move of the enemy. Creation, though, isn’t just about the Sovereignty (power/control) of God, but His sweet Providence. According to John Piper’s definition, Providence is “wise and purposeful sovereignty.” Why the differentiation? Because God is good (Psalm 34:8; Psalm 27:13; Nahum 1:7; James 1:17). His power is always and only for His glory…and yes, ultimately, for our good—even if we don’t see it until we’re with Him in heaven.

Here’s a historical quote from the Heidelberg Catechism in 1563 that beautifully defines God’s Providence: “The almighty, everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were, by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creatures and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things come not by chance, but by His Fatherly hand.”

“Father God, as Job answered You in his repentance, may I say with confident hope, “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” May I hold fast to Your Providence.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 9, 2026

Joyful Release

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13b – 14 (ESV)

Don’t know about you but when all things Christmas are packed and put away, I move into declutter mode.  You got it – I love the feeling of clean but definitely don’t like the process. Yet once I get started it is much easier for me to keep going. So every weekend since Christmas, I’ve been shifting things from throw away, to keep or donate.

Letting go isn’t always easy, is it? We tend to be clingers, holding on tight to things that should have been discarded years ago. Our fave outfit that’s two sizes too small hanging in our closet forever. The kitchen gadget we forgot we had because it was hidden away in our cabinets – out of sight, out of mind. And should we even mention shoes, jewelry, purses, etc., simply taking up space. I think we all get the picture – we have a lot of stuff we fail to release.

A firm grip isn’t regulated to things sweet friends. If we’re not intentional, we can find ourselves holding tight to wounds from our past. We tend to carry grudges buried deep under the pretense of “we’re just fine.”  Yet somehow the residual effects of unresolved pain tends to rear its ugly head when we least expect it. Choosing to settle and keep ruminating the details – tight-fisted, gripping the pain. And what about all those attitudes we harbor because letting go means we need to resist the urge to retaliate?

The balance beam of letting go and keeping is always tricky. It’s a necessary sifting of our thoughts, words and actions. Aligning our hearts with God’s so we are reflectors of His image and not our own. Painstaking work, hard work – yet absolutely necessary. Unveiling hidden things we’ve buried for too long. Clearing out those parts of us that need to be discarded and wiped clean in His grace. Seeking a healing path for those wounds we’ve nursed forever.

It’s February and another year is unfolding rapidly. Will our 2026 resemble the clinging to of things that should have been released? We can gather up the courage with God’s help to let go of anything that hinders or distracts us from serving Him. What are we determined to hold onto that serves us well and glorifies our Father? A consistent, thriving relationship with God through His Word and prayer are essential nonnegotiables. Are there deep wounds we need to partner with someone to lead us to a path of healing? Admitting and working through our hard places positions us to steward our God stories in a way that honors Him.

Our loving God desires for us to walk in the freedom of His truth and grace. Chains released and new life birthed in His healing presence. New clarity as we remove those unnecessary things occupying our thoughts and taking up space. A renewed passion for clean hearts and minds totally devoted to God’s best for our lives. Letting go, releasing anything He brings to our attention. Clean never felt better and it always looks great on us, so let’s partner with God to do the work and seek His guidance.

“Father, teach us to loosen our grip and release to You those things that don’t serve us well. Help us to trust You to complete the hard work that needs to be done in us. Fill us with Your strength and help us to navigate release in a way that honors You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 6, 2026

Why Empty Never Serves Us Well

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

When you’re planning to make your fave dessert no one wants to find an empty flour container.  Even worse is when you’re craving eggs for breakfast and upon opening the fridge you find an empty egg carton.   Disappointment quickly follows then frustration. Nothing satisfies when what we really want is gone.

Recovering from our hunger pains or passion for dessert will pass, but our attempts to navigate life on empty never serves us well.  We’ve all been there when rest was evasive and exhaustion was our close companion. Like an empty pitcher attempting to fill everyone’s glasses, we resort to relying on self and excuse what we really need.

Sound familiar?  It’s ever so easy to coast dependent on self because life’s too busy to recharge our souls.  Spiritual self-care gradually slides to the back burner for the sake of doing it all ourselves and figuring it out. Simply put – we’ve got this.  Not quite the way God planned for us to be filled.

Just like our physical bodies can’t exist without oxygen, our spiritual bodies can’t exist without God. Empty leaves little for us to truly give to self and others.  Best solution is to never land in the place of empty.  To consistently nurture our souls and lean into God’s wisdom positions us to navigate life with the overflow of His filling.  God isn’t looking for perfection; He’s looking for pursuit. If we seek Him, we will find Him.

Keeping it real here – what’s standing in the gap of our God filling?  What’s consuming our focus, time and energy?  Perhaps it’s time to evaluate how empty is working for us.  Remember healthy evaluation is not condemnation but information and awareness.  Asking God to remove our blinders and dependence on self opens us up to see what He already knows.

The most important relationship we will ever have is the one we have with our God.  When we read and study His word, our minds are enlightened to His truth and wisdom.  When we pull ourselves away from the chaos and noise to pray, we will experience the beauty of an intimate conversation like we’ve never  known before.  Starting our day with worship ignites our souls to the glory and wonder of the One who inspires, encourages and uplifts our focus from this world.  Memorizing and meditating on His words equips us for the battles we will face and brings to mind exactly what we need to say or do to encourage others.  Maintaining a short account of sin positions us for clarity, growth and influence.  Godly friendships and accountability is priceless.  If we genuinely want to flourish and nurture our souls, then we will welcome community.

Sweet friends, spiritual self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential. Prioritizing our relationship with God will completely fill us, and the overflow will impact the lives of those we love. Every deposit we make, every connection we maintain to Him will never result in empty.

“Father, You have birthed a deep desire within us to seek You, know You and walk in Your truth.  Nothing else ever truly satisfies like You.”  Thank You for overflowing us with Your goodness.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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