Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 15, 2026

The Road To Emmaus

“Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:31-32

I know we celebrated Easter over two weeks ago now, but I want to linger a bit longer. Easter egg hunts, time with family, and delicious treats are in the past for this year, but the reality of Easter remains, and I am not ready to leave it.

There is so much emphasis on Good Friday and Resurrection Morning, rightfully so, but I want to talk about Resurrection Day. What did Jesus do on the day He miraculously rose from the dead?

What would you do? I think I would go to Caiaphas and Pilate and let them see they had no power over me. Maybe I would go to Mary because I would want to see my mom. Maybe I would just ask God to take me back to Heaven and get out of this place whose people just beat and crucified me.

I don’t know that taking a  long walk with strangers would top my list. Thankfully, Jesus does not think like I do.

What did Jesus do? He comforted Mary Magdalene, He  appeared to His disciples, and He took a long walk with two men whom He had not met before.

Cleopas and another unnamed man were walking back to the village of Emmaus. They left Jerusalem with heavy hearts, believing that Jesus was going to be the salvation of Israel and save them from the oppression of Rome. Scripture tells us they were ‘downcast’ and did not recognize Jesus as He came and began walking with them. Jesus asked what was going on, and they were in disbelief that He had not heard about the trial and crucifixion of Himself. They talked all the way back to Emmaus, about seven miles away! They invited Jesus to eat with them and, while at the table,  Jesus revealed Who He was by breaking bread and offering thanks to God for it. They realized it was HIM!

Why would Jesus choose to do this on His first day alive in His brand new body?

Jesus walked with the ordinary folks. He did not seek out the leadership of the synagogue or of Rome. He sought out the average, the normal, the everyday people.

Jesus was with them all along. They did not recognize Him, but He was there. Just like today, He is with us even when we don’t know it. He is always here, even for those who do not accept His existence.

Jesus waited until they were seated at the table. Maybe so He could see them face to face, maybe so they were relaxed and their physical needs were being attended to, and maybe to remind us He is with us in everyday and ordinary situations.

When the most amazing and incredible miracle occurred, Jesus chose to walk with the people just like us. He always chooses us.

That’s what Easter is. Maybe we need to linger just a bit longer and remember we are what He is all about.

“Father, thank you for Jesus and thank you for always choosing us, even when we don’t see You.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson (www.TerrieTollerson.com)
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 14, 2026

What If….

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16a

I’ve been a little obsessed in recent weeks by Peter Marshall, a Scottish immigrant who became a popular pastor and ultimately the chaplain of the US Senate from 1947 to 1948. He has several books, and his wife wrote his biography, so his life, sermons, and powerful prayers are well documented…and surprisingly timely for our culture today. In one of the sermons from Mr. Jones, Meet the Master (which is a collection of his sermons and prayers), Marshall is preaching about the Apostle Peter. Within its pages, there is a little piece—a handful of lines—that was a mic drop moment for me. I’d never considered this perspective, and it sent my mind spinning to its implications for the life of every believer.

In walking through Peter’s infamous (and predicted) denials in the courtyard after Jesus’ arrest, Marshall simply proposed a twist on the initial allegation/denial spoken by the servant girl (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John:18:16-18; 25-27). In all four accounts of this scene when the girl says to Peter, “You were with Jesus,” Peter responds with some form of, “I don’t know Him.” So, what was Marshall’s mind-blowing proposition? It was a simple, “What if?”

What if this young servant girl was not accusing Peter as much as inquiring? What if she was hoping (in her own curiosity about this midnight arrest or from her own deep hurt/need) to find out more about Jesus? What if she’d heard about the healings and wanted to learn about this Miracle Man? What if her words wrapped around a heart cry of, “Tell me how you’re so sure He is the Messiah—I need the Living Water He claims to be.”

But in Peter’s own self-protection—and his intense fear—he reacted with vehement denial of knowing Jesus or anything about Him. His defensiveness and panic got in the way of sharing the Good News of Jesus. (Now, praise God, Peter repented, was restored, and was then empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim Jesus as Messiah—even unto the penalty of death. But let’s stay in the courtyard for the time being.)

This perspective is very convicting, isn’t it? As followers of Jesus Christ, do we let our fear and self-preservation (or job-preservation or friendship-preservation) get in the way of sharing the Gospel Truth? Sure, if someone asks us if we know Jesus, we likely will not deny Him outright. But what about in that Monday morning meeting when a coworker asks, “So, what did you do over the weekend?”…but your answer stops at Saturday’s hike or beach trip or home project—not about the awesome sermon you heard at church or how you spent the morning serving in kids ministry. What if the group of people you’re with start talking about favorite vacation spots, and you think about your mission trip to Costa Rica, but don’t serve this up in the mix for fear of rolling eyes or behind-your-back snickering.

But what if? What if hearing about our Sunday in church plants a seed of interest or opens the door to an invitation? What if in our talking about Jesus someone’s spirit is pricked to want to know more? What if, instead of our perceived snickers and eyerolling, we perceive others the way God does: As lost and broken people in need of Good News? Oh, beloved, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love (2 Timothy 1:6-8)! Let’s go out in boldness for our Lord and Savior! Everyone we interact with is either alive in Christ or dead—why wouldn’t we share the words that lead to life? Our response to a simple question may just change everything.

“Oh Lord, forgive me for hiding my love for You for fear of man—what can man do to me? Give me boldness to proclaim Jesus and the life-giving gospel message.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 13, 2026

Sameness vs. Growth

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)

We’ve had lots of rain this Spring – in fact, it was raining pretty hard Easter. And with the cool temps and bright sunshine the result is everything is growing. Flowers are blooming. My grass is a nice dark green, and I’ve already mowed twice. I love looking across the fields behind my house, I can literally watch the forest of trees transform within days. It’s one of the reasons I so love this time of year – newness fills the air – growth is everywhere. The beauty of God’s creation is coming alive right before our eyes.

What a pivotal reminder that we, too,  are so beautiful when we are growing in the Lord. An inner transformation not visible at first but gradually emerging as we flourish in our faith. Nourished and fully satisfied in His presence –  a vibrant relationship creating the perfect elements for transformation. Day by day, we are becoming more and more alive as we reflect His image to our world.

Ever wondered why we would choose sameness over growth? What is keeping us stunted, stale  and reflecting too much of the world we live in?  We have an enemy, Satan, and he always beckons us to seek sameness. He knows the glory revealed in those who are intentionally and purposefully growing in the Lord diminishes his impact on this world. His game plan is that we fear change, lack discipline, and excuse away stepping out of our comfort zone. Satan absolutely adores the ugliness of sin darkening our lives and keeping us spiritually immature.

As the early dawn welcomes another day, we each have a choice to go the way of sameness or pursue growth:

  • Sameness begins to shrivel while growth transforms us to be more and more like Jesus.
  • Sameness is satisfied with where we are at yet growth never settles.
  • Sameness avoids the discomfort of change while growth seizes any opportunity to be stretched.
  • Sameness denies the complacency surrounding us while growth recognizes and commits to taking the next step.

Sweet friends, may we resist the enemy’s schemes and embrace God’s transformative work within us. May we strategically discipline our lives to pursue God daily so we can grow to be more and more like Him. The journey will look different for each of us, but the glory revealed will always point others to God and away from self.

“Father, when we stay connected to you, we will flourish and grow. Rid us of excuses and desires for sameness and help us to courageously cooperate with Your work in us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 10, 2026

Jesus Is More Than Enough

“For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.”  Colossians 1:19:20 (ESV)

Totally hard to believe that this world as we know it was once Paradise – the most wonderful place ever. Perfection at its finest.  Created by our God who took total chaos plus darkness and turned it into absolute beauty.  And let’s not forget Adam and Eve who walked in perfect commune with God daily enjoying His presence. Can’t think of a better place – can’t imagine needing anything else right?  But we know the rest of this story….sin crept in creating a barrier between God and man.

Can only imagine how Adam and Eve felt hiding in the garden totally afraid of God’s presence …sin birthed disharmony and disorder in a once perfect world.  From the moment man breathed his first breath, we were created for a deep intimate relationship with God.  And sprinkled throughout the pages of the Old Testament, we glimpse God’s plan strategically unfolding to bring us back, to reconcile us to Himself once and for all.

Who would have ever dreamed a tiny babe born in a manager would be God’s answer to our desperate need?  Jesus took on flesh, lived amongst us, walked with us and talked with us. Fully God – fully man.  Exhibiting the very essence of our God. Holy.  Righteous.  Sinless perfection.  Loving kindness.  Faithfulness.  Humility.  The list is endless – Jesus is the full measure of God’s Spirit, attributes, sovereignty and power. He was the only one who could be the atoning sacrifice, endure death on the cross for our sins and then rise again as our ever present help.

Restored and redeemed – Jesus’ blood brought everything back to its original intent – intimate fellowship with God.  The best gift ever.  The veil was torn removing any barriers and beckoning us to draw close.  Resurrection glory sealed the living hope within us.  Sin doesn’t have the final say.

Interesting how easily we can get the amazing truth of God’s redemptive story so misaligned.  Perhaps it’s because it seems beyond our comprehension.  But if we asked the citizens of Colosse, they would tell us Jesus was simply another supernatural power like their other gods.  There was no way He could be an exact replica of God.  Simply put, Jesus was not sufficient for their needs.

Love the way Paul clearly reminded believers in Colosse, who were being lured away by false teaching, Jesus is the only One – the perfect mediator between God and the world.  All of the attributes of God took up permanent residency in the One, Jesus, who would remove our hostility towards God and open up the way through Him to the Father.

Sweet friend we don’t have to wonder or be confused – Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through His precious blood, and He is more than enough for all our needs.

“Father protect our hearts and minds from anyone or anything that would seek to discredit Your Son. Help us to know truth and stand firm on Your truth unwavering even in the midst of false teaching.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 9, 2026

Staying Useful In The Kingdom

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”   Psalm 71:18 (NIV)

You’ll probably agree that there are junctures in each person’s life where they are at a crossroads. I always thought the crossroads syndrome was a problem for the young, but I’m finding that this can happen at any age.

I’ve been active in the business community for many years, but my last client is closing his doors this week. I’m at the age where outside employment isn’t practical. Like many people transitioning to unemployment, I am tempted to think I have lost my usefulness. So here I am at the crossroads. What do I do now?

Since I am of retirement age, you may wonder what my problem is. Isn’t this stage of life referred to as the “Golden Years?” Here’s a little-known secret: retirement is highly over-rated. People always need to be useful.

Years ago, my grandfather passed away, leaving Grandma to live alone at the age of eighty-five, unable to get to church or the grocery without help, unable to tell children’s stories as she had for years in Sunday School. She believed no one needed her.

When she complained of being useless, I was surprised, being as young as I was back then. I said, “Grandma, now you have the luxury of time. You can pray. Pray for the young mothers so distracted by their children’s demands that they can’t carve out uninterrupted time to pray. Pray for us, your family. Pray for your church and our elected leaders. Pray for world events.”

She looked at me curiously as I made my suggestions. I hope she thought about that and took action. She was a wonderful, godly lady. She lived alone and took care of herself until she was ninety-five. So let me take my own advice. Let me pray in these later years. And like the psalmist, let me continue to proclaim His might. I may have a broad audience if I write, or it may be only one person at a time. Whoever it is, let me proclaim His might to the generation that follows me and His power to all those who come. Then I will never need to fear being useless.

“Dear Father, thank You for giving us access to You through prayer and thank You that we can be effective as praying people of any age. Teach us to pray more faithfully and proclaim your power to the generation behind us.”

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 8, 2026

Easter To Eden

 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God, believe also in Me…..I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:1,6 (NIV)

Imagine we are seated at the feet of Jesus.  We are in a friend’s home, the smell of freshly cooked bread is in the air, fresh fruits line the table, everyone is quietly listening with occasional laughter as shared stories are remembered.  We are in our comfy clothes, hair in ponytails, and perfectly at rest. We know we are loved.

Jesus is talking and telling us silly stories about the disciples and how they tease one another and Him.  He smiles as He shares the little anecdotes and includes each one of us in the conversation.  He asks about our lives and listens with his eyes.  He is so genuine and caring, and we want to stay forever.

Then His voice takes a more serious tone, and Jesus begins to share about heavy things, concerning situations to come.  We are puzzled.  We ask Jesus to explain a little further, and He replies with, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God and trust in Me, also. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.”  We sit and wonder if we should know what He is saying.

Jesus continues teaching and tells us things like, “He is the vine, and we are the branches.” “You didn’t choose me. I chose you.“  “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first,” and “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.”  Jesus looks into each of our eyes, lovingly knowing we do not understand all that He is teaching us, yet lovingly knowing that He must follow through on the next step, the beatings and the crucifixion so that we may sit like this with Him again.

And that is what He longs for.

Before the soldiers came to arrest Him, Jesus prayed for us.  He spent His last minutes before enduring shame and pain and torment talking to His Father about you and I.  As Jesus prayed. John 17:9 states, “My prayer is not for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they belong to You.”  Further on in chapter 17 Jesus begs God “I have given them the glory You gave me, so they may be as one as We are One. I am in them and You are in Me.  May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me.  Then they can see all the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began.”(vs. 22-24)

Jesus was longing for the unity He and the Father experienced before Creation and continued into Eden until that tragic first sin.  He wants us to know that the Father loves each of us as much as He loved Him (Jesus).  That is what Jesus wanted to be sure we knew before His death.

He longed for each of us to experience Eden with Him forever.

This week after Easter, sit at His feet.  Don’t let it pass by so quickly.  Read and meditate on His Word.  Focus on the overwhelming love He has for you.  No matter what this world may bring you, we can look forward to a forever wrapped in His love because of His sacrifice.  That is what He wants.  That everyone of us sees and believes in His love for each of us.

“Father, thank you for being willing to send Your only Son to this nasty earth because of Your love for us.  Thank you, Jesus, for being willing to obey.  We love You.”

 

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson-www.TerrieTollerson.com
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2026

Because of Me

“You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:23-24

Whether we’re reading the words of Jesus in the gospels or any of the New Testament writers, there’s a consistent theme when it comes to the Pharisees (Jewish religious leadership): They’re all about looking the part of “God people”—saying the right things, keeping the Law outwardly, and making sure they are seen and heard as the original “holier than thou” set…but, in reality, their hearts are cold, idolatrous, and judgmental. As Jesus interacted with these Jewish leaders, He not only knew their hearts and saw right through them, He often called them out in front of everyone (check out Matthew 23:1-36 and Luke 18:9-14 for a couple of examples).

In Romans (and his other letters), it’s the wordsmithing attorney and former Pharisee, Paul, who points his finger at these blind guides that their works-based living is missing the whole point of the Law: we’re not justified (made right in God’s eyes) through keeping the Law, it’s a mirror to show us how we only fall short and a map to guide our lives. It’s only by faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law on our behalf, that puts us in right relationship with God. So, praise God for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, paying for the wrath we deserve and imputing His righteousness to us! None of us can actually “keep the Law”—“There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:9-11)—and that includes the highly religious among us modern-day Christians. Only by God’s grace through faith are we saved. We were dead, now we’re alive. And every single day, we sin, repent, remind ourselves that we’ve been paid in full, and give God praise and glory. (At least, I pray it is so!)

Given these facts, why is it so easy to look down our noses and judge the behaviors/lifestyles of unbelievers when we were once dead ourselves? Even worse, why do we weigh the words and actions of other believers against some personal pharisaical “sanctification checklist” in our head, seeing them fall short of what we would do? Oh, beloved, that we would all remind ourselves (a) where we came from (blind, lost, dead) and (b) that every believer’s sanctification journey (walk toward holiness and glory) is on a different path and pace. We’re called to evangelize the lost and encourage/edify the believer. Not judge. Oh, but there’s more ouchy news.

It’s not just our own judgmentalism toward others that reflects poorly on our profession of faith as believers. See Paul’s illumination to us in Romans 2:23-24: Even as “church people” and professing followers of Jesus Christ, we can actually speak and act in a way that dishonors God such that others are not only NOT DRAWN to Jesus but respond by TURNING AWAY from Him. Because of us. Because of me.

We are called to be salt and light in this decaying and dark world, drawing others to the Lord. So, even in our unique sanctification journeys, we can’t excuse—or pursue—sinful behavior under the umbrella of God’s grace (see Romans 6!) We’re free from the bondage of sin…yet we’ll be in a battle with our old, fleshly self until we leave this life for the next. But, sweet friend, as we work out our salvation to live holy lives in response to what Christ has done for us, we must also be motivated by how we reflect Jesus to others. To constantly think, “What will they think of Christ because of me?” We raise our voice in righteous indignation to the customer service rep. We use our vehicle to demonstrate frustration with others. We let our impatience bubble up through our vocal cords into sarcasm or vitriol. (Or is this just me?) How often, after these kinds of responses, do we consider: What would they say if, right now, I shared the gospel or even invited them to church? They’d likely shake their head, scoff, and walk away…from us and maybe even the Lord.

Hear me out: This is NOT a motivation like with the Pharisees who ask themselves, “What will they think of me?” No! Our “me” is taken completely out of the equation! As ambassadors of the King and His kingdom, our whole lives—thoughts, words, actions—are meant to represent and glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). As believers, our joy, prayers, and praise aren’t just for Sundays and time with our church friends when “holy living” is easier…our holiness, through the grace of Jesus, is for every moment of every day. When we’re squeezed, when our expectations aren’t met, when the world’s darkness presses in. So, beloved, join me in praying diligently that others see Jesus and want to know God because of us.

“Heavenly Father, I repent for giving in to my flesh and responding to circumstances contrary to who I am in Christ. Help me live every day as light and salt, drawing others to you—not making them stumble or, worse, turn further from You. Make my life an instrument of Your grace, mercy, and love…that others know You because of me.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 6, 2026

On The Edge of Joy & Fear

“So, the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy and ran to tell His disciples.”  Matthew 28:8 (NIV)

Fear blended with an edge of joy or was it joy blended with an edge of fear?  We’ve all been there when we walked the tightrope of exhilarating faith only to greet piercing doubt.  Our heart flutters at the concept that all we dreamed, hoped for and believed was true.  And then a silver of doubt courses in bursting our bubble with a sharp needle of fear.  It’s a balancing act that requires careful precision or we cave in to fears and doubts missing the joy and faith.

Quite a challenge for the disciples and those who were eyewitnesses to the miracles of Jesus.  Walking alongside Him on dusty roads.  Sitting on the mountain side as Jesus taught.  Breaking bread around the table.  Catching fish in the deep.  Walking on water.  Receiving His healing.  An entry into Jerusalem with loud Hosannas!    Bruised and wounded. Nails piercing His hands.  “It is finished” resounded.  Darkness filled the sky. And then He who they knew, followed and loved was gone. The sting of death surrounded them.

Three days later, early in the dawn light, two women toggle on the edge of joy and fear as they seek their crucified Lord.  Heavy grieving hearts meet the revelation of an empty tomb. Can you see the shimmer of hope in their eyes as they peeked inside?  Can you sense the tremble in their footsteps as they hurried away?  Fearful from what they had seen, yet filled with joy – He is alive!  And within moments they find themselves worshipping at His feet.  Not fully understanding, yet totally overwhelmed – Jesus is alive!

I’ve been there – how about you?  When we exchange the dead places in our lives for a resurrected new birth, we find ourselves on the edge of joy and fear.  Excited and clinging to hope yet fearful of the events unfolding before our eyes.  We’ve never felt so close to God and yet so unsure of ourselves.  We dangle on the tightrope of faith and doubt.  Yet when we cling to His name, His character and His promises, we find ourselves completely balanced.  And within moments we’re worshipping at His feet – all fear erased.

“Father, the empty tomb unveils the glory of Your resurrected body living, breathing in the heart of Your children.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2026

Very Good

“Now the whole earth had one language and the same words.” Genesis 11:1a

It was the most beautiful sound. One minute we were praising Jesus in English and the next, we were praising Him in Spanish. Even though the words were foreign to my lips it didn’t negate the power of our voices blending together – the sweetest praise ever. There are no barriers when hearts are united as one.

Wonder what it will be like in Heaven? Differences won’t matter. Color of our skin won’t be an issue. Wealth or lack thereof won’t get in the way. Remnants of sin will be erased. Strife, opinions and preferences gone. We no longer will be outdoing, out-performing or out speaking over others. Humbly we will bow and worship with one voice praising our God!

Until that day, we remain. Yes, we remain in a fallen world where differences scream loud and barriers rob us of connection. We miss the beauty and sweetness of oneness for the sake of being proud, arrogant and superior. Definitely not God’s design for the “very good” He created.

Flip through the pages of Genesis and you will find oneness gone bad. Impressed with themselves, the people allowed their “no barriers” to foster pride. Their agenda was pronounced – let’s make a name for ourselves. Their plan was to build a city and high tower with its top reaching into the heavens. Their goal – if we do this together, we will not be scattered over the face of the earth. But God was fully aware of their agenda. Their oneness had become the beginning of their undoing and scattering so God confused their tongues.

Decades have passed since that pivotal moment when we no longer spoke the same language. And somewhere in the midst of all that, we harbored preferences and divisions. God’s purpose was to render us humble; the enemy’s agenda was to use it to keep us prideful. Why? Because as long as we are divided, we are weak. When we prefer us over them, we are missing out. When we choose to pursue our rights, we overlook their rights. Bottom line, we miss the beauty and power of the “very good” God intended.

United as one isn’t just a voice but a living that happens day in and day out. It’s the building of a bridge that ties us all together – God’s creation in perfect harmony. Wonder what our world would be like if we truly believed that “very good” was intended for us all?

“Sweet Jesus help us to embrace our world with love and grace the way You intended.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2026

From Emptiness to Abundance

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

We’ve all been there; each in her own way. Discouraged, at rope’s end: no hope; desperate; alone. Our efforts were supposed to result in fruit. Our faith was sure to bring forth a happy ending. But the end appears to be here and it’s not happy. Oh yes, even those of the Bible had days like this.

The widow in 2 Kings was no ordinary woman. In a land overtaken with evil, her husband had set himself apart as one of the companies of the prophets, a loyal follower of God. She likely was accustomed to hearing of God’s heart towards His people. Knowing full well God’s compassion for His people and the efforts taken to free His children from Egyptian slavery. But now, her husband was deceased, the creditors were coming to take her sons into a slavery of their own.

The answer? Empty jars. Her own and her neighbors; were all that could be found. Inviting others to participate in God’s workings. In obedience, the emptiness was gathered.

And shemen flowed. Shemen, the Hebrew word for oil, is used 192 times in the Old Testament. Oil was a sign of the Lord’s blessing. Sanctification practices and consecration of priests included the anointing of oil. Oil was symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Empty. Pour. Set aside. Empty. Pour. Set aside. Bring the emptiness. Watch the pouring of oil. And continue. Each and every jar was filled. From emptiness to abundance. The widow had enough funds to pay her debts and future expenses. There would be no slavery for this family.

Rather than effort and expectations, may it be our emptiness that we bring to the Lord. In obedience, may we follow His commands and statutes. Allow ourselves to be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit: pure, stable and holy. And each good fruit will become ours. Faith to see the inexplicable will become a way of life. And, freedom will prevent our captivity.

“Father, you are a Good and Holy God who wants only the best for me. The answers lie not in my understanding but in You. Holy Spirit fill me that I would have no lack.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

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