Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 12, 2026

David & Goliath

“David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”1 Samuel 17:45

We all love the story of David and Goliath, how young David took the giant up on his challenge and killed him in the name of the Lord Almighty, saving the army of King Saul. It makes us want to cheer for David, the underdog. It’s the go-to story when we want to illustrate how faith can grant us victory in a helpless situation. We think if we could only have the kind of faith David had, we could have the same results.

But that’s not what the story is about. It’s not about David. This story is about God, about His power to accomplish His will through people. He knew the situation and chose David to win the battle. David’s heart was willing. He was also much smaller than the giant, inexperienced in war, and without armor. He was the least likely person for the job. That was why God chose him, to demonstrate His power.

How did David happen to be in the right place at the right time? It was by divine appointment, set by God. He didn’t need to check anyone’s calendar or remind everyone to be on time. He simply moved circumstances. He had the Philistine army on one side of the Valley of Elah and the Israelites on the other side, facing them for forty days. The tension was incredible as the giant roared his insults and challenges day after day.

At precisely the right time, God prompted Jesse to send David to the battle site with a donation of food. Then he filled David with His Spirit.

Did you ever have an experience where you felt the Spirit so strongly that you were compelled to take on His assignment? There was a particular instance when I had an urge so intense that I couldn’t obey fast enough despite the risk. I was amazed at the change God produced as a result. I believe that was the kind of holy urge that came over David. God’s hand was on him, giving him such a single-minded goal to take on the giant that he couldn’t stop. It was as if the Lord were behind him, pushing him into position and putting words in his mouth.

We know the story. He stepped up boldly, refusing to wear the king’s armor, and chose five smooth stones from the brook. He only needed one. He aimed at the forehead of the giant, and the stone found its mark. The giant was defeated, and the Israelite army surged forward, conquering the Philistines.

So what is the point of this story? Only that we need to be ready, available, and open to the Spirit, just as David was. Spend time in the presence of God daily, so when He taps you on the shoulder and gives you a divine assignment, you will be ready to take it on.

“Father, few of us would ask to be put into an impossible situation, but if You give us an assignment beyond our abilities, we ask Your Spirit to guide us as You guided David at the Valley of Elah.”

For His Glory

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

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 11, 2026

Lost Opportunities

“Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity.”  Colossians 4:5 (NLT)

Confession time. I am way too often a very poor ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Around my friends and church family? No problemo. Even in welcoming new people to church on Sundays, my attitude is love, grace, mercy—my desire is to reflect the Lord and glorify God in my thoughts, words, and actions. The sad truth is that my loss of these godly characteristics usually occurs amid more, um, public settings. It’s bad enough that my cruddy mood or sharp words may strike a fellow Christian who doesn’t know me…in fact, they likely may be thinking, “Good grief, that woman needs Jesus.” Oh, but what does that look like to unbelievers? They probably have some choice descriptors of me in their mind. Although the word isn’t used often these days, an accurate term would be “fool.”

In the aftermath of my foolish words or actions, as conviction kicks in hard, I often shudder at the thought of following up my behavior with, “So, are you a believer? Want to join me at church on Sunday?” Cringeworthy, am I right?

The Bible has a lot to say about fools and foolishness:

  • A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back (Proverbs 29:11).
  • A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion (Proverbs 18:2).
  • The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good (Psalm 14:1).
  • For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts… deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. (Mark 7:21-22).

The opposite of foolishness is wisdom—walking according to God’s Word. In addition to the Psalms and other Old Testament books that are chocked full of wisdom advice, practically every book of the New Testament gives followers of Christ an “ambassador handbook.” A clear blueprint of the words to use, the behaviors to put on (and what to throw off), and the attitudes to embrace. (See all of Paul’s letters, as well as the books of James, John, and Peter.) In fact, because we are filled with the Holy Spirit upon salvation, when we truly yield to Him, His God-glorifying fruit will blossom (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul’s letter to the Colossians, for instance, is a great study on who we are in Christ and how to walk. It’s in chapter 4, verses 2-6, however, that the Lord reminds us of how our conduct around unbelievers—if wise—provides us with gospel opportunities. And if that coin is flipped, acting as the fool leads to lost opportunity. Or worse, giving God—my King who I represent—a bad name.

Oh, sweet friend, aren’t you thankful for the unending mercy, grace, and forgiveness of the Lord? I sure am. And as much as I know it breaks His heart when we don’t act wisely (or my speech is not “seasoned with grace”), He always gives us the chance to honor His Name…to “make the most of every opportunity.” In that same section of Colossians, Paul even exhorts us how: (1) We devote ourselves to prayer; (2) stay alert—keep our eyes open to what God is doing around us; (3) maintain an attitude of thanksgiving; (4) walk wisely; and (5) season our words with the grace we’ve been given. That “opportunity” presented to us may just mean being a conduit through which God brings salvation. I don’t know about you, but I want to be that kind of tool for the Lord…not a fool.

“Lord, keep my eyes open to what You are doing around me. Give me the wisdom and words to make the most of every opportunity for Your glory.”

 

For Your Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 10, 2026

When Chatter Becomes Careless

“When words are many transgressions is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lip is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19 (ESV)

As a kid, I rarely kept quiet. Words spewed effortlessly from my lips, and my friends often called me, “Motormouth.” I’m sure there were many moments when I probably drove my parents crazy with my nonstop chatter. I always had something to say. I was never speechless, despite the fact silence would have served me well on several occasions.

While my childhood chatter was amusing, an unceasing flow of words can easily open the door to carelessness. We’ve probably all experienced the aftermath of speaking without thinking. And if we’re really getting honest, we’ve said some words we meant in the moment but later regretted. Evidence of why pause before uttering a sound is good advice. Silence serves us well when emotions are raging high.

Keeping it real here – gossip, slander and criticism aren’t quite the gracious words mentioned in Proverbs 16:24. No sweetness for the soul who is the hot topic of those conversations. Without a second of hesitation, we can easily tear down, wound and minimize others. Like a thrusting sword, reckless words shred vulnerable souls.

Bottom line – God never intended for our words to destroy or hurt others. The One who breathed life into our lungs and enables us to speak desires words which birth life, love and grace. And if we’re not sure what to say or what not to say, we don’t’ have to wonder. Proverbs and the book of James are full of examples demonstrating the importance of taming our tongue. Great wisdom and knowledge for those who seek to build others up rather than tear them down (Ephesians 4:29).

Perhaps, we all need to evaluate our spoken and written words. Are we reflecting the love of God? Do we find great pleasure in devouring others with our words? Do we say, write, tweet or post without pausing to consider how others may perceive our words? Are we opinionated and argumentative?

Yes, a lot to think about when it comes to unceasing chatter. Lots of words filling the air we breathe in every day. Easy to get caught up in the trap of saying whatever we want, whatever we feel in the moment. Takes great restrain to stop, pause and think before even one syllable utters from our lips.

Love this sweet reminder from Psalm 19:4 “Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Plain and simple – God is aware of our internal and external speech – let’s choose to make Him proud by weighing the value of what we are saying before we speak.

“Father, You have given us specific instructions on how we can lift up and encourage others. Help us to heed Your wisdom and speak life to all we meet.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Success, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 7, 2026

Why Asking Serves Us Well

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

Asking has never been my go to. Raising my hand in class rarely happened. Unfortunately, I tend to be a figure it out for yourself kind of person, but it doesn’t always serve me well. Time can evaporate quickly when we’re spinning our wheels relying solely on ourselves to get it done. Independence is overrated when we struggle and give up because we’re too afraid, too proud or just don’t want to ask for help.

Asking questions births solutions. Opening the door for wisdom to grow and knowledge to flourish, we gain confidence to accomplish more than we ever imagined. Asking for help resolves overwhelming challenges. Inviting others into our circle and working together, we experience deeper relationships. Asking empowers and liberates us – now that’s inviting. Yes, asking’s benefits far outweigh any misconceptions we have that hold us back from leaning on self alone.

Love the way God is the instigator of questions. Throughout scripture, He asks questions inviting deep thought-provoking introspection. Choosing to answer our questions with questions. Birthing in us a desire to seek His wisdom. God’s questions move us from simply wanting a response to uncovering the beauty of His divine character and the importance of leaning on Him. No question is beyond His reply. No question is too big for our God. No request is criticized, mocked or ignored. God delights in leading us to truth and greater dependence on Him.

So, sweet friends let’s deny our instincts to rely on ourselves. Let’s purposefully choose to seek help and ask tough questions. Let’s resist the urge to discredit the wisdom of those God has strategically placed in our circle. Let’s forego the need to do it all ourselves and forsake the help sitting in front of us. Let’s lay down pride. Let’s release fears. Let’s embrace help and give help. Let’s lean on God’s character and rely on His provision even if it requires welcoming others into our circle.

“Father, You know exactly what we need. You provide help and answers in ways we could never have imagined. Praising You for the beauty of asking that unveils Your divine provision.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 6, 2026

End Of Summer Project

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NLT)
 

Some people ascribe to the practice of spring cleaning. Spring is a time for discarding jackets, scarves, and gloves in order to better enjoy the fresh warmth. Spring is a time for buckling down and finishing schoolwork for the year, so we can enjoy summer vacation the moment final exams are over. Any deep cleaning gets pushed to the back burner for later.

Our family ascribes to the lesser known practice of the week-before-school-starts cleaning. A wave of loathing for all things cluttered or overflowing starts the week off. Working under the pressure of a deadline—before the chaos of a new school year derails any extra projects—usually keeps us motivated. Some years, we lose steam partway through the process, giving up in exhaustion before crossing the finish line. Yet, some years we tackled every drawer, cabinet, and closet trashing, giving away, or selling everything that wasn’t necessary for our daily survival.

Just as we took the time to clean and organize our drawers, cabinets, and closets, so we as believers, must take the time to examine our hearts—every nook and cranny. What does our key verse mean when it refers to a pure heart? A pure heart is one which is free of the guilt of sin, the pollution sin causes. Our hearts and minds relish the purity that comes with living free of the pollution and guilt of sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NASB)

Our reward for an organized, clean house is a temporary feeling of satisfaction knowing there is room … for more junk to fill up every space in the coming year. The reward for a clean, pure heart is infinitely better. To “see God” is not just to see Him with our eyes but to perceive Him in all His glory, to truly know Him more than words on a page but with every fiber of our being. More than mere temporary satisfaction, seeing God fills us to bursting.

Is it time for some end of summer cleaning?

“Lord, we bare ourselves before You to be cleansed of our sin. Thank You for Your forgiveness and the clear perception to really see You.”

 

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 5, 2026

Follow The Leader

“But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin.”  2 Chronicles 12:1 (NLT)

Our almost 20 month and 4 year old grandsons love to play follow the leader around their kitchen island.  We march, play pretend instruments, skip, walk backward, leapfrog, and dance,  depending on what the leader is showing us to do.  We don’t ask questions, we just follow.  The boys love being the boss and watching us act out the silly things they lead us to do.

This is a fun game for all of us, but it is just a game.  We would never just blindly follow someone in real life…would we?

We have an example in scripture where all of Israel blindly followed their king.

Rehoboam did not just lead himself into a life away from the Lord, he led an entire country to walk away from the Lord.

Rehoboam had everything going for him.  He was the grandson of King David, the son of King Solomon, and he was crowned the new king of all of Israel.  The people were ready and willing to follow his leadership.  Some of the older advisors of King Solomon met with him and suggested that he reduce the workload of the people.  King Solomon had been building the Lord’s Temple, and the people were worn out and exhausted.  Rehoboam was handed a beautiful opportunity to become a humble, wise, and servant driven leader.  He had the opportunity to put the people before himself and lead Israel in the ways of the Lord.  However, Rehoboam also had advisors of his own age, and they did not agree.  They suggested that Rehoboam push the people and make them work harder than ever.

The result?  Rehoboam listened to his peers and soon after, Israel split into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). He chose to walk away from the Lord and His laws, and 2 Chronicles 12:1 states, “…and all Israel followed him in this sin.”

Rehoboam’s poor game of follow the leader not only caused pain in his day but for generations to come.  Israel and Judah were so weakened by his lack of leadership that both kingdoms were invaded, taken captive, and destroyed.

Follow the leader may seem like a harmless child’s game, but in reality, the results can last for generations.

Why is this story in scripture?  What can we learn from it?

We can look at the leadership that God grants us and check in to see how we are stewarding it.   Are we allowing Christ to lead us so that we may be strong leaders to others?  Are we making decisions for our best or is it the best for future generations to follow?

We also have to look at who we are following.  This could be on social media-isn’t it interesting we are called followers of others??  Do we follow others more than Christ?  Whose opinion do we seek out first?  Who is the loudest voice in our head?  What are our criteria for making decisions and moving forward with them?

Follow the leader is really what this life is all about.  Who is our leader, and who are we following?

“Father, thank you for the opportunity to honor You with our lives and bring others to You.  Help us to hear Your voice the loudest and follow Your path, no matter how narrow it may be.”

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 4, 2026

Exponential Love

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”  1 John 3:1

I’d been warned. My friends who have lived through a time like I had last week tried to tell me, to explain what I was stepping into. I thought, “Yeah, I know…it’s gonna be wonderful.” Oh, but how could I really know? Not even sure my words here could truly capture it if you told me to fill 1000 pages. Some of you reading this may nod with a knowing look. And if you haven’t yet experienced this—or won’t ever for myriad reasons—my hope is that you’ll still understand the spiritual truths purposefully baked in by our Heavenly Father.

See, my son and daughter-in-love had a baby the other day. The moment we walked into the hospital room, and I laid eyes on her, it was all over—tears of joy, gratitude, answered prayers, and overwhelming love for this beautiful little girl. As I held her and gazed into that perfect face, I thought my heart would burst. Just hours old, she has no words, no activity, no attitude. She simply is…and she is immensely loved.

Now, it’s been over two decades since my two boys were babies, when I could hold them in my arms for hours and stare lovingly into their precious faces, my heart bursting with pure momma-adoration. Before the bad decisions, colossal mistakes, lost tempers, and regretted words set in to break the spell…and I’m talking about mine. I was/am not a perfect parent. So, despite my deep love (“to eternity and back”), which was expressed and verbalized to my boys, I know that they doubted my promise that there’s nothing they could ever do to make me love them less. I’m sure, in my failures, they thought, “I better do ______ to earn her love,” or “I messed up, so surely I’m not as loved as I was before.” Oh, how I wish it wasn’t so…because it wasn’t the truth. Did I mention I was far from a perfect parent?

Why this confession now? As I held my tiny, helpless granddaughter, overcome by a new exponential love, the Lord showed me more of Himself. See, when we were born again into God’s family by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, we were as helpless as my granddaughter emerging from her momma. We did nothing, said nothing to earn His acceptance and love. He loves us because we are His. From that moment of our new birth, we start failing. But since He is the Perfect Parent, as we make those bad decisions and colossal mistakes, when regrettable words fly from our hearts through our open lips, we never have to doubt His love. He’ll never love us any less or more—and He knows our every thought, past, present, and future.

Although I recognize that my “grandmother goggles” will be different than my momma-vision, I know full well that no one will have to teach my sweet grandbaby to lie, bite, and have tantrums when she doesn’t get her way. And, as with my boys, there will be consequences to those actions and attitudes. But my prayer is that she—and each of us, as children of our Heavenly Father—deeply know God’s unchanging love. There is no more for the earning. No loss at our foolishness. Just the unfathomable, unsearchable love of God. In His graciousness to remind me of this, I pray that you’re also washed over by His exponential love for you.

“Lord, thank You that nothing can ever separate me from Your love. I cannot earn Your approval or dampen Your affection for me. When I fail or fall or doubt, remind me of this truth, so I can rest in Your unfathomable love for me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 3, 2026

What Remains

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

Who doesn’t love new? There’s nothing like new car smell, and a freshly painted new house invites entertaining. Have to admit, I love using new appliances and wearing a new outfit is so special. Traveling to a new destination fills us with awe. All the newness we enjoy.

Hate to admit it, but not all “new” things are initially embraced. New also  denotes  a different direction, unprecedented, never seen before and definitely doesn’t mean the new will be easy. We’ve probably all traveled this journey of new seasons in our lives and struggled through challenging times. Perhaps God redirected all our plans, and we really didn’t want His new; we so loved the comfort of old, familiar. Could it be that new invoked a deep sense of regret. Sometimes new dictates a change in our relationship status. Friends move away. Illness appears unannounced. Marriages break apart. Death rearranges without permission. Sometimes new ushers in financial strains and unwanted hard decisions.

Regardless of how we experience new, God is always present in every welcomed and unwelcomed re-direction. In scripture, wildernesses and deserts are symbolic of testing, spiritual growth, and divine encounters. In these new places in our journey disguised as barren and desolate, God transforms  and shapes us for His purposes. The birthing of new within us spiritually is far more valuable than our comfort.

Absolutely love  this quote from Ruth Schwenk about the newness of change:

“Somethings change you forever. There is something within you that loss cannot steal. Something that disappointment cannot erase. Something that suffering can’t touch. Maybe that’s what resilience really is. Not becoming someone who has never been broken but discovering what remains after the breaking.”

Webster defines resilience in a similar way:  “The capability of a body to recover and/or readjust after compressive stress.”

While none of us would ask for the newness of loss, disappointment, stress or suffering, I love the way God uses it in our lives to build in resilience. Reflecting on Ruth’s quote, loss can’t steal our memories. Disappointment doesn’t erase God’s faithfulness in the journey. Suffering can’t touch the power of our redeemed testimony birthed in dependence on Him.

The word “behold” in our verse reveals a pivotal truth – it functions as a summons rather than a casual glance at the words to follow. Behold in scripture often denotes a request to confront something unanticipated and obscure rather than simply observe. It’s a call to response and in Isaiah 43:19,  it’s an invitation to respond to what God is about to do in our lives with a reassurance He will make a way. We can confidently place our faith and trust in God to turn our wilderness and desert into transformational moments in our lives.

Somethings change us forever, but the choice of resilience or resistance is totally up to us. Where we focus our gaze and our mind will be the determining factor. Nothing “new” is ever wasted when we view it from God’s loving perspective. When we lean into His wisdom, we avoid missing the joys birthed in new even when it was unwanted.

“Jesus how I love the way you work within all things that touch our lives to create resilience and dependence on You. We can trust You to make a way where we see no way.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 31, 2026

When Hopelessness Settles In

“I called to the Lord in my distress and He answered me.” Jonah 2:2a (HCSB)

Jonah and the big fish was probably one of my fave Bible stories growing up. The adventure, danger and the spewing out of Jonah kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. What was it like to be in the belly of a fish? Would Jonah survive and if he did would he smelly fishy? All important questions to little minds captivated by this adventure, but Jonah was far from being simply a story. Deep truths erupt in the pages of Jonah’s life.

A prophet on the run, Jonah starts his journey attempting to escape God’s instructions. Haven’t we all been there? Definitely spent my time running away from words I didn’t want to hear. Funny how we think fleeing will solve everything yet it eventually creates new challenges. Jonah finds himself in the midst of a stormy sea jeopardizing innocent bystanders. Best solution – jump ship or better yet have someone throw you overboard. Now I don’t know about you but Jonah could have easily thrown himself into the waters. Wonder if the brave soul once defiant before God faded quickly when confronted with the impact of his sinful choices?

Drama intensified when a huge fish arrives on the scene and swallows Jonah. End of story we might think – who could survive such a tragedy? Yet wallowing around in the belly of a big fish, Jonah finally comes to his senses or shall I say he had plenty of time to pray. Three days and nights must have seemed like an eternity – it always does when the reality of our disobedience rises to the surface. I dare imagine God had Jonah’s full attention. Been there myself too. Amazing how quickly we turn to God when fear accelerates and hopelessness settles in.

“As my life was fading away I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came to You to Your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forsake faithful love,” cries Jonah. In other words, Jonah’s desperate attempt to shut out, dismiss and ignore God’s words had brought him full circle. Nothing like a little time in a dark pit to cause our eyes to be lifted up in recognition of His holiness and our lack thereof.

Lovingly, God spews Jonah out of the fish and grace lands him on dry ground. Wish I could tell you that Jonah learned his lesson …..but scripture reminds us that even the revived Jonah struggled with God’s grace for others. What was good for him, what worked in his favor didn’t seem to apply to others. We’ve probably all landed there too – easily forgetting the grace lavished on us and quick to exercise judgment.

Note to self: we can’t outrun our God. We can attempt to hide but wherever we go He goes. The consequences of disobedience far out weight the uncomfortableness of obeying God’s voice. And finally never forget without grace we’d still be the one in the pit.

“Father, You are our Rescuer,, Restorer and Redeemer but You can’t turn a blind eye to our disobedience. May we never forget the amazing grace that covers us on a daily basis.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2026

Kudzu Theology

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”  Isaiah 59:2 (KJV)

Consider the kudzu, the beautiful vine with three-lobed leaves and sprawling roots.” In the United States, kudzu grows mostly in the southeast but may be seen in other areas. Now that it’s summer, you’ll see plenty of it draping itself over the rolling landscape, creeping over acres of trees like a thick, green blanket. You might even spot its sweet purple flowers. The sight of it is quite pleasing to the eye. Stand back and take a long look. The view is peaceful and serene.

But there is a serious downside. It has a well-deserved reputation as the “vine that ate the South.” As an invasive species, kudzu grows up to a foot per day. With leaves that can be as long as eight inches, it smothers everything in its path. It can spread over a large wooded area in a shockingly short time. When the vines shrivel and die in the winter, their absence often reveals dead trees where the kudzu used to be. Why? Because kudzu completely blocks the sunlight and consumes root space that the native trees need to thrive.

Isn’t that like sin? Sin can be very attractive. It can allure you—even convince you it will improve your life—but don’t look too deep. If you peel back the outer layer and take a good look, you can see it choking everything it covers. Once sin gets a toehold, it’s practically impossible to eradicate by yourself; it just keeps growing.

And grow it does. When you are first tempted to sin, you think just a tiny bit won’t hurt. Just a little lie; just slipping that little thing that isn’t yours into your pocket; just flirting a little with someone you know you shouldn’t. You think you can keep it under control. But, like kudzu, it takes off with an energy of its own and spirals out of control faster than you could imagine.

Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So, remember the lesson of the kudzu. Choose life.

“Heavenly Father, we give You thanks and praise for Your amazing love and faithfulness. You have warned us to stay away from sin, lest You turn Your face from us and stop hearing our prayers. When we are enticed by sin and think just a little won’t hurt, give us wisdom and strength to keep our lives pure and holy in Your sight.”

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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