Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 19, 2021

Unexpected Blessings

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor.  No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11, ESV)

“I don’t want it.” Words I mumbled to myself.  This six-week-old puppy (a cairn terrier) had been brought into our home.  She was a gift for someone else in the family, who had promised to take care of her. But I just knew that I would end up being the one to take care of her. And I was right.  I wasn’t in a great place in that season of my life to care for anything.  Still deep in grief and barely functioning myself.  But every morning, I would hear this little one whining – she needed to go out.  I was still lying around in my robe most of the day at that point. She needed me to take her out to potty.  I mumbled and grumbled as I got up to take her out. I saw her as such an inconvenience in my life.

I resented the fact that I had to take care of her in the beginning.   She was high energy as a puppy and required a lot of walking.  That pushed me to develop a routine of walking her every morning.  The daily walking was good for her, but it was also very healing for me. Being out in nature is one of the best things you can do when you’re grieving. Through our morning walks, we connected with other ladies in the neighborhood and wonderful friendships were formed as a result.

I’ve had Casey over 11 years now.  She looks just like Toto from Wizard of Oz. She has become a wonderfully unexpected blessing in my life.  Over the years, she and I have walked thousands of miles together.  She’s been by my side as I’ve cried my heart out to the Lord on our numerous walks.  It is on those walks, that the Lord seems to speak to me with such clarity which has inspired many of my writings over the years.

When was the last time God brought something into your life that wasn’t what you wanted?  A health diagnosis that wasn’t what you wanted to hear or the loss of a job.  Maybe it’s taking care of a friend or family member when you’re not in a good place to take care of yourself.  Perhaps he’s trying to bring something good into your life (but you can’t see it just yet).

It’s only now looking back that I see how God orchestrated bringing Casey (and her adopted sister Sophie) into our lives.  In a season when all I could do was focus on my pain – having Casey in my life forced me to think about something else (exactly what I needed).

“Father, when things come in our lives help us to see the blessing even if it’s wrapped differently than we expected.”

For His Glory,

Laura Holmes  (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2021

Grab A Basin & A Towel

“Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7 (NIV)

Jesus was with His disciples just before the Passover Festival, sharing an evening meal with them. He knew what awaited Him; yet His main concern was to continue to love and teach them until He had no more time to do so before returning to the Father. He could have secluded Himself to a place where He could be alone and pray, but instead, He chose to be with them, His followers.

Jesus, who had been seated at the table, got up from His place, grabbed a basin of water and a towel, and started to wash His disciples’ feet. Peter, feeling unworthy of having his Master wash his stinky feet, inquired on what Jesus was doing. Of course, he would… someone usually becomes very inquisitive when he or she does not understand the “what” or “why” of something.

Has a situation like this ever happened to you? I mean, has someone ever questioned you about something you felt needed to be done and you didn’t really have the time or frame of mind to explain why? Say, have you ever prepared a tub filled with sudsy warm water for a child to bathe in and that child questioned why she had to get in there at that exact time? Has your child ever argued with you over the need to sit at the table and face the plate of food that was placed in front of her? If either situation has happened to you, then you get the picture, right? Children must be bathed and fed, and this is a fact.

Jesus had a mission to fulfill and was pressed for time. He wanted to leave them a legacy of service by washing their feet and was not concerned about explaining why. Sometimes, our hearts feel the need to do something led by the Holy Spirit and we don’t follow through because we get hung up on the questioning instead of the doing. Is Jesus wanting to wash your feet? Let Him! Is He telling you to wash your neighbor’s feet? Don’t argue it. Grab your basin and your towel and be Jesus to them.

 “Thank You, Lord, for being the water that cleanses us from our sins. Amen.”

 For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 17, 2021

Fixed Hope

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 1:13

Hope is essential. And I think we can all agree that its opposite—hopelessness—leads to discouragement, depression, and desperation. Even in the secular vernacular, hope is vital to mental and emotional health. According to the website positivepsychology.com,

Hope helps us remain committed to our goals and motivated to take action towards achieving. Hope gives people a reason to continue fighting and believing that their current circumstances will improve, despite the unpredictable nature of human existence.

“A reason to continue fighting and believing”—I like this phrase. But the issue at hand is what “reason” we clutch onto. Is it some nebulous emotional state or even a reliance on “powers that be”? Is it people (or a person), a job, money, or a government? When hope evades some people, they even grasp at things like drugs and alcohol in order to infuse a bit of “hope” into their lives. Sadly, all these things, which people place their hope in all the time, are like shifting sands. Unstable, unreliable, uncertain.

For the Christian, we have “a reason to continue” that is sure—despite what’s going on around us. We hope in the Lord and His unmovable love. We have certainty in Jesus Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, exchanged our sin for His righteousness, making a way for us to stand before God unashamed and unjudged. We hope in our unchangeable salvation and our freedom in Christ. We hope in our ultimate release from this sinful (pain-filled and broken) body for a perfected vessel to house our also-perfected spirit. We hope in the new heaven and earth, once this fallen world is finally judged and burned up.

See, as time goes on, we will not “save the planet” or create “perfect societies”—on the contrary, the earth and its residents continue to decay and fall farther away from perfection. Hoping in “environmental sustainability” or any “new world order” is like hoping in mist. The only hope for humanity is Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Even thousands of years before Christ, people and nations were putting hope in armies, governments, and false idols. Those leaders, armies, and nations—and their hopeful followers—all fell. The Truth, as recorded in God’s Word even then, holds fast:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

~ Psalm 20:7-8

“Father, I am so thankful that the Source of my hope is sure, and that I can unreservedly live for my future, which is known and promised.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 16, 2021

Single Focus – Undistracted

“How Beautiful you are, my beloved, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are like doves…” Song of Solomon 4:1 (NLT)

The Lover is marveling over His beloved having “dove eyes.” The unique thing about the dove is its singular vision. Meaning it must move its head to look to the right or the left. Otherwise, a dove looks straight ahead and is only able to focus on one thing at a time. In essence, Solomon is saying his beloved “only has eyes for him!”

Mules and horses wear blinders because they are easily distracted, but a dove was created to look straight ahead. When the Bridegroom said to the bride “your eyes behind your veil are like doves,” He’s saying you look at me with a singleness of heart. You are not distracted by what’s happening on the right or the left. You keep your focus centered on Me.

Little foxes come to steal and destroy your relationship with God (S/S 2:15). Don’t be busy minding other vineyards leaving your own vineyard to ruin. Have dove eyes fastened securely on the Lord. With singleness of vision, He will lead you according to His plans and purpose. Love Him with your obedience! Allow your spirit to become ever so sensitive to His still small voice guiding your steps. Stay close to Him sensing His will for you. With a tender glance, He will guide you in the right direction instructing and teaching you in the way you should go while His eye is on you (Ps.32.8).

Develop dove eyes…a singular focus on God alone! Once your gaze is fixed, you will sense a greater awareness of His presence. He will minister to you in very special ways lifting you far above the cares of this world. He will satisfy the deep longings of your heart. Quenching your cravings for things of this world creating a greater awareness of Him inspiring you to abide in His very existence.

Singleness of vision is seeking the Lord no matter your fears, your foes or the battles within. You’ll be gazing on the beauty of the Lord (Ps.27:1-4). The Lord exchanges His crown of beauty for your ashes. His oil of joy replaces life’s mourning’s and a spirit of despair is dressed with His garment of praise (Is.61).

“Father, give us “dove eyes,” which inspire singleness of focus looking steadily and intently on You alone, so we never miss Your very best.”

 

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock  (www.KimLaceySchock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 15, 2021

Exposing Blind Spots

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:4 (ESV)

A road trip would be utterly boring unless something crazy happened right?  Seems like there is always a story just waiting to be told. Have to be admit – I usually have no shortage of events especially when traveling.  A recent road trip definitely scored high.  My friend and I were leaving the sunny state of Florida and had been on the road a mere 30 minutes when crazy happened.  You got it – as we zoomed down I-95, I glanced over at my right view mirror so I could switch lanes.  The wind was ripping and my mirror was dancing and in just a few moments, the glass on my mirror took flight landing on the highway behind us into hundreds of shattered pieces.

Now the craziness of the moment shocked us, but it wasn’t long before the reality settled in. How would I maneuver switching lanes and weaving in and out of traffic if I didn’t use my mirror to avoid blind spots?  Nothing like a great friend who instantly became my eyes and my navigator.  Every time, I moved lanes, she turned around and verified the coast was clear.   A momentary crisis solved.

Isn’t that exactly how God designed us to be  – godly friends who aren’t intimidated by crazy. Friends who stay through the rough spots.  Friends who open our eyes to truth and guide us along a journey which draws us closer to God. Best part is when friends aren’t intimidated by us and speak deep words of wisdom.  Removing the blind spots, helping us see possibilities, and avoid pitfalls lurking around the corner.  Couldn’t even begin to tell you how many momentary crises they’ve helped me solve. The perfect word spoken at the right moment drawing us back to the heart of God.

So sweet friend who is helping you see beyond and around those blind spots?  Tunnel vision never serves us well.  When we desire a specific outcome, we can easily convince ourselves to move in the direction of that desire.  Zeroed in on the perceived perfect outcome, we fail to objectively see the whole picture. We need to view all the angles before we make decisions, before we move into the next lane. We don’t need someone who will simply feed our ego and tell us what we want to hear.  We all need someone who will point us back to God’s truth – the counsel of a godly friend is priceless.

“Father,  we desperately need Your help in navigating through life – thank You for the gift of godly friends who remind us of your truth and help expose blind spots.  Help us to lean into Your wisdom and welcome the godly counsel of those You place in our life.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 12, 2021

Remember My Chains

“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, Remember my chains, Grace be with you.” Colossians 4:18 (ESV)

 

“You just don’t understand the position I’m in right now. My life is such a mess there’s no way I could possibly help anybody else.  I just don’t have time to commit to church right now.  When things calm down, maybe I can get more involved.”

Sentiments I’ve heard numerous times over the years from friends and family.  As they were somehow convinced that the circumstances in their lives determined how they could serve the Lord. Fully surrendered to the assumption that their location in life determined everything. Always waiting for things to be better before taking the initial step of faith.

Paul was chained to the wall of a prison cell as he wrote this letter to the church in Colossae.  He wasn’t being lavished with hot baths and extravagant meals.  He had been beaten and arrested for sharing the gospel of Christ.  No one was giving him antibiotics and treating his wounds with tender loving care. What he was seeing and living in the physical realm was disheartening.

However, during his time in prison, Paul wrote four letters that are sometimes referred to as the “prison epistles” – Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon.  In those letters, he encouraged believers to rejoice in spite of suffering, anxiety and continue to look to Christ as their object of faith and hope.  He continually prayed for the souls of his “spiritual” children.

He often referred to himself as a “prisoner of Christ” (Ephesians 3:1).  Yet he didn’t share it with resentment.  It was a position he willingly embraced.  He wasn’t stating his situation as a plea for sympathy.  But he was speaking about it from a place of authority.  Something he had learned that no matter the physical location of the body, his heart (soul) was safe with the Lord.  He was already “seated in Heaven” (Colossians 3:1) and his physical location was just a temporary hinderance.

When Paul told the people at Colossae to “remember my chains”, he was encouraging them to remember that they “are more than conquerors” through the blood of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:37)

Louie Giglio states “there is no circumstance in life including being chained to the wall of a prison cell that can stop Almighty God from accomplishing through your life exactly what he intends to accomplish through your life.”

When life starts to overwhelm us, it’s easy to want to retreat from the world.  Tell ourselves the lie that somehow “it’s easier to do nothing” and just “go with the flow.” But those lies will only keep you paralyzed with fear – instead we should focus on the truth of who we are, not where we are in life.

 

“Father remind us today that no matter what chains we may be burdened down with in our lives, those things can’t keep us from our purpose.”

 

For His Glory,

Laura Holmes   (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 11, 2021

Friendsgiving

“Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.”  Colossians 4:14-15

Last year (and oh, what a year it was) the Fall brought really big changes for the Smith family. Our older son had just gotten married in July and lived a couple hours away (still in Virginia like us). Then, our younger son moved to North Carolina in October. So, before my husband and I packed up and relocated to Florida, we decided to have an early Thanksgiving—we called it “Smithsgiving”—since we would be separated for the actual holiday. It was wonderful.

I say all that because this year (which also brought lots of changes, shocking) we will not be with any family. Instead, we’ll celebrate a “Friendsgiving,” with our newfound community here in Florida. I only became acquainted with this term a few years ago, when people I knew said they were having Thanksgiving with friends in lieu of family (for a variety of reasons). Isn’t this awesome? Taking a holiday that has the potential to bring some negative emotions and turning it into a celebration of gratefulness for “created family”—it’s definitely worthy of its own moniker.

As the Apostle Paul wraps up his encouraging letter to the Colossians, he sends out lots of “greetings”—his own and from Luke and Demas—to their brothers and sisters in Christ, both in Colossae and in nearby Laodicea. These greetings tie a bow on one of his letter themes: that believers are to have unity—and community—with one another. Through our Christian love, we are strengthened in our faith and, through this love, we also demonstrate our faith to unbelievers.

Paul is reminding us, through his greetings to groups of people he hasn’t even met before, that we’re to be intentional about forging our unity. Through Jesus Christ, we are family. And our respective church communities are a great place to start in creating believer-family circles. As God’s Word exhorts, we are to rejoice for each other and mourn with one another (Romans 12:15). We’re to not give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:25), and we’re to sharpen each other’s faith (Proverbs 27:17). This is what families of Christians do.

So, whether or not you have parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc. with whom you visit regularly and celebrate holidays, we are called to create family among other believers. Have you? Maybe you can start this coming Thanksgiving by inviting some friends to join your table, creating some grateful unity. Better yet, find someone at church who may not have any circle to join this holiday. Pouring out your Christian love in this way is sure to fill you up.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the unity among believers. Thank You that through Christ, we have family with whom we can celebrate, mourn, and grow.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 10, 2021

The Gift of Friendship

“My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.  Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.”  Colossians 4:10-13

I have a sweet spot in my heart for true stories, those that leave me feeling inspired to forge ahead with a renewed perspective on life.  One of my recent favorites is a documentary called “Seven Yards.”  It’s about a college freshman who suffered a devastating injury to his neck while playing football.  He was given a 3% chance of ever having movement below his neck, but he was determined to beat the odds.  He worked long hours each day to relearn simple movements that most of us take for granted, and slowly his work paid off.

A year after his accident, he decided to go back to college.  He was bound to a wheelchair and required around-the-clock assistance to accomplish daily tasks, but his mind was made up.  Instead of hiring someone to take care of him, his sister and his football teammates volunteered to be his caretakers.  They brushed his teeth, fed him, took him to class, carried him to bed, and were his hands and feet for almost every task.  His friends and family made huge sacrifices for him, and they did it with joy.

In Colossians 4:10-13, Paul closes his letter by mentioning four of his friends by name.  Aristarchus had joined Paul on three of his previous journeys and was present with Paul as he wrote this letter.  Mark, Barnabas’ cousin, was on Paul’s first journey and deserted him (see Acts 13:13), but by the writing of this letter their friendship had been restored.  Justus, along with Aristarchus and Mark, were the only Jews who labored with Paul, and they provided comfort to him.  Epaphras, one of the Colossians, was always wrestling in prayer for the Colossians.

In other words, Paul had a great group of friends!  They provided strength, help, and comfort for Paul as he journeyed through life.  They weren’t perfect, but they were perfect for him.  Oh, to have friends like that!  Friends who pray for us and encourage us.  Friends who cheer us on when we are at our best, and don’t give up on us when we are at our worst.  Friends who work through conflict when it arises.  Friends who bring us joy.

Good friends are one of God’s greatest gifts to us here on earth.  So, how do we build friendships worth having?  Proverbs 12:26 tells us to choose friends wisely.  Proverbs 17:17 states that good friends are loyal.  Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to be intentional and encouraging in our friendships.  Romans 12:15 encourages us to laugh and cry with our friends.  John 15:12-13 tells us that friendships can sometimes require sacrifice.  Matthew 5:9 states that we should be peacemakers.

I’ve found that the best way to have a good friend is to be a good friend.  I encourage you to pick a few of the qualities above and focus on them this week.  Is there someone you can call today to let them know you are praying for them?  Do you know of someone in need of a meal or a helping hand?  Is there a friendship that needs reconciliation?   God has equipped us all with unique gifts, and your fellow believers (and non-believers!) are ready to be blessed all you have to offer.

“Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship.  May we take time each day to be intentional with our friends, and may we have open hearts to see the needs of those around us.”

For His Glory

Aubrey Carrales
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 9, 2021

No Longer Slaves

“With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.” Colossians 4:9 (NIV)

When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians, it was filled with fatherly love for those he had won for Christ. Like the (spiritual) father that he was, he had plenty of concern for the well-being of his offspring, giving them plenty of counsel, admonition, encouragement, and love.

In chapter 4, Paul is sending forth some people to tell the church in Colossae about all the great things that are happening in their prison ministry.  He also introduces (v. 9) a man named Onesimus, who he calls a beloved brother and “one of you.” Not much more is said about this man named Onesimus right there, but if you feel a spark of curiosity, please read the very short epistle of Philemon, located just a few pages forward, and you will find out why Paul’s love for him was a special one.

Onesimus was a slave; yes, a slave. And he belonged to Philemon. One day, however, tired of being a slave (my assumption) he ran away. He got caught and thrown in jail. While in jail, he became acquainted with Paul and heard the truth of the Gospel.  Onesimus became a brother to him in the Lord, but not just any brother, a beloved one.

As soon as Paul got the opportunity to send Onesimus back to Philemon, he did so. He wrote a letter (remember the epistle of Philemon? Check it out!) to send to Philemon through Onesimus, in which he begged Philemon to receive Onesimus back and no longer as a slave, but a brother. He even offered to pay Philemon back for anything Onesimus might owe to him. What love is this?

Does this not remind you of Jesus on the cross, paying, once and for all, the debt of our sin with His own blood? Everything we owed was paid for by Jesus. Because of that, we are no longer slaves. What timely opportunity for Paul to mention Onesimus, a former slave, actively pursuing ministry to show the world what the power of love – God’s love for us – can do!

 
“Dear Lord, thank You so much for loving, redeeming and setting us free.”
 

For His Glory
 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 8, 2021

Entrusted With The Truth

“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts.”  Colossians 4:7-8 (ESV)

As a little girl, I remember my parents gathering around our tv nightly to watch the news.  It was one of those, “you’d better be quiet” moments.  If you wanted to know what was happening in the world, you had to pay attention to the anchor at 6 pm.  Today, news of world events flash before our eyes on social media long before the nightly news hits the screen. And yes, with all the info we have at our fingertips, we often wonder what is really happening and who can we trust.

Flip through the pages of Colossians and you will find Paul sitting in a prison cell writing a letter to the believers in Colossae.  Crucial instructions detailing the dangers of false teaching.  Reminders of who God is and who we are in Christ.  Practical guidelines challenging these believers to put on the new self and abandon the old.  News in the form of a letter which couldn’t be given to just anyone.

Tychicus, Paul’s personal messenger, was entrusted with delivering the letter to the Colossians.  One who accompanied Paul on his journey from Macedonia to Jerusalem, Tychicus was not only a messenger but a beloved friend.  Standing with a prisoner was not for the faint at heart.  Aligning yourself with the accused could cost you your life – yet Tychicus was faithful to Paul and God.

Not only would Tychicus deliver Paul’s message to the people, but he would bring news about Paul.  News the people longed to hear.  Information on how Paul was enduring prison. Details on what was happening in Paul’s life – a personal update not included in the letter Tychicus would deliver.

Despite his imprisonment, Paul’s driving passion was for the body of Christ.  He wanted them to know truth, to know how he was doing and to be encouraged in their faith.  Tychichus was Paul’s chosen one because he had proven he could be trusted.

Information and news today can be found at our fingertips. We can surf the web and Goggle will take us to all kinds of places….just not all necessarily true.  As believers, we should follow in Paul’s footsteps and seek to share God’s truth and encourage one another.  Rather than zeroing in on divide, we should be building bridges of hope and strengthening unity so we can stand strong against the attacks of the enemy.  United we will stand – divided we will fall.  Old saying yet impactful.  Satan’s game plan never changes.

Sweet friends if we were amongst Paul’s companions would we have stayed or left when prison became his home?  Would we have proven to be trustworthy and faithful to deliver Paul’s letters to the churches  – his only method of sharing news?

Our brothers and sisters in Christ desperately need truth bearers and encouragers – those who will see things from God’s perspective and not our own. Those who will pay the price to ensure truth and unity reign.

“Father, help us to resist the urge to present our agenda over Your truth. Help us to be faithful, devoted followers who seek to encourage the body of Christ rather than divide.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

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