Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 4, 2021

Powerful Intercession

“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:1-3 (NIV)

When I was a mom of little boys, I would spend time nurturing my babies so they would grow healthy and strong. I think that is the ultimate goal of every parent, right? We must teach them well about what they can or cannot do, so they will live a good, healthy and safe life. My oldest son had a fixation on eating bath soap bars. I had to ensure soap was out of reach for little Thiago, but I also had to spend time explaining to him that soap was the cause of his belly aches. Many times, I would tell him those things while I’d scrape soap residue off his little teeth, because he did not learn his lesson in the first few times ,he lavished himself on bath soap bars that we inadvertently left at his tiny hands’ reach.

The apostle Paul had a genuine love and zeal for the people of Colossae. He spent time praying for them, doing spiritual warfare on their behalf, interceding for them as if they were all his children and he needed to make sure they didn’t do something that could cause their spiritual death.

A few miles away from the Colossians there was a church named Laodicea. Irony of ironies, the name Laodicea in itself means “lukewarm or indifferent.” This is probably why Paul starts verse one by adding Laodicea to his statement that he is in deep conflict or suffering for Laodicea as well. After all, what parent does not wish to see his or her child delivered from that which may cause the child to succumb to demise?

God is Sovereign and all-knowing, and He can – and will – deliver His children. Through prayer and supplication, in spite of being in prison, Paul (the apostle) urged his followers to stay the course and to seek knowledge and wisdom through Christ.

“God Almighty, thank You for intercessors who nurture our spiritual well-being.”

 
For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 1, 2021

Beyond Prison Walls

“…the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:26-29 (NIV)

 

I have lived in the United States for a little over three decades. In the first several years after I first made the U.S. my home, I longed for letters from home. They not only kept me close to my dear ones, but they also allowed for an exchange of encouragement and words of wisdom, especially those I received from my beloved dad. Dad always had something to say that was like healing balm soothing my homesick heart. His words to me were always those that uplifted me, encouraged me, and spurred me on, inciting me to believe in my potential and telling me that I could be someone who made my new home a better place for all who lived there, being God’s hands and feet to them.

 

Like Dad, the apostle Paul could not be at all the different locations where he had people he cared about; therefore, he would write letters to those communities to preach, teach, and warn them, so that they would grow in their faith in God. Whenever Paul heard of trouble in the churches, he would immediately write them a letter with advice and encouragement to spur them on. Many of those letters were written in prison.

 

Paul saw the church as an extension of Christ and he strived to take good care of it, even when he was geographically far, which is exactly how Daddy treated me. No matter how far I was from him, Daddy always made me feel like he was right there, nurturing me and helping me to see what could one day become reality if I did not give up. We all need people in our lives who help us to be more like Christ, so that we can help others stay the course and never cease to believe so they can receive the riches of His glory.

 

“Dear Lord: Thank You for giving us people in our lives who spur us on and encourage us to stay the course even when we question ourselves.”

 
For His Glory
Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 30, 2021

Joy In Suffering

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the Church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” Colossians 1:24

Joy is one of those power-packed words in the English language. In fact, it’s hard to say this one-syllable noun (especially when said loudly) without its meaning spreading across your face. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “joy” as the state, expression, or source of delight, happiness, bliss. For the believer, “joy” is more than mere happiness at circumstances. Rather, it’s an uncurrent of deep-seated satisfaction that comes from salvation. The confident hope of our forever future with Jesus. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit—in other words, it’s an outgrowth of our surrender to, and walk with, the Lord. Joy is to be an enduring attitude of the Christian.

This simple truth is not easy. And what’s even more challenging, sister, is the exhortation for us to have joy in our suffering. How on earth can suffering be a cause for our joy? Here are just a few reasons:

  • Suffering brings us closer to Jesus. Often, when we are going through a fiery time, we can find ourselves in desperation. Maybe we’ve tried turning to friends or family, but we’ve found no comfort (in fact, said friend or family member may be the source of the burning). We get to that “nowhere else to turn but Jesus” place—and we finally cling to the only Stronghold that brings refuge and peace.
  • Suffering helps us better appreciate Jesus’ suffering for us. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was despised and persecuted. And on Calvary’s cross, He took on the agony and unimaginable pain meant for you and me. When we suffer in this world (especially for Christ), it gives us an infinitesimal taste of what Jesus went through for us, to rescue us from eternal suffering. And this understanding can also give us comfort, realizing that Jesus knows our pain, because He’s felt it all for us already.
  • Suffering assures us of our salvation. Jesus promised us that, as His followers, we will suffer (John 16:33; John 15:18)—and that promise was reinforced throughout the New Testament (2 Tim 3:12; 1 John 3:13). If you love and serve Jesus, Satan hates you and will go after you. And, sis, if he’s dogging you, then you’re doing something right. In fact, when we suffer with joy, this godly attitude (Hebrews 12:2) frustrates the enemy to no end—to me, that’s an awesome motivation right there!

 

But one of the most encouraging reasons to suffer with joy is that, by doing so, we can bring others to Jesus. When you go through the inevitable storms of life, others are watching (like Job’s friends) and unbelievers are waiting to see you shake your fist at God or break under the crushing wind and waves. So, when you weather those storms with joy, anchored to the faithful, unmovable Rock—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—they’ll notice. And they’ll want to know the Source of your joy in the suffering.

 

“Lord, in the midst of my pain, tears, and sorrow, may I cling to the joy of my salvation—the joy that frustrates the enemy of my soul and can bring others to know You.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 29, 2021

His Unchanging Truth

“If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”  Colossians 1:23 (ESV)

Don’t you just love those before and after pictures…..usually the before is drab and without color so we will definitely default to the “new” after version of self.  I remember doing this once – they were called Glamour shots.  First they took a picture of you without makeup (plain) and  with frumpy hair.  Then the experts did their magic.  A stash of gorgeous clothes in flattering styles and sizes. Curlers and hot irons.  And did I mention the pallet of romantic hues for the eyes, lips and cheeks.  The final touch was the photo shoot…capturing every detail of the “new” you – we really loved those photos. Next morning, the makeup was gone and the model hair crumpled by our pillow – if only we could have held on to “new.”

Wonder if we’ve ever felt the same spiritually – attempting to hold onto the “new” us.  Salvation opened wide the door for “new.”  Renewed, restored and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) – the best version of us. The very moment we accepted Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit took up residence in us.  “New” was ours for the taking, but we can’t do it alone. It requires intervention, guidance and divine insight.  And most importantly cooperation with the leading of the Spirit births “new” right living in us.

Sweet friends even in our state of confident standing, we must guard against voices attempting to add to or subtract from God’s words.  Even a little seed of untruth or mixed up truth can weaken our resilience, and before we even realize it, we’ve opened a door to wrong thinking.   The podcast which invites us to consider what we believe in a different light.  The polished engaging speaker luring us in to their ideas….appealing to what sounds good.  The tweets compelling us to check out a website which slowly draws us in and gradually leads us astray. Happens even to those who thought they would never fall for deception.

Consistently saturating our mind and heart with God’s word bring us in alignment with His absolute truth.  As we live out (doers of the word not just hearers) what He teaches us, our faith is strengthened  and truth is deeply rooted in our soul.  The “new” in us empowers us to stand strong, unwavering in the face of distractions and diversions.  When we squelch the voice of half truths and false teaching, our hope can be found in the unchanging, everlasting  gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Father, lots of influences will seek to gain our attention and pull us away from You.  Teach us to dive deep into Your word, live in agreement with the leading of Your Spirit and stand firmly on truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 28, 2021

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 breathe, 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 its 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 Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 27, 2021

Above All

“And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.   And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent.”  (Colossians 1:17-18, ESV)

 

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning and who told the ocean – you can only come this far.  Who told the moon where to hide ‘til evening – whose words alone can catch a falling star.  I know my Redeemer lives.  Let all creation testify this life within cries I know my Redeemer lives!

For a particular season in my life, I used to sing this song quite regularly. It was especially requested on Easter services. It’s one of those songs that you just can’t sit still in your seat and listen to – you’ve got to get up because of the joy that overwhelms from inside.

Simply because, for those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, our Redeemer – we know that he is alive in Heaven.  Seated at the right hand of God.

We do not serve a dead God, a wooden statue or mythical creatures – we serve the one that is above all. Christ is superior to all other beliefs because everything came from him.

This is the point Paul was trying to make to the church in Colosse.  There were false teachers gaining a foothold in the church.  These teachers were failing to acknowledge the preeminence of Christ. Basically, they were instructing people that it was okay to believe in Jesus – but they also needed to believe in other things.  That they needed to do other things, like circumcision and abstain from certain foods.  The teachings of that time also placed angels as mediators between God and man.  Paul was emphasizing that whatever rank of being there may be, ultimately Jesus created them all.  They all answer to Him.

Over two thousand years later, we continue to see the effects of heretical teaching infiltrating society.  Some worship the Mother Mary over Jesus.  While others teach about worshipping the stars and space. Some charge their people with paying penace for deeds done wrong versus the all-consuming grace that is given freely by Jesus.  Others believe that there are many paths to God and are always pursuing “paths to enlightenment.”

Our world is in a desperate search for “something” to fulfill them.

Paul was stressing that all things are fulfilled in the person of Christ. Not in a church; not in a priesthood; not in a building; not in a sacrament; not in other Christians; not in a method or a program, but in Jesus Christ Himself.

All wisdom and spiritual understanding can be found in the God-man who redeemed everything and thus now has authority above all.

“Jesus, we thank You that You are the true source of everything we need to survive in this world.”

For His Glory,

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

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 24, 2021

Beyond Appearances

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:15-16 (NIV)

 

My first vehicle was a 1970 dark green Volkswagen Beetle. I loved that little car. It was nothing fancy to the eye, but it took me everywhere I needed to go and never left me stranded. At age 19, my Beetle was my hero. Besides being my very first car, it was very reliable, affordable and trouble-free. To this day, each time I think of my little green Beetle, I smile.

When the apostle Paul addressed the believers in Colosse from prison, he started by greeting them with the peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was a Jesus follower, and as such, he loved and cared for his followers. He would also admonish them because he wanted the best for them. Despite all the adversity he encountered in his life because of being a Jesus follower, Paul would not refrain from proclaiming who His Lord and Savior was, the image of the invisible God and firstborn over all creation.

To people in those days, especially those who judged by appearances and without the knowledge of who Jesus really was, He was much like my Volkswagen Beetle: plain and of little value. Also, because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, in a sense, he would be a BMW-wannabe. Little did they know, but long before they ever became a thought in God’s plan of existence, Jesus already was, and the Bible says He and the Father are One.

Paul’s gift to the Colossians was the blessing of following the preeminent Lord and Creator, all sufficient, and the Master of Everything; born in a manger, the lowliest of places, but whose worth exceeds that of all earthly kings. Jesus, through Whom and for Whom all things were created – the Lord over everything – the gift that came swaddled in cloths but through Whom we are assured our eternity in heaven. Priceless.

“Lord: You are our all in all. Nothing in this world compares to You.”

For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 23, 2021

Out Of The Darkness

“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

Are you afraid of the dark? As children, we probably all were…but for many of us, the lack of light still brings fear and trepidation. The reasons vary, no doubt. Maybe this “darkness distress” comes from the inability to see well while driving at night. Or perhaps there’s anxiety or dread in the unknowns of places and spaces unilluminated. For some, it manifests in sheer, unadulterated panic of irrational terrors held within blackness (often rooted in very real trauma that originated in darkness).

There is a genuine present darkness, however, about which every human being is born into—and one of which we should all be very afraid. Because of the Great Fall in the Garden, we come into a world empowered by our enemy, Satan. It is temporarily his “domain.” Although all things are under the ultimate control of God, Satan—for a time—has been given permission to exercise his power here. And his goal is to keep people from (a) seeing the Light and (b) seeking rescue out of the darkness.

But Jesus, through His death, created a way out of the darkness. His sacrifice on our behalf paid the full ransom for the penalty we owe (John 19:30). Not only has our debt been paid (redemption), but we have been completely pardoned. Our sins (yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s) are forgiven. In fact, through the blood of Christ, we are “justified”—God looks upon you and me “just as if I’d” never sinned. How amazing is that, sister?

Upon salvation, we are set free from bondage to sin and “the dark domain”—but we are not left on our own! When we accept the gracious gift of Jesus Christ—that He died and rose again, forever victorious over death—we are transferred into God’s kingdom. Into Light. We move from being under the authority of Satan to being citizens of God’s kingdom. Eventually, we will be co-rulers in the literal kingdom of God on earth. But, right now, the kingdom of which we are a part is the relationship we have with God through Jesus. When we acknowledge Christ as our King, we are subjects in His kingdom. And, as His subjects, we submit to His rule (the Bible). We live according to God’s Word in obedience…and in order to properly represent our King—to be ambassadors of this Kingdom of Light (Ephesians 5:8).

Sister, we no longer have to walk in darkness, afraid and distressed. Jesus, the Light of the world, has come to bring the Light of life (John 8:12). Upon our rescue, He transforms us into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and transfers us into His kingdom forever.

“Jesus, you are the Light of the world and You have made a way out of the darkness. May I, as a citizen of Your kingdom, represent You by shining my light and showing others the way.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 22, 2021

Believing For My Neighbor

“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11-12 (NIV)

 

I am always in awe of God and the amazing things He does. Salvation is definitely one of those things, and in my view, the most important of all. Take the apostle Paul, for example. Before he encountered the risen Lord Jesus on his trip to Damascus, the man previously known as Saul was an arrogant man who utilized his authority and power to persecute Christians.

After experiencing Jesus in his life, Paul went through a 180-degree change in his life. But not only that – he wanted to make sure that he made Jesus known to all, so he set himself as a mentor and leader to others who would, in turn, become mentors and leaders themselves. What a wonderful way to describe new life in Jesus Christ!

As a leader and mentor, Paul also became an encourager of new Christians. As a follower of Christ, he endured great adversities, yet, in all his letters, Paul would encourage, motivate and incite his mentees to keep their faith, to persevere,  to keep on learning and teaching, and most of all, to keep on shining their light brighter and brighter into a world filled with darkness.

Paul’s words to the Colossians assured them they would be covered in prayer, so that they’d be strengthened with all might.   This reminder about the importance of giving thanks to the Father propelled me to remind my own mentees that they are important to God and that through prayer, they, like the Colossians, can achieve all the goodness that springs up from the Throne of God.

“Dear Jesus: thank You for being a leader and mentor to us. As Your followers, we desire to be encouragers to our neighbor, so that they, too, remain in You and experience strength and endurance throughout their lives.”

 

For His Glory

 

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 21, 2021

Walk Worthy

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10, ESV)

 My husband and I were enjoying a nice stroll along the beach.  Watching the waves crash against the shore, walking hand in hand as the wind blew through our hair.  Unfortunately, the sand started becoming harder for me to navigate.  Over 30 years ago I was in a serious car accident that crushed my left knee and ankle – making my left side a little weaker with age.  Due to this previous injury, I soon found it hard to walk upright in the sand at times.  I decided to step back and walk behind him. Allowing him to go before me, meant he did the hard work.  He laid the footprints and all I had to do was step into them.  When I walked in his footsteps, I was able to walk upright without any problems.  After 34 years together, it was easy for me to trust my husband to lead me in a safe path (I know his character).

Our spiritual walk is based on our knowledge of God and our understanding of His will.

Paul wanted the church at Colosse to be taught in the things of God.  As a Christian our first responsibility is to know God, what he requires of us (and what he doesn’t).

There were a lot of false teachings being spread through the town. The power of darkness was lulling those early Christians to sleep.  They were no longer focusing on Christ and the power of his walk.  They were falling prey to false beliefs – other paths to God.  No longer walking worthy of the sacrifice Christ had made on the cross. Resulting in their inability to bear fruit.

Walking in a manner worthy means we will make life decisions that line up with the Word of God.  We will be able to navigate life when the path before us becomes difficult.  Instead of becoming overwhelmed and going in the direction of our feelings, we will look to Him and walk in His footsteps. When we know His character, we will know that we can trust Him to lead us – even if we can’t clearly see the path before us.

When we have experienced a genuine relationship with Jesus, we will be better equipped to stay away from the other attractive paths, no matter how they may be packaged.

The only way we can bear good fruit (and thus fully please God) is by staying connected to Jesus at ALL times. (John 15:7-8)

“Father, help us to grow in knowledge of your Word so we can walk worthy in Christ.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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