Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 19, 2021

God’s Plan For Restoration

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

My husband kissed me good-bye and walked out the door. A minute later, he returned, saying “It’s gone—my truck is gone.” What? How can a 4,500-pound truck disappear? Then reality hit—it had been stolen, from our own driveway!

After a flurry of activity—filling out a police report and notifying our insurance company—I drove my husband to work. Each lost in our own thoughts, we didn’t say much on the drive. He was sad, I was sad. Sad, but not shocked. We live in a broken world, filled with broken people.

We received a late-night call from the police about a week later letting us know they had found our truck—and arrested the teenagers who were joy riding in it. We drove to the location the police provided wondering what condition we would find the truck in once we arrived. It didn’t take long to spot the damage—major dents and scratches along one side and a shattered window told us that it had collided with something. Opening the door, we saw empty bottles, leftover food, trash, and stray pieces of clothing. The sights and smells testified to what had transpired inside the truck. Broken world, broken people.

The next day, the body shop outlined their plan to restore our truck. Dents would be hammered out and scratches buffed out. The shattered window would be replaced, and the inside professionally cleaned with chemicals that would seek out and eliminate lingering odors. All we had to do was sign off on their plan, and hand them the keys. They would take care of the rest.

Driving away from the body shop, God reminded me that He is the author of the world’s greatest restoration plan.

When life collides with us, God is ready to hammer out our dents and scratches—it may not be comfortable, but we can trust His restoration process. When our dreams are shattered like broken glass, God longs to replace them with His dreams for us. When the stuff inside us really stinks, He promises to send His Holy Spirit to seek out and eliminate the source of the stench.

All we have to do, is sign off on His plan for our restoration—accepting the finished work of Christ on the cross—and, hand over the keys to our heart. He will take care of the rest.

Yes, we live in a broken world, filled with broken people. We are broken people. But Jesus came that we might have life. And, in Jesus, God has called us to His eternal glory. We will experience brokenness and suffering, but God promises that He himself will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast.

“Lord, thank you that you saw our brokenness and sent a Savior.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 18, 2021

Backseat Driver

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”   (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

 “What are you doing?  Do you see what’s happening?”

Just some of the distressed pleas poured out of my heart to the Father, as I try to desperately understand His continued silence in one area of my life.  I can see His hand moving in so many things I pray about, but this one burden remains.  Taunting doubts try to creep him “he’s ignoring you.”

I recently had to drive my parents somewhere.   We were on a two-lane highway and an oncoming truck veered over across the double lines.  I saw the vehicle and started getting over onto the shoulder of the road to avoid a head on collision.  My dad was in the passengers’ seat.  He saw the truck and knew exactly what I was doing.  But my mom was in the back seat.  Her perspective was different.  She couldn’t understand why I was driving off the road.  A plethora of emotions ran through us all.

My dad was quick to defend me.  Bringing attention to the fact that I was paying attention and responded as quick as I did to avoid what could have been a fatal accident.

I’ve been driving for over thirty-five years and consider myself a good driver.  However, once I had explained my actions to my mom it made me stop and ponder.

“Is that what I’m doing to the Holy Spirit?  Am I being a back seat driver?”

I could see what was coming towards us as the driver.  But in the back seat she couldn’t.  I needed her to trust that I was watching out for her and to relax for the rest of the drive.

When we’re going through a painful season in life – our perspective – plays a huge role. Our feelings (our understanding) can’t be the driver.

If we’re allowing the Holy Spirit to have total control and “drive” the situation – that means we should trust that He sees everything.  He sees the dangers all around us.  He has a reason why He sometimes guides us to move this way or that.  He puts the brakes on a situation when we’re wanting to mash the gas. He yields when our hearts cry out “please answer this prayer now”.

When my heart is heavy with unanswered prayers, I need to take that hurt and lay it at His feet daily – trusting that He sees what I do not.  Otherwise, anxiety will overwhelm me into a frantic “back seat driver.”

He continually shows me a beautiful view from the backseat. I need only to sit back and enjoy it.

Father teach us to trust that you see everything that is happening in our lives. Our perspective is different from yours. You are not asleep at the wheel.

 

For His Glory,

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

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 17, 2021

Our Reward For Clean

“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. This year 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 Faith, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 16, 2021

Longing

“But our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 3:20 (ESV)

He walked slowly to the edge of the deck for just one more look.  I was there too just a few houses down the beach.  We were absorbed in our own goodbyes.  Saturday morning check outs equal last minute glimpses of the ocean waves crashing on shore.  The sun dancing across the water.  Glistening ever so glorious.  I thought I was the only one who took that last look longing for the next time before pivoting toward the now empty house and a car headed home.  Yet as I took it all in, I realized others longed for more too.

Amazing how the quiet hush of life soothes the soul.  Vacation beckons us.  We scramble, rush and exhaust every minute in preparation.  We pack as though we’ll be gone forever.  We carve out time for some good reads and lots of sunshine.  We plan on soaking in every joy forgetting our covered up desk at work and our loads of laundry waiting at home.  The coveted week we all long for.

A strong desire, a deep craving, a yearning – that’s how Webster defines longing.  In the Greek longing is defined as an eager desire, an earnest wish.  Yes the scripts of our lives are consumed with a mirage of our longings for more.  After all, we were created for immensely more than this world could ever offer us. Yet it will attempt to persuade us to settle for less than while our souls thirst for more.

We were created for an intimate relationship – a nearness with our God.  Nothing else satisfies. Nothing else fulfills. Nothing quenches the thirst within. And when we put our faith and trust in God, the hole we’ve attempted to fill is no longer empty. Our eyes lose their zeal for the things of this world.  Our mind is soothed in His peace.  Our hearts passionately pursue God’s will versus our own.  He truly satisfies our hungry soul with good things (Psalm 107:9)

As God’s beloved children, our longings take on a new, dimensional perspective.  We live in this world. We engage with others. We share the gospel.  We seek to fulfill God’s purposes.  As we grow and mature in our faith, our longings transition from here to eternity.  We start to glimpse the beauty of one day being in His presence.  We cherish thoughts of tears being wiped away and joy overflowing.  We linger through dark valleys because we know this is not the end of our story (2 Corinthians 5:2). We walk to the edge of our lives longing for our heavenly home.

Sweet friends, one glorious day we will leave this world and all it’s pretense.  We will step on shore and find we are finally home.  But until then, we keep trusting and longing for the One who truly satisfies.

“Father, better is one day with You than thousands elsewhere – what a beautiful eternity we will have living forever in Your presence.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 13, 2021

A Different Light

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:6 (NLT)

What do we do when someone is getting under our skin? Like they’re driving us crazy, and yet we sit there with our smile pasted on while our body is cringing in their presence. Usually it happens with someone we constantly have to connect with – a co-worker, family member or perhaps a close friend. Whether they realize it or not, they’re pushing our buttons.

Desperately trying to avoid an emotional outburst, we find ourselves hiding behind our feelings. And the closer the person is to us, the quicker we start stirring up our mind with negativity – building a list of all their wrongs. We see them in a different light or shall I say a different darkness.

When our thinking chooses to maximize someone’s weakness, we lose sight of their strengths and our actions start to follow our thinking. Patience and grace slip under the table when we encounter this person. Responses will eventually spew out of our mouth and reactions follow leaving little for God to find pleasure in.

Wonder what would have happened if instead of scrutinizing them, we got down on our knees and began to pray? Wonder if our patience level would have increased or better yet we might have gained wisdom in uncovering why they were getting under our skin?  And perhaps the issue is really us and not them.  Without prayer, we would probably never draw that conclusion.

Prayer has an incredible way of illuminating the truth and supplying us with God’s grace. When we bring all our relationships to Him, He reveals the true value of their soul. Gently, He reminds us that this one was worthy of the cross – shouldn’t we see them that way too?

“Father, help me to love others by choosing to focus on their strengths while leaving their weaknesses in Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 12, 2021

Reflective Love

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

My memory isn’t great—and it’s not just because I’ve surpassed that big 5-0 mark. Ask my friends from high school and college, and they’ll tell you that whenever we’ve gotten together through the years to reminisce, I’m usually the one who shakes her head and says, “Nope, I don’t recall that.” But play a song from 1982 that I haven’t heard in 30 years, and I will be able to sing every word.

That being said, when I was reading John’s gospel recently and got to verses 34 and 35 of chapter 13, a song I learned in elementary school came rushing back—tambourines and all. (I spent seven years in Catholic school, so my peeps out there can give me an “Amen” to the tambourines…although, there aren’t any “Amen” shoutouts during Mass. But I digress.) The song is “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” (Hoping to find it the 70s version on YouTube, I discovered that the song has actually been recently remade. Sadly, no tambourines.)

Anyway, the lyrics tout unity among brothers and sisters in Christ, asserting that believers will recognize each other by the love we have for one another. This brotherly/sisterly love is a reflection of the love Jesus has for us—love He ultimately displayed through His death and resurrection for our salvation.

Have you ever started chatting with a stranger, say at Walmart or the tire store, and just recognized a certain something in them—a light perhaps, or an unmistakable spirit-level connection? That’s Christian love. An attraction we have toward God’s people. It’s pretty cool, actually.

But more than that, we are called to love these brothers and sisters out of obedience…even if we don’t like them very much. And our Apostle friend John had a lot to say about this too. “If someone says, “I love God,” and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20). Ouch. This love is also evidence of our reconciliation with God: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him” (1 John 3:14-15).

Many years ago, I read a cool saying (it would actually make a great tattoo): “Be the moon. Reflect the Son.” God loved us so much, He gave His only Son so we could have eternal life (John 3:16). So, how about it, sister? When we meet brothers and sisters in Christ (from strangers to Sunday School classmates), let’s demonstrate reflective love.

“Lord, may I “be the moon” as I interact with Your children—my brothers and sisters—and love them in response to Your love for me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 11, 2021

Ignoring Opinions Of Others

“Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard and  anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.  The house was filled “with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3, ESV)

“The preacher keeps saying get involved, live out your faith. I want to. I don’t know what to do.   I’m scared.  What if I do something wrong?  What if I join a group and I don’t fit in? I’m new to this Christian stuff. I’ve been hurt before. What will people say?”

Ever missed out on opportunities to serve for fear of what others will think?

While God’s Word instructs us to live in community with other believers; there will be times that we will be called to make decisions that will require us to ignore the opinions of others. Growing in our faith requires obedience. In turn, requiring us to move, in spite of fear of judgement or criticism that may sometimes grip us.

Mary is an excellent example of this lesson.

When a guest entered a Jewish home, it was customary for their feet to be washed and the guest’s head anointed with a dab of oil or perfume. However, the foot washing was typically performed by the lowest servant in the household.  That wasn’t Mary, but she humbled herself in front of others anyway.  She poured out a pound of ointment on his feet.  Worth roughly a years’ wage for the average working man at that time. We don’t know if this was a precious heirloom passed down to her or if she had worked hard to save up for it.  Either way, the cost (the sacrifice) didn’t stop her.  She proceeded to wipe his feet with her hair. Which meant she had to let her hair down in public.  Something a Jewish woman would rarely do – it was a sign of loose morals.

Mary didn’t stop to calculate public reaction.  Her heart went out to the Lord, and she expressed her feelings for Jesus in this beautiful and touching act. Jesus had raised her brother from the dead.  Her heart overflowed with gratitude for this man.

She ignored the opinions of others and acted out of her love and devotion for her Lord.

Our service for the Kingdom should do the same – flow out of our love for Jesus.

Yes, others complained about her extravagant act, but Jesus spoke up for her. “Let her alone.”

Is the Holy Spirit tugging at you to do something to show God’s love to others, but you’re scared to respond?

Jesus will never criticize us for being extreme in our love and service to Him.  His opinion is the only one that matters.

“Father help us to not worry what others think of us as we serve you.  Teach us to serve from a heart overwhelmed by love for all you’ve done for us.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 10, 2021

Don’t Worry Be Joyful

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-7

Confession time: I’ve been very anxious lately. From macro to micro, there’s a lot going on that can take me down a hole of worry, which can easily lead to fear and, ultimately, to the darkness of discouragement. Various issues with my children, work (or lack thereof), escalating inflation, the loss of our nation as we’ve known it…I could easily curl up in a ball with a package of Oreos and cry.

And I know I’m not alone. What about you? Are you feeling the weight of more worry than usual? Have you perhaps started the descent to depression or discouragement?

Sister, God is sovereign. He is in control, regardless of what our circumstances imply. The Bible is very clear that we are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12), and the god of this world (Satan) is out to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). One of the enemy’s greatest weapons is discouragement! It can lead to doubting—or even hating—God, as well as taking us down paths of self-destructive behaviors. And what better plan of attack than for him to plant seeds of worry and anxiety to get the whole ball rolling?

This world is dark, for sure, but we are not of this world (John 15:19)! Our faith in Jesus has already rescued us—transferring us from darkness into glorious light (1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:13). We are children of God and citizens of heaven (Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 3:20). What can man—or Satan—do to us (Psalm 56:11; Hebrews 13:6; Matthew 10:28)? What better reasons to rejoice?!

And while we keep our eyes on our beautiful Savior, let’s also stay rooted in the Truth of God’s Word, so when the wind and waves pummel us, we will stand firm—bending, but never breaking. For instance, “let us consider it all joy, when we encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3). And “let us rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)! Finally, “may the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Ah, I needed that—how about you?

“Lord, You are working all things together for Your purpose. Help me keep my eyes on You, trusting in You, and letting go of the worries of this life for the hope I have in 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 | August 9, 2021

Embracing Pause – A Critical Grace

 

“For the Lord is a God of knowledge and by Him actions are weighed.”  I Samuel 2:3b (ESV)

Rainy, cloudy days at the beach are never my fave. If you know me, you know I’m a sunshine loving girl. The warmer the temps the better. If the sun is shining, I’m definitely outside.  So vacation this year unveiled several rainy, cloudy days – let’s just say I got a lot of reading, emails and other things done. Towards the end of the week, the sun reappeared and I was the happiest person on the beach.

Amazing how quick our “emotions” can be elevated to happy or deflated to sad.  Perhaps you’ve lived in those margins of fluctuations which can easily send you into reactive mode.  If I’m not careful, my mourning of the loss of sunshine can rain down on everyone else’s happy.  Not good.  We see this picture clearly right?  Yet so many times our “emotions” quickly revolt into reactions which impact others negatively. Now don’t get me wrong here, it’s not the emotion which is bad but rather our tendency to react based on what we are feeling in the moment. Runaway emotions never serve us well.

Pause is God’s gift to us in the midst of emotions – a critical grace ushering us into a slower pace rather than a quick regret.

For the musician, pause marks a visual cue for the performer to better interpret the intent of the composer.  The organic creation of silence opens the door for intentional reflection. When we resist the urge to respond or react based on our feelings, we position ourselves to view our circumstances from God’s viewpoint.

Speakers use pause to emphasize key points or change gears in their presentation.  Grabbing their audience’s attention.  Slowing down their thought process or reawakening them to what they would have otherwise missed.  Strategically placed to benefit the hearer. When we resist the urge to respond or react based on our feelings, we gain depth and discernment from God – teachable moments He longs to speak into our hearts.

One of the most beautiful examples of pause in scripture is found in the story of Hannah.  Barren for years and provoked by Peninnah (her husband’s other wife who had children), we find Hannah experiencing all the emotions encompassing empty arms.  We can only imagine the irritation, frustration, jealousy, sadness and unworthiness, she faced.  Yet despite her infertility and the social distress of not being able to produce an heir for her husband, Hannah did not target her emotions in the direction of her rival (Peninnah).   In complete surrender, she chose to trust God with her barrenness and the one who taunted her.

Sweet friends, we would be wise to do the same.  When overwhelmed by our emotions, we can purposefully embrace pause and trust God to lead us  – we won’t be disappointed.

“Father, You created us with beautiful emotions designed to be enhancers of our life rather than destroyers of our relationships. Help us to welcome the gift and grace found in pause.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 6, 2021

Trusting God With The Ones We Love

“And when he (the Shepherd) has found it (lost sheep), he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”  Luke 15:5-6 (ESV)

Nothing weighs our spirit down like the wandering of ones we love.  If you’ve ever been there then you know the agony of wanting something so desperately.  Perhaps you’ve been like me and flooded heaven’s gates with tear drenched prayers.  Maybe you’ve watched two steps forward and three back so many times, you just simply can’t endure it anymore.

Being brutally honest here but in our humanness (flesh), we struggle to maintain hope. When no evidence convinces us of one’s movement toward God, we often retreat.  Losing ground, we tend to allow our feelings to override our faith.  Judging takes center stage.  Criticism flows effortlessly.  Woundedness births bitterness. And before we know it, giving up and casting away seems more pleasant than pressing through.

Sweet friends that’s the exact place Satan wants us to linger.  Zeroed in our idea of the results rather than trusting God.  While we may be convinced God is not working or doing anything to draw our loved one back, His silence can’t be attributed to inactivity. God’s character is unchangeable.  Throughout scripture, we read story after story of those who experienced the long suffering, patient redemption of our God. As long as breath is flowing through their lungs, hope remains.

Love the way our God never gives up or casts away. He sees the one who thinks they are invisible.  He knows the one who is struggling and caught up in the lure of sin.  He passionately pursues the one who has wandered away (Luke 15:4).  God will never force or demand, but rather draws His lost sheep back home.  Welcoming with open arms, full of compassion and rejoicing.

So while we wait, dear one, we hold tight not to what we see but Who we believe.  Keeping our eyes firmly fixed on our God.  Convinced of His deep love for those we love.  Motivated by His compassion to not loose heart, we persevere through and allow His Holy Spirit to control our runaway emotions.  Seeking God’s timing and not our own. Leaning into His word.  Praying unceasingly.  Suiting up for battle determined to extinguish the fiery darts of Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18) aimed at those we love.

Wow leaves me breathless!  God hears our prayers.  He still moves stones. Nothing is impossible for Him.  We can trust the Good Shepherd with those we love.

“Praising You Father for your lavish, deep love.  Grateful for your passionate pursuit of even one who has wandered away.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

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