Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 16, 2021

More Than Conquerors

“Some of the spoils won in battles they dedicated to maintain the house of the Lord.” I Chronicles 26:27 (NKJV)

We will have battles! Children of God are not exempt from conflict. Why does God allow us to go through spiritual warfare?

When we fight battles, God doesn’t want us to come out just a survivor. He wants us to come out with spoils, loot, stuff because we are MORE than conquerors!

God will never allow battles He knows we cannot win. The warfare is maintenance for the house of God, you and I, when we need some repair from time to time. If we don’t have something to reach into…a storehouse of resources, the house will go into disrepair. We don’t come out of battles scarred and bloody saying, “glad I survived!” We come out victorious in the Lord with spoils, plunder and loot taken from the enemy.

Right now, maybe you’re going through “something.” The Lord did not allow the conflict to spiritually keep you where you were before the battle. God wants you to come out changed, victorious, full of faith in the power of God. We become who we are today because of what we went through yesterday. All the battles, conflict, warfare whether it’s health, financial, relational. We come out not who we were going in.

You will not come out talking like you used to talk, but speaking dynamic faith. Praying like you used to pray, but praying by the power of the Holy Ghost. Reading the Bible isn’t humdrum…the words leap off the page. All because of the spoils God allowed us to obtain during life’s battles.

Do not throw in the towel. Do not say, “devil you win.” Stand! Plant your feet in God. We may not understand the how or when the battle will end, but know this, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…”

“Father, You built the church from flesh and bone. It’s our responsibility to maintain it using our battle spoils. We’re not asking You to bring us out of the battle, but do not let us come out like we went in.”

 

For His glory

 

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

 

 

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 15, 2021

Refining Pain

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:6-7

Sometimes getting better (stronger, healthier, more refined) is a painful process. Think about gardening. According to one horticultural site, “pruning is the removal or reduction of certain plant parts that are not required, that are no longer effective, or that are of no use to the plant. It is done to supply additional energy for the development of flowers, fruits, and limbs that remain on the plant.” Then, there’s gold. Refining gold with fire is an ancient method and one still preferred today. Molten gold is stirred and skimmed to remove the impurities that rise up to the top.

Of course, when it comes to our physical bodies, refinement can come similarly to our two examples above: sometimes a cutting away is needed (think of surgery to remove a cancerous tumor), and other times it’s a burning (cauterization) that destroys threatening growths and heals damaged tissue.

So, friends, why would we think it any different for our spiritual betterment, healing, refinement?

When we’re saved, accepting the work of Jesus to pay the price for our sins, we turn away from our previous life. We become a new creation and, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we’re to walk out the fruit of righteousness (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). But, although salvation is a single, once-and-for-all decision and immediate inward transformation, our outward transformation is not so immediate. In fact, the battle between our old, sinful self and our new self is hard-fought until we meet Jesus face to face (Romans 7:15-20). But the Lord, our soul-Gardener, does not leave us to our own devices in this endeavor.

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2).” This process of spiritual pruning, called sanctification, requires us to step through trials, storms, and plenty of pain. This proverbial fire and cutting is meant to help us abandon our self-reliance and surrender control to the Lord. When we embrace this fiery process, the dross of our life can be scooped away, leaving us looking (and acting) more and more like Jesus. The damaging, useless, even life-threatening parts are removed to strengthen us, grow us, and make us more beautiful. It is for our good and His glory.

But that’s our purpose as Christians, isn’t it? Glorifying God with our life. I don’t know about you, but I’m incredibly grateful for the refining pain of the process.

“Lord, may I daily surrender my life to You, allowing You to refine me for my good and Your glory.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 14, 2021

Write It Down

“And now, go, write it before them on a tablet   and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come   as a witness forever.” Isaiah 30:8 (ESV)

“I have enough on my plate to do every day. Why in the world would I want to sit down and write about it?  Living through it is hard enough – you want me to write about it?”

I had attended a women’s conference and heard several of the speakers talk about the importance of journaling.  Those were the words I mumbled to myself over thirty years ago.  A young mother of two little boys – I had no time to write.

However, I did have a lot of stress and felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to try.

Once a prayer’s been answered we think we’ll never forget. But we do.  Remember how quickly the Israelites forgot all the miracles God had performed for them.  We are the same way.

Why do we forget? Everyday stressors and traumatic events affect the neural processing of the brain, causing our brains to get stuck in replaying the bad memories. Ultimately shutting down our ability to think clearly/calmly.

While it may be more convenient to type on laptops/tablets – typing doesn’t stimulate the brain like handwriting.

In fact, the act of writing by hand engages the left brain – stimulating the Reticular Activating System. The RAS categorizes what must have immediate focus and filters out the rest. While the left side is engaged the right brain becomes free to create and feel again.  Basically, writing removes the mental blocks hindering you from utilizing your full brain power.  When both sides of your brain are fully engaged, you are more capable of understanding yourself, others and the world around you.

When we heed the words of Habakkuk 2:2 to “write it down” – we not only see spiritual, but mental, emotional and physical benefits.

In addition to helping us sort out our thoughts, find control and clarity; did you know that regular journaling also –

  • Strengthens your immune cells – T-lymphocytes
  • Decreases symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Reduces stress – writing about painful emotions helps release their intensity

Science is now catching up with what the Bible has told us for years – handwriting (journaling) has positive impacts on our bodies.

In my home office, I have a credenza filled with journals that contain over thirty years of prayers. I’ve referred back to them as a “witness” of God’s faithfulness over the years. At times, encouraging myself as David often did – to keep moving forward. (Psalm 42)

If you have never tried journaling, let me encourage you today to start.

God has given you access to a powerful tool dear sister – don’t waste it!

“Father, thank You for our brain’s unique design.  Teach us to be more disciplined to utilize this precious gift You’ve given us – the ability to write and its many benefits.

For His Glory

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

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 13, 2021

Lay Down The Law

“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.   Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, The person who does these things will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…” Galatians 3:10-13

I don’t know about you, but I’m generally a rule-follower. And I prefer that other people follow the rules as well. (In fact, I can get pretty frustrated by rule-breakers—and those simply not doing “what they should.” I recognize this is a problem, and I’m working on it.) But laws are there for a reason—am I right?

Yes, they are! Laws are made to maintain civil order and to keep people functioning in society in a prudent, mutually respectful manner. You may have heard the oft-shouted phrase, “You can’t legislate morality.” But every law, from speed limits to murder statutes, is based on moral law. (This, however, is a long-winded discussion for another time.) My point here is to say that all law is made to reveal our offence. If there was no speed limit, then driving 110 mph on the highway wouldn’t matter. However, the speed limit sign that says 70 mph shows that driving 110 mph is wrong.

Friend, the same is true of God’s laws. Let’s take the Big 10. The 10 Commandments allow us to recognize our transgression from them. For instance, when we turn green over jealousy of what our neighbor has, we can acknowledge this is an offence to God (“Thou shalt not covet…”). And this is a very good thing. The problem arises when we believe that abiding by all the laws is what saves us—that being a good rule-follower gets us to heaven. It does not, and it cannot.

Firstly, no one can keep all of God’s law any more than we can keep every civil law on the books. Humanity, in our sin nature, is simply not capable of it. Secondly, as previously noted, the law is designed to make us conscious of our sin. “No one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law” (Romans 3:20).

More than that, the law cannot change us. Whether you’re a rule-follower or rule-breaker by nature, laws may alter our outward behavior, but they won’t change us inside. Think back to the speed limit. Many of us may sustain 73 mph in a 70 mph zone, knowing the law but breaking it just enough not to get in trouble. Some of us are driving 70, according to the speedometer, but our burning desire is to go 90—hence, we’re breaking the law in our heart, as Jesus would say (for instance, Matthew 5:27-28).

So, since no one is perfect (without sin), how do we meet the requirement of the law—that is, God’s standard of perfect righteousness? Well, we need to lay down the law. We need to stop trying to impeccably uphold the law (which is impossible) or do just enough to not get “in trouble” (which won’t cut it). We must turn to Jesus and accept the gift of His pure righteousness imputed to us on Calvary’s cross. Only through surrendering to Jesus can we be truly changed—transformed within by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17). Not only are we made new, but the penalty for all our sin and lawlessness has been paid by Jesus, so we can stand before the ultimate Judge (God) with a completely clean record.

“Lord, thank You that I can lay down the law—of my efforts and “good enough”—and simply accept the work of Christ for my salvation.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 12, 2021

A Royal Priesthood

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”  I Peter 2:9    (ESV)

 

While I am definitely not an expert on priesthood, I have been challenged by the role of the High Priests in the Old Testament.  His job was to put God on display – to look and act differently from the rest.  To be set apart, holy and consecrated.  Part of his role was to help the people navigate atonement and guide their heart toward obedience to God’s commands. Morning and evening, the priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of Israel.  They would also guide the Israelites in bringing their offerings for their sins.  The priests were great intercessors and pleaded on behalf of the people to God, much like Moses did in the wilderness.  And lastly, they distributed resources to people in need out of the abundance others brought.

Wow, what a job!

As grand as the High Priest’s job was, they were still human.  When they offered sacrifices for others, they also had to offer sacrifices for their own sins.  No one was sinless (Romans 3:10), until the pivot moment when Jesus entered our world.  The sinless Son of God became our divine High Priest forever (Hebrews 5) through His death on the cross.  Jesus’ blood paved the way for us to have an intimate relationship with God – He became our mediator, our bridge from God to man. And He intercedes before His Father on our behalf.  We are clothed in His righteousness not our filthy rags (2 Corinthians 5:21).

So what does this mean for us?

Peter reminds us in I Peter 2:9 that we are a royal priesthood.   We have roles to fulfill like the High Priests and Christ exemplified. In fact, the early church fully exemplified this role making it real and personal for believers today.  Here’s some questions to ponder:

  • Are we different – or do we simply blend into our world? Not just how we look, but how we act, think and speak.
  • Do we help others navigate their faith and teach them how to confess their sins and walk in the grace and mercy God offers?
  • Do we intercede on behalf of others?
  • Do we steward our resources well so we can help others in need?

We have been set apart to draw others to God and to exemplify His love and grace.  Interceding isn’t optional nor is helping others in need.  May God open our eyes this week to see the privilege and honor we have in being His people – a royal priesthood. Reflecting our great High Priest to our world.

 

“Father, how blessed we are to be Your chosen people. May we honor You through obedience and declaring how awesome You are to our world.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2021

When Today Triggers Yesterday

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)

Can honestly say every time I drive past this landmark, I’m reminded of God’s faithfulness to me. Nothing unusual or unique about it – it’s simply a group of picnic tables near a rest area before you get to Charlottesville. A quiet peaceful spot. Perfect for a picnic. Great place to just enjoy the calm and hear the water in the creek trickling by. Soothing to a weary soul.

I was that weary one many years ago. On my way to UVA to meet with specialists, we stopped for a quick break and ate our lunch without a word ever spoken between us. Some moments are like that – dread and exhaustion leave little room for conversation. Got back in our car and headed on our way.

Quietness filled a room occupied with sick women where smiles were scarce as many entertained the shadows of death. UVA would provide little answers and ultimately a major surgery would occur before healing could happen. Definitely difficult and painful days. Ones I will never forget. And nestled right in the midst of them is a clear reckoning of the sweetness of our God. Priceless moments when He drew me closer than I had ever been to Him. Simple reminders of His love, peace and grace overflowing me.

Triggers of the desperation I felt that day resurface when I travel up 29 North evoking those precious memories. Gratitude rises to the surface when I pass by the one spot where peace and quiet settled my chaotic soul.

That my friends was over thirty years ago and the sacredness of life never escapes me. God answered many prayers – some were no’s and some were yes’ – none were out of the scope of His power and might. Countless ways God showed up when I needed Him the most. Memories of His promises spoken to my heart – deep lessons learned in the midst of suffering propelling me forward – flourishing rather than simply surviving.

Maybe you’ve been there too – when landmark’s recall God’s faithfulness. His love story to you unfolding one page at a time. Snapshots of where He’s taken you in this journey and reminders of His protective hand guiding and leading you along the way. Cherish the landmark. Share the story. Encourage someone else who’s shadows loom larger than life. Steward what God has entrusted to you and you’ll be amazed at how He births fresh joy and renewed hope in others who desperately need His touch.

“Father, not a single tear is ever wasted in Your sight. You are ever present in the midst of our storms, and Your faithfulness serves as a constant reminder – Your love is extravagant and beyond comprehension.  Praising You for giving us the story of us to share with our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2021

Crushed

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

We received another one of “those” calls. No matter your age, you likely know what I’m talking about. It’s often “too early” or “too late” for the phone to be ringing—so you sense something is wrong. You answer, hoping beyond hope that you’re wrong. But then you hear it: A family member or friend on the other end of the line, usually in that empty, still-in-shock voice, informs you a loved one has died.

Like many of you, I’ve had a lot of loss in my life. I’ve been on the receiving end of those calls about my mother, father, and one of my two brothers…let alone the countless family members and friends of all ages. This latest one came from my husband’s best friend telling him that their 23-year-old son was gone. A young man, but still their child. And my heart tore in two at the unfathomable grief of our sweet friends. They are brokenhearted and crushed.

As I woke up to a new day, I was instantly reminded of their loss and pain—again, unable to imagine the new waves of grief crashing down on them this morning.

But the Holy Spirit also brought to my mind another One—One who knows soul-crushing anguish. One who came from Heaven to earth, experiencing human pain, suffering, temptation, and grief to sympathize with us…and, ultimately, take it all away from us. Jesus. The Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. With that, as you and I face terrible news (or any pain and heartache)—and our own words fail—let’s turn to the comfort and truth of  God’s Word.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Certainly, goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23

(Jesus said,) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep…And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:11, 16

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Peter 1:18-21

“Father God, be near to the brokenhearted. And to those who are both hurt and lost, save them. Give them peace with You so they can experience peace through the pain of this world.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2021

Touching Jesus

“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”  (Mark 5:34)

“I don’t know if I can take another let down.  I have tried them all. They’ve taken my money, all the while my body grows weaker by the minute.  But the things I’ve heard about Him – “giving sight to the blind, making lame men walk and bringing the dead back to life”.  If He can do those things, I must try – He is my only Hope.”

Imagine the conversation going through her mind that morning. For twelve years her body had suffered with a flow of blood. The treatments the physicians offered only added to her suffering.  She had spent all the money she had and was no better.  In fact, she was growing worse.

If you’ve ever been sick, then you know how your energy level is affected.  You want to do as little as possible.  Yet, instead of staying home that morning and resting – her faith called her to action. She wasn’t able to get into an air-conditioned car and drive to an air-conditioned building. Instead, she walked in the heat.  Desperate to touch Jesus.

She pressed through the crowds and touched his garments. “And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.” (Mark 5:29)

We often read in scripture about people asking Jesus to touch them or heal a loved one – but in this story we see how it was her faith that gave her the ability to touch Jesus.  Sometimes it takes our perseverance in a situation to receive the breakthrough that we’re in dire need of.

Often, we pray and pray over situations, only to see no change. Complete silence from God.  Many times, the situation even gets worse.  We find ourselves overwhelmed with life’s misfortunes.

In seasons of disappointment do you keep living out your faith? Continuing to press on.  Or do you let the frustration of what you assume is an unanswered prayer diminish your motivation?

Pressing through the crowd for us may mean –

Continuing to

  • trust God
  • pray
  • read the Bible
  • attend church
  • live out your faith knowing that God hears your prayers (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

James tells us that faith without works is dead.  (James 2:14) While we know that our works do not earn our salvation.   It takes faith to continue pressing towards Jesus when a prayer has not been answered.  In other words, just because we’ve prayed about a situation and done the right things – doesn’t mean we can give up.  We’re called to live by faith NOT feelings driven by sight.

Her healing came as an act of faith that touched Jesus.

Once you’ve touched Jesus your life will never be the same.

“Father, help us to push past the crowds, and all the problems surrounding us and pursue you above all else.  We need your touch today.”

For His Glory,

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 6, 2021

When We Have An Issue

“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” Psalm 51:6 (ESV)

Dinner was being put away and the picnic table cleared.  The children were enjoying the last few moments of daylight as we talked on the deck.  The older one started extinguishing the tiki torches as we relished the last moments of conversation.  Like a movie in slow motion, I witnessed out the corner of my eye the youngest one reaching to mimic brother and put out the torch.  Unfortunately, his height didn’t work to his advantage as the tiki torch tumbled into the flower bed.  It only took a few minutes before the unthinkable happened.

“We have a little issue here,” spewed from my lips.  I moved toward the edge of the deck and yes, we truly had an issue. The tiki torch was planted into the bed of flowers and burning. Desiring to not freak everyone out, I calmly kept saying we have an issue.  Little ones doused the flame with water from the deck but the kerosene kept it burning.  Mom came to the rescue and carefully retrieved the torch now separated and then extinguished it.  One would say we definitely had an issue….issue was now resolved….thank you Jesus!

Doubtless to say, we all have “a little issue” sometimes don’t we?

Sometimes ownership of the issue belongs to us.  Something we’ve nursed for too long has reared its ugly head.  Wounds from our past being rebirthed in our future.  Wrongs we chose not to confess now leaking bitterness and unforgiveness.  Attitudes and words spewing out effortlessly.

Sometimes ownership of the issue belongs to someone else.  And we have chosen to ignore its potential destructive power for the sake of not alarming or offending.  We don’t want to upset or freak out anyone so we calmly avoid the issue. Let’s not rock the boat even though it has a slow leak.

Regardless of whose got the “issue,” we’ve probably all been there.  And the reality of “a little issue” is it doesn’t extinguish itself.  Left unattended it spreads like wildfire into “a bigger issue.”

We can’t resolve what we won’t admit.  We can’t move forward if we’re still dragging baggage along. We can’t help someone if we’re unwilling to open dialogue about an issue.

Best solution is to never ignore an issue.  If I had simply excused away what I saw happening on the deck, we could have had a serious fire going.  The decision to calmly admit an issue sets the stage for interaction and resolve.  Choosing to not look the other way and ignore what is happening invites resolution and minimizes damage. Prayerfully seeking God’s guidance and wisdom strategically enables us to face our issues.  Intentionally covering others in prayer and gaining clarity on when to engage in conversations with them about their issue can foster growth and uncover blindspots.

It’s a win – win when we trust God to extinguish and handle issues we’d much rather avoid.  He will guide us each step of the way, if we choose to lean into His wisdom, discernment and timing.

“Father, remove the blinders and help me to see the “little issues” in me which need to be dealt with.  Help me to be courageous and determined in following Your lead.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 5, 2021

Dependence Day

“Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

We all just celebrated the 4th of July—the birthday of this great nation we are blessed to live in. You may have gotten together with friends or family for a cookout, or perhaps you attended a baseball game. Depending on what state you live in (and the current legality of certain fireworks), you may have been up later than usual comforting your terrified, shivering dogs as the celebratory “bombs bursting in air” lit up the night—oh, wait, that was me.

Regardless of how you commemorated this holiday, it is our country’s Independence Day. We were no longer beholden to King George or England’s laws. The leaders of our young nation had a better way to govern—by the people and for the people. And for centuries people from all over the world (including my own mother) have been flocking to enjoy the freedom established on that day.

Independence. As individuals, it’s an innate, visceral desire. From the toddler’s cry of, “I do it myself!” to teenagers pushing against mom and dad’s house rules to prove themselves “all grown up,” we all strive for a sense of self-reliance. In our current culture, though, the concept of independence has been distorted, morphing self-reliance into a disgraceful me-myself-and-I self-indulgence.

All our cultural whackadoodleness aside, our human tendency toward independence also creates a barrier to embracing a dependence on God. The thing is, friend, there are plenty of things we can—and should—do on our own, whether we’re on the path to progression (like the toddler and teen), or we’re out to prove something (to ourselves or others). But when it comes to progressing toward heaven or proving ourselves worthy enough to stand before a Holy God in acceptance, we cannot do it ourselves.

We are completely dependent upon Jesus Christ—His finished work on Calvary and His victorious resurrection. There is no action we can take on our own, no checklist to complete, no “good enough.” It is only through accepting the amazing grace of Jesus and surrendering to Him as Savior and Lord that we are made righteous, as white as snow. Through our dependence on Him, we gain our true freedom—from sin and death. Eternal life cannot be earned. It’s gained when we let go of self-reliance and cling to the Lord.

If you have not yet gained your freedom in Christ, why not make today your Dependence Day?

“Lord, thank You for setting me free. Help me stand firm on Your Truth and stay dependent on You always.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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