Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 5, 2021

Misled

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18

Have you ever stayed in an Airbnb? With a couple of exceptions, our experiences have been great. The places are typically very well kept, beautifully decorated, and completely void of anything that may reflect the personal characteristics of the owner (other than their sense of style). We recently spent a long weekend out of town, making someone’s Airbnb home our base for the trip. Interestingly, the walls, bookshelves, and even kitchen mugs revealed quite a bit about our host.

As I perused the place upon our arrival, I was excited to see decorative Bible verses hung in several rooms. I said to my husband, “Oh! A fellow believer lives here!” And then I noticed a small bookshelf in the living area holding about 25 books, the spines neatly lined up as if awaiting appraisal. There was C.S. Lewis (a solid theologian) and Lee Strobel (a stellar apologist). Yay! But as my eyes moved to other titles and authors, my soul deflated. There were several books with teaching that is antithetical to the Bible

Without going into the theological details (because you can—and should—do your own deep-dive into current popular teachers), I will use this bookshelf discovery to underscore that there are waves of deception flooding the current Christian culture. Today, as in the First-Century Church, people are turning away from sound doctrine. They are gathering teachers around them to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Tim 4:3-4).

You see, now—like back in the Apostle Paul’s day—the enemy’s goal is to either (1) keep people from turning to God or (2) keep believers lukewarm in their faith. The first goal is probably pretty easy right now, considering how humanistic and idolatrous people are (just watch the news for five minutes…or spend two minutes on TikToc or Instagram). But what about creating and maintaining “lukewarm” Christians? Seems fairly doable too. When a Christian doesn’t look any different than the world, he or she simply isn’t a threat to Satan. Think about those small group “fellowships” that include drinking games, or the woke churches flaunting pride flags and BLM signs. Believers are meant to shine as a light in the darkness (Phil 2:15) and not conformed to what’s happening around us (Rom 12:2). We are not to be of this world—and, because of that, we’ll be hated by the world (John 15:19). If we are loved by the world, something is amiss (and Satan is a happy camper).

Moreover, the enemy can keep Christians from getting in his way if they are misled by false teachers and twisted doctrine. Remember, Satan’s first lie ever to humans was, “Did God really say…?” He’s still at it today, and he takes great advantage of the fact that many Christians don’t know God’s Word well enough to answer back with confidence. Sister, we must know the Truth of the Bible so we can recognize the lies. Otherwise, when that cultural wave rolls in, we’ll simply be swept away.

“Lord, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. May I grow in knowledge and understanding, able to stand firm on the Truth in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 4, 2021

In The Moment

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”   (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)

God in His infinite wisdom designed me with this innate ability for details.  I’m a planner.  I love for things to be organized.  I want to eliminate surprises as much as possible.  One of my spiritual gifts is hospitality. To make a person feel comfortable requires taking the time to think through the situation and plan appropriately.

Over the years that desire for organization has crossed a line at times and ended up being more about control.  By trying to avoid the anxiety of something unexpected happening, I did my best to plan everything. But instead of calming my anxiety it only made it worse.

Until I went through a season in which I learned a valuable lesson on living in the moment.  Taking one day at a time. One moment at a time. Surrendering my need to control the uncontrollable.  Learning how to keep my mind focused on Jesus all the time.

While I said I trusted Jesus my actions did not reflect my faith.  I was making excuses for letting my anxiety control me.  I was ignoring biblical wisdom and leaning on my understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Adamant that I had to do it this way.

Over the years, I’ve missed out on numerous opportunities because I was in my head too much – listening to fear.  Either replaying something unpleasant that had happened or jumping ahead stressing over the “what ifs” of a situation. Leaving me paralyzed with fear.

While there’s nothing wrong with being organized; we can’t stop whatever God has allowed to happen to us – or will allow to happen to us in the future. We are NOT in control.

Making a conscious effort to stop that anxiety ridden train of thought and focus on the truth of Jesus didn’t eliminate all my problems.  It did, however, bring about a peaceful state of mind that allowed me to start living in the moment.  It brought about a freedom to experience a feeling of security like I had never known. Allowing me to embrace things way out of my comfort zone. Leading to things I thought impossible – like mountains moving beneath my feet– one moment at a time. (Isaiah 40:4)

Out of our comfort zone is usually where God calls us to make the most impact for the Kingdom.

There is no promise in the Bible that we won’t experience illness.  Or that people we love won’t die.  There’s no promise that bad things will never happen to us while we’re on this earth.  The promise is that He will never leave us nor forsake.  No matter what the moment holds – if Jesus is with us – we can endure it!

“Father, help us to release our need for control. To trust you more so we can live in the moment and not the fear of uncertainty.”

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 3, 2021

Shepherd or Butcher?

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”       Romans 8:5-6

What is your mind set on—the things of this world or the things of God? Are you constantly pursuing the next dollar, promotion, or feel-good activity? Is the culture driving what you watch, how you interact on social media, and your water-cooler conversations? Or do you follow the directives found in God’s Word, from the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:2-7) to the Greatest Commandment (Matt 22:36-40)? Are you, as the Apostle Paul exhorts, keeping your mind on what is true, right, pure, and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8)?

How we answer these questions is crucial. Not just in determining our level of peace and contentment in this life, but also in deciding our eternal reality.

Let me start with a story. I once heard about a man who was visiting Israel when he came upon sheep being herded across a pasture. The man asked his friend, “I thought shepherds led sheep, yet these are being driven.” The guide responded, “Oh, that’s not the shepherd. That’s the butcher.”

This is a perfect analogy for Christians. The Lord carries us and gently leads us (Isaiah 40:11), He leads us beside still waters of refreshment (Psalm 23:1-6), and He laid down His life for us (John 10:11-17). Once saved by grace through faith in Jesus, we are not left on our own to navigate our new life in Christ—to wander through this evil world whose god is the enemy of our soul. We are given the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us. He gives us wisdom and counsel, and He convicts us when redirection is needed.

But sister, we have a choice. We can ignore this gentle guidance. Instead, we can think, speak, and live as the rest of the world does—driven by the lusts of the flesh and the old, natural man. Although we each are made a new creation at salvation (2 Cor 5:17), complete transformation is a lifelong process until ultimate perfection when we see Jesus face to face (2 Cor 3:18). This process (“sanctification”) requires that we constantly renew our minds (Rom 12:2) and not conform to the world’s quest to satisfy selfish desires of the flesh—things like sexual impurity, jealousy, fits of rage, ambition, drunkenness, and putting anything before God (Gal 5:13-21).

See, Satan (who is very real, by the way) hates you. He follows behind you, nudging you on with promises of fulfillment and selfish gratification. But he’s really only driving you toward your very earthly—and eternal—destruction.

Sister, it’s a real battle. We can be led by the Spirit or driven by the world. We can either give in to pride and the want for pleasures, or we can surrender to the Good Shepherd who loves us, giving up our old ways and giving Him our burdens.

So, who will you choose today—the Shepherd or the butcher?

“Lord, You have given us all we need to live this life for You—the Holy Spirit in us! May we yield to Him with every thought, word, and action.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2021

When You Feel Left Behind – Hold On Tight To Him

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

I’m not the best gardener. Watering my flowers gets pushed further down my list than I would dare admit. Wilting in the hot, humid air describes them most days because I just simply get distracted and forget to water them. But despite my neglect, they somehow survive. And to my great surprise, I found a new flowering plant springing up amongst the weeds of an old window box. Not really sure what it is and I’m positive I didn’t water, nurture or plant it. It simply appeared in mid-summer – a beautiful shade of bright pink – my sweet late bloomer.

Wonder how many times we shortchange growth for our “late bloomer” moments? Ever stifled the gifts, callings and purposes God has for us because we should have done it sooner? It’s so easy to think we should have achieved, accomplished or surpassed where we are. We glimpse those around us running full speed ahead and become overwhelmed at our lack of progress. Sadly those words settle in and deprive us of moving forward, stretching and reaching. Lingering in the land of what ifs never serves us well.

Wouldn’t you rather bloom late than never bloom at all? Even if we appear behind schedule to others watching our arrival, wouldn’t we rather keep pressing toward the prize. God is more impressed with our obedience than He is with someone else’s time table. His plans are unique and strategic. He knows the paths our life will take and the story that will unfold from start to finish. Unlike me, He is the Master Gardener who won’t neglect His late bloomers.

So sweet friend in case you’re feeling left behind or cast aside – hold on tight to the One who knows exactly the moment for His glory to shine through. Don’t give up or step aside. Don’t listen to the voice of defeat or regret. Instead lean in close and wait for His timing. And just when we may think we’ve missed the mark, God will burst forth our greatest growth if we stay in step with Him.

“Father, You are forever cheering us on – not zeroing in on where we might have been – but completely in awe of where we are going with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 29, 2021

Dearly Departed (Part 2)

“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”  Luke 23:43

I went to a funeral the other day. And it was a time of deep grief, sorrow, and wishful thinking.

We’ve known him his whole life. Through various traditions, our families spent special times together over the past decades, despite any geographical distances. This kind, creative, wholly unique (and somewhat mischievous) young man was well loved by everyone who crossed his path. Stories were shared that brought laughter at the remembrance, as well as admiration at his outside-the-box perception of life.

But the day was blanketed with tears and sadness. His life was like an amazing firework that was lit 23 years ago, emblazoning the sky with a glorious light show, only to quickly burn out, leaving us wanting for more.

The church service, however, did not celebrate the confident hope of Heaven—that, as the Bible promises, “to be absent from the body (is) to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7-8). Despite the cross at the front of the church, the message given was an antithesis to the Truth found in God’s Word. The robed man delivering the sermon spoke of uncertainties. The “hope” he did share was built not on the solid foundation of the finished work of Christ, but on the shifting sands of church traditions originated to delude and fleece believers.

“Is he in heaven? I don’t know,” the robed man said. “But he is likely in purgatory, being purified for Heaven.” He stated that because of our sin in life, we are not perfected at death to enter into God’s glorious Kingdom. The man went on to tell the crowd of tear-stained faces that action was required—we must pray the departed soul through that time of purification in order for him to be perfected for Heaven.

There was a depiction of Jesus on the cross right in front of the congregation. And I wanted to shout, “You’ve got it wrong! Yes, we are sinners, and our unrighteousness forbids us to stand in the presence of a Holy God. But Jesus! Jesus died on that cross and rose again, defeating sin and death! Through His action—not ours—we are made perfect when we accept the gift of grace through faith.”

Jesus, although mentioned throughout the service, was not proclaimed as Savior, Conqueror, King or the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is the responsibility of those of us left behind (along with our prayers to Mary, Jesus’ mother, and other “saints”), he said, to help usher this young man into God’s presence.

Friends, this is not so! No work on our behalf is required—He did it all. No penalty is owed—He paid it. No post-death suffering must be endured—His suffering was sufficient. This is the Gospel—the GOOD NEWS!

We are all separated from God by our sin. But Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived the perfect life we could not live and died to take the punishment we deserve. He rose again, defeating sin and death. And when we surrender to Jesus, He exchanges our rags for His righteousness, so that we can live eternally with Him. (Romans 5:8; 6:23; 8:1; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 4:10)

Sister, you can have confident hope—knowledge that this life is fleeting, and upon death, you’ll be in the eternal presence of the Lord. Won’t you accept the free gift of salvation—of soul restoration—provided by Jesus?

“Lord, thank You that You paid the price for our sin, and that by Your grace through faith we can stand in Your presence immediately upon death, fully righteous because of Jesus.”

 For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 28, 2021

Dearly Departed (Part 1)

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13

I went to a funeral the other day. And it was a time of joy, laughter, remembrance, and confident hope.

Because we have only been in our new community and church for just a short time, we didn’t know Candie well. But both my husband and I did have the great privilege of meeting this kind, gifted, caring (and somewhat mischievous) woman and spending a little time together. Story after story, shared among the huge crowd and from the pulpit, testified to her lifelong mission to spread the love of Jesus, disciple girls and young women, and serve others.

Don’t get me wrong, there were also plenty of tears shed. Her absence leaves a gaping hole in the lives of her family and friends—and in our community. The daily impact Candie made over the decades has created a ripple effect spreading throughout the community, across the country, and around the world.

But the crowd wasn’t grieving a permanent loss. Candie simply moved away—she went Home. As she took her last breath here, she was immediately in the presence of the One to whom she’d surrendered all (2 Corinthians 5:8). Physical pain and emotional suffering slipped off of her like a heavy winter coat discarded for summer’s radiant warmth. She is now free of all earthly burdens and the sin inherent to our broken world. And, no doubt, after she met Jesus face to face, she turned to see a line of people waiting to greet her—people who would not otherwise be in Heaven if not for her.

This funeral was a genuine celebration. Of her exceptional life on earth and her eternal life with Jesus. It was truly as if an awesome moving-away party was planned, and the guest of honor had to leave sooner than expected…but we had the party anyway. We know exactly where she is—and we know she loves it there.

Those of us celebrating her life who have accepted the gift of salvation through Calvary’s cross have confident hope that we’ll see Candie again—we’ll be joining her in Heaven when God calls us Home. And because she would want everyone there to be in that category (and the pastor knew that), he clearly shared the Gospel to close out the celebration.

What is “the Gospel”? We are all separated from God by our sin. But Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived the perfect life we could not live and died to take the punishment we deserve. He rose again, defeating sin and death. And when we surrender to Jesus, He exchanges our rags for His righteousness, so that we can live eternally with Him. (Romans 5:8; 6:23; 8:1; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 4:10)

What about you? Do you have this confident hope—knowledge that this life is fleeting, and upon death, you’ll be in the eternal presence of the Lord? Or do you “think” or “wish” that heaven is your ultimate destination, but you’re not sure? Friend, you can be sure! Won’t you accept the free gift of salvation—of soul restoration—provided by Jesus? After all, I’d really like you meet Candie.

“Lord, by Your grace we can have blessed assurance of where we’ll be once we take our last breath here. Thank You that our mourning can give way to gladness.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 27, 2021

How Big Is Your Faith?

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

 “What am I going to do? Obadiah is dead.  He was a good man.  You know he served the Lord. But he didn’t leave me enough money to live on and support the boys.  I can’t pay my bills and now they’re going to take my children from me.  You must help me.”

Imagine the desperation in her voice as she pleaded with the prophet Elisha for help (2 Kings 4:1-7). The legal system in Israel does not allow a person to file for bankruptcy. She would have to give up her sons as indentured servants to her creditor as payment.

Elisha inquires what she has of value in her house.  She responded, “nothing in the house but a jar of oil.”  Elisha gives her specific instructions to borrow vessels from everywhere.  Then once she has the vessels safely in her home, behind closed doors, she was to start pouring out what little oil she had into the vessels.

It most likely wasn’t the response she wanted to hear. But it didn’t diminish her faith.

Once the vessels were gathered, she poured out the olive oil. Imagine the fear she must have felt.

“Lord, I’m pouring out the only thing I have of value.”

As she poured from her little jar something supernatural took place.  The oil kept flowing until all the vessels were full.

In the end, she had enough jars of olive oil that she was able to sell them and pay off her debts.  It also provided enough income for her to support herself and sons – keeping them from slavery.

In this situation, the amount of work she did in obedience determined the amount of blessing and provision she received from the miracle.  If she had only collected a small amount of jars, there might not have been enough to meet her financial need.

Have you ever had a need you didn’t have the resources to meet?  And this lack was threatening to take away what little you did have? Immediately fear starts to grip us and all we can focus on is what we don’t have.  We forget that God will always meet our needs.  But He won’t always drop manna from heaven like he did for the Israelites. (Exodus 16) His desire is for us to exercise our faith.

It was her great faith in the Lord that led to freedom – a new life for her and her children.

Instead of letting fear paralyze you, let me encourage you today seek the Lord first and then get busy growing your faith. Little is much with God.

“Father thank you for always providing for us.  Help us to remember that you will always meet our needs.  Teach us to exercise our faith as we trust in you.”

 For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 26, 2021

The Best Change Ever

“…and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”  Ephesians 4:24 (ESV)

If you’re like me there are a lot of things in our closet we didn’t even wear in 2020.  In fact, comfy clothes pretty much describe my attire during the quarantine. So now that I’m back working in the office, I’ve noticed this weird trend – some of my clothes just don’t fit like they used to fit.  Maybe you’ve been there too when the desire to put on “old” stuff just simply no longer works.

Bet we’ve all ridden the wave of our old sin nature seeking to dominate us. Great reminder tucked away in Ephesians 4:24 to put off our old self compelling us into action.  Taking off the old and embracing the new sounds inviting. When we believe in Jesus we become a new creation – one totally washed in His cleansing blood.  Purely white and free from the ugliness of our sins.  Clothed in His righteousness. Our salvation was sacrificially paid for by the Lamb of God – nothing we have to do other than choose to belief.

Amazing how quickly we default back to our old selves.  Without even much thought or intention, we slip back into grabbing habits and actions which never served us well.  Jealousy, covetousness, envy, pride, impurities, etc.   Not exactly what God intended when He declared us “new.”

Colossians 3 invites us to “put” to death the worldliness in us and “put” on holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love.  Now that sweet friends is exactly what new looks like – reflecting the image of our God in right living and holiness.  Purposefully choosing to exchange what we used to be like for what God designed us for.

Now I have to admit grabbing old is so easy and putting on new takes great intentionality.  We truly need to depend on the Holy Spirit to empower us.  We can’t do it in our own strength, but it is doable if we rely on God and cooperate with His transforming work in us.  And our secret weapon
is found in renewing our mind daily with the knowledge of our God. Immersing ourselves in scripture illuminates our thoughts and teaches us about the character of our God – the very One we are to reflect. Partnering up with a sister in the Lord who we can foster accountability with us gives us the perfect advantage over sin.

Bottom line – the best change we ever make is to accept Jesus as Savior and then allowing His Spirit to  cultivate the “new” us step by step.

“Father, while we struggle to embrace new, You are right there beside us guiding us each day and teaching us how to be more like You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 23, 2021

A Feast For The Spirit

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Imagine getting ready to eat a delectable buffet dinner—yet when you reached for a plate someone said, “This food is off limits!”  Disappointment would be an understatement.  I wonder, though, if my spirit feels the same way when I reach for my Bible, only to be distracted by the phone.  Some days I find myself being carried on a raging river of busyness.  Life is often so hectic that I feel like Mr. Incredible when he says, “I can break through walls, but I can’t find my socks in the morning!”  So here’s the rub: even when I’m running around like the proverbial chicken—I never forget to feed my body three square meals a day.  The sad truth is that there are days when I spend more time feeding my flesh than my poor, emaciated spirit.

Thankfully, Jesus is way ahead of me!  He knew that I could not survive without “manna” or bread from heaven.   Lovingly, He reminds me that if I stay in His Word, I won’t be trying to flesh out this life while starving to death in my spirit.  The Bible is there to give us all strength, guidance, and encouragement:  – food for the soul!  Open God’s Word today—there is a delicious buffet among those pages that will bring life to our innermost beings.  The more we hunger for every word that comes from the mouth of God, the more we are filled with bread from heaven!

“Dear Lord, Help us to spend time in Your word, fueling our spirits and finding sustenance in the “Bread of Life”, Your son, Jesus Christ.”

For His Glory

Ruby Sand
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 22, 2021

From Strength To Weakness

“God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect.” (Psalms 18:32 NLT)

Why would you want to be that? Why would you want to be strong? My, how the Lord had changed my perspective. I remember struggling over the very same issue. Moments of weakness that I wanted to run from drove a need to set aside weak and pick up strong. If only I could.

Barely a teenager, as one parent left and then the other, a teacher declared that one day I would be so strong. I equated that to work, and work I did. Picked up talents that I admired that were never mine to perfect. Studied for career heights that I couldn’t quite grasp. Thought travel, money and title would bring contentment; that didn’t. And with a mess I called my life, behind the façade of strength and accomplishment were disappointment and struggle. Slowly, my empire would tumble. And in the rubble of lost hopes, dreams and plans was my God.

My Bible teaches that God is strong: He is strength in times of trouble; all things are possible; God is the saving refuge of His anointed; vindication is in His strength. As I ran to Him in heart and attitude, I was markedly aware of my weakness. And in time, realized that my weakness was good. Good because it allowed Him to be strong. I was able to set aside my need for strength and rely on His abundant ability to be strength for me. And in His strength was the protection, peace and purpose which was the very place I had longed and searched for so long.

Now, this middle-aged woman sat before me detailing the events of a hard life of lack. She had lost much and found such pride in her strength. But, why would you want to be strong? I knew better. I knew the struggle. I knew the loss. But, I also knew that I am weak. My only strength that is lasting, sure and worthy of mention is the strength of my Creator who knew all about me and still chose to love; love to the point of death. As the world thrust its weaknesses on Him, He chose strength that would last into eternity and be indestructible.

“Father, may I be weak knowing that You are strong. May I let a lost and dying world know the One whose strength is the only answer to sin and selfishness.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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