Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2021

Peace

“For He Himself is our peace…” Ephesians 2:14a

Peace. Oh, how we all long for it. We look around at the divisiveness being fostered in our culture, and we cry out for peace. Family members fight and push each other away (sometimes establishing permanent chasms), and we are helpless to create peace. Inside our own souls, the battle rages between our fallen nature and our new nature in Christ, and we strive daily to keep the peace.

But peace does not have to be allusive! Sister, God is peace. And God makes peace with sinners through Christ.

  • “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both [Jews and Gentiles] one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace…” Ephesians 2: 14-15 (italics and brackets mine)
  • “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Through Jesus and His death on the cross—and by His triumph over death—we have peace with God. The relationship we were meant to have in God’s design is restored when we accept this amazing gift of grace.

  • “But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
  • “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

And once surrendered to Jesus, having restored our relationship with God (having peace with God), we can enjoy the peace of God as we walk through this world…because we’re promised that in this world we will have trouble—yes, even as believers!

  • “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
  • “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
  • “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Friend, does the cultural tumult bring overwhelming anxiety? Are shattered family relationships causing disquiet in your soul? Is your own brokenness resulting in a quest for peace from the things of this world? Turn to the True Source of Peace—the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. And find rest for your soul.

 

“Thank You, Father, for making a way for us to have peace with You…and experience peace in this troubled world.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 30, 2021

Finding Rest

“And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.  And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”  1 Kings 19:5-8 (ESV)

 

He’d been in the wilderness running for his life – scared of Jezebel’s threat.  Then he uttered the words “I can’t do this anymore Lord, take my life”.  He had just experienced a great victory.  How did he end up here?

He had summoned the prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel. Proposing a test.  The prophets of Baal and Elijah would prepare an altar of sacrifice.  But neither would create fire.  The prophets of Baal prayed with great passion and zeal.  Their prayers resulted in nothing.  But when Elijah prayed– Yahweh answered by fire.

For three years, Elijah had been fighting a spiritual battle. Fervently praying for God to hold back the rains.  God used Elijah to speak to the people.  The prophets of Baal had been destroyed.  God sent fire and then he sent the rain. We can see the spiritual implications of Elijah’s obedience.  But why do we think that because we’re spiritual we can ignore the physical body?

Ever pray through a health or financial crisis? These things wear on us – not just spiritually but physically. They leave us like Elijah -tired, grumpy, and discouraged. Feeling like life has nothing left for us.

Taking time to pray, preach and minister to the children of Israel took something from him.  And even though there had been a great victory; he barely had time to rejoice because the enemy was on his heels again.

God saw the physical need in Elijah that day.  Elijah needed rest. God still had plans for him.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing a person can do is get enough rest and replenishment.

Take a nap, or just be alone to read, refuel and re-energize through prayer and rest. There is nothing wrong with saying no to certain things when we are weary.

Don’t give up because of the exhaustion you may feel. After a while, God tells Elijah to get back to work. But first, he is allowed to find rest.

Feeling discouraged today – when was the last time you made finding rest a priority?

“Father in heaven remind us today that we cannot ignore our physical bodies.  When we’re tired it affects our outlook on life.  Help us to find rest so that we can give our best to you and others.”

 

For His Glory

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

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2021

Better Than Bitter

“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge.”  Psalm 73:28

With so many of us struggling right now, it’s easy to look around at others with eyes and hearts of envy. Whether our battles are with health, family circumstances, or finances, we can slip into frustration, despite our faith. We glance left and watch the ungodly prospering in every way. Then our view shifts right to see the mockers of God “have it all.”

Gratefulness for our own blessings fades away, and envy sets in. Bitterness can take root. We begin perceiving our reality as “less than”—and we may find ourselves even crying out to God, “Why them and not me? Why is she being healed, and I’m not? Why is that person getting away with evil?”

In Psalm 73, Asaph wrote of the abundance of the wicked he witnessed around him—and he admitted the jealousy he felt amid the suffering and lack in his own life. It’s only when this Psalm writer stopped looking around and turned his face back to the Lord that he remembered the Truth. This world is a drop in the eternity bucket. Asaph acknowledged that the evil will be judged by our perfect, Holy God, yet he (and all believers) will be welcomed into glory. He shifted his focus to an eternal perspective.

Moreover, Asaph relishes in the relationship he has with the Lord today—and so can we. The closer we are with Jesus in the moment, the more difficult it is for us to be bitter. I mean, what greater joy is there than eternal life through Jesus? And what other relationship is as steadfast and unshakable than that which we have with our Lord? He is our strength, and He will never leave us or forsake us—no matter what our current circumstances look like.

So, let’s replace bitterness with something much better: thankfulness for our Savior and His grace, and for the confident hope of our glorious future.

“Lord, thank you for your unfailing love, amazing grace, and relentless mercy. Help me to keep my eyes on You, and please sever any roots of bitterness clinging to my soul.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 24, 2021

Nourish Yourself

“In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following.” 1 Timothy  4:6

So, as is my cyclical preoccupation, I’ve got eating on the brain again (well, not eating, actually). Even though my health/fitness isn’t the idol it used to be in my life, I still go through phases of self-berating for eating sweet treats and over-indulging. For instance, recently over the course of six weeks, I had no sugar and no processed foods. I felt great and, after the sugar cravings and seven-day post-caffeine headache went away, I was cruising along without thinking (read: obsessing) about food. I was solely nourishing my body and mind. It was great. (Sadly, despite that, I’m still struggling to lose my “COVID-10.”)

Then, my son and his wife came to visit. We ate out, got ice cream, did movie night (complete with piles of dollar-store candy). You get the picture. I enjoyed their visit immensely—and all the delicious food. But just like that, my food-for-fuel mentality switched back to wanting (and needing) that next sugar fix. And so the rollercoaster goes.

For many of us, this cycle is a familiar thing. If you’re with me on this, I know you know that the healthiest relationship with food is one of nourishment. We are meant to use food to power the body and mind. “Junk in” manifests itself in low energy, weight gain, headaches, and moodiness—not to mention the internal toll it takes on us.

Friends, did you know that what is true of the body is also true of the spirit? Just as the Apostle Paul wrote as an exhortation to Timothy, we are to be constantly nourished on God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:6). And just as with our physical health, our spiritual health is impacted by “junk in.” What is “junk” in this context? It’s the things of this world—love of stuff, money, and self. The Bible is clear that to love (inhale, imbibe, consume) what the world loves will turn us away from loving God (1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:2, James 4:4, Colossians 2:8).

We’ve got to nourish ourselves with God’s Word! Every bit of it is profitable—for teaching, training, correcting, and equipping us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It lights our way in this dark world and helps us to not wander into sinful snares (Psalm 119:105; 10-11). Just like eating nutritious food protects us from having unhealthy bodies, consuming the Truth of God keeps our soul unpolluted and our way pure (Psalm 119:9—yep, this particular Psalm is like a spiritual recipe book, so check it out!).

What is your spiritual diet like these days? Are you getting a hearty daily intake of God’s Word to sustain you? Let’s commit to making Bible reading an everyday priority—not only is it soul-nourishing, it’s oh so satisfying.

“Your Word is life, Lord. Thank You for providing this food for life—this love letter from your heart to mine.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 23, 2021

Killing The Ants

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

There are many aspects about summer that I love – one of those is being outdoors more.  I mean is it really summer without a cookout on the weekends?  But as much as I love enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends, there is one thing that can put a damper on it – ants.

Ants have a knack for finding the food – any sugary substance left around will attract them.  And where there’s one, there’s dozens more.  Individually they seem small, insignificant. But ants work as a team using their combined strength to move things around.

In the mental health field, ANTS is the acronym for Automatic Negative Thoughts. Much like ants at a picnic they infest your mind and spirit and ruin your day.

When positive thoughts are generated, when you’re feeling happy or optimistic, cortisol decreases.  The brain produces serotonin.  A person typically feels calmer, less anxious and more emotionally stable when serotonin levels are normal.

The biggest battleground we face as humans is within our mind. Paul was trying to teach the importance of this concept to the church in Rome.

We cannot live by how we feel.  Negativity and cultural influence will try to conform us to ungodliness.

You don’t have to believe every thought that goes through your head.  Our thoughts do not always tell us the truth – sometimes they lie!

Much like ants at a cookout so are the ANTS in our mind. When one negative thought pops up, dozens more follow. While Satan is not all knowing, he is observant.  Our adversary has been watching us for years.  He knows our vulnerabilities, and insecurities. He knows our past hurts.  He uses it all to work together influencing our thoughts (like the ants at the cookout) to carry you away in emotions.

The best way to get rid of ants–is to remove the source that is feeding them.

When you focus on the truth of God’s Word instead of your feelings about the ANT running through your mind – you take away their power over you.  That’s how you renew your mind.

As Christians we must think differently, if we’re going to reach others for the Kingdom of God.

You can be saved and assured of eternity in heaven. But if you don’t transform your thinking away from automatic negative thoughts of your past/culture you will not live a life that will influence others for the gospel.

There will always be bad days, even for Christians.  But a person who is constantly renewing their mind – will not stay stuck in negativity.

“Father, teach us Lord to value your truth more than we value our thoughts and feelings. Help us to renew our minds daily.”

 

For His Glory,

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 22, 2021

No Prerequisites Required

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

It’s always a wonderful thing to discover what you truly want to be “when you grow up”—whether you’re six or 60. Tapping into your God-given gifts, your personality traits, and the God-ordained desires of your heart to find a fulfilling vocation is soul-satisfying. Sometimes it’s hardwired in early (like my son, the pilot, who’s wanted to fly airplanes since he was five years old). Other times, it takes a lifetime of meandering, self-discovery, and ultimate surrender to find that sweet spot the Lord has for you. (This is like my husband, who has blessedly found his purposeful professional—and service-driven—groove at 55.)

Not all career paths require a college education. But if one’s track is, say, engineering, science, teaching, or medicine, higher ed is a must. And for those of us walking through that process now ourselves or with our children, there are those frustrating moments in trying to register for a degree-related course you want when you see that footnoted list of “required prerequisites.” It’s a bit deflating to realize you need to take, for example, two semesters of accounting toward your degree in chemistry. But on the academic road to your ultimate destination, those prerequisites are unavoidable.

Friends, this is thankfully not the case when it comes to our ultimate eternal destination. When we decide—whether at age six or 60—that Heaven is our desired objective, it’s a one-step transaction. There are no hoops to jump through, no “101, 201, 301” progression, and certainly no grades to be earned. We cannot work our way into relationship with God. In this world, we are dead in our sin, separated from our Creator, walking in brokenness. But Jesus (fully God and fully man) lived a perfect life and gave Himself, through death on a cross, to pay the penalty we owe, trading our sin for His righteousness. It is simply by having faith in Jesus—believing you’re lost without Him and rescued by Him—that you are saved (restored to your intended relationship with God).

What about you? Are you trying to fulfill some list of perceived prerequisites to earn your place in Heaven? Sister, you can rip up that list you’ve been carrying around. Look up and surrender to Jesus Christ. That’s it. Faith alone through grace alone (Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 5:24, Romans 11:6). There’s nothing for you to do, or not do. No boxes to check. No price to pay. Jesus paid it all…so, for you and for me, there are no prerequisites required.

“Lord, thank You for making the way for me. Your grace is sufficient! Give me a joyful obsession to share this amazing news with others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 21, 2021

Empty Is Never Pretty

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3a (ESV)

Glancing out my window at work, I watched as some wet substance leaked from under my car.  Yes, it was pouring out – freon – don’t drive it now resounded in my brain.  My sister picked me up and I switched to our old SportsTrax truck.  Boy, did I miss my smooth ride.  The bumps and jolts were too much for this comfy girl.  But it runs and it drives and that’s all I needed with my husband out of town.  When he got back later in the week, I had to give him the rundown on my car and my “now” ride to work.

“There’s only two things I like about this truck,” I quickly shared.  “The air conditioning works great, and it gets incredible gas mileage – that little hand hasn’t barely moved from Full all week.”

“Have you put any gas in it?” he sweetly asked.

“No – it’s been on Full all week.”

As our conversation progressed, my husband informed me the gas gauge wasn’t working (info that would have been good to know – just saying).  He checked the tank and found it definitely lacking.  A trip to the gas station and we’re back on the road.

Wouldn’t it ever be so great if when we found ourselves running on empty, we could refuel quickly. Simply pull up, refill and immediately drive off into the sunset – smile in tact.

Sounds good but unfortunately, like me and my truck, we just keep driving and don’t even realize how close we are to empty.  We keep pushing through, adding to our list, skimping out on sleep, missing a meal, canceling plans with friends…..and before we know it, we crash.  Harsh responses, snappy decisions, impatience soaring….I think you get the picture. All while we are championing our efforts on false full – empty never looks pretty.

No one can go very far on empty.  No one is pleasant to be around if empty describes them. God never intended for us to leave no margin in our lives for rest, refueling and refilling.  When we operate full speed ahead, the first thing to go is usually time with God – we can simply do it later. Prayer becomes a rushed breath rather than an ongoing dialogue. When later never happens, we begin to operate in deficit mode.  When we are continuously pouring out of self and no one is pouring in it becomes evident to others even if we don’t see it.

Best solution…. Carve in margin for quiet soul reflection.  Review the ever growing list and seek God’s perspective on what needs to stay and what needs to go.  Invest in relationships which encourage and foster growth. Prioritize time in God’s word and time on our knees.  Allow others to serve us without feeling guilty.  The perfect prescription guaranteed to fill us to overflowing – exactly what God designed.

“Father, You restore my soul from the craziness of this life.  Thank You for leading me to the refreshing waters  and stillness which refuels me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

1 Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 18, 2021

Avoiding The Truth

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

What do you do when you really don’t want to do something? Doubt if any of us goes running full speed ahead with the unwanted things. As a teenager, I hated homework so I would allow my projects to pile up until I absolutely had to get them done. Lots of stressful moments all because I avoided, procrastinated and resisted carving in adequate time to accomplish the goal.

Glad I learned my lesson and released my tendencies to procrastinate or so I thought. While I am a diligent planner and organizer at some things, you might still find me dragging behind doing some “unwanted things.” Cleaning out the fridge isn’t at the top of my weekend list. Balancing my checkbook usually gets pushed aside to a “better time.”

Let’s just admit it we all procrastinate about some things – it’s just my “some things” are not always the same as your things. Regardless, operating in slow mode or delaying a task doesn’t really remove it off the list. Wonder how often we excuse away what really needs our attention so we can pursue something more exciting, fun and easy?

Whatever needs doing or dealing with won’t go away just because we choose to ignore it. Whatever we push aside for later will eventually rise back up to the surface. Especially true when it comes to dealing with the stuff God desires for us to face, deal with and work through. Dismissing the prompting of the Holy Spirit never serves us well.

Courageous women admit their lack of enthusiasm to tackle the tough stuff and press through. Brave women avoid becoming stuffers and face their issues with grace and beauty. Wise women avoid delay in dealing with “little sins” recognizing the devastating effect they have on our relationship with God.

Sweet friends what’s got us postponing the truths staring us in the face? I think we all get the picture – the procrastination game is not the way to do life. So the next time we’re tempted to put off what needs tackling lets trust God to get us through and follow His plan.

“Father, too many times we avoid the very things You keep bring up to the surface – help us to embrace Your timing and Your leading for transformation.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 17, 2021

Removing High Places

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV)

I have to admit, I have been totally taken by it. Maybe it’s the stories of valor; of storming the enemy confident in God who assures the victory. Perhaps it’s the justice; the integrity of God who means what He says and says and what He means. Then again, I suspect it’s the hope; that God will deliver, restore and bless His people for those who run after Him with their whole heart.

For whatever reasons, I have been captivated by 2 Chronicles for a while now. As if about to burst if I don’t begin to write of it, I know that this is only the beginning. The treasures in these words are waiting and I must examine.

This book chronicles the events of the kings that spanned from the ever-so wise Solomon to the ever-so evil Zedekiah. Before one gets lulled by yet another endless reference to genealogies, each account lists additional information. Of relevance becomes the inclusion of Levites, law and sacrifice in one’s kingdom. Of importance is the taking down of foreign altars, high places, sacred stones, Asherah poles and incense altars, all of which were used to worship evil and lying gods. Turning one’s heart towards the Lord and living according to His precepts equated to securing His strength in battle and prosperity in acquisitions. This brings us to Jehoshaphat.

Jehoshaphat had an upbringing that most would envy. He learned to walk in the ways of the Lord from an early age. As king, he appointed men to sing and praise the Lord for His holiness. Jehoshaphat’s Judah became powerful, wealthy and favored by God. Then in 2 Chronicles 20:33, after all the successes and victories while serving the Lord, truth emerged and judgment followed. “The high places were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.” (NIV) High places, the areas of one’s heart not surrendered to the King of Kings and in so keeping, one becomes vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Jehoshaphat would align himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, a wicked king. Destruction proved eminent. All that remains is a well written manuscript to teach and instruct the children of God.

“Father, after my devotion, seeking and service, have I left any high places in place? Holy Spirit, reveal and convict my heart, give me strength to repent and correct, so that I may be totally Yours.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 16, 2021

Enjoying The Lemons

“Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4, ESV)

Have you ever thought about what the “it” is that James is referring to? What exactly are we supposed to count as joy?

When I go through a hard season in life – they usually result in:

  • Sleepless nights
  • Anxiety
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Lots of tears
  • Pain

At first glance, nothing about these things stir up any feelings of joy.

I was with some ladies discussing our thoughts on a bible study we were doing on James.  We were dissecting today’s verse, when one of the ladies made this statement –

“When life gives you lemons, enjoy the lemons.”

Not the usual sentiment we often hear, is it?

About twenty years ago I was battling some severe health issues and I started a mission to eat healthier.  I also started drinking lots of lemon water.

While lemons may be bitter at first taste – they have numerous health benefits. Did you know that lemons detoxify your liver?  They prevent kidney stones.  Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and allow your body to heal naturally.

While the initial taste of a lemon may be bitter – the potential health benefits far outweigh the unpleasantness.

I think that is what James is trying to teach us in today’s verse.

A bitter season received with unbelief and grumbling, can result in sleepless nights, producing bitterness and discouragement.  But if we respond with faith (trusting that God is in control) that season can become an opportunity for spiritual growth.  Instead of filling our sleepless nights with worry or dulling it with TV/video games – if we allow these things – the “it” that are the results of trials and tests – they can bring about a healing in us.  For example, a sleepless night can become a night of studying the Word and praying – resulting in a deeper walk with the Lord. And ultimately less anxiety and more peace.

Even though we laughed at my friend when she made that statement, she was right – we should “enjoy the lemons” that God sometimes allows life to throw at us.  Trials are inevitable.  How we respond to them is our choice.

Just like the lemons – if we allow the Holy Spirit to work -He can produce a detoxification and clean out all the stuff in us that is not of God.  When our faith is tested through the bitter experiences of life, the Holy Spirit can enable us to grow.

“Father the only way we can find joy in trials is by putting our Hope in you. Help us to count it all joy when life throws us lemons.  Use these trials to remove anything in us that is not of you.”

For His Glory,

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories