Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 21, 2021

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay

“When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth.  Jesus said to them, “Unbind him and let him go.” (John 11:43-44, ESV)

 “Girl, why are you so down?  You just need to give it to God.  To let go and let God. You just need to rejoice in the Lord.  He’s going to work it all out for you.”

Ever had someone utter those words to you when you’re in a season of darkness and can’t seem to find a way out. I have. Those words while spoken with good intentions, failed to offer me a lot of guidance. Instead, they falsely give the assumption that because you’re saved – everything will always be well in your life.

As Christians, life on this earth is hard. Sometimes we need help getting out of the yoke of our circumstances.

Lazarus is a perfect example of this lesson.  He had been dead in the tomb for four days. Then Jesus spoke his name and called him out of the grave.

Raising him from the dead was instant – like salvation. But when he came out of that grave, he still had remnants of the ordeal he had just experienced.

The linen cloths were wrapped so tightly he could barely walk.  His vision was also hindered. Jesus could have spoken the words and had the grave clothes fall off.  Instead, he told the crowd to “loose him”.

In the same manner, there are remnants of our previous lives that we will need help taking off as we “work out our salvation” (Phil 2:12).  Not everyone grows up in an environment that perfectly models God’s love.  We are not all taught God’s Word correctly.  Salvation forgives us of our sins.  But it doesn’t automatically teach us how to “walk like a Christian”.  It doesn’t instantaneously change negative thought patterns developed over the years. Some things will require a community to “take off”.  Thus, we are urged in Hebrews 10:25 to “not neglect meeting together”.

As we continue to grow on our journey of faith – life will continue to throw obstacles at us.  Salvation doesn’t keep us from experiencing hardships.  Utilizing the resources in your community like Christian counseling and support groups should not been as a negative.  Lazarus was alive but he would have never been able to interact with others in a healthy way because his hands were bound.  He needed assistance getting out of the bondage of death.

It’s okay to not be okay. To admit you need help.

“Jesus, we thank you for raising us from death to life through salvation. As life throws obstacles that cloud our vision and inhibit us from walking in faith, teach us to reach out to the Christian community around us for help.”

For His Glory

 

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 20, 2021

The Grace Excuse

“For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude 4

The other day, during an early-morning gym conversation about spiritual things, I invited a relatively new friend to church. (I know what you’re thinking, “early-morning gym spiritual conversation”? But we actually cover all types of intense topics, from politics, culture, and guns to parenting and familial drama. It definitely helps my treadmill time fly by though!)

After hearing her rationale for why her family doesn’t attend any church, I walked away discouraged—but also with the recognition that it’s a very common reason: She knows all too many people who consider church their Sunday social club; their cars proclaim their church du jour, but their ungodly actions reveal a life no different from the rest of the world. Then there are all those exposed “Christian leaders” who have fallen hard, again giving the Church a bad rap. Despite my responses of, “Well, we’re all hypocrites—no one is perfect,” and, “Sadly, pride goes before the fall,” I do get it. But there’s no quick-fix proof text to counter such negative experiences.

The fact is, Christians can give Christianity a very bad name. I’ve written a lot about the ubiquitous wolves (false teachers) today, as well as very popular movements that pervert the Truth but are very attractive—especially to young people. But I want to bring this issue down to the individual believer. You and me.

As followers of Jesus Christ (Christians), we recognize that because of sin (our inability to be perfectly holy), the perfection of this world and the intended relationship between Man and God is broken. We cannot be good enough to restore that relationship. But Jesus, fully God and fully man, paid the penalty for our sin, exchanging His righteousness for our unrighteousness. Our sins are forgiven, and, through the grace of God, our slate is wiped clean. As the Apostle Paul puts it, “where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:21).

Ah, but this is the slippery rope many Christians use to try and maintain their tight grasp on the world. Their thinking is, “Well, it doesn’t matter how I live, I’m covered by God’s grace—so let’s party!” But they need to read the very next verse from Paul: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1).

When we truly understand the Great Exchange of the Gospel and the fact that we can relinquish our valiant (and exhausting) strivings to earn our way to heaven, we are truly free (John 8:36)! And it’s out of our grateful joy that we choose to live righteously. Will we miss the mark? Every day! Will we be seen as hypocrites? Yes! The difference is, though, that we quickly recognize our failings, ask forgiveness, and change course. Every day, month, and year, we strengthen our walk with the Lord, becoming more and more like Him.

Grace is not meant to be a justification to live however we want. If you attend a church where habitual sin is acceptable and tolerated “because of grace,” either within the congregation or from the pulpit—run. But, more importantly, let’s look in the mirror. Are we using God’s amazing grace as an excuse to maintain worldly living? Or does His grace motivate us to pursue holiness with a thankful heart?

“Lord, Your grace is amazing and Your mercy unfathomable. Help me never use these to justify my selfish ambition and desires.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Wisdom

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

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

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

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Mercy

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