Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 17, 2021

Holding Onto Grace

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16 (ESV)

Wow – first week back to the office after 13 months of working from home.  And what a week it was!  I still have things in boxes; I guess eventually they will get unpacked and re-organized.  My fave word this week was “grace.”  When I wandered out of my office and forgot my mask  – grace.  When I misplaced my badge to enter the building – grace.  When I got to work late one morning – grace.  When I got the time mixed up for a leader’s meeting  – grace.  I think you get the picture.

Change even if welcomed takes some time to adjust or in my case re-adjust.  As I drove out of my driveway Monday morning – rain pouring down and lots of boxes, scanner, laptop, gym bag in hand – I prayed, “Lord I’m grabbing a hold of grace this week.”  Amazing how even uttering those words, softened my stressful first day.  Being kind to self served me well, reduced my stress and lightened my attitude.

But today’s the beginning of another week – grace is still there for me – but this week, I will embrace the change a little better and easier.  I will adapt to what I need to do different and embrace some grace for those moments I forget. I won’t use grace as an excuse, yet I will cherish it rather than stress over my less than perfect moments.

Do you need some grace in your week?  Maybe it’s a deadline hanging over your head.  Perhaps it’s struggling through a tough interaction with family, friends or co-workers.  Could it be a transition you didn’t expect? Maybe it’s shame and guilt from a decision that didn’t serve you well.  Could it be a reoccurrence of the one thing you pledged you’d never do again?

In those hard places, we are often our own worst enemy.  Overshadowed by the lies of Satan, we dwell on the ugliness within rather than the beauty and power of God’s grace. Rather than leaning into Him, we attempt to carry it all ourselves.  And the evidence of our mess is known to all.  The spewing out of our ungraced moments isn’t pretty.

Releasing our tendency for perfection or avoidance in the face of change welcomes grace.  Allowing ourselves some room to adjust and respond well.  Recognizing in this season, we simply can’t do it all.  Accepting our failures as divine opportunities to seek God’s forgiveness and walk away renewed. Grace – the freedom to accept where we are, whose we are and then move forward in sync with God.

“Father, You are our amazing grace – forever covering all of us right in the midst of our mess. So blessed and grateful for Your love.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 14, 2021

God Intends It For Good

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”  Genesis 50:20

The story of Joseph is one riddled with trials and victories.  Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, separated from his family for many years, and thrown in jail for a crime he didn’t commit.  But he also interpreted dreams and became Pharaoh’s right-hand man, and eventually saved people from famine because God had him store up food from a previous time of abundance.

I imagine that Joseph never woke up and thought, “Man, I sure hope I get sold into slavery one day, and also spend some time in jail!”  Joseph probably didn’t imagine that one day he would be the mastermind behind feeding the people of Egypt during a severe famine, either.  While the Bible doesn’t say what Joseph thought his life would be like, it’s safe to say that his life did not turn out like he thought.

Have you ever had a dream or a prayer that wasn’t answered as you had hoped?  Has your life turned out a little different than you thought?  Me, too.  For many years, I had a dream for something good, something that would bless me and those around me for years to come.  But for some reason, God said no to my dream.  Year after year, His answer was still no.

I’m extremely thankful for all the blessings in my life, and I know that God has worked all things in my life for His good.  However, I am sometimes tempted to think about my unanswered prayer and the “why” behind it- why was my prayer not answered when others seem to get the same prayer answered?  Did God not see me and care about me?

Maybe you’ve fallen into this trap too, comparing yourself to others or believing that God isn’t good to you.  Maybe your life hasn’t turned out exactly how you thought it would.   Maybe you are going through a hard season with a job, a relationship, or an illness.  In times of hardship, it’s so easy to focus on our problems and take our eyes off the One who can help us weather our storms.  But when we do that, we miss out on seeing how God is working all things for our good, and we run the risk of our hearts turning hard.

I find it inspiring how Joseph didn’t let the trials of his life fill his heart with bitterness and rage. Imagine if Joseph had decided to ignore his God-given ability to interpret dreams because he was too busy focusing on how terrible he’d been treated by his brothers.  Or, what if he had decided that he was just going to let the abundant crops get eaten by the birds instead of storing them up for the famine because he wanted to do something different with his life?

Instead, Joseph used the unimaginable events in his life to trust God and bless those around him.  When he finally saw his brothers again, Joseph said something that seems impossible: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.  Genesis 50:20-21

Isn’t that amazing?  After all that Joseph had been through, he knew that God was in control, working in his life for good.  He didn’t respond to his family with bitterness, but with kindness and love.  Only God could have made that possible!

“Lord, help us choose to focus on You and Your goodness, instead of letting our hearts turn hard from of the trials in this life.”

 

For His Glory

Aubrey Carrales
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 13, 2021

Where Else? Who Else?

“Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.”  John 6:68

You’ve probably heard it from many people in your life—believers and unbelievers alike, “How could a good God do this!?” And as a result of their anger, a shift occurs. Sometimes it’s gradual, a slow walking away. Other times, it’s like a slammed door in the face of the Almighty.

Maybe this is you. A hurt was experienced, and bitterness set in. Without forgiveness (toward another or self), the seed is planted. Soon, it’s rooted, settling into a seething (yet, oddly comfortable) anger that fashions a veil through which you see life. And certainly, you conclude, God is ultimately to blame.

But friend, God is never to blame. In fact, the Gardener of our soul is the only one who can free us from the agonizing entanglement we created. See, life was not meant to be hard or painful. God created it unspoiled, for our perfect enjoyment. But man, given free will to love and obey God’s Holy order, decided to pursue self-idolatry, breaking the relationship with the Creator. Because of this (sin), creation is now fallen—full of broken people running after other broken people and worldly things to find lasting peace. This never works though. People will fail us and hurt us. And if we turn to the toxic narrative of self-love, it’s like trying to pour yourself a glass of refreshing tea from an empty pitcher.

Nothing of this world can adequately fill the soul-level hole we all have. Instead, we must turn away from ourselves, others, and stuff and recognize there’s only one Way to peace, contentment, and joy: Jesus Christ. Relational restoration with God comes in believing the Gospel—that Jesus lived, died, and rose again to exchange our sin for His righteousness. When we put our faith in Jesus, we can rely on His completeness to replace our brokenness, emptiness, and selfishness. Because we are forgiven, we forgive. Because we’ve been given grace and mercy, we extend those to others. Because we are perfectly loved, we love.

Life is difficult and the world will have troubles—Jesus said so Himself. But He has overcome the world so that we can have peace and joy (John 16:33).

Sister, have you turned away from Him in anger or resentment? Are you desperately grasping for something or someone to be a balm for your pain? Have you bought into the lie that the answer is “within you”? Turn (or turn back) to Jesus today. He has not only made a way of eternal restoration with the Father, but He will help you walk through this world on your way Home. As He promises in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

“Lord, help me to acknowledge the lies of this world, that hope and peace can be found in anything or anyone but You. And may the Truth of the Gospel always be on my lips: that there is nowhere else to turn but to You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 12, 2021

Follow The Leader

 

“Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

“Step back 2, 3, 4 Forward 2, 3, 4 – Grapevine to the right, 2, 3, 4 – Grapevine to the left 2, 3 – whoops”

I was counting the steps in my head to a song in my Zumba class.  I had moved to this song plenty of times before.  I thought I didn’t have to watch the leader.  I was in my own head over a situation that was bothering me.  Before I realized it, I had started following the woman in front of me.  It was going well for a few moments. However, I was unaware that others in the group started following me.  Then we realized the whole class was moving to the wrong song.  None of us had our eyes on the leader.  Even the lady I was following – we were all in our own heads moving to a different tune.

It’s easy to do it isn’t it?  Becoming distracted.  Allowing ourselves to go on “auto pilot” just doing what we may have done in the past or what we see others do. We go to church, read our Bible and pray. We move in step to the comfort level of our lives.  All the while our hearts “our eyes” are focused on the situation causing us pain. The cross that we are bearing – – finances, health issues, problems with our children, grieving a loved one, etc. But sometimes God is trying to change the rhythm of our lives (most always getting us out of our rhythm of comfort).

In a previous season, He may have told us to pray and wait.  But in this season, He may want us to move “act.”  If we focus on our “cross,” we will allow ourselves to become distracted and miss the change in His steps being orchestrated in our lives.

The word of God never changes. (Psalms 119:89) Yet His ways are not our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) God uses different methods in different seasons.

Imagine Peter and Andrew on the shore after a long night of fishing.  Ever wonder what the circumstances were that put them out on a boat in the middle of the night?  Perhaps they were trying to catch enough fish to make money to pay their bills.  When Jesus saw them, He said “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV) Thankfully, they weren’t too focused on their problems to miss the change Jesus was doing in their lives.

“Father help us to firmly fix our eyes on Jesus. Teach us to listen to that still small voice of wisdom and stay in step with his guiding.  Enable us to walk in Your hope, peace, joy and draw others to you.”

For His Glory,

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 11, 2021

In It, Not Of It

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” John 17:14

As believers, we are exhorted throughout the Bible to have an eternal perspective, setting our minds on things above, not on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:2). From the Old Testament writers to the Apostles’ letters, we’re told to keep our eyes on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 141:8, Hebrews 12:1-2). We’re called to be in the world, but not of it.

I don’t know about you, sister, but over the past 14 months or so, that’s been a real challenge. I feel like I’m constantly vacillating between being wholly focused on the Lord, His Truth, and doing His will and being obsessed by the societal madness going on around me—the likes of which I’ve not seen in my lifetime. It’s as if the “in it” and “of it” are duking it out on a daily basis to see who’ll be victorious.

Jesus promised us that we’ll have troubles in this world, so it’s not like anything (illness, job loss, cultural wars, or pandemics) should surprise us. We’re even commanded to be anxious for nothing. Moreover, regardless of what’s going on around us, we know Who wins in the end—so why worry and get all spun about it all, right? Easier said than done, for sure.

So, what’s the answer? As Christ followers, we have a solid Foundation on which to stand (1 Corinthians 3:11), an unchanging Strong Tower where we can run and be safe (Proverbs 18:10). We are citizens of Heaven, a Kingdom where Jesus is on the throne—no matter what’s going on around us. It’s on these facts that we must anchor our mind and heart. It’s clear. And simple. But it takes intention. Every morning, as we open our eyes, washed afresh with the new mercies of God, we must plant our feet on God’s Word. Instead of immediately opening our phone for the latest fear-mongering headlines or rabbit-hole-descending social media trail, let’s open our mouth in praise of God’s amazing grace and holiness.

It’s about surrendering each and every moment to the Lord. He is in control of the big picture and the smallest detail. And we have the Holy Spirit living in us to guide and counsel us…if we ask Him to. Although we can’t really put our head completely in the sand (even if it seems really tempting), we can look at what’s happening around us through the lens of eternity and the knowledge of Truth.

Until the Lord calls us home, sister, we are in the world. But by staying rooted in His Word, steeped in fellowship, and aware of every blessing He’s provided, we can certainly avoid being of the world.

 

“Thank you, Father, for every sunrise and sunset, Your amazing provision, and Your powerful Truth. Help me stay focused on You, so I remain a mere traveler in this world.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 10, 2021

Willing To Receive

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

Don’t you just love being on the receiving end? You know unwrapping presents or having someone treat you to lunch. Gotta just love it when we’re the one who gets the surprise delivery at work or a freebie when we walk into the store. Maybe just once in a while, we find ourselves with a hand full of treats simply because someone thought we were special. And that smile on our face tells it all – we absolutely love it.

Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of a gift you didn’t like? Perhaps it was Mary who knitted you a purple scarf to match the red mittens she gave you last year. Even better, how about the blender you got from your husband on your birthday? Dare we mention the casserole that showed up at our doorstep from the friendly neighbor who definitely can’t cook. Regardless, we grinned and said thank you even though our hearts longed for something else.

Found myself there the other day – God handed me a gift, and it was one I really didn’t want. He had especially picked this out for me. He allowed it to happen, and believe it or not, He wouldn’t take any returns. God’s outstretched hand ensured me this one was handpicked.

Now we’d all rather have that sparkling diamond than a bottle of cleaner to make our windows sparkle. Yet God in His sovereignty often extends gifts to us that buff out the rough spots and enable us to shine as women of God who glorify His name. His gifts are intentional. His gifts stretch our faith and promote deep growth. And yes, His gifts promise the beauty of producing great fruit in our lives.

What gift are you unwrapping this week? Is it the gift of discouragement that will teach you how to lift your eyes above your circumstances? Is it the gift of suffering that will teach you the value of life and seizing every moment? Is it the gift of struggle and wrestling with doubts? Regardless, God has entrusted that gift into your hands – now what will you do with it? Make Him proud sweet friend – dazzle Him with your steadfast faith. Whisper thank you in the dark even though you long for something else.

“Father, thank You for the gifts that transform our lives to shine for You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 7, 2021

Hello Darling – You Are Loved! Remember That Always!

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

When we love someone, it is not hard to say kind words of encouragement and edification. When we love someone, it is not hard to say, ‘I love you,” and it is not uncommon to feel our hearts pounding their way out of our chest in excitement.

When we love others, we want what is best for them and we tell them that God is their healer, their provider and the One who can bring supernatural peace and healing into their lives.

Relationships can be hard to handle at times, because not all people are alike. To love means to nurture, to care for and to respect the other people in our lives as we wish to be treated. Some people do not know how to treat others with love and respect because they have not been treated that way by the people they loved.

Sure, life is not always all peaches and cream, and there are times when we have a hard time expressing our feelings, especially when we have been hurt and are trying to keep our hearts from re-breaking. Healing from heartbreak can take a while to take place. One must re-learn to trust and to feel comfortable around others, but first and foremost, to be comfortable with oneself.

But, hey, we do not have to rush into anything; it is okay to take it one step after the other, or even baby steps, if need be. It is okay to rehearse our words and make sure that the words we hear coming out of our mouths are honest, true, and edifying to ourselves first, so that whoever else ends up hearing them can also be built up by them.

Has life’s road been rough on you lately? Have you talked to your pillows late at night and shed on them the tears you’ve held inside during the day? Well, I have something to tell you, friend: God loves you!!! And He has good things for you up ahead. For starters, though, here is a little piece of advice: Look at yourself in the mirror and speak these words loud and clear, “Hello darling!!! You are loved! Remember that always!!”

 “Dear Lord, we surrender our troubles to You. Heal us, Abba.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 6, 2021

Privileged

“For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus…There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”   Galatians 3:26-28

There’s a lot of talk these days about “privilege,” defined by Merriam-Webster.com as “a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.” The current narrative, of course, has to do with immutable characteristics (i.e., melanin level). But I want to focus on this weighty word as it pertains to all Christians. Because, sisters, Christians are the truly privileged of this world.

You might be shaking your head as your mind goes right to the millions of persecuted believers around the world—greater numbers now than ever. And “privileged” may not be the word you’d use to describe the countless (and media-ignored) Christians martyred daily for their faith in Jesus. Then there’s our own nation, literally founded on the freedom to worship, currently with shuttered churches and canceled voices. So, are followers of Jesus Christ truly “privileged”? Here are the top three reasons why that answer is a resounding YES.

  1. We have the Bible—whole, complete, inerrant.

The longer we study God’s Word, the clearer it becomes…there is only one theme throughout all 66 books: Jesus. The whole Old Testament points to the coming Messiah, from the Fall in the Garden to John the Baptist. And though God’s faithful prophets predicted the coming sufferings and glories of Christ, they could only look ahead in hope, knowing they were preaching something they would not experience (1 Peter 1:10-12). Even New Testament believers, although they had the message of the first missionaries and powerful letters being sent from church to church, they did not have a complete living and powerful word (Hebrews 4:12).

 

  1. We have the Holy Spirit living in us to comfort, convict, and control us.

Upon salvation (the recognition of our sin leading to repentance and acceptance of Jesus’ completed work on the cross for us), we are immediately indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit—God Himself is living in us. He is our helper and teacher (John 14:26), our strength and intercessor (Romans 8:26). The more we surrender ourselves to Him, the more we can reflect the love of God to our foolish and hostile world (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

  1. We have our identity in Christ.

As a Christian, we each have become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). We are children of God (John 1:12) and the friend of Jesus (John 15:15). Our life is hidden in Christ (Col 3:3)—our sin covered completely by His righteousness so we can ultimately stand unashamed and unblemished before a Holy God.

 

Sisters, we are all, by definition, privileged. Because of Jesus, we have “immunity” from the sufferings of hell. We have the “advantage” of God living in us as we walk through this world. And we are, in fact, “favored”: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

 

“Father, thank you for the gift of salvation, giving me the Holy privilege to be called Your daughter—the child of the King.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 5, 2021

Hope Has A Name

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the HOPE to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,”      (Ephesians 1:18, NIV)

“He’s a loving Father.  Just as an earthly father cares for his children, how much more will your Heavenly Father do for you.”

It’s a common analogy that preachers use when explaining the attributes of God, comparing Him to a loving Father.

But what about the children whose father passed away when they were little?  Or the ones whose father walked out on them?  Consider the ones who had a father in their life, but he was emotionally distant or abusive.  It’s hard to imagine something you’ve never had.

When I was little, my Grandma Edith was a special person in my life. She was always talking about this man named Jesus.  Telling me how I could be anything in Him.

When she died a lot of things in my life changed.  I remember walking by myself to church after her death.  I heard the preacher say – –

“Do you need a friend, let Jesus be the friend who will never leave you?”

 “Do you need hope that life can be different?”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing – Jesus as a friend?  Jesus offers Hope?

I’d heard him talked about before as a loving father, but I had a hard time relating to that. Growing up my Dad was an angry person.  It was best to stay out of his way when he was home.  I never knew what to expect when he walked through the door.

After Grandma died, I desperately needed a friend and hope that life could be different from what I knew.

After hearing that hope had a name – it was the name of Jesus; I went forward that day at the altar call.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior and my friend. Jesus was the Hope I had been looking for.

When a father dies, there’s usually an inheritance left behind.  When Jesus died on the cross for us, He left us the best inheritance of all.  We’re quick to think about the glorious future of resurrection, and eternal life with him.  Yet, we often overlook the fact that He gives us hope for this life.

Sometimes it seems that life is stacked against us. Focusing on what you don’t have can leave you feeling very hopeless.

Be assured that what you have in Jesus, our Hope is greater than the things you don’t have. He’s able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you could ever ask for.  (Ephesians 3:20)

That little girl could have never imagined the life I have now.

“Dear Jesus, we thank you today that we have an inheritance through you.  We are your daughters’. Because of you we have victory in this life.  You are our Waymaker!”

 

For His Glory

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

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | May 4, 2021

Restoring Joy

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Psalm 51:12

I’m not exactly sure why, but I’ve been a bit bummed out lately. And I have no excuse, really. Sure, my family has a current challenges and struggles (like most people these days), but, overall, we are so very blessed. Although some physical pain nags me, I am able to work to provide for our needs. We live in a comfortable home in an amazing community, and we are part of an incredible, Bible-believing church.

So, why the melancholy? Well, it could be that whenever I tune in to what’s going on in our nation and world, a flood of negative emotions rushes in. Maybe it’s because I work from home all day in my little bubble, and when I venture out, I’m smacked in the face by a dystopian reality rapidly growing around me. So, despite being in the Word daily and worshipping with others twice a week, the pops of joy and peace seem way too short lived.

But David’s prayer in Psalm 51 was brought to mind, and his words washed over my soul: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (verse 12a). Now, “joy” is a great word study in the Bible—Old and New Testament. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)…Joy is to be lived out as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)…We are to count it joy when we suffer trials (James 1:2)…Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2)…And we are exhorted to have joy (rejoice) always (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

As inspiring and convicting as these (and the hundreds of others) “joy” references in God’s Word are, they can each leave us hanging with an all-important question: How do we embrace—and live out—Biblical joy? This is where David’s prayer comes in.

As believers, we have a reason to celebrate that trumps anything this life could provide. It eclipses the most amazing family events, career experiences, vacations, and worldly “stuff”—all momentary things. Sister, we have been given the greatest gift imaginable. Jesus has paid the price for our sin and handed us His righteousness. Our salvation has set us free, making us a new creation in Christ. There is no greater miracle—and no better reason for joy.

No matter the highs or lows of this life, embracing the joy of our salvation creates a soul-level undercurrent of satisfaction. See, apart from Jesus, this world, from the heights of its glitter to the depths of its folly, is as good as it gets. But once we give our life to Him, we are simply on our way Home. The beauty around us is an infinitesimal taste of Heaven, and our pain and trouble are “light and momentary” (2 Corinthians 4:17) in the view of eternity.

Because of our faith in Jesus, we have a confident hope within us setting a foundation of everlasting joy. So, as we walk through this temporary world full of eternal souls, let’s not only grasp tightly to the joy of our own salvation, let’s share the Good News with others…and spread the joy.

“Father, restore to me the joy of Your salvation, reminding me daily my reason for hope and stirring me to tell others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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