Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 20, 2021

Call Me A Fool – I’ll Take The Narrow Road

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

The Bible has a lot to say about fools, especially in the Old Testament. Fools are described as those who ignore or scoff God and His Word. And they’re often directly contrasted with the wise. Ultimately, the fool’s thinking, words, and actions result in other-than-positive outcomes. Here are just a few warnings against foolishness from the book of Proverbs:

  • The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (1:7)
  • One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless (14:16).
  • If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet (29:9).
  • Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly (26:11).
  • A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion (18:2).

A great bottom-line verse is found in Psalm 14:1: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

The fact is, we are all fools—fallen, sinful, and following our own pleasures. Only when we turn to the Lord and obey His ways can we be wise. By His mercy, we are made new (Titus 3:1-11). Not that we won’t make stupid decisions or say unwise things, because we will. But we’ll recognize our foolishness (key!), ask for forgiveness, and turn away from it.

But, as a follower of Jesus Christ, we must recognize a truth that is as pertinent today as it was in the first century: In the eyes of the world, we’re the ones who will look like fools. From our belief in the One, True, and Living God to our knowledge of salvation through the finished work of Jesus and our adherence to the inerrant truth of the Bible, we will be going against the crowd. And as the cultural “norms” continue to swing further away from God’s design for the world and people in it, the more foolish we will seem.

Have you seen it? Experienced it? Maybe you’ve been mocked for your trust in God. Perhaps you’ve lost friends because you’ve stood for Truth, and they thought you a “narrow-minded hateful person.” Or maybe you’ve even lost or left a job for your refusal to act against the Bible’s teaching.

Sister, count it all joy (James 1:2) and take heart! The broad road leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14), so let them have it. Call me a fool, but I’ll take the narrow road.

“Lord, give me strength to stay the course as the world sees me as foolish.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 19, 2021

Stepping Up To The Plate

“After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ aid:  Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them – to the Israelites.”  Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)

Its not easy following in the footsteps of a champion or dynamic leader. Their success foreshadows a huge expectation and the fear of disappointing or failing can be overwhelming. In fact, we would probably choose to bypass said opportunity due to the pressure to measure up or exceed.  Intimidation always wins when we zero in on the abilities of others versus seizing the giftedness God has uniquely created within us.

Can’t think of a stronger leader than one of my fave ones, Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10).  Love the way God redeemed his life and used Moses to lead his people out of Egypt.  Forty long years with the grumbling and discontented Israelites.  Interceding for the very ones whose drama surrounded him.  Not exactly a joy ride through the wilderness, yet Moses emerged strong and resilient until a pivotal moment when questions and criticism birthed anger (Numbers 12).  Frustrated with his people, Moses failed to follow God’s explicit instructions, “Speak to the rock and it will pour out water.”   Two strikes with the rod and Moses’ disobedience robbed him of bringing the Israelites into their Promised Land.

Fast forward, Moses has died, and I doubt anyone was eager to step up to the plate for his job. Yet God had already chosen Joshua to take the people into their Promised Land.  Joshua 1 documents the leadership transition, and I absolutely love the way God encourages and prepares Joshua for the task:

  • I will give you every place where you set your foot
  • No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life
  • I was with Moses, I will be with you
  • I will never leave you nor forsake you
  • Be strong and courageous
  • Be careful to obey all the laws Moses gave you
  • Keep the Book of the Law on your lips – mediate on it day and night
  • Do not be afraid
  • The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go

 

What task is God inviting us to undertake?  Does it seem overwhelming, intimidating?  Does the thought of coming behind a dynamic person send us running for cover?  Joshua could have compared himself to Moses and rejected the invite, but instead he embraced and trusted God’s plan.  We would be wise to do the same.   Each of us has been uniquely gifted – we can be the best version of “us” if we release the tendency to compare.  If God has called us then He will equip us, encourage us and walk side by side with us every step of the way.

“Father, Your promises are priceless – we are never alone, no matter what we face.  Our confidence and strength comes from You alone.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 16, 2021

Not Just Orange Peel

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Psalm 139:14a (NIV)

In Brazil, where I grew up, an orange is a fruit that people peel with a knife going around the fruit with the intent of reaching the end of the peel without breaking it. Though it may sound like a silly act, peeling an orange is like an art and most Brazilians try to master it.

As a child, I remember visiting some impoverished neighborhood homes where people would hang orange peel above their wooden stoves to draw out the orange scent into their homes. I found out then, that to those people, that hanging orange peel was not simply orange peel but rather a natural type of potpourri.

I have learned over the years that people do not always see things from the same perspective. While someone may look at a difficult situation as a lesson well learned, another may take that same lesson as a catastrophe, as the ultimate blow to give up on life and may never recover from such a blow.

I have never seen orange peel hanging from anyone’s kitchen here in America. I have never even seen anyone trying to peel an orange by holding the knife steadily around and around the fruit in order to get a long, seamless string of peel. Yet, I still see it as an art and each orange I peel is a reminder that the peel can be much more than just that.

When Jesus came to earth, He did not have the splendor of potpourri. He was born in a stable among animals. Yet, His presence made all people experience the sweet, unending, unfailing love of God. That tiny baby boy grew up to show the world that when God has a plan, no matter how simple and unimportant someone may seem, to Him, that person is considered special and will be treated like the apple of His eye.

Today, as I peeled an orange for myself, I remembered that I was made in God’s image and that even when others look at me as simple dried up orange peel, to God I will always be potpourri.

 “Dear Lord, thank you for making me who I am in You.”

 For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 15, 2021

The Lord Is Near

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

As Christians, all we have to do is look around at the American culture—and the world—to think, “Yep, Jesus is coming back soon.” (Or, if you’re like me, that has become a more fervent prayer.) Although first-century believers thought Jesus’ return would be in their lifetime, we can say with perfect confidence that the time of His coming back is in fact nearer than it was then—at least by a couple millennia. And, despite the crazy “prophetic” predictions through the generations of actual dates, no one but God knows the day or time of Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:36). We must simply rest in the truth that, like His first coming as Servant-Messiah, the timing will be perfect. (Galatians 4:4; John 14:3).

In terms of His return for His Church (the rapture), and then His coming back thereafter as Judge and King, the Lord is near. In fact, Christ’s “near” return is consistently woven through the New Testament, from Matthew’s gospel to the last verse of Revelation. And we can take great comfort in this.

But there is another thread of encouraging truth throughout God’s Word using the same four words, but with a different meaning. Grammar geeks like me can think of it as a phrase-level homonym: The Lord is near. When we choose to put our trust in Jesus, surrendering everything to Him as our Lord and Savior, He is always with us (Matthew 28:20). The Holy Spirit—God Himself—lives in us (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16). And you can’t get much nearer than that!

When we are pressed by the weight of world and its insanity, the Lord is with us (Psalm 34:18). In our troubles, grief, and anxiety, He provides comfort (Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Revelation 21:4). When discouragement, despair, and hopelessness descend, we can allow the power of the Holy Spirit to overflow within us with the hope and peace of God, lifting the veil of darkness to reveal His glorious Truth (Romans 15:13). And when we the enemy’s hiss reaches our ear with the lie, “no one cares about you,” and desperate loneliness settles in like a wet blanket, remember that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5).

The Lord is near. When we trust in Him, we are never alone. We need not be afraid or anxious.

What about you? Have you laid down the heavy burdens of this world and accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? He will give you rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30). Instead of pushing Him away any longer, open your arms and bring Him near.

“Lord, thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me. Thank You for always being near.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 14, 2021

Have You Prayed About It?

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16, ESV)

“He is so stubborn.  Doesn’t he see what he’s doing to himself.  Why does he refuse to eat healthy?”

Just some of the thoughts that were racing through my head as I tried to make sense of the lifestyle choices my husband was making – especially after having had a heart attack.  The more I tried to encourage healthy choices the more frustrated he became with me and I with him.

After trying to “change” him on my own, I resorted to doing the thing I should have done in the first place. I started praying very specifically about his health. Asking God to give him a desire to eat healthier, to exercise more and take better care of his body. I quit saying anything to him about what he ate.  I made healthy choices for myself and just prayed for him.

Then one day he asked me to purchase some workout clothes for him the next time I went to the store.  He shared that he had decided to join the gym.  He wanted to get in better shape. Did you catch that – he decided.

 “Thank you Holy Spirit, he thinks it’s his idea.”

That was a few years ago.  There have been numerous lifestyle changes since.  We love cooking and hosting things at our home.  My husband enjoys finding healthy, new recipes for us to try. He’s even working to eliminate sugar completely.

As women it’s hard to watch people we love make bad decisions – especially our husbands or our children. We may feel like we “need” to step in and take control of the situation.  However, that person is also God’s creation.  As hard as it may be for us to believe, the truth is God loves them even more than we do.  He desires the best for them.

We show God that we trust Him when we submit our loved ones to Him in prayer. Deciding not to not take matters into our own hands and “work out a solution.” Our prayers become effective and powerful when we chose to wait on the Lord.  While we are waiting, we continue to live righteously.  Living by faith, fully trusting that the prayer will be answered in God’s timing.

Every year we set goals. When we were discussing our goals at the beginning of this year, my husband shared one he wanted us as a couple to focus on – he wants us to be able to bike ride a forty-mile trail this summer.  The Holy Spirit can change the heart of a person better than we ever could dream or image.  (Romans 8:26-27)

“Lord help us to be still and know that you are God.  Remind us to pray over the things that hurt our hearts and trust you to answer in ways that exceed our expectations.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 13, 2021

Call Them Out

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” Matthew 23:27

If you’re old enough to remember the 1990s, you probably recall a very popular bracelet—a fad embraced by Christians and non-Christians alike. These wristbands came in all colors and styles, from rubber to handwoven, and simply touted four letters: WWJD. “What would Jesus do?” This was the question of the decade, meant to inspire people to stop and think about how they could reflect the character of Jesus Christ.

As a believer, I think it’s a great sentiment. Once we’re saved by grace through faith and given the Holy Spirit to live in us, we actually are empowered to live more like Jesus. We’re exhorted to love like Him (Ephesians 5:1-2), forgive like Him (Ephesians 4:32), serve like Him (John 13:14-15). We are still sinners, with the “natural” and “spiritual” woman battling it out for daily control (Romans 7:14-24). But as we mature in the Lord, we will be less conformed to this world and more transformed (Romans 12:2).

There are innumerable ways to answer, “What would Jesus do?” But every action, reaction, response based on that question must be Biblical. Here, let’s focus on a couple situations when what Jesus did may seem somewhat “out of character.” All of Matthew chapter seven is a good place to start. Because Jesus can see into their very souls, He calls out the Scribes and Pharisees with seven harsh “woes”—calling them hypocrites, vipers, and blind guides. They have fallen away from God, taking the Jewish people with them. There’s another incident recorded in both Matthew (21:12-13) and Mark (11:15-18) when Jesus is defends His Father’s house—the temple—by turning over the moneychangers’ tables and driving them out. Again, these “religious” people were taking advantage of faithful worshippers for their own gain, using the temple for crooked business.

Here is where the literal rubber (bracelet) hits the road.

When it comes to the 21st-century Pharisees, we need to ask that same 90s question: What would Jesus do? We must carefully look around at today’s church leaders and “Christian” movements to see what’s really going on. Listen to popular teachings and search the Scriptures for yourself, asking for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to discern the Truth. There are so many heretics out there, hissing the same lie as Satan in the Garden: “Did God really say…?” Watch for modern-day “moneychangers”—fleecing congregations with false doctrines that include giving them money so you’ll be blessed. Just as Jesus warns, we must beware of false prophets and disciples (Matthew 7:15-23), as there are wolves prowling around looking a lot like sheep. And, like Jesus, we’ve got to call them out.

“Lord, give me discernment to recognize the wolves in Your Church—and the courage to call them out.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 12, 2021

A Radical Change

 

“They only were hearing it said, “He (Paul) who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”  Galatians 1:23 (ESV)

“You look amazing,” isn’t that what we would love to hear?  Especially after the past year of limited gym use and a lot of sitting at home.  Our covid transformation leaves a lot to be desired.  Those extra pounds came on quickly  – absolute proof binge watching our fave show didn’t serve us well. Nor did all the baking and snacking.  Definitely time for a radical change.

Revealing a new us is easier said than done.  Changing our routines, setting boundaries, embracing new behaviors and enduring restrictions is hard. We’ve all been there when the momentum dies down and the plateau settles in – transformation seemingly slipping through our fingers. Perhaps the culprit lies in relying on self instead of God’s power to revolutionize us from the inside out.

Nothing more beautiful than the transformation of a soul. The book of Acts details the conversion of Paul  (Saul) who violently persecuted the church.  A Hebrew from the tribe of Benjamin, trained in the law and living righteously according to the law.  Paul passionately pursued the destruction of those who believed in Jesus.  Without even a trace of remorse, he watched as Stephen was martyred.  On the day of his conversion (Acts 9), Paul was headed to Damascus ready to bound any believers and bring them back to Jerusalem.

A direct, personal encounter with Jesus radically changed Paul’s heart.  The transformation totally restructured Paul’s agenda.  The one who once was persecuting was now preaching the faith he tried to destroy.  The change was evident to all.

Wonder if people notice the radical difference in us as believers?  Is there a definitive change in us since we accepted Christ or do we act, respond and live the same?

The Greek word for transform is metamorphoo’ which simply means changing into another form.  The moment we accepted Jesus, the process of being changed began.  As we surrender our will and embrace the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the old us begins to disappear. When we read, study and obey God’s word transformation happens on a daily basis.   It’s an ongoing process and will continue until the day we meet our Savior face to face.  Our metamorphoo’ will be noticed not for our glory but for His.

We will never look more amazing than when we reflect the heart of our God.  A soul transformed will draw others in revealing the source of the new us – a personal relationship with our God.  We should be the talk of the town….”the one who was_____________________ is now preaching the faith they once tried to destroy.”

“Father, You are the Redeemer of our stories – help us to surrender to Your Spirit and embrace Your amazing metamorphoo’ in us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 9, 2021

Resurrecting Our Dead Places

“And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”  Ephesians 1:19-21 (ESV)

This past Fall, we purchased three really big mums while traveling through Charlottesville.  Our plan was to get them in the ground before frost so they would hopefully root and bloom again.  Unfortunately, this didn’t happen.  Our schedules got busy and we totally forgot about it.  So these brown and dead mums have remained in pots in our side yard all winter.

Saturday morning was beautiful and sunshiny, so I decided to do some yard clean up. And boy was I in for a surprise.  While grabbing one of the potted mums to throw it away, I happened to notice there was green underneath all the dead.  My first thought was weeds had overtaken the pot.  But as I began to cut off the dead, I realized it was the mum coming back to life – I’ve never had that happen from a potted mum.  Once, I removed all the dead part growing overtop of the plant, I had a full basket of  freshly growing mum!  I checked out the other pots and the same was true.  What was once dead was resurrected to new – I can’t wait for them to bloom again.

Absolutely love that our God is the great Resurrecter of our dead places.  The cross and the empty grave are proof of Jesus’ death and resurrection – the reason for the hope living within us.   And the very same power God used to raise Jesus to life is the same power which births life from our dead places.  We are not doomed to a life consumed with sin but rather are set free to walk in the power of God to overcome. No matter how ugly or lifeless – God can resurrect these places and bring new life.

Sin that we cherish or excuse away will never yield God’s beauty – its death to our soul will be evident to all. Ineffective and lifeless, we will wander through this life and miss out on victory.  Only when we confess, repent and embrace His power can we walk in vibrancy and life – resurrected for His glory.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (ESV)

“Father, the tomb is empty and heaven is full of the glory of Jesus – worthy is the Lamb that was slain

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 8, 2021

Would We Risk It All

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-4

What would your answer be if I asked, “Do you love Jesus?” If you are a Christian, you’d likely reply with a hearty, “Yes, of course!” You might be especially fired up about your answer having just celebrated Easter and the Lord’s victory over death. But sisters, the real question is, How much?

This makes me think of a bedtime ritual I had with my boys when they were little (and not so little). In saying goodnight, I would tell them I love them. The response from them would be, “I love you more!” And I’d reply, “That’s impossible! I love you to the moon!” They might respond, “But I love you to the end of the whole universe!” I’d say, “But I love you to the universe and BACK!” Finally, this back-and-forth would come to a close with them saying, “I love you to infinity!” My answer? It’s easy to figure out: “I love you to infinity and back again.”

How much do we love Jesus? Enough to tell the cashier, “God bless you” as we leave the checkout? Or do we love Him enough that when an unbelieving friend uses His name as a curse we respond, “I would appreciate if you don’t use the Lord’s name like that”? Do we love Him enough to share the Good News of His grace and mercy with a stranger we’ve just met…or, harder still, with a family member?

OK, let’s get really real here. Do we love our precious Lord and Savior enough to stand up for Him at work—not just when cursing is the normal vernacular, but when a task is given that goes against our Biblical beliefs (we’re told to lie or cheat a client, for instance)…could we refuse and risk getting fired? What about when the government is forcing an action (or non-action) that flies in the face of God’s teaching? What if it meant a significant fine? Prison?

What would you risk for Jesus? What would I risk?

My life? Well, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), so it seems like I could answer affirmatively to that. But what about my child’s life?

According to the 2021 World Watch List reporting period, in the last year alone, over 340 million Christians live in places where they experience high levels of persecution and discrimination. Moreover, 4,761 Christians killed were for their faith, 4,488 churches and other Christian buildings were attacked, and 4,277 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned (https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/)

(You never hear this on CNN, now do you?) I’m not going to say that this type of persecution will be in our country tomorrow…but I do not doubt that it’s coming. So, we each need to ask ourselves that question: Would we risk it all for Jesus?

“Lord, help me be bold for Jesus. No matter the cost.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Love, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2021

The Anchor Holds

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”    (James 1:5-8, ESV)

“I’m so sick of being on this boat.  All our hard-earned money wasted. Will this nightmare ever end?”

Heather was miserable.  She and Steve had saved up for a cruise.  It was too good of a deal to pass up. She soon realized why it was so cheap because the ship was defective, stuff constantly breaking.  A few days into their cruise the anchor broke.  Three weeks later they were still drifting, waiting for help.

Spending money for a cruise on a boat without an anchor – seems pointless right?

That’s exactly what James was talking about in today’s verse.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”  

If we lack wisdom, James instructs us to ask God for it.

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”              

Growing in wisdom requires seeking God’s will before we act.  Often the Holy Spirit will lead us to make decisions that seem contrary to what might make sense.  God’s ways are not our ways.

Without faith to steady us, we will be like a vessel without an anchor.  We will make decisions based on how we feel. Up one day and down the next. Obeying God one minute, disobeying the next — that is a double-minded person.  Floating along aimlessly in life – unable to make progress in our walk with the Lord. Never receiving the wisdom He’s trying to give. Always in need of help, but never able to extend it to others.

Our feelings know our past. The Holy Spirit knows our future.

James instructs us not to even ask God for wisdom if we don’t have faith.

With faith, we can receive the wisdom God is trying to teach us.

Faith allows us to act on what God is telling us versus acting on our feelings.

Faith is the anchor that holds us steady.

Every time we act on our faith – our wisdom grows.  You will never gain wisdom by being tossed back and forth by your feelings.

Father, our feelings are not truthful. Teach us anchor our faith in You so we can grow in wisdom.

 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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