Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 6, 2021

Delivered, Sealed & Signed

“Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!” Romans 5:9-10

In 1970, Stevie Wonder released a song that would become a classic: Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours. This idiom (“signed, sealed, and delivered”) is thought to have originated in the 1800s as a phrase to mean “satisfactorily completed” and was used to describe a valid deed. The expression was used more widely in the 20th century to refer to any legal action or business deal…or, in Stevie’s case, a relationship.

This song popped into my head randomly as I was listening to a pastor’s podcast on a few verses of Romans. He was teaching about how Abraham was saved not by the act of circumcision, but rather 14 years before that. Abraham, like us, was saved (delivered, made right with God) through faith, not works. Circumcision, then, was a sign to set the Jews apart from the rest of the world. Anyway, that tune got me thinking of how our Christian life can actually be described in the opposite order of those lyrics: delivered, sealed, signed. Let me explain…

First, we’re delivered. When we acknowledge that we are broken and sinful (i.e., not perfect!), and believe that Jesus made a way for us to be reconciled with God, we are delivered from paying the penalty—made righteous by the gift of grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8). That’s all it takes! A leap of faith…no do’s, don’ts, or wondering if we’re good enough.

Second, we’re sealed. When we surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, He doesn’t leave us all alone to fend for ourselves in this dark and evil world (John 14:26, 16:13). We are given the Holy Spirit to live in us—a Person of the Triune God—to guide us in Truth, give us understanding of the Word, and help us live out the fruit of belief (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—Galatians 5:22-23). I don’t know about you, but I certainly can’t demonstrate those traits on my own volition. Equally as thrilling is the fact that the Holy Spirit seals us for our eternal destination in heaven (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30). Once saved, always saved! We’ll certainly slip up and fall down, but if we’ve truly put our faith in Jesus Christ, we do not lose the security of salvation (John 10:28-29, 2 Corinthians 5:5).

Finally, we are “signed”—actually, we’re to be a sign. Before Jesus went to the Cross, He told His friends, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Sisters, we are Jesus’ representatives to the world. We are to demonstrate the grace, mercy, and love of Christ to others. To be a light in our dark world to point the world to the Light (Matthew 5:16).

Christian, are you a “sign” in your world—and if so, what kind? And, friend, if you have not yet been “delivered” and “sealed,” won’t you take that step of faith right now? It’ll definitely put a song in your heart.

“Lord, You are so gracious to deliver and seal us for an eternal life with You. Let us be a sign of that Truth to others.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2021

When Surrender Births Victory

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Matt. 26:39 (NLT)

Hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, He was in “a place of pressing,” an olive grove called Gethsemane praying. This was the place where His human will would come into alignment with Divine will.

As Jesus’ fate drew near, He was on His knees crying out to God… praying…in so much distress He prayed the same prayer over and over. He was crushed with grief, pressed above measure, beyond strength and at the breaking point. He was under pressure, dealing with agony and the emotions leading to the final stage of a difficult death.

Jesus surrendered will became His power. His power to be beaten beyond human recognition, carrying His cross up a hill, nailed with spikes, mocked, lifted high, stretched wide, pierced in His side and die a criminal’s death. Dead…carried away to be buried in a borrowed tomb.

Darkness fell across the earth. Jesus uttered “it is finished!” The veil tore from top to bottom in the temple that separated the Holy of Holies. All the earth shook, rocks split apart and tombs opened. The only sound was all hell rejoicing. Demons clapped and danced with glee. The devil was in a state of euphoria shouting a victory chorus.

One day, two days…then on the third day early Sunday morning! The earth quaked with a hallelujah shout…arise My Love as an angel descended from heaven and rolled the stone away. The guards shook in fear and fainted. Hell could not hold our King. Death has been defeated. Jesus folded His grave clothes as a sign He would return again one day. He stepped out of the tomb as demons watched their victory fade while the keys of death were snatched from the devil’s grip.

God’s power and promise underlined Jesus’ resurrection. Death lost its sting and the grave its victory. God had conquered the sin of the world once and for all. Standing triumphant His arms stretch out as Savior of the world.

“Father, thank you Jesus has risen from the dead and the tomb is empty!”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.kimlaceyschock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2021

You Deserve It! (Not)

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Our culture today is all about entitlement. A whole generation has been raised to believe that they should win, regardless of their efforts. (“Everyone gets a trophy!”) And for those who work hard to excel, well, they have to give in (and give up) what was rightly earned, so others won’t “feel bad” about what they didn’t get (or earn). (“No valedictorians allowed!”) People make good money receiving unemployment, so why bother getting a job? Then, of course, there’s the social-media-selfie lifestyle: “I’m awesome, look at me, see how special I am!” It all can be boiled down to three words: I deserve it.

If you were to poll random people today, asking them if they believe there’s a heaven, most people will probably say yes. And, if you followed that up by asking if they’re going to be there, the typical answer would sound something like: “I think I’m a good person, so yes, I think I’m going to heaven.” Most people believe they are good enough—that, in the scheme of things, they’re not “bad” and, certainly, not as bad as other individuals they can bring up as examples (you know, Hitler and his ilk). Yes, our culture of entitlement extends to spiritual things…people are going to heaven because, well, they deserve it.

According to the Bible, the truth is very different from the normative belief. God is holy, righteous, perfect. And He only welcomes perfection into His glorious presence. Any unrighteousness, any sin stain at all, is not tolerable to Him. No one who has ever told a single lie, taken one pencil from work, or had a momentary lustful thought can stand before Him. So, who of us deserves heaven? No one…

…but Jesus.

Jesus—God Himself—came to earth to live the perfect life we could not live. Then, on Good Friday (which we observe tomorrow), He hung on Calvary’s cross to pay the penalty we do deserve. The story doesn’t end there, though! On Easter Sunday, we celebrate His glorious resurrection and victory over Death. The tomb is empty, and He has reconciled us to God the Father, making a way—The Way—to heaven.

Salvation is ours by grace alone, through faith (Ephesians 2:8)! Not by doing “more good than bad,” or by doing “enough”—it’s a gift. If you believe Jesus is who He said He is, acknowledge your sin and turn away from it, and surrender your life to Him, you will one day stand before the Throne justified (“just-as-if-I’d” never sinned). Despite our sin (because we’re all still sinners), we are wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus, washed white as snow.

Do you know where you’re going once you leave this earth? Heaven can be your forever home. But you cannot earn it, and you certainly don’t deserve it. Why not make this Easter your new-birth-day and accept the free gift of salvation from Jesus Christ? That, sweet sister, is something you very much deserve.

“Lord, as we celebrate Easter Sunday, I pray You draw people to the empty tomb. Let them see that Jesus paid the penalty they deserved, making a way to be reconciled to You.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2021

They Lived Happily Ever After

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse!  The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war, and the armies of heaven were following him on white horses.” Revelation 19:11,14 (ESV)

“Oh, I’m so excited.  What an incredible blessing it worked out this way.  I’m in town to visit family, and I find out He’s coming.  I can’t believe it.  He has no idea how much He’s changed my life. I just touched the hem of His garment the last time and everything changed. I must tell Him. Rebecca, we need to go.  Do you have your palm branches?”

Imagine the excitement among the people when he rode into town that day on a donkey. People shouting “Hosanna” and waving palm branches (symbol of triumph).  For three years, He had been restoring sight to blind people, healing the lame, raising people from the dead, and speaking messages of hope and encouragement to people.  He was the rescuer everyone dreamed of.

No one could have imagined how drastically things would change in one week.  Jesus was betrayed, crucified, buried, and then resurrected.  He appeared to his disciples and over 500 people before ascending to Heaven.

For over 2000 years, Jesus’ followers have been waiting for His return.  Waiting to be “rescued” from the pain of this earth.  Perhaps that’s why so many of us love the romantic movies with a hero (a Prince Charming) riding in on a white horse to whisk us off to a perfect life. Or we try to fill that ache in our soul for something more with things/substances that only end up leaving us feeling emptier.

There’s only one person who can truly fill the longing of our heart.  That is Jesus.  His physical body is in heaven preparing a place for us to live when we die.  He left us the gift of the Comforter until He returns. Have you read the blueprints of the design of the city He’s building for us? One day we will walk on streets paved with gold, perhaps that’s why the Bible tells us to not seek money but Him. Our Prince owns it all.

One day Jesus will return. He will be riding a white horse this time – with His triumphal entry.  The Prince of Peace will establish His Kingdom on earth.  Those of us who died having accepted Him will return to earth with Him (the New Earth) that is – in our resurrected/perfect bodies.  There will be no more pain, no more abuse, no more cancer, no dying and we will live happily ever after.

No fairy tale ending here – a real life – God’s Word promises us.

“Lord help us to not dream about false rescuers. Teach us to call on the Holy Spirit (the Comforter) to ease our hurts until we see You face to face.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 30, 2021

Forgetful

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

Here comes another one of those moments of transparency: I am getting forgetful. Thankfully, this is not applicable to my work—somehow, I manage to keep all my plates, cats, and fiery batons in the air and move from one thing to another like a tapdancing hip-hop dancer. Instead, my memory lapses occur when I walk out of one room and into another only to pause and think, “Wait, what was going to do?” Or when I plop down on the couch and put on a House Hunters episode only to hear my husband say, “We saw this one.” To which I respond, “Maybe we did, but I don’t remember which one they picked, so I’ll watch it again.” (Can I get an “Amen” out there?)

Honestly, any kind of forgetfulness can be both frustrating and frightening. It makes us wonder if it’s a health concern—those of you who have a loved one with any level of dementia have experienced this awfulness firsthand. Or maybe it’s simply a matter of over-multitasking in our boundaryless virtual world. (Sometimes I think that, for me, memorizing hundreds of song lyrics during the 1980s might also have something to do with it.)

Ah, but there is a forgetfulness that we can celebrate: the forgetfulness of God.

Let me pause here to emphatically interject that God will never forget you, no matter how alone you feel (Isaiah 49:15). He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). The Lord is with you always (Matthew 28:20).

So, what does God forget? His love is so great for us, that He promises to forgive our sins and remove them from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:10-12). Think about it…that’s an endless distance. No matter how “east” you go, you’ll never start heading “west.”

That being said, God’s forgetfulness requires that we initiate this amazing grace-filled transaction—our Heavenly Father will not force us to choose Him or His way. First, we must recognize that we have sinned and admit that we are sinners! (Romans 3:23). Then, we must ask for the Lord’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and repent—that is, turn away from them and go in a different direction (Acts 3:19). Cue heavenly celebration (Luke 15:7).

And here’s the best part, once forgiven, you are free from the shackles of that sin (Romans 6:18, John 8:36, Isaiah 61:1)! The Lord will remember your sin no more (Hebrews 8:12), and He will not bring it back up with you to rehash the details or discourage you with it. (Now, be careful, because Satan will do all that, but that’s another blog.)

Isn’t God absolutely awesome? He loves us, and He will never forget us, leave us, or forsake us. But, sweet sisters, He will forget our sin.

“Lord, I am so grateful for Your forgetfulness when it comes to my sinfulness. May I never forget Your grace and mercy, so I remember to extend it to others.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 29, 2021

Seeking Jesus

“As he (Jesus) approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42 (NIV)

I missed it – couldn’t believe I walked right by that bargain. My heart sank as I reflected on how close I was to it and yet totally missed it. What was I thinking – guess that was the problem. I was searching too hard, looking everywhere and it was right under my nose. I could have fallen over that display in the store, but instead I rushed past it giving up hope that I would find it.

If you’re a bargain shopper there’s nothing more frustrating than missing “the deal” especially if it is something you really want. Blinded by my own preconceived idea of where I would logically find it, I walked out the store without the “special deal.”

Jerusalem was no different. They had been looking for the Messiah – the answer to all they wanted and longed for. Diligently they kept the law and expected everyone else to do likewise. There were no margins for grace or mercy. And they loved the superiority of being an authority on what people should or should not do. Tradition and rituals didn’t serve them well. Clinging tightly to their position, they missed the very One they were looking for. They accused the One who came to save their souls. They persecuted, mocked and crucified the very Son of God – all because they were looking somewhere else.

Sweet friends, how many times do we long for Jesus and yet look in all the wrong places.? We hold on to our positions, our rituals, our preferences and elusively miss the sweetness of Jesus right in front of us. We anticipate His working in our way, in our favor. We eagerly waiting for Him to accomplish His purposes all the while we are focusing our eyes on “me.”

Jerusalem is all around us. Don’t miss out on our Messiah, Savior and Lord. Let’s turn our eyes on Him, His words and His gift – salvation infused with grace. Let’s not grieve the heart of God but rather bring joy and gladness to Him. Let’s wrap our arms around who He says He is, fully trusting and believing. Now that will serve us well.

“Jesus please help us to fully grasp the wonder of who You are. Reveal Yourself to us and guide us to Your amazing truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 25, 2021

God Still Loves The World

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV)

To be completely honest, I often wondered if short-term mission trips were worthwhile. It’s not enough time to build meaningful relationships and affect long-term change…but, I was wrong. After returning from my mission trip, I recognize the most significant change is in my own heart, and I pray it is long term.

While I am still processing all that I saw, experienced and felt, here are a few things that settled in my heart: I have way more than I need; I want to change that. I want to become less of a consumer and hoarder, and more of a giver. God is faithfully showing me ways to accomplish this.

In spite of the suffering I saw, God is sovereign and good. During quiet moments alone, I asked God if the promises in His Word applied to these precious families, and if he has numbered every hair (Luke 12:7) on the heads of these beautiful children… even those infested with lice? Too hard for me to comprehend, but God reminded me that life is but a vapor (Ps. 62:9), and eternity is forever. These people who suffer poverty, can share in the riches of Christ’s peace here on earth and store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). He does love them; but it is up to us to show them His love.

I am more thankful for those who uproot their comfortable lives and move oversees to care for those struggling due to the culture in which they were born. I am more aware of their sacrifice and joy…and I want to come alongside them in prayer and provision.

I am also asking God to open my eyes to the poverty in my own city and neighborhood. Perhaps it’s not material poverty, but spiritual poverty. I pray that my heart will become tender towards those whose lives look appealing, but who do not have the peace of Christ or the assurance of eternity. I want my heart to be just as broken for them as it was for the poverty-stricken families in Guatemala.

“Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski (www.shifting-sand.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 24, 2021

The Comforter

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.  And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:7-8, ESV)

“What do you mean you’re leaving? How can you leave us now?  What will we do without you?”

Imagine the conversation taking place as Jesus was trying to prepare the disciples for what was going to happen.  He knew his death on the cross was coming. As they enjoyed their last supper together, He spent time reassuring them that they would not be abandoned. They knew what it was like to spend time with Jesus in person.  How could a helper take His place?

In the Old Testament God spoke to mankind directly through visible signs (cloud of smoke by day, pillar of fire at night.) He often spoke directly to prophets in an audible voice leaving no doubt what He wanted His people to do. (Exodus 3)

However, a new way of communicating to believers became prominent after the resurrection of Christ. Each believer would now have access to God through Jesus.  Those who had accepted Jesus as their Savior would have the Holy Spirit as their advocate.  He would plead their case to the Father.

Unlike before there would no longer be an audible voice of God speaking to prophets.  It would be the still small voice of the Spirit speaking to the hearts of individuals.  Drawing them to God and urging them to live wisely.  The Holy Spirit is a gentleman though.  He doesn’t scream to get his voice heard.  It takes effort to turn down the “noise” of our lives to hear Him.   When bad choices are made – He convicts us.  He never abuses his power though.  We always have a choice.  When we ignore His leading, we grieve the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30)

Have you ever been praying and have a sense of peace wash over you?  You might have even felt a gentle hug in your spirit. That’s the Holy Spirit being our intercessor – sharing our burdens with Jesus in Heaven.  And Jesus through the Holy Spirit comforts us with that “peace that passeth all understanding.”  Our prayer has been heard.  We are not alone.

Sometimes life devastates us.  We may not know what to pray or we’re unable to pray – we just cry or groan in our spirit.  In moments of weakness, the Holy Spirit advocates for us.  He understands our tears and turns them into words (prayers) offered up to Jesus on our behalf. (Romans 8:26)

“Lord remind us that even though we can’t see You like the disciples did – You are with us.  Teach us to call on the Comforter not the world to ease our pain.  Illuminate our prayers with wisdom.”

 

For His Glory

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

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Prayer, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 23, 2021

Falling Together

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13

The confusion and chaos in our country and world are undeniable—and overwhelming. A football coach is fired for praying with his team. College students are being kicked out of clubs and sororities for having conservative views. A member of a popular band tweets a simple compliment to an anti-Antifa author, and he’s kicked out of the group. Perspectives differing from the Pravda—I mean, mainstream media—narrative are, well, simply canceled. Children in my city are being pressured in school to “choose where are they are the gender spectrum.” Churches around the nation have remained closed through a year of crises, during which time another million babies have been exterminated through readily available “healthcare.” I could go on and on. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. Like me, you may be looking around in astonishment thinking, “Things are falling apart.”

But, sisters, none of this should come as a surprise to us. The Bible is very clear that everything in this world will get worse and worse before Jesus returns for His bride. In fact, since the Fall, the perfection of Creation has been collapsing, decaying, dying. Even during the Apostle Paul’s time, Nero (the most powerful leader in the world) married several people, one of whom was a man. Unwanted babies were left outside to be eaten by wild animals or to be stolen for temple prostitution. And there were more slaves in ancient Rome than citizens. We can follow the horrors and madness through the years to today. The enemy, Satan, has one goal: destruction (John 10:10). He is defeated, but he will continue to prowl around with his cronies looking to devour us until his time is up (1 Peter 5:8).

As Americans, we are truly blessed. Our nation was founded on religious liberty—to keep the government from controlling the Church. And for hundreds of years, we have enjoyed the freedom to worship when and how we want, without government intrusion. Our cultural underpinning has always been freedom and equal opportunity—that’s why, since its inception, people around the world have been risking everything to live here. American Christians are feeling a shift in our historical liberty, but let’s not forget that, since the first century, most of the world’s believers have been at risk of being beaten, jailed, and executed for professing their faith in Jesus. Christian persecution and martyrdom are happening today in record numbers globally, so is a ramp-up of American persecution really that shocking?

Well, it’s all quite alarming when our focus is purely political and cultural—as are many of the insane things happening in our nation today when viewed through the lens of our unique Constitution and history. But we are not citizens of the U.S or even this world. We are citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20). We are in the world, but we’re not to be of it (John 15:19). We are to keep an eternal perspective. And based on the Bible and God’s promises, we can know what’s really happening: Nothing is falling apart at all. It’s all falling together. 

“Lord, when I look around at the mess of the world, our nation, or even my own life, help me to shift my focus to You and Your promises. Keep me rooted in Your Word and standing firm on my faith.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 22, 2021

The Moments InBetween

“What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”  James 4:14b (ESV)

Hand in hand the trio walked down the sidewalk and right in the middle was the sweetest toddler holding on tight.  Her tiny, soft  fingers intertwined in the young mom and her friend’s hand. Took my breath away to remember what it was like when little feet walked with mine.   Slowly strolling down the sidewalk hand in hand was another trio. Right in the middle was the cutest white haired lady holding on tight.  Her wrinkled fingers intertwined in adult hands on both sides of her.  Took my breath away to glimpse what life may one day be like.

Brief – this journey of life on earth.  Breathing in and breathing out.  Birth evolves and life happens.  And all those days in between, well that’s where we land – a mist for a brief time.

So sweet friends what are we doing with these moments – pockets of time ever fleeting?

Scripture reminds us that no man knows the moment or hour when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36-37).   No one knows the number of their days in this journey (Psalm 139:16).  The unknowns invite us to redeem the power found in every day – to live as if it’s our last.

My calendar is full.  My plans all encompassing.  Dreams surpass me.  Yet all is wasted if I spend my days tirelessly on things which will fade away.

What is our life?  It’s a gift….one to be opened and redeemed.  It’s a joy…..one to be shared.  It’s a voice…speaking truth.  It’s a heart….giving generously to others.  It’s a song… praising the Giver of life.  It’s an opportunity…to make a difference.  It’s an influence…leading others to the heart of God.  It’s a releasing of will….to surrender.  It’s a leaving behind….to walk in His steps. It’s more than we dare imagine….a mist perhaps….but so much more.

Hand in hand we go through this life.  Clinging to the hope of God’s promises.  Trusting Him to walk every step with us.  Cherishing the moments.  Seizing the day.  Choosing to humbly pursue a life glorifying God.  Entering His presence without regret.

Our days will evaporate fast sweet friends.  We only get one chance to leave this world better than when we arrived.  A lasting influence – a ripple effect – continuing to share God’s love with those we meet.  Let’s not waste a moment.”

“Father, You are the Giver of my days  – help me to steward them well – to glorify You in all those days in between until I see You face to face.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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