Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 19, 2021

You Can Do This!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

When I was a kid, there were no programs in schools aimed at helping people with disabilities to fit in. I didn’t, however, see my friends through the lens of handicap or disability. To me, they were friends and, in my mind, they could achieve anything they wanted.

I remember the first day a beautiful brunette walked through the doors of my 6th grade class. She was a little older than the kids in her class and was returning to school after a long hiatus, explained her mother to the teacher, as all of us curious cats listened in. She walked very slowly, and no one really noticed she walked with a limp.

All was going really well in class and Marina – that was her name – was catching up with the rest of the class without much toil. Because she was fully developed physically, some of the girls in our class would turn their eyes when she walked in and said she probably belonged in high school instead. As for me, I was interested in knowing why my new friend had requested to not participate in Physical Education (PE) class.

The girl had a case of polio when she was a baby and one of her legs did not fully develop – thus the limp – as she literally had to drag the smaller limb as she walked. But she was not only beautiful; she was also determined. So, the first chance I got, I talked her into going to PE with me one day.

On that particular day, our teacher gave us mild activities so that Marina could fit in with the rest of the class. And to my heart’s delight, and our teacher’s pride, a large group of us stood clapping when it was Marina’s turn to do the activity. We chanted happily, “You can do this! You can do this!” as our classmate made her way through the crossing line. She finished her race with a huge smile on her face.

I don’t know what you’re dealing with today, but whatever it is, I want to tell you that through Christ, you can do it; through Christ, you can overcome. Through Christ, you are victorious!

“Father, we are victorious through You and through You we can do all things. Amen.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 18, 2021

Lord Willing

“Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”  James 4:15

As the years of my Christian life progressed through various towns and churches, there have always been precious friends around me who, whether in prayer with me or simply in daily conversation, use the phrase, “Lord willing.” It might be, “I’ll see you next week—Lord willing!” Or maybe, “I pray for perfect recovery, Lord willing.”

When I was younger in my faith, I really didn’t get it—and, in truth, it could get kind of annoying. I thought our prayers are about asking God for what we want, especially if we’re fervently praying for a dire health or financial situation. And, why use “Lord willing” as an additive to general banter with regard to our habitual activity—isn’t that kind of overkill?

But, as my own faith has matured, my grip on “my way” has markedly loosened. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior all those years ago, making Him “Lord” was so immediate. The process of fully surrendering is just that—a process.

When lifting up my family and friends, I still pray for my hopes and their ideals, whether it’s a job, healing, or freedom from some bondage. I pray for prodigals to return, tumors to shrink, souls to be saved. Of course, there are requests on my own behalf as well. But, through the years of highs, lows, challenges, blessings, and consequences, I have learned that God’s way is the only way I want to go. His thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8), and His will for me (and those I’m praying for) is perfect. When we live according to God’s Word and yield to Him in all things, the outcome will be for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28)—even if it’s nothing like what we thought it would (or should) be.

To be “sanctified” through our walk as Christians means to become more and more like Christ. So, there is no better example of “Lord willing” to emulate than that of Jesus Himself. As fully God, Jesus knew exactly the agony awaiting Him on Calvary. He knew that His death would pay the price for all sin, once and for all, and that Satan would be defeated. He also knew the coming pain and suffering. He knew that serving our penalty would mean temporary separation from the Father—the most excruciating expectation for God the Son. In anticipation of what would happen, Jesus cried out to God—as fully man—for some other way. But He followed that prayer with, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Matthew 26:36-42).

And because Jesus surrendered to God’s will, we have eternal life in Heaven when we surrender to Him. That’s a pretty convincing reason to let go of our will, recognizing that everything will be better when we pray, plan, and profess, “Lord willing.”

“Remind me, Lord, that Your ways are always better than mine. And even if I can’t see the reason right now, I know that Your will is always our good and Your glory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 17, 2021

Being Intentional

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

I was going through a season with numerous health challenges.  Several things going wrong at one time.  I was constantly in a doctor’s office followed by a visit to the pharmacy.  Constant physical pain and not sleeping along with unwanted side effects of medications usually does not leave a person in a great mood. I was grumpy and less than social at my doctor’s visits.

At the same time a new women’s Bible study was getting ready to start, and we were being encouraged to invite new women.

One day as I was praying about my health, I felt convicted by the Holy Spirit about my attitude concerning my health –

This season in my life had a purpose and I should be intentional with it.

On my next trip to the pharmacy, I heeded the voice of the Holy Spirit.  I was intentional about making small talk with the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician.  Each time I came in I made a point to try to connect with them in some way.  In time, I invited two ladies from the pharmacy to Bible study and they came.

A few months after the women started attending Bible study, they shared with me that they both attended the same church I do.  It’s a large church with several services so it’s not unusual that we hadn’t met before.  My curiosity was piqued.  What had kept them from coming to Bible study?  The response was simple “no one has ever invited us before.”

Are you in a season of endless diaper changes, the days and nights are running together? Maybe you’re stressed trying to figure out ways to juggle your child’s at school days versus school online.  We all have seasons that we wished we didn’t have to go through.  Seasons that seem to drain us. We may even tell ourselves that “this season is so bad, nothing good can come from it.”  Yet every season gives us an opportunity to witness for Christ.

Knowing this we must be intentional with everything we do – the mundane as well as the important.

Years later, I’m not only friends with those two ladies but everyone in the pharmacy knows my husband and I now.  There are times I go in the store and don’t need anything from the pharmacy, but I’ll stop by just to check on them.

I gained friends and sisters in Christ all because I was intentional with my attitude and my time -while I was having a very unpleasant season.

Being intentional is the only way we will complete our assignment on this Earth – spreading the gospel of Jesus to the world.

What opportunities are you missing to share hope with others?

“Father help us to be intentional with the opportunities presented to us throughout the day to witness for your Kingdom.”

 

For His Glory

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 16, 2021

Yeah, but….

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”   1 John 2:3-5

Every Sunday in this country, churches are filled with professing Christians. (Well, in most states, they can’t legally be “filled”—so we’ll just pretend it’s 2019 again.) And, whether in-person or virtually, men and women attend weekly Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and small groups. We post Bible verses on social media platforms and throw “Christianese” into our conversations with other believers. And we probably have one or two Bible apps on our phone, literally carrying the Bible with us at all times.

But here’s a challenging question for us Bible-believing followers of Jesus—a soul-searching, plank-in-the-eye-plucking assessment: Does our life really reflect what we say we believe? Don’t get me wrong. We all sin (miss the mark). Every day. But in knowing the Truth and, having the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, do we walk through our days with the intention of following Jesus’s example? Just as the great Apostle Paul admittedly struggled, we want to do what’s right, but we don’t…we want to avoid doing what’s wrong, but we do it anyway (Romans 7:15-25). But the key here is that we recognize it! We’re quickly convicted when those arrows of thoughts, words, or actions not only miss the Biblical bullseye, but fly right past the target.

The confrontation to all of us is not about the daily endeavor for righteousness in serving and glorifying our holy God. Rather, we need to look in the mirror for the excused sins, those choices we make—in secret or for the world to see—that are clearly antithetical to the Bible we profess to believe. Maybe you and your boyfriend are living together. Although you know this isn’t aligned with God’s Word, it’s ok for you because it “makes financial sense” or “his lease ran out, and we’re not getting married until next year.” Perhaps it’s that provocative TV series that we can’t wait to indulge in nightly. Yeah, it’s got profuse sex themes and scenes, but “it’s a great story” and “the character development is well written.”

Sisters, let’s search our heart, mind, and daily walk for our “yeah but” ways. And once identified, let’s repent—turn back—to realign ourselves with God’s precious Word. Not only will it be for our good, but we’ll rightly reflect the One we claim to serve.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Show me where I am making excuses to live my own way and not Yours and help me turn back.”

 For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 15, 2021

When Awkward Serves Us Well

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

The first time I cooked a meal as a newlywed was quite an event.  Did I mention, I had never prepared a meal before?  Yes, you got it – I never cooked growing up so this was a scary first for me. Didn’t even consult a recipe because I thought I could figure it all out.  I’d watched my mom from a glance and it couldn’t be complicated.  So I cooked chicken and mashed potatoes in about 10 minutes just in time to throw in a salad.  Meal looked amazing…..just one problem.  The perfectly browned chicken was raw inside (yuck) and those potatoes were mashed as a result of a lot of muscle.  Awkward didn’t even describe the moment my husband took his first bite.

Getting over my flopped efforts on my first cooked meal convinced me I needed some help.  Consulting recipes, following instructions explicitly, admitting my need for guidance and lots of practice opened wide the door for awkward to eventually slip away.

Trying something new always seems awkward at first.  Bet you’ve experienced it yourself.  Whether it’s tackling knitting with all those balls of yarn,  hitting the tennis court, grabbing the paint brush….I think you get the picture.  Awkward holds the potential for serving us well if we persist and don’t give up.

Grasped this lesson a few years ago.  Bible study was oh so familiar to me.  Watch the video, answer some questions….repeat.  Now don’t get me wrong, those moments were not wasted. God was teaching me through all those venues.  Problem was, I didn’t have a clue how to study the scriptures for myself.  My reliance on others fostered a weakness in me and stunted my spiritual growth.

Searching the Scriptures by Chuck Swindoll was my first intro into really digging deep into the scriptures.  I learned the importance of comprehension, interpretation and application. Common denominators among a lot of other study guides.  Grabbing my Bible, I began a journey of discovery which felt painfully awkward.  My progress seemed forced, hard and challenging.  However, I didn’t give up.  I kept pressing through and gained some great tools for understanding God’s word better.  My new default is to put into practice the new skills I learned first, then consult commentaries or a study Bible.

Awkward will always serve us well when we choose to embrace new and patiently move forward.  I will never regret gaining insight on how to be a stronger student of God’s word.

Maybe you find yourself there too…wondering how to navigate a different way of studying the scriptures or enlarging your prayer life.  Perhaps you’re tackling journaling and those pages seem ever so empty.  Maybe you’re looking up cross references and it seems so complicated.  Perhaps you’re praying in a group and your words seem to be tangled up and messy.   Sweet friend don’t give up.  Keep pressing through and one day your faithfulness will result in ease and spiritual depth beyond your imagination.

“Father, our desire is to understand Your word with renewed passion and understanding.  Guide us as study and put into practice Your truth.  Remove the stigma of awkward and help us to lean into Your Spirit guiding us each step of the way.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 12, 2021

When We Entertain The Edge of Falling

“So whoever stands must be careful not to fall.” I Corinthians 10:12 (HCSB)

Ever tried to stand on one foot only to cave quickly? Despite our determination to stand firmly in one place, our weak muscles win out. And that crash to the floor isn’t pretty or fun. Embarrassed, we quickly get back up dismissing our attempt because we just knew we were stronger.

Hard to admit our weakness. Hard to dismiss our failings. Even harder to confess our inability to stand firm. Bet we’ve all been there when we entertained a not so good option totally convinced we wouldn’t cave in. Probably experienced proud moments too confident we were above tipping over the edge of someone else’s tempting moments. Dare we even admit those times judging others puffs us up to a perceived higher status that would “definitely not do the same.”

Weak moments where we count on personal strength never serve us well. We need God’s Spirit empowering us to stay on course, so we won’t give in when personal desires attempt to derail us. We need awareness of our inability to stand firm by ourselves. Smart women guard their hearts and cover their minds with the truth of God’s Word. Wise women invest in strengthening resolve and strategically choose to avoid the potential of sin dragging us down. Humble women admit their weaknesses and avoid leaning on self or pretending they’ve got it all under control.

Bottom line sweet friend, we want to stand. And part of that standing requires awareness of how easy it is to fall and how quickly we can lose our footing. Holding on tight to our God is the only way to journey through life. Resting confidently in His strength to see us through. Perfection we will miss on this earth, but blameless we can achieve if we stay close to Him.

Keeping it real here – let’s tackle that one thing consistently seeking to pull us down. Let’s surrender it at the feet of Jesus and determine to not take it back. Let’s pray daily for protection, wisdom and discernment in weak moments. Let’s not boast but rather admit we need God desperately to keep us standing firm.

“Father, give us your eyes to see the potential of slipping before we entertain the edge and fall. Help us to draw strength, stability and firmness from You and not trust self to get us through.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 11, 2021

Work Because – Not To…

“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18

I wrote before about my three-decade effort to ensure my “good vs. bad” tally sheet was heavier on the “good” side so I would be destined for Heaven. Whether it was by choosing to do the right thing or taking action to “undo” all those wrong things, it was my job to determine my eternal future.

Many of us—believers in Jesus Christ and unbelievers alike—have this mindset. For those who have not accepted the free gift of grace through Jesus but believe there’s a heaven, the matter to them is settled: Being a “good person” (defined by their internal, subjective scale) will get them “in.” This is sad, because the Bible is clear on this matter: There is one way to heaven, and that is by the cross of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). But what is sadder are believers who think that salvation is through Jesus and what they do or don’t do—their works.

Some even point to the book of James in the Bible to make their case, specifically chapter 2, versus 24 and 26, which say, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only,” and “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

It seems like James is advocating for “faith plus works for salvation,” which is in total contradiction to the words of Paul and the other writers—not to mention Jesus Himself. But, when we study God’s Word, we need to understand context, including the audience to whom the letter was being written. In James’ case, he was writing believers who were already justified by faith—they had accepted the work of Jesus for their salvation. And our omniscient, omnipresent, all-powerful God knew that. Before God’s throne, they were, in fact, accepted as righteous—they were “in.”

The problem, he is saying, is that the people around us have no way of knowing we are saved by faith in Jesus unless we show them. We need to “justify” (validate, defend, support, substantiate) our faith outwardly and demonstrate our life in Christ. He’s saying that if we are saved, but our lives don’t give evidence of that amazing transformation, what impact can we have on this broken world? In verses 15 and 16, he writes, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”

Jesus came to live the life we couldn’t live and die to take the penalty we deserved—He saved us. But if our salvation is the end game, why doesn’t God scoop us up to heaven the moment we surrender our lives to Jesus? Because we have work to do! Sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are able to step ahead in love, showing joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control (often falling down, sometimes taking a few steps backwards)…becoming more like Jesus as we walk through this world. And, as we show others our faith, we are to share the Good News with them!

“Lord, help me show others the difference Jesus makes in my life by my words and actions—let me put my faith in action.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 10, 2021

Another In The Fire

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

There was a new law in the land.  King Nebuchadnezzar had a statue made in the image of his dream. He was trying to defy what God had said about his rule ending.  Everyone was summoned to the dedication of this golden image.  They were commanded to fall down and worship the image when they heard the music being played.

It was considered treason to refuse to worship.

With thousands of people in the crowd, their failure to worship wasn’t visible to the King. They most likely were overlooked at first.  But then someone noticed and accused them of not obeying the new law.  No surprise there, the enemy of our souls is always making sure there’s someone to accuse those trying to uphold God’s word.

In Daniel 3 we read that the King threatened Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  If they didn’t worship when they heard the music, they would be thrown into the furnace.  These young men stood fearless.  Responding with confidence that the God they served was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace.  The King became enraged at their disobedience and turned up the heat seven times hotter.

They fell into the furnace fully clothed and bound.

The Septuagint says in Daniel 3:24 the King’s attention was caught when he heard the men singing praises.  The King looks and sees four men in the fire, loosed, walking around – not burned.

“The fourth is like a son of God.”

They offered no excuses. “Everybody else is doing it. We will lose our jobs/our standard of living.” They didn’t let fear grip them. They just acted in faith. Completely willing to defy man and give up their lives instead of risking defying God.

In doing so, they changed the heart of the King that day.

Everyday we’re faced with decisions -will we choose good or evil? Just because our culture tells us it is okay to do something – doesn’t mean that God’s Word says it’s ok. The enemy tries to grip us with fear that if we choose to go against the “popular” decision of our culture that we’ll be alienated.

We do not know if these young men knew Jesus was in the fire with them.  The King saw, but did they? Sometimes, we are aware of Jesus’ presence in our trials and sometimes we feel He’s far away/not listening/not seeing what’s happening.  We are reminded in Joshua 1:9 “Be fearless. You are never alone.” Regardless of what we feel He is always there with us.

“Father, we see the enemy trying to make believers bow down to the idols of this world.   Let us praise you in the fire. For you are with us. Help us to be fearless, and not compromise your unchanging Word.”

For His Glory,

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

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 9, 2021

Jesus And…

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

Growing up in the religion of my parents, my faith in God was all about negotiation. My prayers would sound something like, “God, please get me out of this mess and I promise never to _______ again.” Or “God, if you give me X, I’ll do Y.” Although my behavior was far from holy, I would acknowledge my ungodly choices after the fact, and beg God for forgiveness. I’d “be good” for a while, but it wasn’t long until I’d fall into the same immoral patterns. In my head, it was a constant scorecard tally between two columns: good and bad. And, of course, for all my mess-ups (at least the ones I decided to share in the darkened church confessional), a few “Hail Mary’s” and “Our Father’s” would wash away my sins and clear my conscience (although the scoring continued).

Actually, when it came to guaranteeing a heavenly destination, there were quite a few boxes to check (perfect for my box-checking personality): don’t miss Mass—ever; don’t eat an hour before Mass, so you can take communion (because communion counted toward the heaven-bound transit fare); no meat on Fridays—the list goes on.

So, after six years in our church’s school, ongoing church education, plus not missing mass through high school, college, and beyond (even if it meant wearing my soccer uniform to hit the field right after communion or attending on Saturday night, so I could sleep off a hangover on Sunday), I believed I had two saviors: Jesus and me. I knew Jesus died on the cross for me, but if I didn’t do my part, His part in the process was, well, pointless.

But like the man Jesus healed in chapter 9 of John’s gospel, I once was blind, but now I see. At age 31, I learned that I have one Savior—Jesus Christ. He lived a life of perfection that I could not; He took the penalty of suffering and death that I deserved; and He rose again—defeating death—so that I can be born into eternal life with Him. I will one day stand before God in perfect righteousness—not judgement—because of what Jesus did for me…not because of anything I did (or didn’t do).

Sisters, our salvation (our peace with God now and eternal life in heaven) is not “Jesus and ______.” No matter how you fill in the blank or what you’ve been taught…and regardless of what the enemy has hissed in your ear to the contrary, salvation is of the Lord alone—by His grace alone, through our faith alone. Period. Isn’t that amazing news? (Now, as James talks about in his Biblical letter, once we are saved by faith, justified before God, we demonstrate our faith to the world by works—but that’s another blog.)

What freedom! We don’t have to work for salvation—it’s not “do” but “done.” Have you received this gift by accepting the Way, the Truth, and Life—Jesus (John 14:16)? Why not make today the day?

“Father God, thank You that You see me as perfect and righteous because of what Jesus did on my behalf. Give me boldness to share this great news.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 8, 2021

When We Know What We Gotta Do

“Don’t think that you (Esther) will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace.” Esther 4:13b (HCSB)

Ever find yourself knowing what you need to do and just simply not wanting to do it? I think we’ve all been there. Moments when doing the right thing is the hard thing. Times when we keep asking for confirmation for the directions God has already given us.

When Esther was faced with the reality that she must confront the King in order to save her people, she responded a lot like we would. “Mordecai, don’t you know I just can’t just burst into the King’s court. The King hasn’t called for me for thirty days,” echoed from her lips. Truth spoken well yet still an excuse in the making. We’re great at zeroing in on the facts that shed credence to what we don’t want to do.

Love the way Mordecai reminded Esther, “Who knows perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Not exactly the wisdom, encouragement or direction Esther most likely desired, yet striking enough to propel her forward. But Esther doesn’t just accept the yes to do God’s will, she seeks His face for how to accomplish it. Esther calls for a fast – not just for self but for her maids, for Mordecai and the Jews.

Way to go Esther – take some time fast, pray and delay. Ask God to get you out of this mess and miraculously intervene so you won’t have to go through this. Sounds a lot like my words when “yes” means I really don’t want to obey. Not the case with Esther – her decision was made – “If I perish, I perish.” Pledging to do the tough, right thing Esther sought the favor, wisdom and guidance of God with her “yes” response.

Even when we know exactly what God is asking us to do, we need to press in and pray. This was critical in Esther’s situation and demonstrated her great dependence on God. We need to do the same. Too many times we accept His “yes” and move forward without seeking His favor or guidance for the next step. Esther’s decision to say yes and draw close granted her an audience with the King and great favor for the saving of her people. (Esther 5:2). Wonder what we are missing when we seize yes our way?

“Father, You are giver of all wisdom and the One who knows exactly how and when we are to respond. Teach us to not just accept “yes” but to trust You to lead us each step of the way.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories