Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 5, 2021

A Time To Fear

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7

 Did that blog title get your attention? Maybe you think the words that follow will be about how we Christians need to fear the exponentially evil direction our culture is going. Or the horror that should seize our hearts at the onslaught of federal legislation nefariously undermining our Biblical beliefs (and our right to live them out). Perhaps I’ll delve into the global “pandemic” and how we must fear the virus, stay isolated, and constantly sanitize. Nope, none of the above.

This exhortation, sisters, is to fear the Lord.

As believers, we (hopefully) understand this principle of fearing God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have peace with God and are justified to ultimately stand in His presence (“just-as-if-I’d” never sinned). But we must still fear God. Christian fear, however, is not terror and dread, but rather it’s the awe of the power and authority of the Creator, Judge, and King. Our fear of the Lord keeps us wise, moving in the right direction, and—ultimately—confident of our eternal home with Him. The Bible makes it clear:

  • The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
  • Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him (Psalm 33:8)!
  • And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).
  • Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).

Sisters, in our fear of the Lord, we do not have to fear anything that’s going on in our upside-down world. Is it disconcerting? Yes! Is the enemy ramping up his efforts to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10)—yes!! But we know how it all ends. (If you don’t, it’s time for you to settle in and study the book of Revelation.)

Is “the end” near? It could be. Jesus could come back for believers today, next year, or next century. And at the end is a holy judgement by a holy God. So, for your family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who do not “fear the Lord,” they have much more to fear than what the news is reporting. Without accepting the gift of grace through faith in Jesus, their eternal condition is horrifying.

It is time to fear. Let us—with urgency—tell others. God loves them and wants no one to perish but wants all to repent and have eternal life with Him (2 Peter 3:9). They must simply acknowledge their sinful nature, ask God for forgiveness, believe that Jesus paid their ransom, and make Him Savior and Lord of their life—it’s a free gift, no other to-dos involved! Sisters, let’s spread the word.

“Lord, give me a sense of urgency to tell others of God’s love for them, instilling a healthy spiritual fear that brings eternal peace.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 4, 2021

When Hard Seeks To Slay Us

“I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me (Paul) has really served to advance the gospel.”  Philippians 1:12 (ESV)

Doubt very seriously if we would ever hunt for challenges or difficulties.  We would much rather have ease and doable than face the unsurmountable trials life sometimes brings.  We like the simple life and all the comforts – problem free.

While this all sounds absolutely wonderful – it simply isn’t where we land.   No where in scripture does God promise us a carefree life.  In fact, quite the opposite is true – John 16:33 reminds us that suffering will be a part of our lives.

So, sweet friends, the real question is not will we suffer or experience trials.  The bottom line is what will we do in those hard places to bring glory to our God?

The apostle Paul sitting in a dark prison cell strategically chose to not waste his suffering.  Not for a moment did he consider giving up or turning his back on God.  Instead, he used those moments to encourage and strengthen the body of Christ. His ministry platform may have been changed by those who sought to kill him; however, His voice was never silenced. Prison guards knew Paul was imprisoned for his faith in God.  Other believers knew Paul was chained for the gospel and became bolder in speaking the truth without fear (Philippians 1:14).  What the enemy attempted to extinguish was flourishing.

What struggles are you facing today?  What suffering has characterized your life?

While I’ve never been imprisoned for my faith like Paul, I have struggled through tough moments in life.  Times when overwhelming losses got deeper and deeper.  Tear soaked days when all was lost and uncertainty loomed large.  You’ve probably experienced them too – suffering beyond our imagination. Yet right in the midst of hopelessness, our world is watching and listening to see if we really trust our God with our pain. Wondering if our faith is real.  Waiting to catch a glimpse of our response when life is hard.

Like Paul, we too can embrace suffering with our eyes zeroed not on our circumstances but on our God who will redeem all things for His glory.  Whatever we are facing has the potential to draw others closer to God.  When they see the reality of what we’re enduring yet our faith is unshakeable it stirs within them a desire to find out the source of our peace and strength.  When we press through hard places with our joy intact it speaks volumes to those around us. When we share how God is working in our impossible circumstances seeds are planted in the heart of those watching our story unfold.

Can’t think of a better way to advance the gospel then to flourish in His strength and share His glory in our hard places.

“Father, life can definitely be hard yet right in the midst of what seems to kill us, You are redeeming every moment for your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 3, 2021

One Way Only

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)

 “God is in everything. There are many paths to Him.”

WAIT.  What did I just hear?  My heart sank a little.

I had looked up to this person. Listened to them teach the Bible for over twenty years.  I have dozens of their books in my office.  I couldn’t believe that they were now sitting on a TV talk show and saying these words.

This person was talking about the message of inclusion.  It started off sounding wonderful.  Saying things like we should love everyone, treat everyone the same. But then it took a dangerous turn.

Inclusion has become the new mantra of our time.

But the message of inclusion sweeping across our land has a deeper meaning and a spiritual agenda.

In the book of Revelation, John warns us about how there is coming a time in our history that our society will be pushed into one global government. Inclusion is the message at the forefront of global minded thinking – urging us to be inclusive towards others.

The world would have us to believe that if we just love everyone, we can do whatever we want and believe in any type of god – everyone goes to heaven. Inclusion says come as you are and stay as you are.

But let us not be deceived.

Christianity is a message of exclusivity.

We are all God’s creation, but we are not all His children.  We become a child of God when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  Anyone at any time can come to Jesus, just as they are. Once a person has acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God and confessed their sins – they are saved.  Then they begin the process of changing old thinking patterns and walking away from sin.

Christianity isn’t a religion.  It is a personal relationship with God.

God doesn’t exclude anyone from having a relationship with Him.

It makes no difference where you are from, what you look like, how much money you make or how many mistakes you have made.  Access is open to EVERYONE – this is the only part of the gospel that is inclusive.

God’s Word tells us clearly there is one way only to have a relationship with God and that way is through His Son, Jesus (John 14:6). By simply inviting Jesus into your life, believing He is the Son of God and asking for forgiveness of your sins you too can experience a personal eternal relationship with God.  Heaven rejoices every time someone believes. . .there’s still room for one more.

“Father, please help us to not be taken captive by the deception that surrounds us in our society. Help us to hide your Word in our heart so that we can discern the lies of the enemy.”

 

For His Glory,

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 2, 2021

Quenched

“You there! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost”.  Isaiah 55:1

When you’ve been out for a walk on a warm day, working in the yard, or even just eating some salty snacks, there’s nothing like gulping down a big glass of cold water to quench your thirst. (Well, actually, for me it would be a big glass of lukewarm water—can’t stand to drink cold things. Weird, I know. And I digress.) It’s gloriously refreshing and satisfying. The thing is, after that glass is emptied, you will want—and need—more. In fact, human beings cannot survive without water for more than about three days and should ideally consume 11-15 cups of water per day.

But beyond physical thirst, humans have an innate spiritual thirst within us. Some have called it a “God-shaped hole” that we will constantly try to fill. We pour on (and in) relationships, work, stuff, alcohol, drugs, or food. Something might quiet the craving for a moment, but it comes back, often with vengeance. The deep thirst is not quenched. (Believe me, I tried everything for about 30 years.)

Sisters, nothing on this earth can satisfy the void we so desperately want to fill. We are created to be in communion with God, and since the Fall of man and woman in the Garden, the quest for reunion drives everything we do. To continue the “God-shaped hole” analogy: because it’s God-shaped, God is the only way to fill the void.

There’s a beautiful event recorded in John’s gospel where our Lord addresses this exact issue. The story is about the Samaritan woman at the well, and it may be a familiar one to you. (This passage is actually chocked full of amazing and astounding lessons, so please take some time to dig in!) The scene starts when Jesus asks the woman for a drink of water from a well. Now, when you read it, you’ll see that she’s been living a life of unsatisfying “void-filling-efforts”—and Jesus knows it. But He ultimately says to her: “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14).

What about you? Are you drinking from various wells of this life to find satisfaction? (To quote Dr. Phil, “How’s that workin’ for ya?”) Jesus Christ can quench your deep, soul-level thirst. And once you allow Him to do so, the wells of this world lose their appeal. Are you thirsty? Accept this fountain of the water of life given freely to anyone who thirsts (Revelation 21:6)…and never thirst again.

“Thank You, Lord, for the soul-quenching gift You freely offer when we surrender to You. May I, in response, offer this refreshing Living Water to others.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 1, 2021

Imitating Faith versus Imitating People

“Remember your leaders those who spoke to you the Word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (ESV)

Pre-video game era, I remember playing Simons Says with my son.  Worked great on long trips and breaks at rest stops.  Occupied little minds challenged with boredom.  And usually in those first few moments it was easy to do what Simon Says until we started imitating versus listening.  As the command to jump with our right leg was issued, we caved into whatever leg Simon was jumping on.  Laughter would always fill the air as we saw our mistake and tried even harder the next time.  But some how we’d proverbially end up doing what Simon was doing versus doing what he said.

Ever so easy to fall into this trap; we still do it today.  When leaders or peers are doing something, we follow suit and slide right along with them regardless of the outcome.  Reality is we have to face the music for our own decisions even if we were simply imitating someone else.

Absolutely love this caution in the book of Hebrews to not imitate others but rather imitate their faith. Wonder how we get that one so wrong?  Perhaps we skip over to the end of this verse without caution to the words coming before it.  We copy what others are doing, we mimic them and even resemble their choices without careful observation.

God never intended for us to be reflectors of man but rather to be imitators of Him (Ephesians 5:1).  If we want to ensure we are getting this right then let’s ask ourselves some questions:

Who are we are listening to?  Not everyone is speaking truth, and the only way we will know the truth is to know God’s word for ourselves. Main reason why we need to guard who is speaking into our lives.

What is the outcome of their way of life?  Thought provoking question here….what does their life reflect?  Does it match what they say and claim to believe?  There should be no disconnect between what one speaks and one lives – no judgment or perfectionism here just plain blameless living.

Are we imitating people or are we imitating their faith?  Scripture is filled with men and women of faith.  Incredible stories of how God worked in their lives – Hebrews 12 is often referred to as the Hall of Fame of Faith.  When we choose to imitate faith versus the person, we are focused on the outcome of God’s truth exemplified in their lives.  We are encouraged and challenged in our faith rather than idolizing or imitating a person.

Following, copying and imitating often comes naturally so if this is our tendency then we would be wise to heed the wisdom of Hebrews 13.  Remember those who speak God’s truth. Consider their testimony and then imitate their faith as they follow God.

“Father, we can get so lost in following people versus following You.  Help us to be strengthened through the faith journey of others and lean into Your truth as we reflect You to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 26, 2021

When We Overlook The Obvious

“Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.” Proverbs 8:33 (ESV)

Hate to admit it, but I just spent days trying to figure out why I had no audio for anything on my computer. I tried every solution possible. I increased the sound 100% yet could only hear a tiny whisper. Ready to give up, I looked over to where my Bible was on my desk and found the culprit for my sound loss…my headphones were still plugged in. Total frustration wiped out by my own laughter – how could I have overlooked the obvious?

Quite the funny story? Yes. But not so funny if we find our lack of hearing obstructed not by a device but our choice to let selective hearing reign. Bet we’ve all been there when deliberate blockage of what we needed to hear felt better than the sound of truth. Ouch! Yes, moments occur when we chose to ignore, dismiss and turn from the voice we need to heed.

Wonder what God’s been speaking into our hearts lately? Has the truth of His words stirred us toward obedience or have we denied what we didn’t want to do?

Easy to judge other’s obstructions when the finger pointed out should be pointed in. Failing to admit, we attempt to blame anyone and anything for poor choices when we’ve overlooked the obvious – silencing the voice of God removes His blessings.

Yes, we’re all about the benefits and awesomeness of hearing what aligns with our agenda. Obedience isn’t a challenge when it moves us in sync with our plans. But when what we hear seems hard, difficult and contradictory to our perceived “best,” we simply extinguish the sound.

Sweet friend if we truly want His direction, guidance and protection, we must pray for ears that hear, eyes that see and a heart that is willing to be molded towards His ultimate true best. How does our sovereign God speak? Through the unfolding of His word, through godly counsel, through life experiences – God will use whatever it takes to realign our hearing so He can open us up to the divine orchestration of His will.

Whose voice are you listening to? Is it serving you well or placing you in a posture destined for failure, regrets and consequences? Draw near to the One who is already calling your name.

“Father, it so easy to drown out Your voice – to simply unplug from the narrow way when wide seems much better. Help us to cease blocking and tune into Your truth.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 25, 2021

When Moderation Isn’t A Good Thing

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14

Moderation is a tough thing for me. From my perfectionist and control-freak personality, to my waning addictive tendencies, I am inclined to overdo—not to be moderate. In my BC days (that is, “before Christ”), I would never have used the word “moderation” for my behavior—praise the Lord for redemption and freedom. And, before several injuries (dare I say, Divine injuries) sidelined me, fitness was an idol I worshipped for hours each morning, prioritized over everything else. The battle for food moderation is a thing for me too—always has been. (This was another reason for the whole gym-rat activity—you have to balance your obsessions, am I right?) Then there’s work. I work a lot (present tense), not able to easily turn off that switch, because there are always other things that need to be done “now” and “right.”

When it comes to exercise, food, work, and—for some—even alcohol, we all would probably agree with the adage, “all things in moderation.” I certainly do for most of this list and am in constant pursuit of that philosophical balancing act.

But, for Christians, moderation is not to be chased in all things. There is no moderation of sin. We are fallen humans, living in a fallen world, and we will sin—I’m not saying that. But we are not to find some warped sense of “balance” and rationale in the “acceptable” sins of the world. We are called to be holy and pure (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Timothy 2:22). Believers are called to chase after perfection—not in the control-freaky way I am so familiar with—but that of perfect righteousness. It’s an impossible task, until we are perfected in heaven, but we are to move in that direction. The longer we walk in faith, the sooner we recognize our unrighteous thoughts, words, and actions, asking for forgiveness quicker. And our moment-by-moment choices become more and more aligned with God’s Word. We recognize that there are no sin scales in God’s economy—a little white lie and murder weigh the same—and we don’t look to the culture to determine which sins are “outdated” and more acceptable today.

The world will disagree. To them, there is definitely a sin spectrum, as well as moderation in ALL things. “Sin” is different for everyone, as is its level of pursuit. As long as it “doesn’t hurt anyone” or it’s “safe” or it’s “my choice”—well, then it’s ok (and “mind your own business” while you’re at it).

Sisters, let’s do a serious self-assessment. Are there sins that we feel are “ok in moderation”? That TV show that glamorizes fornication or adultery? Using cusswords at opportune times because the situation warrants it? Hating our enemy because, well, they’re evil, and when Jesus said, “Love your neighbor,” He certainly didn’t mean that guy. Ouch.

Moderation is great—in most things. But when it comes to the pursuit of holiness to which we are called as believers in Jesus Christ, let us never put sin into that category.

“Lord, may Your love abound more and more in me, that I may approve what is excellent and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1: 9-10).

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 24, 2021

Building An Ark

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)

It’s so hot out here.  My back hurts. Maybe I heard him wrong. My wife’s mad at me.  My friends are laughing at me behind my back. Why am I still working on this thing every day? 

Imagine the conversation going through Noah’s mind as he faithfully worked on building the ark. God had given Noah specific instructions on how to build it. Noah immediately obeyed. But over a hundred years passed before the floodwaters came on the earth. Noah probably looked foolish to a lot of people during that time.

Many years ago, I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to do something very specific.  It seemed just as crazy as Noah building that ark.  It made me look a little radical – like Noah. At times I felt like giving up, wondering if I had heard the Lord correctly.

Then I went through a devastating season.

Just like Noah, in one quick moment the entire landscape of my life completely changed.

God knew the flood was coming and he was preparing Noah. He also knew there was a catastrophe coming my way.  He was preparing me. I had no idea what I was building.  I just knew that I was being obedient to what the Lord told me to do.  All the while being criticized and ridiculed for my foolish faith.

If Noah had not been obedient during those years of looking foolish to others; he wouldn’t have had the provision of an ark to carry his family through the flood.

In the aftermath of my devastating season, I come to understand that all those years God was teaching me to build an ark of faith.  Teaching me to listen to His voice over family, friends.

Why was that so important?

When that season hit my life, I struggled. My feelings pulled me down into the current of devastation and hopelessness.

That season should have killed me.  But wisdom taught me I could trust Jesus.  And I kept holding on, one breath at a time. My ark of faith sustained me.

Once Noah’s family was on the ark, they probably felt relieved that he had listened to the wisdom of God. Noah had shown a reverent respect (fear) of God and chose to listen to His voice over man.  In doing so, God gave Noah great wisdom and insight.

Before the tsunami hit my life, I looked foolish also.

Proverbs 9:10 tells us “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

To gain wisdom we need to seek out the Lord’s will for our lives, above others.  Only God knows our future.

“Father help us to build a strong foundation in our lives that begins with fearing you and obeying your Word.”

For His Glory

 

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 23, 2021

Choosing Sides

“Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.” Matthew 25:13

In looking around, listening, and reading, do you sense it? There seems to be an acceleration of, well, crazy. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. A mob mentality is creating lemmings who aren’t thinking straight—or even thinking for themselves at all. And a “cancel culture” is allowing for the silencing of opinion (or truth) if it goes against the pushed narrative.

I’m not trying to get “political” here. This has all been a cyclical pattern throughout human history. And since the first century, Christians around the world have had to stand firm in the midst of their respective anti-God cultures. Believers have been a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness, and a thorn in the side of government and religious leaders.

After His glorious resurrection, Jesus told his disciples He would be coming back soon. And from the first century until now, Christians have been certain that time would be during their lifetime. I believe it’s because they looked around at the insanity of their own world, and the only fitting response was praying for rescue (rapture) and Divine justice.

Sisters, are you feeling the same way today? I know I am.

The bigger question is this: If the Lord returns today, are you ready? We are in the Biblical end times—of that there is no doubt. But these “times” could be completed within the hour, year, decade, or century. We don’t know—and neither does Satan. So, as it has been since the Garden, he is racing around with his millions of minions to stir up evil and multiply his army here on earth. Ultimately, Satan is going to lose his fight against the Lord—this he does know.

But what about you, sister? Have you picked a side in the battle? Jesus won the war by defeating Death on Calvary’s cross and rising again in triumph. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—the only path to peace with God—and to victory over an eternity of torment. So, on whose side do you stand? And if you are with God, are you standing firm, not to be moved if the winds of culture come against you?

Jesus is coming “soon”—it could very well be today. I’ll ask again, are you ready? You must “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:14-15). If you have not yet made a decision to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, won’t you do so now? God loves you and wants you to have everlasting life (John 3:16), so He died for you (Romans 5:8)! By confessing you are not perfect (a sinner), God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Believe this and give your life to Jesus as your Savior (the Way the heaven) and your Lord (the Priority of your life)—and you’ll be victorious in the battle for your soul (Romans 10:9)!

 

“Lord, I pray that even one woman has chosen Your side “this day”—and that we, the army of God, be in constant recruitment mode.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 22, 2021

When Opting Out Isn’t An Option

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  Ephesians 6:12  (ESV)

I’m definitely a lover of sports.  Growing up, I was all about being outside shooting some hoops, tackling the neighborhood kids, swinging the bat and slamming that little yellow ball across the net.  Never been a fan of watching – being on the team, participating was my go to.  The thrill of competition energized me, and the agony of defeat slayed me. Being a spectator was never on my radar.

One sport I never was tempted to play was wrestling.  Main reason was it just simply looked painful, and I’m not a fan of pain.  Quite the combat sport, wrestling is upclose and in your face with your opponent. Clinch fighting, throws, take downs, joint locks, pins and grappling holds – not exactly my style.   Guess I will pass and sit the bench on this one.

While we can choose to opt out of wrestling, we can’t excuse ourselves from combat with our scheming enemy.  Strategic, intentional and pre-meditated, Satan seeks to devour and destroy believers – his ultimate opponent.  Relentless in his attacks, our enemy loves to divert our attention away from him and onto the people in our lives.  Forgetting the real source of conflict, we go head to head – wrestling with flesh and blood totally unaware of who the instigator really is (Ephesians 6:12)

Absolutely love this reminder in Ephesians 6 to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (vs 10).  If I’m relying on self, I’m facing an uphill battle and that won’t be pretty.  The enemy’s tactics require total reliance on our Lord.  Half-hearted wrestling will not work.  We have to clothe ourselves in the full armor of God from head to toe (vs. 14 – 17).  And then we pray at all times in the Spirit remaining alert, persevering and interceding for all believers. No one is exempt from Satan’s schemes and attacks – we’re all in this battle together – no spectators allowed.

While the very thought of combative, face to face opposition with our enemy is frightening and paralyzing, we must keep our eyes fixed on our Lord.  He is the One who fights for us (2 Chronicles 20:17).  He is the One who strengthens us and girds us with truth.  He is the One whose faithfulness covers us extinguishing the firey darts of the evil one.  He is our helmet of salvation protecting our minds from straying and fearful thoughts.  He is the very Word of God which equips us to pin Satan down. When we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with the real enemy clothed in God’s armor, we will be victorious.

“Father, You have taught us how to stand firm against the evil forces seeking to devour us.  Help us to choose daily to take up your armor and march into battle victorious because You are with us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories