Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 19, 2021

Making Our Mind to Mind

“And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Co. 10:5b (NIV)

I love to reminisce about special times. Bringing back to mind those things that once brought me joy and happiness is something I often do. Unfortunately, every once in a while, my mind also recollects events and words that were not so kind to my heart. When those thoughts begin to creep in, I immediately put on first gear on making my mind to mind by not allowing it to control my mood and take me down a path of sadness and blues, thus, away from God’s will from me.

Who does not remember the woman mentioned in the Bible as Lot’s wife? When she and her husband were ordered to leave Sodom and not look back, because that city, along with Gomorrah, was going to be destroyed by God due to the sins of their people, she looked back and turned into a statue of salt.

Sometimes, our disobedience can cause us much doom, as did the disobedience of Lot’s wife. I wonder if we disobey because we think too much, sometimes we allow our minds to wander and to question the reason why we were told to do something in the way we were told to do it. I wonder if that is what caused Eve to sin in the garden. After all, she and her husband Adam had been told not to eat from one specific tree when they had an entire garden to enjoy. She questioned and she sinned.

God created us for His pleasure. He created us in His own image, so that we could be excellent in every aspect of our lives, and act excellently in our actions. But somehow, that did not stick with Adam and Eve, as they allowed their minds to wander and then followed the unworthy path that took them down.

As children of the Almighty God, we are given specific instructions on how to live our lives. If we trust His leadership and obey His commands, we will be blessed. Let us keep our minds synced with His Word and live the bountiful life He wills for us.

 

“Father God, we often stray from Your instructions because we allow our minds to wander. Please help us, Lord, to stay the course and to align our will to Yours.”

 

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 18, 2021

Just Passing Through

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20

As I sit down to write this, I’m actually taking a respite from unpacking boxes and trying to figure out—once again—what we really need and where we should put it all. You see, over my 26-year marriage, we have lived in three states, nine towns, and—seriously—16 addresses. (And, nope, not military…just crazy.) Our homes have varied widely, from an 1890 Victorian minor’s cottage in Colorado to new construction in Virginia—and assorted era styles in between!

The funny thing is that every time we found a new place, we’d fall in love and think, “This is it! Our forever home!” And then some years later, we’d move on (for different “reasons” but always in an effort to listen to the Holy Spirit…that’s another story altogether). What we thought was permanent turned out to be merely temporary. We weren’t there to stay—we were just passing through. Plus, every time we start packing up to go, we lighten our load, giving away what we once thought was indispensable. Our grasp on “stuff” has gotten looser and looser.

Sisters, God’s Word tells us we should have this same mindset as we walk through this world. We are temporary residents here, just passing through (1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14). As believers, our ultimate home is in heaven, and the Lord wants us to keep our eyes on that destination. We are not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), getting all cozy in the ways of the flesh.

The fact that we are sojourners here can also help us to lighten our grasp on the things of this world. We are exhorted to not love our “stuff” and make idols of it. Even Jesus warns us that we can’t serve money and God—being mastered by both is impossible (Matthew 6:24). But the “things of this world” go beyond home baubles, big toys, and bank accounts. It’s also the intangibles of culture that can keep us abiding in the wrong place. This is especially true today, when so many are looking to social media for affirmation, joining the various mob mentalities for acceptance, and even depending on the government and politics for salvation. (Satan is loving every minute of this, for sure.)

Christians, we are citizens of heaven, awaiting our Savior, who will transform our broken, sin-inclined selves and usher us into our true forever Home (Philippians 3:20-21). No matter how much “everything is falling apart” here, we should expect it, because the Bible tells us it will! But while we are here, our purpose is to serve and glorify God by loving others and sharing the gospel with them. We must ensure that, regardless of how many states, cities, or homes someone has lived in, that they’re ready for their ultimate relocation.

“Lord, help me hold on loosely to all the things of this world, staying focused on You—and sharing the Truth with others that this is not our home.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 17, 2021

Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness, have its full effect,  that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 2-4 (ESV)

Many years ago, I had a pastor make a decision concerning me that was hurtful.  It was so devastating, there was no way I could stay at that church and sit under his teaching.  I left and went to another church. For years I replayed conversations in my head of things I would say to him if I ever saw him again. I had been wronged. I wanted to be vindicated for what he had done. Then one day many years later, I received a phone call from this pastor’s wife. She and her husband both wanted to apologize.

For a year prior to this hurtful thing happening, the Holy Spirit had been prompting me to leave.  My husband and sons wanted to leave. We talked, prayed and debated over it for a year. But the hold up was me.  Simply because this little church was my “comfort zone.” The people in this church had been more like family to me than my own biological family. This was all I knew. Fear kept me stuck in what was comfortable. Then this thing happened and leaving was the only option. When we started at our new church, my sons and husband fit in immediately.  It took me a little longer to adapt. I felt so broken. I didn’t want new relationships I wanted to go back to my old friends and way of doing things

By the time the apology phone call came, I had already made peace with what had been done. An apology wasn’t necessary.  While my heart hurt deeply over what had happened, the steadfastness of my walk with Jesus had produced a peace in the pain. In time, I found strength to reach out to others and start over.

I had come to understand what James was saying.

At the time it wasn’t joyful. My heart broke, and I cried for a long time over it. But years later I could see how I could count that trial as joy because it propelled me to move out of my comfort zone.  And once I embraced that trial and significant change in my life, my life changed for the better in ways far too numerous to share. It was a catalyst for growth and a whole new life.

When God tells me to do something now, I do not allow fear to hold me back.

“Father, Your Word tells us our trials have purpose.  Help us to expect trials and when they come to not give up.  Remind us that it is okay if we don’t know all the answers because You do.  Help us to seek You for wisdom to handle the trials that come our way.” 

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 16, 2021

Convicted, Not Yet Imprisoned

“Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”  Psalm 2:12

Here’s a strange (and disturbing) thought: What if one of the world’s most evil criminals, having instigated horrific atrocities against men, women, and children, was finally convicted. However, after the judge’s gavel fell and a sentence of life imprisonment given, this heinous person was given the freedom to continue his evil pursuits until an undetermined time to come. Eventually, he will be locked away, never to escape or be freed—and his sentence includes excruciating torment to repay his actions through the years.

Sound familiar? This is not just a what-if scene. It is very real. The heinous criminal is Satan. And he has been wreaking havoc on mankind since the Garden of Eden when he hissed that first accusation against the Creator: “Did God really say…?” And as the centuries passed, Satan and his millions of minions worked tirelessly to separate people from the Lord and thwart the promises of God.

But Jesus.

Jesus came to the earth, fully man and fully God, to live the life we cannot (sinless and perfect). Satan, knowing exactly who Jesus is and why He came, made valiant efforts to foil the plan of salvation throughout Jesus’s earthly ministry—he (Satan) was getting desperate. So, when our precious Lord was hanging on the cross, bleeding and dying to pay the penalty we deserve, Satan was probably doing a celebratory dance, thinking himself victorious. But a few days later, Jesus came out of the grave, forever conquering death and making a way to the Father for anyone who believes and trusts in Him.

So, this is where the scene described above kicks in. Friends, Satan has been defeated. He has been convicted—and he knows it. And he knows exactly how it all ends for him, and it’s not pretty (he’s read the Bible too—see Revelation 19:11-21). Although it’s been 2000 years since his sentencing, he and his troupe of terrorists have spent every moment accusing us to God and accusing God to us in his efforts to keep people from Christ and to keep Christ-followers ineffective.

I don’t know about you, but I believe that Satan’s incarceration time is near. As his time is running out and his ways and means of warfare are exponentially escalating, here are some things for us to take to heart: (1) Jesus already won. (2) If we believe that Jesus won and give our lives to Him, we are victors with Him and can rest in the peace of this truth. (3) For those who do not know Jesus or believe Him and His Word, the fear is real…because the coming horrific judgement isn’t just for Satan.

Sisters, Satan’s time may not yet be up—but, if you’re reading this, neither is yours! If you have not yet accepted Christ, “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Although God’s judgement is coming, He is (and has been since the Garden) in relentless pursuit of you. Won’t you choose victory today?

“Lord, the battle for souls is real, and the enemy’s time is almost up. Give me an urgency to share the gospel with others to replace fear with peace, eternal sorrow with endless joy.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 15, 2021

Where Our Conversation Begins

“Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.” Matthew 6:9b (HCSB)

There’s just nothing sweeter to me than the mental picture of my Dad sitting in his favorite chair doing what he always did on his day off – reading God’s word. It’s a memory which sustains me especially in this crazy world. Sometimes I can close my eyes and hear his soft voice praying over us – best gift ever.

While the frame of my Dad is warm and fuzzy, I totally realize there are many who never knew their Dad. And for some even worse is the reminder of who their Dad wasn’t or who they wish he had been. The picture of protector, provider, and defender fade in the recognition of reality.

We can easily get lost in our world if we regulate to our Heavenly Father the attributes we witnessed from our earthly Dad. We will miss much if we choose to ignore the truth that our Heavenly Father is the perfect Daddy not one caught up in a sinful world just like us. One who is caring, approachable, honest, trustworthy, faithful, merciful……the list goes on and on. The One who formed us in our mother’s womb is ever present, all knowing and divinely holy. Words can’t even come close to expressing the glories of our Heavenly Father.

Love the way Jesus teaches His disciples to pray…..reminding them who they are praying to….our Father in heaven. The ideal place where our conversation with God should begin. Simple, heart felt words demonstrating affection and reverence. Acknowledging the closeness of a Father and the vastness of His majestic name. A relationship guaranteed by the death of His Son. A deep soulful worship of the powerful name of our God. Indescribable, yet fully approachable. Accessible, yet beautiful perfection beyond our comprehension.

Still yourself away for a moment and quiet your spirit. Come confidently and boldly into His presence. Praise the amazing name of our Father – the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Unchanging. Untouched by the sinfulness of our world. Pure and unblemished. God’s character seals our conversation with love and mercy. Desiring to reveal to us the riches of His holiness. Let those words settle in us…we have an audience with the Creator of the universe who whispers, “Come to me, rest your soul and welcome the wonder of who I am.” Best gift ever to relish sweet moments with our Father while praising His holy name.

“Father, Your name exemplifies Your character. The very essence of Your name touches even the darkest soul. The perfect conversation starter acknowledging Your holiness.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 12, 2021

When Love Is Real

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Rom. 12:9&10 (NLT)

Who would ever conceive of pretending to care about others? Absolutely not me – those were the first words out of my mouth. But you know honesty is the key to growth and if I’m leaning towards the truth zone, I’d better rethink those words. It’s too easy to say we care when deep down we really don’t. How many times have we listened to prayer requests, even prayed over names and then later shared the tidbits of yes, gossip, adding our own judgements? What about those moments when we’re sharing the love because everyone and all things are going our way? Our love is strictly dependent on how well they treat us, agree with us and sing our praises.

A friend sent me this verse, and God unpacked it all week long. Each day I prayed these words and asked God to help me delight in honoring others. Monday and Tuesday were victories – goal achieved. Easy going until the chaos of a deadline Wednesday arrived. Those words “really love them” haunted me. Between computer issues, various challenging personalities and the endless growing list, I had very little love in my heart. Biting my lips, yet allowing dislike to penetrate my soul.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words in Romans 12 and I couldn’t help but think how they must have penetrated his heart. He was a persecutor of Christians – one who showed no honor, respect or love towards those who disagreed with his beliefs. Until Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus, his life dripped of pretense and legalism. The shining light blinding his eyes truly removed the scales from his heart. Paul’s mission from that point on was to share the good news of Jesus Christ with anyone he met. Even in his dying moments, Paul didn’t judge or ridicule his accusers.

Wow talk about transformation and yet if we have accepted Christ as our Savior, our love should be just as real. Too many excuses. Too many exceptions. Too many denials. Too many – too manys. We’ve all got reasons to let ourselves slide on who we chose to love. But is that what God intended – absolutely not! Take it from one (Paul) who knows the power of love and harness the joy of truly delighting in honoring others.

“Father, our paths will always cross with those we find hard to love – help us to not excuse away your commands to really love them and hold on tightly to what is good.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 11, 2021

Focusing On God Guarantees Clear Vision

“I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help” . Psalm 121:1 (KJV)

Some time ago, I was on a Whatsapp call with a good friend, and I started to blink and squint to clear my eyes, because I was seeing her face very blurred. She noticed something was wrong and asked me what was going on. I immediately answered her by saying, “I think I need to go see an eye doctor, because my vision is very blurred,” and she asked, “have you cleaned the camera on your phone?”

I had obviously jumped to a conclusion that my eyes were bad because I had not first checked the lens on my camera, which, once wiped clean, made my friend’s face very clear to me. It was a matter of foggy lens and not foggy vision.

My daddy used to say that in order to see how different people’s perspectives are, we should put 3-4 people in a room, seated in different parts of the room and then ask them to report what they see. They will be likely to report different things because of the way they are seeing those things and even each other.

Like I jumped to a conclusion about my eyesight before first checking the lens of my iPhone camera, we, oftentimes, jump to conclusions about situations and about people before we take time to weed out the possibility that something else is causing the issue with which we are dealing. Is it a matter of foggy lenses? Is it because of where we are at the time the situation arises and the perspective we are given? And what type of reaction/s are we receiving from or passing to others because of how we are dealing with the situation?

People don’t care about what we say to them nowadays, because there are too many opinions being given through social media channels; but people will care about how we react to them when something unexpected happens. Our focus should be on the One who can adjust our vision and keep it clear from the clutters of life.

 “Dear Lord, thank You for giving us clarity when things aren’t clear.”

 For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 10, 2021

Pressing On

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

In January, we celebrated the start of a new year.  One thing I always loved about a new year was getting organized.  I developed a habit many years ago of using the down time from Christmas to New Year’s to sit down with my calendar and plan out my year.  Anxiously awaiting all the wonderful things that year would bring.

Twelve years ago when our son died, I felt like the calendar became an enemy of mine.  What at one time documented so much hope, now only held sorrow. A canvas I would have filled with their activities. Yet now the silence overwhelmed me and paralyzed me with fear.  It was a painful reminder of 365 days of emptiness ahead of me.

Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14 “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

When we lose a loved one, moving forward in life seems an unsurmountable task. Fear tells us that if we move forward, we are letting them go. That we will forget them.  There’s this feeling of guilt that we have let them down by continuing to live. Fear says there’s no way you can live without them.

But fear is a liar.

There were many days of overwhelming sadness and years of sleepless nights.  There were numerous occasions where I felt the pain would certainly kill me. But by the grace of God it didn’t.

I made a conscious decision to continue to press on towards Christ.  In pressing on I had to let go of the fear that kept me paralyzed.  In the beginning it was a moment -by-moment process.

I also had to let go of my plans that once filled the calendar and surrender my future days to His plans.  Pressing on means that we are picking up our cross daily.

Twelve years later and my calendar is quite full of life these days – even in a pandemic. Down time happens when I intentionally put some it on the calendar.  All because of the wonderful opportunities God has blessed me with.

If you are facing a season of loss, I want to encourage you to press on toward Jesus.  Allow him to bring life into those empty days.  Letting go of the fear and pressing on toward Christ is not letting go of your loved one.

“Father, remind us that until you call us home we are here to reach others for the Kingdom.  The only way we can do that is my pressing on heavenward into Christ.  Help us not be paralyzed by our fear.”

For His Glory,

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

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 9, 2021

But Even If He Doesn’t….

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” Daniel 3: 17-18

 

God is able—do you believe that? When you are worried about a child or a parent or finances, He is able to exchange your heavy burden for His light one (Matthew 11:29-30). When you’re in the midst of a storm, He is able to pull you out of the tumult and mire to place your feet on solid ground (Psalm 40:2). When you are sick or struggling physically, He is able to heal you perfectly—with or without the help of physicians and medicine (Mark 10:52).

 

But although He is able to do these amazing things (He is Almighty God, after all), He may not. Your prodigal child may reach the depths of the proverbial pigsty, despite your desperate prayers. The storm may rage around you, rain pelting your face and lodging your feet in the muddy depths. Your pain may not cease, but only increase, despite years of doctors and countless medications.

 

God is able. But His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). (He is Almighty God, after all.) The question becomes whether or not we trust Him to do what’s best for us. Can we relinquish control of what we think should happen and surrender to God’s will? Can we, like Daniel’s friends, like the Apostle Paul, and like Jesus Himself, cry out to our Father with what we want and hope…but do so with open hearts and hands, ultimately relinquishing our lives to His will?

 

Perhaps the only way for that prodigal to be saved is by hitting the bottom with nowhere else to run but to the Father. As we’re tossed about in the midst of the storm, maybe we need to rest in the Lord, washed over with His peace and held safe in His arms. And maybe, just maybe, there is purpose in the pain—to focus our eyes on Jesus, when we would otherwise turn our gaze to some golden statue.

 

Sisters, God is able to rescue us from whatever fiery furnace is upon us. But even if He does not, let’s stand firm and worship Him anyway. Let’s show others through our faith that God is trustworthy. When we encounter persecution for the name of Christ, let’s not deny Him for the sake of safety or comfort. Because whether we escape or burn, He will be with us in the fire.

 

Lord, You are able. I stand on that truth and worship You—both in and out of the furnace.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 8, 2021

God’s Touch

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

A fresh blanket of snow is covering everything, and Baby is it cold outside!  The view out of my office window unveils a Christmas card in the making.  The fence posts stacked with drifts, pines bent heavy and the white open field remind me Winter is just beginning – the time of year I really don’t like. Maybe that’s why my husband went to the grocery store this morning and brought back beautiful pink hyacinths. He definitely knows his woman is not a Winter person.  Even on a cold, wintry morning, I can still have a touch of Spring  – a beautiful aroma filling up our home – a promise of what is to come.

Don’t know about you but Winter isn’t the only thing I don’t like  – there are plenty of chapters in my life I would have loved to omit.  Some were hard, sad, exhausting, frustrating and plain not pretty.  And yet even in those unwanted seasons, God always cultivated the sweet aroma of His presence.  No matter how dark or disappointing the day, He was always there right beside me – a God touch I so desperately needed.

What’s a God touch look like?  Sometimes it’s the timely phone call from a friend letting us know they’re praying for us. Often it’s an embrace reminding us we haven’t been forgotten. Many times it’s the remembrance of His word which soothes the soul. Countless days it’s the hum of His praises, a familiar song on our lips we can’t refrain from singing. On occasion it’s the one helping us clean house or watch our children.  And during the darkest days of our lives, it’s the one who comes, sits, cries, prays, encourages and challenges us to not lose faith.  Intentional moments when God’s love walks in and leaves the sweetest fragrance ever.

 

Who could ever resist such love?

As believers, we are instructed to walk – live out – this sweet love of God in our lives.  It’s the very imitating of God’s love which draw others to Him. Wonder how many times we have sacrificially resisted self for the sake of others?  Got to admit its incredible to be on the receiving end, but the real sweetness is giving God’s love to those we meet. Imitating His love which has no limits.

“Father, show us how to conduct our lives filled with Your love.  Help us to be gracious receivers and generous givers following in Your footsteps.”

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Love, Spiritual Living

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