Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 21, 2020

When The Broken Are Found

“He (God) reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deepest darkness into the light.” Job 12:22 (HCSB)

Red, blue and green sparkled through the branches – it’s the lights that really make a Christmas tree shine. Until that obvious moment when your eyes glare into that one dark spot. Yes, it seems to happen almost every year. No matter how carefully I pack that string of lights, the inevitable occurs. And so begins the careful checking of each tangled strand and bulb until the broken one is found. Nothing more glorious than seeing the light once again dispelling dark.

2020 ushered in lots of hurting, broken ones. Difficult, strained, unwelcomed and uncertain journeys. Lives navigating uncharted paths. Cancer consuming loved ones as options are narrowed. Lives shattered by infidelity and sexual addiction flood our newsfeeds. Relationships ripped apart fallen prey to the enemy’s game seem common place. Division, anger and insensitivity give way to what seems our right of voice. Storms ravaged people’s lives leaving empty. Comfort, joy and peace so surreal to the one whose heart can barely beat. Silence of the soul appearing to drown out the wonder. Heartache grown numb so one can simply survive.

To those who know the broken ones – be faithful, loving and kind. Let’s do all that we can to help and then do even more down on our knees. Pray unceasingly (Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:9). Choose to judge not and forgive big. Release rights and welcome grace. Extend margin and gather often. Offer simple indulgences. Prepare meals. Text scriptures. Share our broken places and God’s redeeming work. Whisper God’s love daily not just in word but in deed.

To those who find themselves the broken one – be encouraged – we’ve all been broken. Our Savior came for ones like us. He never gives up. He never walks out. He stays even in the aftermath of hurtful anger, frustration and woundedness. God sees, knows and hears. He completely understands our sorrow and tangled mess. And yet, right in the midst of our darkest places, He longs to birth the most beautiful light (Job 12:22).

Be found dear one – drink deep of His love and choose to believe. There’s nothing more glorious than seeing the light dispelling dark when broken ones are found.

“Father, You search for the one. You relentlessly pursue the one. You welcome the broken one to find hope and healing in You alone.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 18, 2020

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:  The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Perhaps you remember these lyrics: ” It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle bell’ing and everyone telling you, Be of good cheer! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

What a year we’ve had!  I can’t even put into words all that 2020 has unveiled.  The rough edges of expectations left behind in the days and months we’ve lived can land us without good cheer.  All the things we’ve missed out on, the restrictions we’ve endured and the unknown certainties of what 2021 will birth can definitely steal our joy.

I am reminded today that the celebration of our Lord’s birth – is really all that matters in our crazy world. A world that had been watching, waiting and longing for the Messiah to come.  Desiring hope, deliverance, and rescuing.  Sounds a lot like us doesn’t it?

After 400 years of silence, God delivered on His promise and sent His Son to us.  To Mary it was an unexpected joy filled with uncertainty yet sealed with obedience.  To Joseph it was an unwanted truth marked by obedience.  And to us it is the fulfillment of God’s love propelling us toward obedience.

It is the most wonderful time of the year if we are following God’s lead, celebrating Jesus’ birth, sharing His love with others and yes, being of good cheer even in a world getting darker and darker.  Now more than ever, we need to showcase the glorious hope living within us.  God is the Difference Maker in whether we cave in the face of struggles and challenges or we choose to be the sparkle – His light- rising above the disappointments to settle in on the joy only found in Him.

While 2020 has been unusual, we can confidently count on God to continue to fulfill His promises.  Nothing happening in our world is a surprise to Him.  Nothing which has occurred in our lives is a shock to Him.  Nothing tomorrow or in the distant future will catch Him off guard.  God, who perfectly orchestrated the precise time for His Son to enter this world, remains in control.  Immanuel, God with us, is the sweetest reassurance we need.  A virgin birth one Holy night is proof nothing is too hard for our God.

“Father, it is the most wonderful time of the year as we celebrate Jesus’ arrival and the glory of His resurrection which births everlasting joy and hope within those who choose to believe.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 16, 2020

Our Hope Is In The Lord

“There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18 (NIV)

Here we are entering the last month of the year 2020. To be honest, I am getting a bit weary of hearing people say all kinds of negative words about this year. Sure, it has not been the easiest year, but it has not been the worst, either. Humanity has seen events in our lifetime that have tried our faith, our strength and our livelihood. Yet, the world keeps on turning and somehow, we learn to thrive.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us realize that life is even more fragile than we thought it was. It has also made us realize that we are strong, even in our weakness; that we can overcome hardships and that we can unite our forces to make things better for the world as a whole. It has made us recognize how very dependent we are on the Lord.

It was in the year 2020 that we had to learn to walk around wearing facemasks. It was also in the year 2020 that one of the most largely sold household products was hand sanitizer, because we have learned that in order to keep the virus from entering our bodies, we must keep our hands clean at all times. Sadly, it has also been in the year 2020 that we learned that in order to envision a future where we are together, we must keep a socially acceptable distance of six feet from anyone around us.

The Bible is filled with stories where God’s people were told how to behave during certain situations. In order to stay safe, there were guidelines and rules the people had to follow. Likewise, during current times, there are rules we must follow in order to ensure our wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

It is important for us to remember that the same God who has kept us safe in 2020 will be with us in year 2021. No matter what awaits us, our hope does not lie in the wisdom of man alone. Our hope lies in the promises of the One who knows best and He gives us opportunity after opportunity to be better and to do better. Let us welcome 2021 with the faith and hope that spring from His throne.

“Thank You, Lord, for giving us another year in which to see Your hand of deliverance upon our lives. You are our Savior and Deliverer and we love you. Amen.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 15, 2020

Don’t Waste The Wasting

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Whatever your age, one thing is for sure: you are getting older. From young childhood, though, “getting older” was a constant desire. As teenagers, we couldn’t wait to be independent adults. In our early 20s, we looked forward to having that better job, more money, and perhaps a spouse and family. But once there are more than 45 or so candles on the cake, a few shifts happen.

First, time starts flying by—quicker every year. We blink, and another birthday is upon us. Second, if we have kids, those physical demands of parenting young children morph into emotional stressors that seem to grow as they do, remaining even after they leave the house and marry. But beyond the emotional, psychological, familial, and career shifts that occur into our fourth, fifth, or sixth decade of life, one of the biggest is physical.

I don’t know about you, but when I turned 48, everything changed for me. The same workouts I’d been doing at the gym seemed to no longer bring strength—they induced pain. Even as I become more careful with physical activities of every kind, each year (seemingly by the week), I experience more aches and random discomfort. (I heard a comedian say that once we turn 50, we can literally wake up with a sprained ankle. If you’re over 50, you’re probably laughing.)

So, what does this “it hurts to get old” talk have to do with spiritual truth? Well, after herniating a disc a few months ago and now living in consistent back pain, I was comforted to read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, acknowledging the fact that our bodies are wasting away (v16). But, praise God, this body is not our permanent residence! As we walk with the Lord, becoming more like Him the longer we travel this world with Him, our spirits are being renewed. We are growing and flourishing inwardly while our exterior is fading. Our pain and aches in this life are indeed “momentary and light” as compared with our eternal glorified bodies.

I know that some days it’s very hard to keep that perspective—Paul knew it too. That’s why he finishes his thought by reminding us to fix our eyes not on what is seen (or physically felt), but on what is unseen—our spiritual existence and eternal home (v18).

Honestly, I think that the slowing down, the aches, and the constant physical reminders of decades gone by are God’s way of keeping our focus on the right thing (Him) and in the right place (Heaven). Perhaps we can, with each twinge of discomfort or shot of outright pain, turn to the Lord in thanksgiving that something so much better awaits us.

“Father, thank You that this world is not our home and this body is not our permanent dwelling. As I ask to be physically strengthened and healthy in this life, please also keep me appreciative of the life to come.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 14, 2020

When Discomfort Births Growth

“…and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” Romans 5:4 (ESV)

What girl doesn’t love a sassy pair of shoes?  My fave for the winter are a brown leather pair of stylish boots.  Only one problem – they are simply not comfortable.  I wore them about a week ago to an event and loved how they looked with my sweater and leggings.  Two days later, my excitement over wearing them ended.  The nerve in my foot was greatly irritated, and I found myself wearing my crocs as I hobbled down the hallway.  The pain and discomfort were not worth it even for this fashionista.

Foregoing the discomfort of a pair of boots was wise; however, there have probably been a lot of discomforts in life I chose to extinguish that would have served me well.  Not all discomforts are the same – some are the ideal platform for launching character building within us.  Excusing ourselves out of the picture when circumstances stretch us will shortage the beauty of growth.

Totally mesmerized by the telling of Hannah’s story who was ridiculed for her barrenness by her husband’s other wife (I Samuel 1).  Can’t imagine the place of discomfort she found herself surrounded by in her own home.  Yet Hannah never retaliated, instead she trusted her God and watched as He fulfilled her dreams and grew her character even in her places of misery.

Absolutely love the story of Joseph – you know the one with the coat of many colors (Genesis 39 – 50). The trajectory of his life yo-yoed between ease and discomfort. From being squished in a tight, mirky pit to living in a luxurious palace and then to a dark prison cell.  Joseph’s character was forged in those pivotal moments of discomfort.

Cherish the unfolding of Paul’s journey – his rise from popularity and brutal martyr of Christians to his humble discomfort as a true follower of Christ.  Afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (II Corinthians 4:8-9).  Paul’s character was polished in the persecutions and trials as he persevered in daily discomforts.

Where is God using discomforts in our lives as an ideal platform to launch character building? Maybe it’s in the dread of day to day difficulties – attempting to do it all.  Perhaps it’s in the isolation created by COVID.  Maybe it’s in the overwhelmedness of teaching children while attempting to do our job.  Perhaps it’s rooted in the disappointment of what we envisioned our life to look like.  Maybe it’s the overarching pain from the injustices we’ve endured.

Regardless of what our discomfort looks like, we can choose to leave excuses behind. Our God can be trusted to use all things to transform us into radiant women who reflect His glory.

“Father, teach us to walk in the midst of discomfort with Your view of growth.  Help us to resist the urge to give up, to quit and miss out on the beauty You desire to create within us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 11, 2020

When Covet Defines Us

“And He (Jesus) said to them, “Take care and be on your guard against all covetousness  for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”  Luke 12:15 (ESV)

“Perfect” echoed from my lips as I recalled the Christmas party at a friend’s home.  The tree was breathtaking with dazzling lights, precisely placed ornaments and flawless ribbon strands flowing from the top.  Nestled in the corner of the sunroom, its height barely missed the ceiling. And the glow through the cascade of windows illuminated a warmth dispelling the dark cold outside.  A delish spread of appetizers and decadent desserts lured us into the dining room complete with lavish Christmas florals down the center of the table.  Absolutely gorgeous!

Sliding into a comfy chair visions of “wish I lived here” danced in my head. The moment was surreal, and I was totally taken in.  Perfect never looked so good.

Hours later, I walked through my front door as reality sunk in.  My once cute tree now seemed shabby, lacking and the ornaments out of place.   My favorite chill spot definitely wasn’t as comfy as I had thought.  And the list mushroomed as reminders of my friend’s home loomed in my head.

Sound familiar?  Desiring to have something someone else has leaves us sulking, depressed and jealous.  Craving another’s life and their seemingly “perfect” ultimately lands us in a pit of discontentment.  God spells it out clearly in His word – covetousness is a destructive sin.  And just in case we’re not sure what we are not supposed to covet check out Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house (ouch);  you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that is your neighbor’s.”   I think that just about covers it all – don’t you?

Bottom line coveting is basically a declaration of ingratitude towards God.  We feel His hand of blessing is short towards us and yet abundantly extended to someone else.  One of the great lies of Satan – God is holding out on us.   Nothing could be further from the truth.  Real problem is our gaze is fixed on the wrong things which ultimately moves our heart out of alignment with God’s.

Jesus reminds us in Luke 12 to take care and guard against all covetousness.  When we find our eyes settling and our minds comparing, we need to extinguish those darts immediately.  And the best way to take care in advance is to cultivate a deep well of gratitude.  Continuously praising God for His immense love, sweet forgiveness and our forever home.   When we gaze His direction, we will find everything else pales in comparison.  And for those moments when temptation raises its ugly head, we can fight the good fight with His words hidden away in our hearts.

“Father, You have blessed us beyond anything we could ever imagine – teach us to cultivate genuine gratitude on a daily basis.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 10, 2020

Full Price

“You were bought at a price.”  1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23

In this time warp that is 2020, it’s astounding to me that Christmas is just around the corner. Wasn’t it just the 4th of July last week? Or, wait, maybe that was 17 years ago. The nation’s response to this virus has turned every day since March into Blursday—can I get a witness?

But it is definitely December and, ready or not, Christmas is here. Some of you have, no doubt, been cranking up the carols since early November. (Dare I say, September?) Others of you (like a certain sister-in-law of mine) have had all your Christmas gifts purchased or handmade by August 1. And although it looked a bit different this year, Black Friday may have been that hallowed day you awaited to get most of your presents purchased.

No matter the Christmas-gifting style, we’re all on the hunt for a bargain—we never want to pay full price. In stores or online, we hit the sales section/tab and assess the markdown amount, getting giddy at the denoted percentage saved. This is especially exciting at Christmas, when there’s a high quantity of items needing to be purchased, so the cheaper, the better!

But, sisters, I want to challenge us this Christmas to focus on another price tag, one paid at the full price—in full.

When we sing carols celebrating Emmanuel, God with us, and how Jesus came to earth to live among us, let’s not stop at the manger scene. He was born to die. That baby, fully human and fully God, grew to make a way—to BE the Way—for our salvation. To take our sins (past, present, and future) and make them His own, taking on the penalty—death—so we could live. His blood, shed on the cross, cleansed us of our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), so we can stand before God perfectly righteous and holy.

Sin has a hefty price tag, one that cannot be marked down by good works or big church donations. And this great debt has grave consequences if not paid: eternal separation from God, full of suffering. But Jesus Christ, the Baby we celebrate on Christmas, arrived to earth, proverbial pen in hand, to one day pay the bill. And He did. He paid the price on the cross and then defeated death, rising again to finish the purchase on our behalf. He gave us the priceless gift of eternal life in His presence.

So, with every sale price we pursue this Christmas—and all year long—let’s pause to give thanks to the One who paid it all for us.

 

“Lord, thank You doing what I could not, for giving everything—Your life for mine—so I could live in Your presence for eternity.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 8, 2020

Lord Willing

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15

 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t generally like surprises very much—my husband of 26 years can attest to this. In fact, I love making plans. Whether it’s for the day, week, month, or year ahead, I’ve got my sticky notes, lists, and paper planner all reminding me what I will be doing and where I’ll be going when. This way, there are no surprises. Life is made up of expectations to be met and lists to conquer. It’s the perfect scenario for us control freaks—can I get an “Amen”?

 

And that’s all fine and dandy, except for the truth that we’re not in control. Every breath we take is because the Lord has allowed for it. When we wake up in the morning—to new mercies, mind you—it is only due to the grace of God. All those lists and schedules are great, but if our Heavenly Father deems that an unseen “Plan B” is better for us, then that’s what will happen. The Bible tells us clearly, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

 

Now, I’m not saying that our plans are irrelevant, or that every move each day is made for us, like we’re puppets on strings. Actually, because our amazing God wants us to love Him by our own choice, He has given us free will in all things. We can watch that show or not, cheat on our taxes or not, give cheerfully to the church or not…love God—or not.

 

But wait, aren’t I contradicting myself? Are we in control, or are we not in control? There’s a long, complicated theological discussion in this question that has raged through the centuries, so I’m not even going to try to attempt the solve in this little blog post. But what I will say it this: As Christians, we need to understand and remember who God is. He is Sovereign, He is all-powerful, and He knows what’s best for us. We are called to be self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-8), but not controlling. And when we stay surrendered to Him and remain obedient to His Word, our actions and choices will be aligned with His will. Because we want to please and glorify Him, His will becomes our will. (When we are adamant to do what we want, He’ll certainly let us…but the ultimate outcome may not be good for us—even if it “feels good” at the time.)

 

So, every morning when our eyes (miraculously) open, let’s give the day to the Lord. With each list made, let’s yield to Him. Since God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), let’s make our plans—and prayers—with this holy caveat: “Lord willing.”

 

“Father, as I make my lists and plans—for today, tomorrow, and next year—let me do so with the knowledge that it’s Your will that I really want. Not mine.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 7, 2020

When They Gather


“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:35-36

Glancing out the window, I watched them gather.  Yes, the group of two to three meeting up in their usual place.  Waiting patiently.  Sitting as if they had no where else to go.  And to be totally honest, this was the only place they wanted to be.  Here in this same spot, every day was where they were fed. Yes, you know it girls, the Martins feed the cats who continuously frequent our backyard.  We have no pets; I’m allergic to everything.  Yet these strays gather at the edge of our yard because they know they won’t leave empty.

Wanderers, lost and roaming – we’ve probably all met a few of those who were searching for a place to gather.  Isn’t that what we all long for – a place to belong, to come together and be fed.  Spiritual, emotional and mental hunger can send us seeking relief, desperately waiting for empty to fade.  Sad reality is the gatherers (harvest) is plentiful but the feeders (laborers) are few.  Too many things on our plate to notice those around us who are starving for God’s truth.  Too consumed with self to give a little of us to someone else.  Best excuse ever – we’re empty and have nothing to offer despite all the pretenses we are full.

Love the compassion of our sweet Jesus who never let anyone miss His gaze.  Traveling, teaching, healing and surrounded with crowds.  Jesus saw the gatherers, wanderers and strays.  Like sheep without a shepherd, He met their needs without excuse or neglect.  Those who came hungry left fed.

Wonder who we are feeding?  Are we even aware of the strays who wander into our path?  Deeper question yet is would they gather waiting patiently knowing they wouldn’t leave empty?  Excuses will always rob us of the great joy found in reflecting Jesus to our world.  Failing to fill our souls with His truth will leave us barren and unable to birth hope within someone else.

Our 2020 holiday season may look totally different than we ever imagined.  But if we intentionally keep our gaze on Jesus then He will open our eyes to those who are desiring to be fed.

“Father, help us to not miss divine opportunities orchestrated by You for us to be a light of hope in a world hungry for Your love.  Fill us with Your truth and compassion so we can feed Your sheep.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 4, 2020

When Things Are Not As They Appear

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Tis the season to shop, shop and shop. Love looking for great bargains especially at new places. Just spent a Saturday exploring a mall in a neighboring state. Grand tree decked out beautifully invited us in. Icicle lights dancing down from the ceiling – exquisite at dark. And that was just the beginning; Christmas was everywhere.

Right in the midst of calm and bright, I heard voices loud, strong and violent. Approaching the entrance to one of the stores, my view unveiled something I’d never seen before. Two ladies were screaming, kicking, and fighting off cops. From my initial perspective injustice seemed to beckon questions like, “What in the world was going on? Why are they treating these ladies like this?” The struggle was real, the screams penetrating. Handcuffed and taken away, the truth finally surfaced. Backpacks lay scattered on the marbled floor revealing stuff missing, stolen from the store.

Amazing how the truth can get so lost and twisted. What we see first isn’t always the whole story. We get blind sighted by our convinced view and quickly jump to conclusions. We choose sides. We listen to media and draw our circle. We entertain convincing tweets and posts. And all the while, we often miss the total picture.

At first glance, I thought the cops were rude, harsh and wrong. A closer look, and I saw the evidence – the truth of these ladies’ actions surrounded them. Things were not as they seemed. My assumptions were far from the truth.

Wonder how many times we have made decisions based on less than the truth? Happens ever so easily. Perhaps we’ve drawn conclusions that excuse away the digging deep to uncover the facts, Maybe familiarity with the situation or people causes us to lean in a direction that denies reality.

Perfect solution – pause for the facts. Avoid gravitating towards assumptions. Prayerfully ask God to reveal truth to us – He will if we ask Him and then patiently wait for Him to put all the pieces together.

“Father, truth seems to be elusive today – help us to release our preconceived ideas and embrace Your truth which always serves us well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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