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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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

 

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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

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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

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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

 

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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

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

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

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Hope

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

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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