Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | February 1, 2021

Welcoming Alarm

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 (ESV)

“All alarms off.” It’s my fave thing to see flashing across my phone.  Saturday mornings is one of those few days when I get the pleasure of no alarm.  I look forward to it every week.  Sleeping in, delish blueberry pancakes and a slow start to my day.  There’s something totally freeing about not hearing my alarm going off in the morning.

While I cherish “all alarms off” days, I have to admit the music on my phone telling me to get out of bed serves me well.  Without an alarm, I’d still be snoozing and late to work – not a good thing.  And on those days when I cut off the alarm and squeeze in a few more minutes of sleep….well let’s just say it doesn’t look pretty.  I’m running around attempting to get ready and my whole day is off.

Don’t know about you, but I actually need some alarms to keep me on track.  A warning on my phone alerts to me to the fact I’ve been sitting too long.  A glowing red light signals me to stop and not proceed through the intersection.  A loud squeal from my smoke alarm lets me know my battery needs to be replaced.

I think we get the picture – whether we like them or not alarms simply work. And the Holy Spirit living and breathing within us serves as a great alarm for when we veer off the right path.  Amazing how quickly we feel His nudge in our spirit when we are responding in a wrong way.  Interesting how we sense His presence strongly right in the midst of a poor decision.  Compelling how we instinctively hear His voice whispering to our soul in the face of temptation.

If we’re truly honest here, we’ve all probably experienced moments when we dismissed, ignored and rejected the Spirit’s alarm.  Why?  Because we desired our own way regardless of the visible consequences (James 1:14-15 ).  Our sowing and reaping was excused; all warning signals and alarms quieted while we squeezed in a little pleasure.

Sweet friends our loving, patient and ever faithful God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent us the Holy Spirit.  We so need His guidance (John 14:26), wisdom (I Corinthians 2:10-11), power (Acts 1:8) and deep conviction (John 16:8).  Without our internal alarm signaling us to pause and remember God’s truths, we would be forever entangled with the sins of our own choosing. The Holy Spirt is our welcomed alarm every moment of every day.

“Father, help us to heed the discernment and warnings Your Spirit gives us.  Align our desires with Yours and teach us to resist those things which never serve us well.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 29, 2021

When Change Seems Impossible

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

Wow it’s the last Friday of January 2021!  Where did this month go?  All those goals and resolutions we set out to accomplish – I wonder how that’s going?  To be totally honest it’s a little slow to say the least.  Right in the middle of this wintry month, I realized all those things I desired to happen wouldn’t unless I made some intentional changes.

Wonder why change is so hard?  Perhaps it’s because we like the ease of familiar.  Maybe it’s a lack of discipline – ouch that one really hurts.  Could it be we’re afraid to let go of some things in order to embrace new?  Perhaps the reality is we simply don’t want to do the hard work required for radically different.

Regardless of our change phobias, the beauty unveiled when we resist staying the same and embark on a journey….shift…transformation…to what serves us best is worth it.  And that change happens ever so slowly moment by moment – day by day.  Putting one foot in front of another even when we can’t see the step in front of us while trusting our Creator to lead us.  Leaning into the power of His Spirit enabling us to defeat unhealthy habits,  repetitive sins, or complacent strides we’ve settled in for too long.

Sweet friends if the change we desire seems so hard and unattainable, could it be we’re relying on self?  The best gift we can give ourselves is the pure joy found in realizing our need for God. Depending on Him each step of the way instead of self.  Confident He will supply us with all we need if we tap into His resources.  And then doing our part to take the necessary action for change to occur.

Regardless of where we are today, tomorrow is a new beginning.  A place to release our tendency to walk the same path we always traveled expecting different.  An opportunity to release excuses rather than nurse limited perspectives.  The perfect time to draw courage, strength and wisdom from God’s word.  Fighting the good fight.  Persevering through.

The best way to welcome new is to simply begin and not give up.  January may be over, change may be lagging but we’ve got a lot of days left to make some intentional changes and end 2021 better than ever.  What are we waiting for?

“Father, change is never easy but with Your help we can leave those things behind which don’t serve us well.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 28, 2021

Loving Others – Hating Evil

“You who love the Lord, hate evil!”  Psalm 97:10

Hate. The word itself elicits emotions—particularly in our current raw and divisive world. In fact, the hate in our country is practically palpable. We hate a particular political platform, we hate the words and actions of others, and—dare I say—we hate one another, even those we don’t know anything about other than by their social media posts.

So, as Christians, what are we do think, feel, and do with “hate”? Are we to always hate “hate” and only love, regardless of the situation? Are we to be tolerant of evil, because to do otherwise would be “hateful”? The Word of God has a lot to say about it, guiding us to understand that there is “a time to love and a time to hate” (Ecclesiastes 3:8).

  1. God hates evil.

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. (Psalm 11:5)

 

  1. We are to hate evil.

You who love the Lord, hate evil! (Psalm 97:10)

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

 

  1. The world will hate you.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

 

  1. The Lord will avenge evil.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:18)

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (Psalm 5:4-6)

 

Sisters, we are to hate evil as the Lord does. But we are also to love our enemies and bless those who curse and hate us (Matthew 5:43-45). This precarious balance of love and hate is very hard—especially as the world’s hatred for the Truth (and believers) is deepening. But who ever said being a Christian was easy?

“Lord, it is so hard to look around at the evil in our culture and not be hateful to its perpetrators. Help me stand firm in hating evil but loving evildoers—and know that, ultimately, You will make all things right.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 27, 2021

Being Fruitful In Suffering

“The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:52, ESV)

The Bible reading plan I’m following this year recently led me to Genesis and the story of Joseph. Joseph had endured years of heartache. The unimaginable had happened. He was betrayed by his own family. Abandoned. Alone. He was falsely accused, imprisoned and left for dead.

Despite what was going on in Joseph’s life, he stayed connected to God. He didn’t let the circumstances change that.  Sometimes when life is hard it seems all we can do is just survive it – by any means. But God wants us to do more than survive – he wants us to thrive. He wants us to bear fruit in all seasons.

Later in life, Joseph had two sons.  The oldest he named Manasseh. Manasseh means, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” (Gen.  41:51) The youngest was named – Ephraim “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Gen. 41:52)

Being a “Manasseh” a survivor and getting over a painful past or personal trauma is a wonderful accomplishment. It brings glory to the person.

But the message of Ephraim, “being fruitful in suffering” is that it brings glory to GOD—WHO ALONE can give the grace-filled capacity to face the unimaginable and be fruitful in the unimaginable. An even greater glory is to never forget and to let the suffering become the platform for the display of God’s glory. Producing fruit through pain and heartache is a miraculous occurrence.

It is clear from studying the life of Joseph that God gave him Manasseh.  God gave him the ability to forget the pain, to move past it.  Otherwise, he would have been a bitter, closed off person.

We never read where Joseph gave up and became bitter. God didn’t keep Joseph from enduring a lot of hard things “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor”. God honored Joseph and opened a lot of doors for Joseph to bless others.

Joseph went from being sold as a slave to the second most powerful person in Egypt. None of us want to go through hard times and suffer great loss. But one thing I’ve learned in my own life- if I keep my eyes on Jesus and allow Him to use me – even when I’m in a situation I don’t want to be in – – He will bring good from it. He will take my emptiness and fill it to overflowing.

“Father, Life is not going as planned.  I am so grateful that You are not caught off guard.  I choose to cast my cares on You.  I can rejoice in my sufferings because I know You will use it for Your glory.

For His Glory

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

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 26, 2021

What Kind Of Nametag Do You Wear?

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”  2 Corinthians 5:20

It’s probably been a while since you went anywhere that necessitated a nametag. But think back to those good ol’ days (a year ago) when there were live conferences, work meetings, group service projects, etc.—any gathering where it was useful for you to know the names of people you haven’t met. Nametags allow us to know what company or organization others represent and allow for effective interaction with them.

Nametags also let us address others in a personal way, allowing us to initiate connection. If a cashier, for instance, wears a nametag, try to use their name when you thank them for helping you—it provides a bright “I-see-you” moment in their day’s monotony. Nametags can also have varied degrees of information on them: first name, full name, company name, some type of ID number, or even hometown. And they can be stick-on paper, laminated and on a lanyard, pinned on, or embroidered.

As followers of Jesus, we have a very special nametag: Christian. And our moniker is permanent—praise God, as He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, so no one or nothing can snatch us from His hands (John 10:28-29). The question is, what kind of nametag do we choose to wear in order to represent Jesus, as well as to communicate and connect with others?

Is it peel-and-stick, perfect for Sunday mornings, but easily removable when we start the workday on Monday morning…or hit the bar on Friday night? Or is our nametag a nice engraved plastic or metal tag that pins to our shirt? Sure, it may show more solid commitment, but there’s the ease of unpinning when the situation requires—perhaps in that meeting when the joking is unsavory, but we laugh right along. Perhaps our nametag is sewn right onto our shirt, so whenever we’re out in public, it is clear to others that we belong to Christ. Plus, the embroidered nametag serves as a great impetus to live in a godly way that doesn’t undermine our testimony. But, in the privacy of our own home, when others aren’t looking, that shirt can be removed, and our words and actions (and the TV or computer screen) can reflect the god of this world—Satan—more than our Lord Jesus.

Now, I’m a big fan of tattoos (and I have quite a few myself). So, sisters, what if we think of our “Christian” nametag as a tattoo—permanently inked into our very being, not easily removed when our fleshly desires draw our minds and hearts away from our Namesake. A tattoo calls us to live every moment of our life—public and private—as a representative of Jesus. Because we can’t take it off, it can be a constant reminder for us to love, forgive, and extend grace to others in the same way the Lord has loved, forgiven, and extended grace to us.

Tattoos are certainly a commitment. And they can be uncomfortable, even painful. But as our world becomes more hostile to believers, it’s more vital than ever to remain steadfast to Jesus and His Word. So, let’s pick a color and font—and commit.

“Lord, help me stand firm in my identity as a follower of Jesus Christ, demonstrating Your love and light to others in this dark world.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 22, 2021

A Simple Thanks

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  John 13:34 (ESV)

Easy to forget we all need “a good word.” Like the maid who cleans up our room at a hotel who’s picking up all the stuff that missed the trash can. Like the cashier who’s exhausted from standing on her feet and still smiles. Like the waitress whose children miss her because she’s working two jobs to pay the rent. Like the janitor at our kid’s school who picks up discarded books yet can’t read.

Do we ever really know the story behind the lives of those who serve us? Sadly, we often just think it’s their job to do what they do. Wonder what would happen if instead of ignoring their presence or rarely acknowledging they exist, we genuinely said, “Thank you.”

Sweet lady was cleaning the locker room the other day. While I was working out, she was scrubbing floors, washing toilets, cleaning mirrors – I think you get the picture. From a distance, she simply appeared to blend right in the room. Everyone busy to get their workout down, showered and back to work. Walking right in front of her at times, walking past her as if she didn’t exist. Been guilty of that myself – too absorbed in my world to notice her.

She was just doing her job. Showing up for her 9 to 5 every day. Cleaning up after others’ mess. Wiping everything down – doing exactly what she’d done a million times. Nothing extraordinary about this morning or at least that’s what she thought. But then when she least expected it, someone said, “Thank you – you’re doing a great job – thanks so much!” And in that moment a smile graced her weary face as though she’d never heard those words. Sweetest picture ever to witness the unnoticed relishing in a moment of joy.

Jesus didn’t have that hurried step we call busy and distracted. He wasn’t consumed with self or an agenda jam packed into three years of ministry. Jesus took the time to heal the sick, embrace the broken and wash the feet of those who’d later turn their backs and run. Humility defined Jesus’ every step – the Son of God walking among us, serving the very ones He came to save. Shouldn’t we be doing the same?

“Father, You sent Your Son to this world and He left us echoing the words, “Love one another.” Help us to show Your love to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Love, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 21, 2021

Unbearable

“And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Matthew 9:28

You’ve probably heard it said by well-meaning Christians and non-Christians alike: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Really? What about all the mindless escapism into social media or binge-watched shows? What about the rampant alcohol and drug abuse in an effort to numb the pain of overwhelming circumstances? What about the growing number of people who feel they absolutely cannot “handle” their situation, so much so that they choose to permanently end the pain and take their own life? (Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans age 10-34—those are pre-COVID lockdown stats too. Let that sink in.)

In fact, during my adult life—even my Christian adult life—I’ve been through a lot of very, very hard things. Many of which, frankly, I could not handle. They were simply unbearable. But I am 100% certain that every person reading these words can say the same thing. We have been spiritually, emotionally, psychologically (and, for some of us, physically) pummeled. The storms of this life have brought immeasurable pain to our very souls.

Sisters, as we walk through this fallen world, our steps will take us through plenty of things we cannot handle ourselves. But you know what? There is no circumstance, struggle, or storm too hard for the Creator of the universe (Jeremiah 32:17). When we recognize (and dare I say, admit) that we are not able, but HE IS ABLE, and we surrender the unbearable, a beautiful thing happens…God takes on what we cannot. When we ask, He will answer. Sometimes He floods the darkness with light, so we can see the way…other times, He just carries us through the blackness until we come out the other side.

We will experience a lot of things in life that are not only more than we can handle, but impossible for us to handle. But “is anything too hard for the Lord” (Genesis 18:14)? No! Nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32: 27). And when we do get through those impossible, unbearable times, it will be unmistakable Who got us though. And all the praise and glory will go to our Lord. After all, that is the point.

In fact, if you are a Christian, then you know a deep Truth about God’s ability to do the impossible (Matthew 19:26). Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, you were saved. On the cross, He took on your unbearable sin to pay the penalty for you. And if He is able to do that, then how can we think anything is too hard for Him?

“Lord, You are able. May I always surrender my unbearable to You, giving you praise and glory in and out of the storms”.

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 20, 2021

Clearing Out Clutter

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (HCSB)

I was a bit fearful as we began the study, Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath…if you saw my closets and calendar, you would understand why. I was certain God would use this study to call me to get serious about clearing out the clutter and ordering my priorities.

Would he ask me to tackle the closets first, or would He be more concerned about the overcrowding which had crept into my schedule? As I leaned in to hear Him, He startled me with His loving whisper. Clear out the clutter in your heart. Seriously, God? Have you seen my closets? Do you see how busy I have become? I have some real work to do…

Unconvinced my heart was the project God wanted us to tackle, I set aside Breathe and turned to my daily devotional, New Morning Mercies. Running to something else when confronted with something uncomfortable. Surprisingly my breath was taken away by these words: “You and I don’t need to be rescued from the idols around us, we need to be rescued from our idolatrous hearts.” The scripture reference was Ezekiel 20, where the word Sabbath is used six times. Thank you, Lord, for your gentle confirmation.

Opening my heart to Him, God began showing me what needed to go. Hurts I was holding on to, fear of rejection and failure that was holding me back, good things—friendships, work, marriage, the perfect pair of shoes—that I had made in to ultimate things (idols); wanting them to meet needs that only Jesus can meet. Lesser things taking up space in my heart. Space I want to reclaim so that I can love Him and others better.

So, I will work at this…cleaning out the clutter of my heart. Maybe I’ll get to the closets, too…

“Thank you, Lord, that you know us better than we know ourselves. Give us the wisdom and courage to get rid of everything that cannot be used to bring You glory.”

 

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski (www.shifting-sand.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 19, 2021

Rooted

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

When a new year comes, many of us (in lieu of or in addition to resolutions) choose a word for the year—a singular focus with great depth and width of meaning to us. A simple reminder to think, feel, and do in a way that captures that intention. Simple, yes…easy, not so much.

As 2019 was upon us, I had been in a new community for six months. And although I’d already been digging in at church, I had a desire to establish roots that spread wider (volunteer work, friendships, activities) in order to truly connect and make that town home. The word I chose made sense and carried layers of meaning for me: ROOTED.

Of course, come March, activity—and thus connectivity—ceased. I’d been working remotely since we’d moved, and I’d even quit my job just before COVID hit the proverbial fan, so I could pursue work that would allow me to be among people and not sit alone all day in my house. (Ironic, no?) Needleless to say, rooting in became a bit more difficult.

Fast forward to January 1, 2021. Interestingly, my word for 2021 is the same as for 2019. Here I sit, in another new town where I know no one. My mind and heart are once again intent on establishing friendships, a church family, etc. I need to get ROOTED. So, it makes sense that ROOTED is my focus word for the new year, right? It is, but I chose it for very, very different reasons.

Sisters, I am confident that the year(s) ahead will hold many more challenges than did 2020. Our nation founded on liberty and freedom—specifically the freedom to worship God outside the mandates of the government—is quickly changing. The Truth of God’s word held by believers is increasingly being mocked, suppressed, and outright erased. Christians are being shut up and shut out—even out of our own houses of worship.

For believers in the U.S., storms are fast approaching. So, our roots must be deep. For me (and I pray for you), being rooted takes on Biblical proportions. Literally (Mark 4:1-20; Matt 13:1-23). We must hold fast to God’s Word and His Truth, trusting and hoping in Him alone. We must stand firm on the promises of God while the wind and waves try to blow us over. Sisters, unless we are deeply rooted in the Word and in a faithful community of believers, we may easily topple under the cultural pressure.

Roots not only keep trees standing securely, roots nourish for sustenance and fruit-bearing. Similarly, staying in God’s word and connected with other believers will feed our souls and allow us to bear sweet fruit to a hungry world. So, whatever your resolution or word-of-the-year, I hope you add “ROOTED” to the list.

“Lord, I pray that I—and fellow believers in our nation—get firmly rooted in the Truth, so the lies of the enemy will not prevail.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | January 15, 2021

Worship Loud

“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; His eyes examine them.” Psalm 11:4 (NIV)

Morning sun rose, knees hit the floor and shower beckons me. Dressed, lunch packed and my stuff gathers on the barstool. Gym bag ready and the aroma of breakfast cooked by my honey leads me to the kitchen. It’s just another day as a smile and kiss greet my morning. Clock ticks away, tv hums news in the backdrop and then we break bread – God’s Word. Savored, chewed and digested before the world invades our space. Covered by my husband’s prayer, we bow heads before feet go out the door.

Amazing the difference – when hearts are turned toward and lifted up before agendas steal us away. Humbling the effect – when breaking bread and fervent prayers quiet angry words or frustrated souls. Challenging to say the least – when cherishing the best takes precedence over all the rest. Incredible the feeling – when doors open and shut knowing love covers all. Wonder if God smiles when morning worships loud before the rush begins?

Traffic whirls, people drift – same places and routines serenaded by tunes. Just another day unfolding. Maneuvering between lanes, I remember His Words – to love my neighbors. I reflect on His Words – to keep a tight rein on my tongue. I pull into my parking spot and step out my car; I remember prayers to glorify Him in all I say, all I do – words my husband spoke over me.

Don’t have to wonder if God smiles when we worship loud. I know He does, because loving God with all our heart, soul and mind propels us to keep Him first before the rest of our world rushes in.

“Father, let the world hear You in me, let the world see You in me and most of all let the world want You because they know You live in me.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Hope, Worship

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