Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 31, 2020

Be Resolute

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand”. Ephesians 6:10-13

Ah, that time has come once again. A look back in assessment and a gaze forward with pivots and plans for the 12 months ahead. New Year’s resolutions. There are various approaches to this undertaking, from outlining life areas and delineating specific achievements with associated dates, to simply contemplating “more of/less of” actions and attitudes—and everything in between.

For me, like all of you, this past year was filled with the cultural, political, and economic challenges that hit home amid our nation’s response to COVID-19. But I also experienced several huge life changes in 2020, some of which include one son’s marriage, the other son withdrawing from college and moving out on his own, physical struggles, new job for hubby taking us 800 miles away from both kids, selling a house, moving where we know no one…are you getting the emotional picture? Suffice it to say, this year has resulted in “COVID-10” to my body…10 added pounds, that is. And I am determined to lose them—it’s one of my top New Year’s resolutions.

What about you? Is fitness on your resolution list? Reconnecting with friends? Serving more? Or are you, like many others, merely committed to making 2021 better than 2020 (as much as it depends on you)?

Whatever our focus in the year ahead, determination is the key to accomplishment.

Did you know, sisters, that as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to live a life of determination—not just when heading into a new year? I love the word “resolute” (although it’s not used much anymore). It’s defined as: marked by firm determination; bold; steady. And this is a beautiful and powerful way to describe our Christian walk. In fact, the Bible is steeped with exhortations to stand firm in our faith and be bold. Here are just a few:

  • It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1
  • And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Cor 3:11-12
  • Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Cor 16:13
  • You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8
  • You will be hated by everyone because of Me (Jesus), but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

So, sisters, whatever our 2021 resolutions may be—or even if you’re not making any—let’s all commit to be resolute in our faith this year. Let’s be steadily determined, because sin can so easily distract and ensnare us. Let’s stand firm, because the enemy is doing some serious prowling and devouring. And let’s be bold, because our culture is on the attack to silence us.

“Jesus, help me be resolute today and every day, as I stand unashamed of you.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 29, 2020

Give Evidence

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not see.”. Hebrews 11:1

At first glance, this verse from the author of Hebrews sounds confusing. How is faith “substance” and “evidence”? Isn’t faith just a belief or trust, usually in someone or something? And wouldn’t “evidence” or proof come not from the belief itself but from the actions/outcomes of that thing or person in which (or in whom) we’re placing our faith?

Well, yes and no. Faith is belief and trust…but faith is also substantive evidence.

When you walk into a restaurant, a waiting room, or someone else’s kitchen, and are asked to sit down, you probably don’t think twice as you glance at the empty chair and move to place your backside upon it. You have faith it will support you. Your faith is evidence that you trust the chair…and your faith is evidenced by your sitting down. Your faith is the evidence of things not seen—in this case, the unseen structure of the chair.

Faith is also the “substance of things hoped for.” This is exemplified every time you get in an automobile and drive down the road, hoping that the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction adhere to the unspoken instruction of that little yellow painted line. Your faith is the stuff of hope that others follow driving rules. And, again, your faith is evidenced by the fact you’re driving at all.

The list of illustrations goes on and on. But, as Christians, the meaning of “faith” as “substance” and “evidence” is pretty powerful. Our faith in Jesus Christ—and what He accomplished on our behalf, and how we are changed because of it—is the stuff of our hope! We know our future comes from our faith. And our faith is the evidence of what we cannot see with our eyes. We haven’t yet seen, but we have experienced the miracle of salvation, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Providential answers to prayer. This is all evidence of our faith! (It’s mind-boggling and mind-blowing at the same time, I know.)

But let’s take one more step into the depth of this heady verse. Since faith is evidence (proof) of our belief, and our faith is evidenced (proven) by the One in whom we are placing our trust, a question bubbles up to the surface: How are we giving evidence of this faith? Do the people with whom we interact see our faith in action? Do we show love to our neighbors (Mark 12:31)? Are we kind, patient, good, gentle, and self-controlled (Gal 5:22-23)? Do we shine in all we do, glorifying God (Matt 5:16)?

As Believers, we have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ—by His grace through our faith we are saved (Eph 2:8-9). But if that’s what it’s all about, why doesn’t God just scoop us up into Heaven at the moment of salvation? Because we are called to walk in and by faith, taking action to demonstrate our faith to a fallen and broken world (James 2:14-26). We are called to give evidence of a Holy God and mighty Savior. How will they know of His love and mercy if we don’t tell them (Rom 10:14)—and show them?

You may be a lawyer, or perhaps you’ve been on a jury. (Maybe you’ve been in court for other reasons, but I won’t ask.) But all of us have at least seen courtroom dramas on television. You know that the ultimate verdict demands strong evidence. And I just love what I heard someone once say: If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence of your faith in Jesus to convict you?

“Lord, I have faith in You and am grateful for your grace, mercy, and love. Let me give evidence daily to this through my words and actions…let me sway the jury of my peers to the Truth of Who You are.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 28, 2020

The Perfect Ending

“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (NIV)

Ever watch one of those feel good movies? You know the kind with the predictable ending where everything works out great!  The hero wins, the problem is solved and yes, the bad guys lose.   The girl comes home for the holidays and falls for her high school sweetheart.  Yes, we probably watched a lot of those during the Christmas season. We knew the outcome from the very beginning, but we still clung to the edge of our seat waiting for goodness to spill out everywhere.

Wonder if we view life that way?  After all, we are assured of an amazing ending – God triumphs over evil and everything works out beyond our imagination.    We’ve read Revelation and even though we don’t understand all of it – we do know we have an incredible future.  But it is that space of time between now and then that often derails us.

Instead of trusting and resting in our Mighty God, we often find ourselves locked into today and minimizing His power.  Hope fades when justice is blown out the window, and we forget God lifted Joseph out of prison to save a nation.  Joy evaporates when people don’t measure up to our expectations, so we forget that Christ built His church upon Peter, the one who denied His very existence.  Faith is challenged in the midst of overwhelming problems, and we forget at the sound of His voice the storm ceased.  Evil appears to deal us a bad hand, and we forget the grave could not hold Him.

Intertwined into our day to day lies the beauty of total dependence on Him. A sweet reckoning that God’s character is flawless – He still moves on behalf of His people. Despite our doubts, God divinely intervenes in our lives longing to exceed our predictability and surprise us with the miraculous.   For those who choose to look beyond today and believe the rest of the story, they will find that our God is faithful and true.

“Father, Your goodness spills all around us – You are our Hope, and our future is secured in your promises.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 25, 2020

Best Gift Ever

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Ever sneaked around looking for your Christmas present? Hate to admit it but I was a nosey little girl. Regardless of whether or not that package had my name on it or not, I was determined to shake it. I’ve even been known to unwrap and then rewrap and act totally surprised on Christmas Day. Have to admit the second surprise wasn’t as much as fun, and the first surprise was overrated – I was the only one enjoying it. Sounds silly to recount my nosiness now. I’d much rather wait and experience the surprise on Christmas morning.

Ever searched through scripture seeking God’s amazing Christmas gift? His arrival was anticipated, His birth expected yet the way He came was totally surprising. No one had any idea Mary would be the virgin mother of Jesus, especially Joseph. Who would have thought that the babe would be born in a stable and sleep in a manger filled with straw? Not exactly a royal birth. And what about that starry sky that led others to Bethlehem….shepherds and Wise Men were clueless to where it would lead.

The gift, the promise, the presence of God living among us. Experiencing the good, the bad and yes, the ugly. Totally undeterred and unencumbered by temporary pleasures of this world. Jesus, the very Son of God came, healed, rescued, delivered and redeemed. Fulfilling every promise.

I remember as a child unwrapping the gift of the Savior. Sweetest moment ever – totally unsure of the significance this gift would make in my life. Tiny little mind couldn’t even grasp the magnitude of His presence living and breathing in me. Amazing how a simple prayer began an incredible work within me. While doubts and wonderings may have followed, Jesus never left me and kept reminding me of His ever presence. Always surprising me with His love and grace.

Sweet friend, if you have never opened His gift there is no better time than now. Can’t think of a better present this Christmas than to experience the fulness of God. When we simply confess our sins and believe He is the Christ child, God promises to welcome us as His own. We are His forever and life will never be the same. Difficulties will still emerge. Struggles will challenge us. But we can endure them all filled with His joy living and breathing within us. Best gift ever.

“Father, the depth of Your love cannot be measured. You gave Your only Son so we could experience eternity with You – what more could we ever want.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Merry Christmas to you and your family from Women’s Life Devotionals.  Praising the One who gives us His words to share each week  – what a blessing it is to serve you.

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 24, 2020

But Christmas

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5

Research from Gallup last year (Dec., 2019) revealed that although 93% of Americans celebrate Christmas, only 35% of those do so in a “strongly religious” way.*  But without the Reason for the season, Christmas is just a decorated tree, gifts, and some time off from work. Despite all the carols and twinkly lights, without belief in Jesus, the day is meaningless.

On that first Christmas, the world had not heard from God in about 400 years. People were doing their own thing, and probably just a small percentage of dedicated Jews were clinging to the promises of the prophets for a Messiah.

But Christmas.

The silence was broken as two heavenly birth announcements were made, one to Zacharias (regarding his son, John the Baptist) and the other to Mary, a young teenager yet to be married. In fact, as the Bible’s New Testament opens, it initiates the fulfillment of 456 Messianic prophecies of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. (Let that fact sink in for a minute. If someone told you a thing would happen to you tomorrow, and it happened, you’d think, “Huh, that person got lucky.” But if that same someone told you 50 things that would happen—and they did—you’d be hard-pressed not to believe the source was sound. But what if that person told you 100 different things that would happen—and they did? What about 200? 300? 456? Who would doubt the veracity of that source? OK, I digress.)

Into that dark world over 2000 years ago burst the Light of the world. He came to be the final sacrificial Lamb—the One who would pay the final price of sin, removing the separation between men and God. He came to save us, justify us—by faith—so we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1). If we believe.

Today, the world is dark. (I can’t say it’s “darker than ever” with perfect certainty, but I can declare that it’s the darkest of my lifetime.) There is tangible fear, divisiveness, unholy self-gratification, and rampant foolishness.

But Christmas.

We don’t have to wait for a heavenly announcement or a burst of light in the dark sky. It has come—He has come. Jesus. Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The greatest Gift has been delivered. If you haven’t already received this amazing, eternity-changing free gift of saving grace, won’t you make 2020 the year?

“Lord, Christmas has been watered down and secularized, losing it’s meaning. I pray that the Scriptural songs of the season and my words (and actions) reflect the Son and turn others to You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

* https://news.gallup.com/poll/272378/americans-celebrating-secular-christmas.aspx

 

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Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 23, 2020

Good Things Happen When We Pray

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)

Country singer Randy Travis has a song called, When Mama Prayed, which remind us about the power of a mother’s prayer. The chorus of this song goes like this, “When mama prayed good things happened; when mama prayed, lives were changed. Not much more than five foot tall, mountains big and small crumbled all away when mama prayed.”

The Bible speaks about the power of prayer and the things that can happen when we seek God for our needs. Prayer is known to be the key to finding solutions to problems and to getting walls to come down.

Each time I listen to this song, I remember the three men who call me mama – my beloved sons. I pray for them and their families daily, and often several times a day. Going before the Lord on my children’s behalf is something that I do not take lightly, as I wish to see them doing well in life.

Through prayer, lives are changed. Through prayer, bodies are healed from disease. Through prayer, relationships are renewed, hatred gives way to love and doors of opportunity are opened. There is no limit to what prayer can do when we place our petitions in God’s hand, submitting our will to His.

Has life handed you a bunch of lemons lately? Are you struggling to find what the path is that you should choose? Has a relationship you cherished gone sour? Do you need a job, a home, or a vehicle? Are you looking at the problem or are you looking at the God who can solve that problem?

Now that I threw so many questions at you to ponder, I invite you to trust God and to bring all those situations before His throne; call out to Him for help. Miracles happen when we pray. Sometimes, all that is lacking is a good talk with our Daddy. Try it!

 “Dear God: Thank You for always hearing our prayers and acting on our behalf.  We are thankful for all that You do.”

 

For His Glory

 Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Prayer

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | December 22, 2020

Copy Cat

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.”  Ephesians 5:1-2a

Fashion trends come and go. But while they are current, we know exactly what they are, whether it’s skinny jeans or skinny ties, leggings with tunics, bell-bottoms, or shoulder pads. How do we know what’s hip? Well, all we have to do is look around: everyone’s doing it. Of course, today, we have Pinterest and social media to tell us how to stay in front of the fashion curve—from smooth hair and smooth foreheads to amplified backsides and amplified lips.

It’s human nature, isn’t it? To imitate others (for better or worse). We want to look, dress, sound, and act like what we deem as “now”—heaven forbid we use the wrong slang term or show up wearing last year’s (or last decade’s) style.

Most of this is chasing the superficial, but sometimes mirroring others is about wanting to improve ourselves. Perhaps there’s someone at work we admire, whether it’s their work ethic, career path, or position. If we want to attain that success, we will observe and follow suit. We will imitate that person (for better or worse).

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not bashing the choices anyone makes regarding trend-following. I do plenty of it (although I like to be just to the left or right of it—those who know me well understand what I mean). But, as Christ-followers, we are called to aspire to a different Standard. We are to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1).

That’s a tall order. The great news is that it involves similar action that we take regarding worldly trend-following—just using a different Source. Instead of checking out the latest fashion blog with instructions how to wear booties with leggings, open the Bible and read how to “wear” the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Exchange reading about how to not look foolish at the next party (which may take place in 2022 at the rate we’re going) and discover all that the Word of God has to say about how to not be a fool (Psalm 14:1, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Titus 3:3…and practically all the Proverbs).

The Bible is our ultimate Guidebook to what’s “eternally hip” in God’s eyes. Every chapter has insight into saying the right thing, doing the best thing, and being truly radiant wherever we go. In fact, becoming more like Christ as we walk through this world is what we’re tasked to do the moment we decide to trust Jesus and surrender to Him. The fancy theological word is sanctification, but we can just call it imitating Christ. And just as being a copycat to the latest trend has the power to potentially transform us, imitating Him will absolutely change us. And, sisters, it’s always for the better.

“Lord, may I follow the Truths in Your Word, as I walk through this world—imitating You so much so that I start a trend that others will follow.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

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

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