Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 4, 2020

Inscribed

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.”  Isaiah 49:15-16

Mom. What a weighty word that is. To some, it’s a beautiful word and instantly brings a smile. To others, the very mention of the term evokes pain, sorrow—even anger. Maybe your mother and you are close. Maybe you’re completely disconnected, the mother-child bond disrupted by geographical distance, purposeful decision, or inevitable death.

Just in my current household of three, we’ve got a variety of “mom issues” going on. My mother and I had a pretty tumultuous relationship, thankfully mended just months before she very suddenly died (over 25 years ago). When my dad remarried, I gained a second mom, who stepped into the role of advisor and then grandmother to my boys. Then there’s my husband’s mother, from whom we’ve lived around the corner and thousands of miles away, but by whom we’ve consistently been emotionally pummeled. Suffice it to say, my husband must daily confront the scars of trauma she initiated. Then there’s our almost-18-year-old adopted son, who deeply struggles with the abandonment by his birth mother, despite the endless depth of our love for him.

Regardless of whether you have a wonderful, strained, or nonexistent relationship with your mom, there is good news! We have a Heavenly Father who is always loving and compassionate. He will never abandon or forsake us. In fact, as Isaiah writes, we are inscribed on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16).

I love that word, inscribed. It connotes such permanence. And then to envision myself eternally etched into the Saving, Protecting, Providing, Sovereign Hand of Almighty God—well, that’s pretty awesome. (It makes me think of how I write something on my hand, so I don’t forget it, but it inevitably smears or washes away—whether or not I’ve taken care of that something. The inscription of me onto God’s hand is NOTHING like that.)

Moms are forgetful. Moms abandon. Moms have moments of lost compassion. Moms fail. So, if you are a mom or if you have/had a mom—and that would be all of us—be encouraged! Our God never forgets us. He will never forget us. He is always compassionate. God never fails us. We are inscribed in the palm of His hand.

“Lord, thank You for Your steadfast love, protection, and provision. May I never forget that you will never forget or forsake me.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 31, 2020

Carving In Margin For Rest

“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day, you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.” Exodus 34:21 (ESV)

Ever feel like you’re just trying to stay ahead of the game but the game is going faster that you dare imagine? Most days can feel like that – from sun up to sun down. Amazes me the speed of 24 hours, and the tasks that just keep getting carried over. I’m a planner kind of girl so I love checking things off my list even if I just added them a few minutes ago. Frustrating to hit Friday and the reality of what never was tackled is staring me in the face on Monday morning. To be totally honest that list can haunt me all weekend – releasing margin for catchup robs me of peace.

Love this sweet reminder from the One who knows how to carve in margin for rest. In awe of the example God set before us with creation – six days of creating and one day of rest. The One who holds it all together challenges us to let it go, to take on His yoke which is light and embrace margin for rest.

Wish it was ever so simple to release agendas, lists and busy. Ever find yourself in that trap – desiring rest yet resisting still?

Plowing time and harvest were busy seasons for farmers. No Walmart or Target around the corner. Critical times to plow, plant and tend the fields. Doing the next thing from sun up to sun down – maximizing daylight to the fullest. And when the crops come in, you can’t just ignore harvesting, picking and storing up for tomorrow.

Yet God commands, invites us to a better way – a day of rest. Right in the midst of crazy, chaotic and endless lists, He knows rest soothes the soul, rejuvenates our spirit and clarifies our mind. Pulling away gives us a clearer perspective – a God perspective – trusting His agenda and His plans. Even when urgents seek to steal away still, we can resist the tendency to cast aside rest. Awesome moments without a list and totally free to relax, reflect and receive the sweetness of His presence.

Won’t you join me? Carve in white space for rest. Resist the urge to keep doing. Enjoy a prayer walk. Read a great book. Remove distractions. And when Monday comes, we’ll be amazed how much gets done.

“Father, You have set the pace now help us to obey and receive the blessings of rest.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 30, 2020

Heaven Rules

…the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses.  Daniel 4: 25

In today’s era of social media and cults of personality, “leaders” are thrust into the culture to direct the masses, whether in politics, entertainment, media, or even some unsuspecting citizen. I don’t know about you, but I can get rather anxious about the individuals and/or ideas being pushed as someone(s)/something(s) “everybody” wants—or should want. Moreover, “heroes” of the day seem to come and go at the speed of light given the Twitter culture.

And then you’ve got the whole election-year drama (because, 2020 doesn’t have enough insanity already). And all these things (plus the additional fallout from them) are creating a generalized angst and pervasive despondency—it’s almost palpable when one actually ventures out from the bubble of home.

What’s the spiritual point here? Two simple words from the book of Daniel sum it up: Heaven rules (Daniel 4:26).

See, global political leaders and flash-in-the-pan cultural heroes will come and go. Some walk with God and shine a light into the darkness of this world. Others are tools of Satan—the prince of this world—and do his bidding to keep its citizens under his thumb. Throughout history, and certainly from one end of the Bible to the other, this good-versus-evil battle for power has been constant.

And it will continue until that glorious day when Satan is cast into the lake of fire forever—and Jesus, seated on the throne, makes all things new (Revelation 20-21).

As we live on this earth in the present day, what are we Christians to do? How can we find peace as we watch the social and political struggles for power and influence? Where do we turn for Truth when it seems so nebulous?

We hold fast to the omnipotence of our great God, who created everything (Gen 1:1, Psalm 121:2, Col 1:16) and rules over it all (Hebrews 1:3, Prov 16:9, Heb 2:8). We stand in confident knowledge that He will sustain us through the rollercoasters of this life. Most importantly, regardless of how the story of our time on this earth unfolds, we know how it ends.

(Spoiler alert)

God wins.

“Lord, may I remember that You rule it all—the good, the bad, the ugly. Nothing is out of your grasp, and, for that, I am so grateful!”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 28, 2020

Rest Easy

“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.”  Acts 12:6
I wish I could say I wrote this, but it was penned by another: There is no softer pillow than the Sovereignty of God.

God is in control. But are we, as Christians, able to rest in this fact—truly rest? The Apostle Peter sure was. In Acts we read about the birth of the Church. It’s a great book, if you haven’t delved in—full of action, adventure, and miracles (and persecution and martyrdom). In fact, just after James (the brother of John, those “Sons of Thunder” and besties of Jesus), was put to death by Herod, Peter was arrested. I’ll let you read about his angelic-led escape and the shocked prayer warriors, but three words in the saga that speak volumes to us: “Peter was sleeping.”

Huh? I don’t even sleep when I’m worried about work stuff, so I’m confident that if I were in prison, chained between guards, knowing I was to die the next morning…well, sleep would certainly evade me.

Not Peter. He was sleeping like a baby. He knew what Jesus had accomplished on that cross. He knew he’d been forgiven for his many sins and failures. He’d experienced the power of the Holy Spirit promised him by the Risen Lord. He had no idea what dawn would bring. God had not promised him rescue—he believed his death was hours away. But he wasn’t planning a verbal plea for Herod to spare him. He wasn’t terrified of impending physical pain, should torture precede his death. And he certainly wasn’t afraid of what would happen to him on the other side of this life. He simply rested in the confidence of God’s Sovereignty.

As a Christian today, it is easy to toss and turn in bed with the tumult of the world swirling in our head. There is uncertainty (and plenty to fear) about the future, short- and long-term. But let me remind you (and myself) of a few Big Truths:

  • We know what Jesus accomplished on that cross.
  • We’ve been forgiven of our many sins and failures (past, present, and future).
  • We have experienced the power of the Holy Spirit—the power that has saved and transformed us.

So, sisters, lay your head on the soft pillow of faith…and rest confidently in the Sovereignty of our great and awesome God.

“Lord, You are always in control, even when the world seems out of control. Help me rest in Your Sovereignty, regardless of my circumstances.”
For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 27, 2020

Blessed In The Midst of Unknowns

“When I called him (Abraham), he was only one; I blessed him and made him many.” Isaiah 51:2b (HCSB)

Leaving familiar behind is not quite my easy stride. I love the comfort zone. I enjoy repetition. I don’t get bored with same. Routine is my best friend. But moving away from what fits me pushes me into uncharted territory. Places I feel uncomfortable. Places that stretch me. Places that dare me to be bold and courageous.

Have you ever been there when leaving what seems ordinary and easy beckons you to come? Perhaps it’s a new job. Maybe it’s a move to another area. Perhaps it’s stepping out to share your faith. Maybe it’s taking the next step to be all that God has called you to be. Perhaps leaving means different things in different seasons of our lives – navigating through the stages of our lives.

Abraham’s leaving was the ultimate sacrifice. Leaving everything he knew. Leaving his inheritance. Leaving his relatives. Walking with God faithfully to a place he had never seen. Following after God in a direction he didn’t even know how to take. Goggle maps couldn’t lead him. Facebook couldn’t connect him. Twitter couldn’t encourage him. Instagram couldn’t remind him. Totally uncertain of whether he would ever return to his homeland, yet faithfully trusting the unknown to the One true God who called him.

Scripture is filled with over 200 references to Abraham’s faith journey. Was he without fault? Absolutely not. Like you and me, Abraham had moments of reactive fear. Like you and me, Abraham learned how to trust God completely. Like you and me, Abraham was faced with God’s supreme test in laying down the one he loved so dearly. Like you and me, he sometimes failed.

Love the promises of God sprinkled throughout Abraham’s life. Constant reminders that He is the rewarder of those who live righteously. He blesses those who remain faithful to the very end of life in this world. And our God knows precisely when and how to stretch us out of familiar.

Is God beckoning us to a deeper walk? Has he nudged us to leave comfort and easy? Is God inviting us to trust Him more with each wobbly step toward the unknown? Sweet friends, let’s answer when God calls and embark on an incredible journey of faith.

“Father, help us to be women who aren’t afraid to step out of our comfort zone and joyfully follow your leading even towards the unknowns.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 24, 2020

Best Saturday Ever

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10a(ESV)

Ever find yourself at the mercy of someone else’s urgent? Friday night, I planned out my Saturday. Several projects needed to consume my focus and distractions like shopping, running errands, etc. really needed to take a back seat. Snuggling under the covers, I committed myself to seizing every moment. Confident I would stick to my schedule.

Fast track to Saturday morning and my husband’s urgent took center stage. He needed someone to follow him to the Virginia Beach area where he was delivering a vehicle. Unfortunately, all his attempts to find someone failed and his urgent sat right in front of my eyes. My list kept rolling through my mind, yet I knew my husband really needed help. No brainer here – I got in my car and followed my man in the big truck to Virginia Beach.

Urgent stole away my list and my undistracted Saturday or so I thought. But God had everything totally under His control. While I cruised down the highway, prayers began to flow from my lips. Isolated in a vehicle for four hours just me and my God – sweet moments. Didn’t even realize I had so much to talk to Jesus about but I did. Notepad by my side, every stoplight became an opportunity to jot down what God was sharing with me. Totally undistracted – best way to spend Saturday in the presence of God.

And that list I left behind well all those things actually fell perfectly into place in God’s timing. Someone else’s urgent ushered me into the presence of God – treasured moments concentrated on Him alone. Totally confident that my God knew I needed this time with Him more than I needed anything else. Convinced this wasn’t just a coincidence but a divine appointment – an opportunity to be totally His in a place where dirty dishes and piles of laundry couldn’t compete.

Love the way God loves us so much that He carves in time for us right when we need it the most. Love His tender mercies for all those other times when we ignored His call. Blessed to discover God is really all we need and He is the One who can every item on our list. Grateful for moments at His feet where perspectives are changed and wisdom is poured out. Best Saturday ever!

“Father, You desire an intimate, thriving relationship with each of Your children. Help us to hear Your voice and welcome sweet moments in Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 23, 2020

No Secrets

“The Israelites secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right.”m2 Kings 17:9a

 

Reading the history of the Israelites between their walkout from under Pharaoh’s thumb in Exodus through the books of Kings and Chronicles can be fascinating, inspiring, and very exasperating. They experience miraculous freedom and provision from their omnipotent God—and then quickly turn away to worship gods they create. And despite the perfect Authority of the King of Kings, they aspire to place on the throne men who seldom do the right thing. The Lord shows Himself mighty, manifesting promise after promise…and they collectively pull the stereotypical, “Squirrel!”—turning away at the first shiny thing that catches their eye.

During my recent walk through 2 Kings, I was taken by a verse—half a verse, really—tucked away amid stories of good kings and bad ones, judgements and blessings, and prophet miracles. It says, “The Israelites secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right.” Of course, my first thought was, “Did they really believe they could do anything in secret that God didn’t know about?” But then the Word did what it does so well: reads me.

Are there things in my life that I think I’m “getting away with”? Is there some self-made idol that I have stashed away in a closet—something I pull out to take its place on an altar above the Lord? Do I rationalize certain pre-salvation behaviors because they’re “warranted by the times we live in”? Am I putting political or cultural leaders (evil, good, or otherwise) on the throne, when it belongs to God?

 

It makes me also think of the Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, just after they chose to believe Satan and disobey God. When they were “hiding” from God, God asked, “Where are you?” But it’s not like He didn’t know…He just wanted to give them a chance to come clean.

What about you?

Sisters, it’s time to open all the window shades, sweep out the closets, and shine a light into every dark corner of our souls. Because although we may think there are places to stash an idol, attitude, or action, there is no place to hide from the Lord. There are no secrets, so let’s just come clean.

 

“Lord, there is nowhere I can hide from You—or Your love. May I be quick to recognize my sin and ask for forgiveness. Thank you for your patience and mercy…because I’m not that different than those silly Israelites.”

 

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Mercy, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 22, 2020

An Anchor For My Soul

“This hope (this confident assurance) we have as an anchor of the soul (it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it) – a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil (of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells).” Hebrews 6:19 (AMP)

The Earth is covered with about 71% water, and the oceans make up 96.5% of that water. Water is never motionless, it’s constantly moving. The “water cycle” moves water from place to place and from one form to another. Metaphorically, what if we viewed human lives as sailing vessels? Barges, warships, cruise ships, kayaks, row boats, dinghy, yachts and the list could go on. As with lives, there are many different kinds of watercrafts and as with people all these vessels are different in size and function. Yachts are playgrounds for the ultra-wealthy. Warships are the equivalent of an airstrip, arsenal and small town wrapped in steel. Cruise ships are designed as floating amusement parks and a kayak is a one man self-propelled adventure. However, every water transport known to man has one common denominator…an anchor, which for safety purposes is the number one must have on any watercraft.

If we imagine our lives as a boat and God as the Anchor; then the rope between the two represents our life’s journey. What would our ropes say? What would our ropes look like? Would your rope be frayed or mended, tangled or unraveled, new or used, weak or strong, tired or energetic? Would the rope of your life be securely attached to the Anchor at all times or occasionally? Or would your rope be dangling off the side of your boat tossed about with each wave of life? When the storms of life rage and the seas of uncertainty get choppy; hurling us around and we can’t see the shore. The most important piece of gear needed to stabilize and survive any storm is the Anchor.

Our vessels may have been through the scariest of angry storms or the wildest surges being battered and bruised. However, it is never too late to attach ourselves to the Anchor that holds against any gale because it’s impossible to sail through life without the Anchor as our number one must have.

“Father, life will have tempest and squalls, but Your unseen hand holds back the disturbance and sees us through the downpour, thunder and lightning safely sheltered in Your harbor.”

For His Glory

Kim Lacey Schock (www.KimLaceySchock.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 21, 2020

Get Me Outta Here

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

In this time of tumult, when everything seems upside-down, it’s hard to talk about things other than all the insanity. Whether it’s economic fallout from this virus, accepted lawlessness in the streets, or the dismantling of our foundational liberties, no one is unaffected. As for me, I feel like I have to be that proverbial kid trying to stay oblivious to her surroundings, with fingers in ears, eyes shut, shouting, “Lalalalalala!”

So, when I make time to get together with friends, we talk of family matters, work, and perhaps some mundane pleasantries. But each of these conversations (by phone, video, or in person) comes back to the madness swirling around us. And when my time is being spent with a Christian sister, we seem to come to the same conclusion: Things are so bad…oh, that the Lord would come back and take us out of here!

Things are bad—there’s no doubt about that. But they’re not as bad as they could (will?) be. In fact, if you’re familiar with Church history, you know that when the Apostle Paul was helping establish and exhort the first generations of Christians, the modern world was ruled by a guy named Nero. Our culture today has a growing disdain for Believers. Nero, however, despised them. He not only made an arena sport from death-by-lion, but he dipped Christians in wax, hung them around his property, and burned them as mood lighting for his nighttime garden parties.

I have no doubt that those Christians believed—and prayed—that Jesus was coming back any minute. But God regularly reminded them through the words of the New Testament writers that no one can know when Jesus is returning for His Church. Because of that fact, Believers were urged to be vigilant and steadfast in their walk. And all those reminders are for us as well. First Thessalonians, chapter 5, exhorts us to be sober and ready. Mark tells us to be on alert (Mark 13:35). And as we wait, we’re to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Why didn’t Jesus come back when His people were being burned in Nero’s backyard? Why hasn’t He returned during the past 1800 years of global Christian persecution, wars, pestilence, and famine? And why has He not plucked us out from this current pandemic and civil unrest?

Because God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:15). And the Lord is patient with us humans, not wanting anyone to perish—but for everyone to repent and come to Him (2 Peter 3:9).

You and I may have trusted Jesus with our lives and future. We know, in the end, He wins—and because we’re on His team, we win too. But, sisters, Jesus wants everyone on his team. Even the “Neros” of our world today.

Jesus may very well return for His Church today. But He might not. So, as we keep an eye in the clouds and an ear out for the trumpet, let’s continue to fight the good fight. To be vigilant, sober-minded, and ready. And let’s spread the Good News to all who will listen that God is not done yet—there’s still room on His team.

Lord, I so want you to take me home. But, in the meantime, strengthen me to use the unrest of today to share the Gospel with others.

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 20, 2020

A Chance Of A Lifetime

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” Genesis 12:1-2 (NIV)

Genesis 12 introduces us to Lot, a man who held onto the curtails of his uncle, Abram’s, faith. Wealth, possessions and favor followed in Abram’s footsteps, so it’s a no brainer as to why Lot wouldn’t want to tag along. He was eager to follow and experience the benefits of Abram’s faith walk. Leaving his homeland of Ur for a great adventure

What about us? Have we found ourselves eager to grab a hold onto someone else’s faith because success characterized their journey?

Anytime, we hold onto someone else’s faith walk, we will always shortchange our own. God has a unique growth plan for each of His children’s lives, and He desires to deepen our level of trust in Him. Basing our decisions on what God is leading in someone else’s life without His clear direction for us will land us outside the will of God.

So whose curtails do we tend to hold onto? Maybe’s it’s our parent’s faith. Or perhaps we’ve placed our trust in results evidenced in the lives of others rather than the One who sovereignly orchestrates the events in our lives.

God is the Rewarder of those who place their faith in Him – don’t miss out on the journey – embracing the life He has for us is more than we can ever imagine.

“Father, empower us to step out in faith and pursue the journey You have for us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth

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