Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 30, 2020

Where Glory Reigns

“So that the genuineness of your faith – more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:7 (HCSB)

I woke one Winter morning and heard the sweet sound of robins praising Jesus. Birds colored my yard and the thrill of Spring hit me. The temps for the day soared to 60+. For this non-Winter girl, I was ecstatic. No coat and no gloves – hallelujah; however, my happy was short lived. My one day of Spring, my song birds decorating my lawn, my moment of glory that Winter was leaving – well it ended abruptly with an icy, snow storm within 24 hours. Slid into my driveway and the birds were nowhere to be found. Gone…gone… the unexpected beauty of one moment vanished replaced by the icy chill of the unexpected.

Ever been there when the hope of something long awaited exhilarates our praise? Ever watched a single moment slip through our fingers replaced by the unpredicted, unanticipated sudden jolt of life? Endless happy replaced by glory leaving or was it?

The absence of what we anticipated, longed for and dreamed about can set the stage for wondering and doubts. Disillusionment arrives and questions soar. We get lost in those places…..but we can also find Jesus in those unwanted spaces. Happy is shortlived, but joy stirs deep in the midst of the unexpected. Trusting Jesus grows where unpredicted reigns. Faith stretches large when sudden jolts force us out of our comfort zone. And glory shines brightest when we exchange happy for His joy – the fruit of the one who seeks to praise Him in the dead of Winter or rebirth of Spring.

“Sweet Jesus Your glory reigns in the most unpredictable places – when we choose to release our expectations – inviting You to invade all our spaces – inexpressible joy!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 25, 2020

Gratitude Births Gratitude

“They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7 (ESV)

Turkey is smelling delish – can’t wait to dive in. And those sweet potatoes dressed in melted butter and cinnamon oh my. Stuffing, cranberry sauce and of course pumpkin pie decorate the table just waiting to be devoured. The picture perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Love this time of year when we gather with family and friends. Sweet prayers of gratitude and thankfulness. Laughter and joy filling the air. Football games and Friday shopping what more could a girl want?
Within a short span of 24 hours Thanksgiving comes and goes. We slip right into the holiday bustle and gratitude – well it kind of takes second seat to all the other happenings. The pursuit of all things on sale. The Christmas party we just can’t miss. School plays and church programs fill up our calendar. And oh yes, did I forget to mention the decorating, trimming and lighting up of the whole house. Somewhere nestled in the middle of busy and frazzled emotions, we tend to allow frustration, exhaustion and overwhelmedness to short circuit our thanks.

Wonder what would happen if we held on to gratitude? You know like letting thankfulness dictate our view. Research indicates a grateful mind stimulates a sensitivity to more gratefulness. In simpler terms, gratitude births gratitude – it pays itself forward. When we actively look for and diligently cultivate a view of God’s goodness it invites perspective, growth, joy and peace. When we write down those blessings, we store up treasures to be unfolded on days when gratitude fades. When we choose to see God’s hand working in us and around us, we flourish even in the hardest places. Bold, courageous thanks for moment by moment glimpses of His deep love.

2021 will invite us to make lots of resolutions and goals – a vision for our life in the 365 days ahead. Purposeful living that glorifies our God. Diving deeper into His word. Igniting our conversations with Him. And let’s not forget the power of remembrance, thankfulness and gratitude which well up within those who keep their eyes zeroed in on the goodness of our God.

“Father, tucked away in every Thanksgiving is a reminder to cultivate seeds of gratitude – the best planting ever.”

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as we celebrate God’s eternal blessings. Women’s Life Devotionals will resume on Monday, November 30.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Gratitude, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 24, 2020

Giving Thanks

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV))

There are certain situations in life when we don’t find ourselves automatically expressing feelings of thanks. Situations such as: receiving a phone call from the doctor to inform you they have found a lump in your breast. Or having someone you love removed from your life because of death.

However, that is not what this verse is saying. This Bible verse is sometimes misconstrued. It doesn’t say to give thanks for all situations, but IN all situations–big difference.

In the days and weeks following my sons’ death, I had people quote this scripture and remind me that I should be thankful. How does a person find the ability to be joyful, pray continually and be thankful in every situation?

It’s easy to rejoice when the news is good. When life is going the way we planned, joyful emotions can flow from us without a second thought. But in seasons of loss, our faith can be tested. Giving thanks can seem like an impossible task. Sometimes faith is simply hanging on in the dark – hanging onto our hope in Jesus until God illuminates the way. To hang on, it requires a concentrated effort to redirect our thoughts in such a way that we can think on things that fill us with a heart of gratitude. While we may not be “thankful” for the diagnosis of cancer or the unexpected death, we can be thankful Jesus is with us in the middle of our pain and heartache.

As believers, when we seek God in prayer and through His Word, we are reminded of His attributes. We are reminded of His complete love and faithfulness to us. In the process of reminding ourselves of God’s attributes, we can be drawn back into a living fellowship and intimate communion with Him. This is the part for which we can always give “thanks.” The simple fact is everything that comes into our lives has been filtered through the hands of a loving and faithful God.

When we know Jesus, we can find joy in stressful times and even rejoice when our life is filled with sorrow. Because as believers our joy is not based on circumstances, but in God. Circumstances change in the blink of an eye, but God never does.

God honors our expressions of faith when we say ‘thank you” through tearful eyes and broken hearts. When we trust Him, He can turn our tragedies into triumph for the Kingdom – this is His will.

“Lord, thank you for Your faithfulness to me and Your patience with me. Thank you that You are in control. No matter how much my heart breaks, no matter how much the ground underneath me shakes, you are a reliable. You are sovereign and you will never leave me. For this I can rejoice and be thankful.”

For His Glory

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

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 23, 2020

Surrounded By Priaise

“They assembled in the Valley of Beracah on the fourth day, for there they praised the Lord.”  2 Chronicles 20:26 (ESV)

How would you define 2020 or better yet how is 2020 defining us?  Have to admit this year will be one we will not easily forget.  Many challenges and uncertainties have characterized our days.  And the anticipation of a New Year within weeks is getting us through until we flip our calendar on December 31.

Isolation, solitude and stillness aren’t necessarily welcomed friends but they can usher in a deepening of what is truly important. Remove the perceived presence of what we consider to be essential and necessary for joy to reign in our lives, and we find ourselves where we need to be  – desperately dependent on our God.

Exactly where Jehoshaphat and the inhabitants of Judah found themselves. No virus was raging through their land, but a vast army was coming up against them.  When they didn’t know what to do, they kept their eyes focused on God.  Before the battle even began, they were praising the Lord God (2 Chronicles 20:19).  When they went out in front of the armed forces, they were led out with praise “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.”

God divinely orchestrated an ambush against their enemies who ultimately destroyed each other.  Celebrating their victory, the people of Judah gathered abundant goods from their enemies for three days.  And on the fourth day, they praised the Lord (verse 26).

A people who were clueless on what to do in the face of their enemy surrounded themselves with praises to their God. When we encompass ourselves with praise before, during and after our battles then our focus is truly on the Lord and not what is staring us in the face.

None of us knows what a year will yield – what challenges or uncertainties we may face.  However, we do we have an abundance of reasons to praise and give thanks to our God regardless of the journey.  Our God is the faithful giver of blessings to those who place their trust and faith in Him.  He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek His face.  He is our constant Comforter in moments when life gets hard.  He is our Peace and Calm in the midst of the storm.  God is ever present when everyone else walks out.  God generously supplies everything we need.  He graciously paints the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  He restores and redeems our lives and the lives of those we love.  God orchestrates divine plans to ensure we receive His very best.

While we may not have enjoyed the 2020 journey, we can raise our voices and lift up praises to our God who has walked through each day with us.

“Father, You have been our constant companion, our source of strength and encouragement.  We praise You for being more than enough for all we need.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 20, 2020

Devoted To Him

“Give me understanding that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart.”  Psalm 119:34

I really thought my directions were spot on.  I even took the time to draw a diagram just in case the one working on this project was confused.  Clarity was of the essence.  And yes, I thought I had nailed it until the completed project landed in my office.  Totally wrong.  One glance back at my instructions and then another glance at the diagram left me shaking my head where did I go wrong?

Haven’t we all been there friends?  Communication is a two way street.  We can convey precisely what needs to be done but if the recipient doesn’t get it then we probably won’t land where we intended.  It’s kind of like those tricky word math problems or the puzzling riddle which leaves us totally confused and bewildered.  Comprehension – the capacity to fully understand – is often the missing link.

In our distracted and bored culture, grasping well is often ignored.  To gain insight and clarity, we have to be free from distractions and willing to listen intently.  Take that a step further and we just can’t read on the go or flip through the screen.  An endless list of misinterpreted instructions fills my mind.  How many times have I misread or didn’t fully comprehend because I failed to fully focus.

Wonder if God ever echos, “I really thought my directions were spot on.”  Can’t imagine the frustration He must feel when we totally ignore His instructions.  Unwilling to force us to mechanically adhere to His guidance, God blessed each of us with a free will – the right to choose.  And boy do we ever exercise that right.  Problem is when we ignore His wisdom, we land on shaky ground usually unaware or unwilling to admit we got it all wrong.

Absolutely love the patience of our God who invites us to draw near and promises to give us wisdom (James 1:5) without criticism or a loud, “I told you so.”  Unlike me, God isn’t caught off guard by our tendency to not follow His instructions.  He knows our flesh and spirit war against each other as we wrestle to find our way.  Precisely why  God providentially gives each believer the gift of the Holy Spirit living and breathing within us.  He leads us to truth, teaches us all things and brings depth and understanding which we couldn’t achieve on our own (John 14:26).

Sweet friend the choice is still up to us.  Will we linger and go deep leaning into the guidance and direction of God’s word?  Will we apply His wisdom and allow it to conform us to reflect His beauty?  We all want clarity, discernment, and understanding.  Best choice we could ever make is to exchange our distracted minds for a heart wholly devoted to Him.

“Father, You have given us everything we need to succeed in life and to bring honor to Your name. Help us to seek, ask, listen and apply the truths of Your word.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 19, 2020

Prison Break

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

As this year is coming to end, my chronological reading of the Bible has brought me to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion. And amid the various emotions stirred by the events (bewilderment, shock, and grief, to name a few), the one that always floats to the top is overwhelming gratefulness.

With each author’s telling, we’re astounded to hear the crowds calling out for Christ’s death just hours after they shouted words of adulation upon His entry into Jerusalem. But there is a piece of the story that may be brushed by in the reading, as our focus turns to Calvary.

Just prior to Pontius Pilot asking what he should do with Jesus and the crowd’s condemning response, the governor asked them which prisoner he should release to fulfill their Passover custom. Their choice was for a man named Barabbas, a murderous insurrectionist. Although these events are penned in all four Gospels, it’s Matthew’s account (27:16-26) that transports me into the shoes of this imprisoned criminal.

See, Barabbas was probably sitting in a cell not far from where Pilate was talking with the people. And I envision him focused on the commotion but hearing only the loud shouts of the crowd—not the words of Pilate. Barabbas knows he’s a bad guy. And he knows a prisoner will be released. So, as I sit with him behind those bars, this is what we hear: “Barabbas!” … pause … ”Crucify him!” Despite his criminal mind and murderous heart, he was, I imagine, terrified by the horrific penalty awaiting him…crucifixion. As the guards approach his cell, the weight of his impending punishment may even have brought him to tears.

But then the Roman guard opens the locked door and tells Barabbas to get out. Astounded and confused, he might have asked what happened, to which the guard may have said, “Jesus is being crucified—you’re free.” And maybe, just maybe, at the moment Barabbas was walking out of that cell, his path crossed that of Jesus being taken away to be flogged, tortured, and nailed to a cross. And perhaps, for a fleeting moment, their eyes met during that great exchange.

Sisters, let this sink in for a moment. We deserve to pay the ultimate price—death—for our sins (Romans 6:23). But we have been freed. Jesus Christ took on our wrongdoings and served our sentence. He sacrificed Himself, dying an excruciating death in our place, so we can live. His blood covers our debt and washes us as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). Because of Jesus, when we, offenders like Barabbas, stand in front of God our Judge, we will not be condemned. Instead, He will look at us and say, “Your penalty has been paid in full. You are free.”

“Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on my behalf. Thank You for the gift of eternal life when I deserve only death.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

Leave a Comment

Posted in Faith, Gratitude, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 18, 2020

Trusting God With Your Promised Land

“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promise Land. God said, “if the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” Exodus 13:17 (NLT)

The Israelites had been in slavery 430 years when God sent their deliverer, Moses. Finally, plague after plague Pharaoh had enough and told Moses to take God’s people and go…leave Egypt. However, God did not lead the Israelites on the shortest, easiest or closest route towards the Promise Land. He knew the first sign of adversity or opposition, the Israelites would turn around and head back to captivity.

God uses our journeys to strengthen us; He uses our traveling to equip and prepare us for our destinies. God allows our treks to have pitfalls and difficulties. These struggles attune our eyes on God with total dependence. When Pharaoh’s chariots were closing in as the Israelites faced the Red Sea; yes they grumbled at Moses, but he said, “…don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you…”(Ex. 14:13)

Are you discouraged, disappointed or frustrated? It’s been years and you’re still waiting! Are you saying to yourself, “I should have been “there” by now?” I should of accomplished “that thing” by now. I can’t believe “it” hasn’t happened yet.” Or I should’ve of been married by now, had kids by now, my ministry should’ve of taken off by now, etc.” You know that you know you’re on the right path, you’re obeying and you’re trusting. Be encouraged! God has not forgotten you!

Just because you haven’t gotten “there” yet doesn’t mean God has forsaken you. He might be leading you the long way towards your future for your protection and safety. He has your best interest at heart. He knows what can harm you on the easy, short route. God is taking care of you on your journey to your Promise Land. God knows if “its” too early it can be dangerous. God is making sure when “it” comes; He took you on the most safest, anointed and appointed route. You will arrive fully capable for your calling.

“Father, when we arrive at our Promise Land, the time and place will be perfect…safe and ready to accomplish Your will for Your glory.

For His Glory

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

 

Leave a Comment

Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 17, 2020

Unfathomable Distance

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us”   Psalm 103:11-12

If you set out to go north from Lynchburg, Virginia, you can travel exactly 3,641 miles until you start going south. Or you can head south from here, but once you’ve gone 8,789 miles, you will—as you’ve probably guessed—turn northward.

But how far can you travel west until you’re going east? Or, likewise, how many miles would you have to go east until you’re heading west? That’s kind of a trick question, because the answer is: you don’t. When you turn and move east from anywhere and keep going eastward, no matter how far you go, you’ll never run out of east. Same thing going the other way: You cannot go to the end of “west”. It’s hard to wrap your head around, isn’t it?

This fact makes God’s promise to us in Psalm 103 even more astounding. In verse 12, we’re told He has removed our transgressions from us “as far as the east is from the west.”. Through His amazing grace and the work of Jesus on the Cross, our sins are forgiven—we are made righteous in the sight of God. And at that moment, He casts our sins—past, present, and future—into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), never to be brought up again (Hebrews 8:12).

Sisters, please let this sink in. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and ask for forgiveness, He forgives us. And He does not keep bringing up our wrongdoings. So, when your mind and heart are being pummeled with disgrace, or if you’re dragging around heavy shackles of shame wherever you go (think Marley in “A Christmas Carol”), know this is not of your heavenly Father! This is a tool of your enemy whose goal is your discouragement. He wants you to doubt how wide, how long, how high, and how deep the love of Christ is toward you (Ephesians 3:18). He wants you to look in the mirror each day and see filthy stains of your sin, not the cleansed, white-as-snow vision of beauty you are through Jesus (1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:7).

Certainly, we may have to live out the consequences of our sinful choices and carry the scars. But I pray these serve as reminders of God’s love and forgiveness toward us—not constant condemnation your enemy would prefer. And may we use them as a means to share the Truth of the Gospel with others.

“Lord, I am so thankful for Your forgiveness—and Providential forgetfulness. Help me walk in the freedom of this Truth and share it unreservedly with others.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 16, 2020

One Act Of Kindness

“And Jesus said to him, “You go and do likewise.”  Luke 10:37b (ESV)

We’re probably all familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 – 37).  I’ve heard it so many times, in fact I heard a message on it recently. But this past week, this passage of scripture was one I was reading, studying and unpacking.  And right in the middle of all my familiarity was a truth I had overlooked before.

Luke 10:34 states, “He (the Samaritan) went to him (injured man)  and bound up his wounds pouring on oil and wine.  Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”

My version of this story only remembered the Samaritan taking the injured man to an inn and offering to pay the innkeeper whatever it cost to take care of him until he returned.  And that is true, the Samaritan did pay the innkeeper substantially.  However, I overlooked the part where the Samaritan stayed overnight and took care of the man.  One simple sentence yet packed full of mercy, compassion and truth.

As we move into the holiday season, we will be presented with many opportunities to reach out to people and our easy go to is to simply give money. Donating requires no loss of time just an emptying of our purse.  But what if we intentionally chose to be like the Samaritan and got personally involved.  Let’s not allow COVID to be our excuse this year.  We can grab our mask, practice social distancing and still touch the heart of someone. Many organizations like the Daily Bread have all the safe protocols in place and are eager to welcome volunteers.

If a person to person contact is not advisable for your health, then consider sending a card or verse to someone.  A simple phone call can be a great soul lifter to those who live alone.  Baking a sweet treat or even picking up one from a local bakery and leaving it on a doorstep speaks volume in our world where kindness seems distant.  And what about all those health care workers, firemen, police officers, etc. who have served unselfishly during the pandemic putting their lives at risk. I can only imagine the smile on their tired faces when someone remembers them with an act of kindness.

2020 has been a hard, challenging year for us all. I can’t think of a better time to encourage others than right now.    The list is endless……getting involved isn’t always pretty but it is definitely worth it. Spread some joy into someone’s holiday season – it’s the best way to end 2020!

“Father, You have set the example now help us to go and do likewise.  Open our eyes to the possibilities of showering others with Your kindness this holiday season.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 13, 2020

No Turning Back

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  Luke 9:62 (ESV)

No one ever envisions the “empty nest” in the midst of diaper changes and late night feedings.  Our lives are forever changed in that split moment when we give birth and hear the audible cry of this “perfect” little one seeing us for the first time.  The uncharted paths of parenthood seem daunting, overwhelming and scary as we strap our bundle of joy into their car seat and leave the comfort of hospital nurses.

Wow do I remember those days….and the months and years which followed vanished ever so quickly.  While we were navigating each of those stages from toddlerhood to teen to adulthood, our calendars were full.  First steps, t-ball practice, middle school drama  – uncharted territory for inexperienced parents.  And just when we thought we nailed it, they were packing up their clothes and heading to college. Amidst a flood of tears, we prayed and hoped we had taught them well and prepared them for adulthood.

Strategic parenting is critical to ensure our children have a strong basis for when they leave our homes.  And Luke 9 unveils Jesus divine preparations for His followers who would be left on this earth after His departure.  No sugar coating spoken in His words.  Jesus was clear and direct.  The cost of following in His footsteps carried a huge price tag.  The ease of choosing to follow was simple, yet Jesus knew to follow would require daily dependence on the Father. Rejection would be common, but not to be taken personally.  Anyone rejecting them was literally rejecting Jesus and the Father (Luke 9:16)  – this rejection was not about them.

Following after Jesus would require discipline, devotion and a resilient commitment to never give up. Perhaps that is why He used the illustration of a farmer to emphasis His point. Plowing a field required the full attention of a farmer to ensure the plow stayed in the ground moving in the right direction. An intent eye focused on the Father would ensure distractions wouldn’t tempt Jesus’ followers to look back and retreat from sharing the gospel.  Distractions or a divided heart would greatly hinder their effectiveness.

We are almost at the end of 2020 and there have been many challenges and distractions to turn our focus away from following hard after Jesus.  We can definitely lose sight of the most important thing – sharing His love and truth with others if we allow distractions to sideline us. Looking back never serve us well.  Let’s recommit our hearts to hold tight to the plow and press forward trusting God every step of the way.

“Father,  plant within us a genuine desire to follow whole heartedly after You.  Not looking back – just pressing forward – in complete devotion to You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

Leave a Comment

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories