Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 12, 2020

Evil Deeds – Good Outcome

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive”  Genesis 50:20

Do you ever wake up with a worship song on your heart and mind? I love when this happens, as it makes me smile to think of God’s promise in His Word to quiet me with His love and rejoice over me with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). In fact, I woke up this morning with a praise song refrain repeating in my mind: “You take what the enemy meant for evil, and You turn it for good.”

“See a Victory” is the name of the song. Now, I’m not going to digress by pointing out theological issues with other lyrical elements of this song or its origin church and writers. I’ll stick with the refrain at hand, which is based on Genesis 50:20. This proclamation of Joseph to his evil-meaning brothers comes after they planned to kill him but changed their minds and sold him into slavery instead.  But the ongoing saga is pretty amazing, and I recommend you read the whole story of Joseph’s rise based on his hard work and integrity, his fall based on lies and false accusations, his rise to leadership again—even while in prison—and his ultimate placement over all the land (Genesis 37-47).

Joseph was honest, trustworthy, worked hard, and did his best wherever he was placed. But, most importantly, Joseph honored God as the basis for his efforts (Gen 39:9), and the Lord was with him (Gen 39:3, 21, 23).

Friends, this world is run by the enemy, and there is plenty of evil—and evildoers. People, more than ever, are without moral boundaries and do whatever it takes to get what they want and please themselves. They don’t care if they have to lie, cheat, or steal, as long as they get their way. You may have experienced this on the job: You work hard, with integrity, but someone else gets the promotion. Or your child works hard (on their own) on a science project only to be beaten out for the blue ribbon by a kid whose parent did their work for them.

But we cannot control the way others choose to function. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, can simple love and serve God first and foremost. Everything we do—in our family, at work, socially—we must do as for the Lord (Colossians 3:17, 23). Our words and actions must be aligned with God’s Word—so we must know God’s Word!

Even by doing the right thing, we will lose battles. We’ll be overlooked at work (even lied about and mocked). We may lose friends. Joseph went to jail for being righteous, and so may we. But, sisters, have faith! The enemy’s reign is short-lived in light of eternity. What is meant for evil in this world, will be used for God’s ultimate glory. Even if we can’t see a victory on the horizon, God wins—and, ultimately, so will we.

“Lord, help me to remember that even though I cannot always the good in a situation, I know that You always know the end from the beginning. I trust You and Your will.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 11, 2020

A Savory Flavor

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matthew 5:13 (NLT)

Our mission was simple: serve through painting houses in a Central American village. Armed with beautiful pastels, a paint brush, and a smile, we launched our mission. Some rolled color on dirty stucco while others brushed corners and edges with precise detail. Unfortunately, we noticed a problem when it was time to change colors—not enough water in the outdoor sinks to wash the rollers and brushes. Workers tried in vain to clean the painting supplies sufficiently under a trickle of water.

Our local leader decided on a plan of action: we could wash the supplies in the creek and get back to our mission. Several minutes later a gentleman approached us, not with a grateful smile for the beautiful painting we were doing, but with a look of concern etching his face. Without a translator, it was difficult to communicate. Through a series of gestures, we finally understood. The creek was the primary source of water for drinking and cooking in the village. Now it was polluted with paint. Umm…oops.

We apologized profusely and helped clean up the creek. The villagers forgave our ignorance and thanked us for our help in beautifying their neighborhood.

Our poor solution to cleaning our brushes and rollers caused the creek to be unable to serve its purpose. Our key verse explains that when salt loses its flavor, it is also unable to serve its purpose. Jesus states the purpose of believers: to be the salt of the earth.

“How do we as believers serve our purpose of being the salt of the earth? As the salt of the earth, we are to be a godly example of faith in Christ. Following Christ in grace and purity draws those around us to be cleansed by accepting Christ’s sacrifice and salvation. “…But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT)

Who can we reach out to this week with the savory flavor of our faith?

“Thank You, Lord, for cleansing us and setting us apart for Your purpose. Open up doors for us to extend the savory flavor of Your grace and mercy to others this week.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett(http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 10, 2020

It’s No Cake Walk

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. “   James 1:2-4

Some people believe, mostly because of false teachers, that when they give their lives to Jesus, the Christian life will be easy—a cake walk. And it strikes me that despite the use of this idiom, its origin may be unfamiliar. A cake walk is a party game where everyone gets a delicious dessert just by walking in a circle—it’s an easy win. And this is a perfect description for the lies within the “prosperity gospel” teaching: If you have enough faith, you’ll be healthy, rich, and deliriously happy. It’s an easy win, when it comes to worldly treasures and desires.

The problem with this approach to the Christian life is that it’s not Biblical—and Jesus taught quite the opposite. “In this world, you will have trouble,” He told His followers (John 16:33). And before His own brutal death, He warned His friends that they will be arrested, beaten, even killed for following Him. Family members will even turn against family members for the sake of the Truth of Jesus (Mark 13:9-13). James also tells us to count it all joy when we have trials—not if, but when (1:2-4).

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the men and women following closely after God typically “lost” at the world’s game in order to achieve the ultimate Win.
In addition to this warning, the Word of God also provides a lot of encouragement! When life gets challenging, overwhelming, anxiety-producing, and just plain hard, God has promised to be our strength and help. Here are just a few on which we can cling:

 

  • God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)
  • So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
  • The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)
  • My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  • But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 (Thessalonians 3:3)

 

But the best news of all? Despite what sufferings and challenges we endure in this life, those of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus do—in fact—win. And I’d like to think that when we sit down together at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, there will be lots and lots of delicious cake.

“Lord, when trials come—because they will—may I rely on the promise of Your strength and sufficiency.”

 

For His Glory
Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 9, 2020

When Expectations Disappoint

“Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” Psalm 33:22 (ESV)

It was a spur of a moment decision with great expectations.  My son Chris, who lived in Arizona, was flying back from Israel and had a three hour layover in Charlotte.  Many miles had separated us for some time, so I jumped in the car and drove three plus hours to the airport so I could take advantage of his layover.  My mom joined in on the fun, and we arrived early – didn’t want to waste a single moment.

Sounded like the perfect plan, but we failed to expect the unexpected.  My son’s flight was greatly delayed in arriving.  Further delays occurred while getting through customs.  When we finally caught a glimpse of his face, Chris had only ten minutes before he had to board his flight to Arizona.  The unexpected left us totally disappointed as we got back in the car and drove three plus hours back home.

How have expectations robbed you over the years?

I’m sure like me, you’ve experienced a lot of moments when what you thought was going to happen simply didn’t.  Our emotions are soaring high with anticipation and then the big let down takes all the air out of us.  Deflated we land frustrated, angry, sad, disappointed, numb…you name it we feel it.

So what’s a girl to do when the emotions of the unexpected steal our joy?  To be totally honest that drive home seemed longer than the drive to the airport.  But somewhere along the way, we transitioned from devastated to laughing at the irony of the moment.  We gave up a whole day for ten minutes and the best hug ever.  Would we do it again – absolutely.

Despite all the disappointments and unexpected robbers of our joy, we can place our hope in God.  We can cling to the truths of God’s word which exceeds our expectations.  He never disappoints and He always works even in the midst of our own misplaced expectations.  We can trust His perspective to give us clarity and reignite our joy as we navigate through moments when the unexpected seeks to slay us.  We can release our unmet expectations in prayer and receive His peace.  Bottom line – the best one to rely on when life simply doesn’t deliver what we envisioned is our faithful God.

“Father  help us to resist the temptation to be overwhelmed, defeated and negative when faced with the unexpected. Rather teach us to place our hope firmly in You.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 6, 2020

When Scattering Invites Blessing

“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”  Acts 8:4 (ESV)

Just the mention of the word “scatter” can evoke a negative vibe.  We are creatures of habit and love our besties, our Bible study tribe and our inner circle of sweet friends.  So the thought of dividing up…spreading out…casting in all directions simply doesn’t appeal to us.  We love the comfort of those we’ve been doing life with, and we can’t imagine the dissolving of such a good thing.  But if there is no scattering could it be possible we are missing out on the blessing of spreading God’s love in a different direction?

The book of Acts unveils the beauty of a scattering.  The early church was facing immense persecution in Jerusalem.  Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit,  was martyred – stoned to death.  Saul was savagely persecuting believers entering their homes and dragging men and women to prison (Acts 8:3).  Desperate times  sent the early believers scattering throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria preaching the good news.  This forced, unwanted dispersing ultimately culminated in many receiving the gospel.

Fast forward to 2020 and we have absolutely no excuse for not spreading the gospel.  We might face ridicule and criticism, but the church of God in America isn’t facing persecution like the church in Acts.   Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is easier than ever yet we often desire to stay confined within the walls of sweet fellowship with believers rather than spending time with those who don’t know Jesus.

Wonder how God feels about our settling for ease?  Matthew 28:16 commands us to go – to make disciples – to scatter into all the world preaching the gospel to everyone.  Now that’s definitely not a clinging to my group mentality at all.  God’s plan was for us to enjoy fellowship but not at the expense of sharing His truths with others.

Love the amazing testimony of Elisabeth Elliot who took the Great Commission seriously.  Her husband, Jim, was martyred by the Waodani Indians.  A year later, two Waodani women walked out of their tribal land into a remote village not far from where Elisabeth was still serving as a missionary.  When she heard the news, Elisabeth left her young daughter with a friend and walked six hours to meet these women.  She brought them back to her home to live with her so she could learn their language.  Eventually Elisabeth, her daughter and Rachel Saint lived among the very people who speared her husband to death and many from this tribe believed in God.

Scattering isn’t comfortable or easy.  Yet,  I can only imagine how beautiful it will be when we stand before our God and see those who came to know Him as a result of our willingness to disperse and share the gospel.

“Father, sharing the gospel with our world is a privilege we don’t want to neglect.  Help us to step outside our comfort zone and boldly tell others of Your love for them.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 5, 2020

Forgetful

“Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?” Matthew 16:9-10

Don’t you just love the timeliness of God’s Word? For me, there are mornings of reading when the verses seem written directly to me, for that exact moment. And, I’m grateful for the consistency (and repetition) of Truth throughout the Bible. Especially when it comes to trusting God.

In the Old Testament, we can read how the Israelites experienced miracle after miracle yet continued to doubt and be anxious about their future. They were wondrously provided fresh food daily (Exodus 16), but feared they’d die of thirst (Exodus 17:3)—whining and complaining, and pining for “the good ole days,” despite promises made and kept. Ouch.

Lately, I’ve been reading the gospels chronologically. The consistency and repetition of events is always astounding, and, when it occurs, it’s like God’s adding exclamation points to the message. Remembering and trusting the Lord’s power and provision “happened” to be one of those points for me in recent days.

We all have probably heard about the “fishes and loaves”—it’s a story that’s often used by the nonbelieving world to exemplify amble provision. Rightly so. But you may not know that there are two fishes and loaves events. First, after Jesus was teaching a huge crowd of 5000 men (plus their families), He had compassion on them and told his disciples to feed them. Finding only five loaves and two fishes, they brought these morsels to Jesus, and He fed everyone—having his guys collect 12 baskets full of leftovers. (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-34; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15). How awesome is that? Surely, His disciples thought, “Man, we’ll never go hungry again with Jesus around!”

Well…

It wasn’t that much later when a similar scenario presented itself to the disciples. The crowds had been following Jesus to hear His teaching and experience healing for several days in a row, so He told his guys, again, to feed them all. Did they look at each other, excitedly, and say, “Cool! Who’s got a couple bits of bread and fish, so we can get this party started?!” Uh, no.

Despite witnessing miracle after miracle. Despite walking around with God Himself, they said to Jesus, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” (Matthew 15:33) And so the scenario was repeated. Except, here, there were 4000 men (and their families); the disciples scrounged up seven loaves and a few fish, fed everyone, and then filled up seven baskets of leftovers (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10). (Later, Jesus gently reprimanded them of their forgetfulness in Matthew 16:9-10.)

Does that ever happen to you? You experience the faithfulness of God’s provision, yet, even when the exact same scenario comes up, you wring your hands in worry and cry out, “Lord, how is this ever going to work out? It’s a doomed situation, I know it!” Yup, I’ve been there, done that.

Just like with the disciples, we have seen miracle after miracle. And although we’re not walking with physical Jesus, we, as believers, have the Holy Spirit in us as we spiritually walk with Jesus—this is a gift even the disciples didn’t have.

Sisters, let’s not be forgetful people like the Israelites in the desert and the disciples during Jesus’s earthly ministry. Let’s revisit and rehearse the amazing miracles the Lord has shown us in our lives. Let’s stand on the promises of His Word, His unending faithfulness, and daily mercies. Let’s continue to trust in all things working together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

“Lord, help me daily recall Your grace, mercy, and faithfulness, knowing You will provide for my best.”

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 4, 2020

Avoiding Quarrels

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”  2 Timothy 2:23

Had any quarrels lately?  I have…and they leave me feeling tied up in knots. Entangled. Caught in a net of feelings and emotions.

God’s Word speaks to the heart of every problem.  2 Timothy 2:4 tells us that, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”  I don’t think this means that we don’t engage with the world, but rather we remember that God is our authority, and we aim to please Him. He is the one who enlisted us, and we should march to His orders.

Our marching orders in 2 Timothy 2:23 caution us to “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies.”  Clearly, some things don’t merit discourse. When there is an issue worthy of discussion, 2 Timothy 2:24-25 provides instructions telling us: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”

How often am I more focused on making my point than on gently communicating in a way that aligns with God’s heart to grant repentance leading to a knowledge of truth?  Sadly, I know the answer to that question. When I take my eyes off my commanding officer, I am all too easily swept up in civilian concerns forgetting that through grace I have been enlisted to represent Jesus. Forgetting that I was forgiven so that I could be salt and light…not so that I could be always right!

“:Lord, forgive me when I focus on winning arguments rather than serving You. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You. May this be truer tomorrow than it was yesterday.”

For His Glory,

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 3, 2020

On Guard To The Enemy’s Attacks

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16

 

Sadly, walking our two dogs through our neighborhood is not always a pleasant experience. More often than not, it’s incredibly stressful, between other dogs being walked, dogs held on a leash in their yard by way-too-small children, roaming cats, deer…it’s kind of like those old drivers ed films where there’s constantly some new object popping out to be defensively dodged. (Some of you are probably thinking, “What in the world is she talking about?”)

 

Anyway, at the end of our street there’s a big, mean black dog in a corner yard. He’s got an electric fence—this we know. But as soon as we approach the yard, he viciously charges to the edge of the grass with the desire to devour our dogs. It is terrifying. Of course, our dogs bark back ferociously as we practically drag them quickly beyond the lot.

 

When we see him standing there in the midst of his territory, we anxiously prepare for the confrontation. We tightly wrap the leashes around our hands, pulling our dogs close. We walk on the other side of the street—and we quicken our pace. But many times, we don’t see him lurking about. He’s hiding behind a woodpile or bush, watching us and waiting. And because we don’t see him, we let our guard down. We hold loosely to the leashes and walk by without the vigilance we have when we see him there. As you can imagine, when he comes rushing out, we have to react quickly to avoid a bloody confrontation.

 

What’s the spiritual point here? That dog is like Satan (no offense to the owner). Just like that big black dog has run of his territory, the Evil One has run of his: this world. So, take heed! If you wander into his yard, he will devour you. He hates you. Sometimes we’ll see him coming, but often, we won’t. In fact, analogous to the dog scenario, we must, instead, stay vigilant at all times. We must walk as far from his temptations as possible, crossing the proverbial street by saying “no” to certain activities and people.

 

But sisters, remember, he can only go so far! As with that electric fence, God has set limits on Satan—where he can go and what he can do. He is not an equal-yet-evil entity to our Lord—he’s just a dog who thinks he’s in control. Yes, we must be attentive and aware of the enemy’s schemes (1 Peter 5:8) and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). But we can—and must—be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10), knowing that He is in control of it all.

 

“Lord, let me always be on guard to the enemy’s desire for my destruction…but may I also remember that he is just a dog on a chain, destined for his own annihilation.”

 

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | November 2, 2020

One Nation Under God

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” I Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)

Have to admit there are lots of people and things which I pray for, but I rarely pray for my country and our leaders.  Maybe it’s an issue of not having a personal connection with those who run our land.  Perhaps, I fail to lift them up because I’m consumed with my ever growing list.  Could it be I just don’t realize the significance and importance of interceding for those who desperately need God’s wisdom and guidance in leading our country?

2020 has unveiled continued division, distrust and injustices from many who are supposed to lead us.  Leaves us quite vulnerable don’t you think? We, the United States of America, are supposed to be one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.  Yet as we (our nation) have gradually and silently slipped further and further away from God, we’ve positioned ourselves to reap devastating consequences.  And that word indivisible – well it simply means consisting of one “whole” whose parts cannot be divided or treated individually.  A kingdom divided against itself will not stand (Mark 3:24-25). Whether we agree or not, we are one “whole” nation who can flourish if we keep God’s principles as our guiding light.

So here we land…facing another Election Day tomorrow….a critical vote.  The polls will open, people who haven’t already voted early will arrive, stand in line and cast their ballot.  Like previous years, I can walk in, vote , walk out and go about my day having done my civic duty. But if I stop there and fail to pray fervently for my nation then I truly haven’t done my part.  God’s word is very specific – we are to pray, intercede and give thanks for all people which includes those who rule our land.

The outcome of this election will not be a surprise to our God.  He is fully aware of what it will take for our nation to turn back to faith and trust in Him.  As believers, we are His ambassadors commissioned to lift all leaders up to His throne.  Let’s not let another day slip by without covering them in prayer.  Let’s lock arms and fervently flood the throne of God with prayers poured out at His feet for our country.

“Father, we are a nation truly blessed by Your goodness despite our unfaithfulness to uphold Your commands.  Break our hearts over the sin of our nation, humble us and move us from division to wholeness – one nation truly under God.”

 
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | October 30, 2020

An Audience of One

“The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud.” 2 Chronicles 5:13 (NIV)

Bringing glory to His name and praising His awesome goodness. It’s what we are called to be – true worshippers in Spirit and in truth. However, the level of our worship and praise is directly linked to our heart relationship with God.

When we are fully engaged with our awesome Creator, our worship spills over and impacts all of our relationships. It influences our decisions, supersedes our insecurities and ignites our passion to serve God fully.

So how’s it going? Are we maneuvering through the motions of superficial worship denying the transforming power of a heart knit with our Creator?

We may play the part – hands raised, voices lifted. We perhaps portray the right image of one who is spirited in worship engaged fully experiencing the energy. We could sing those songs and clap our hands in our sleep. But if our lives don’t reflect the One we worship then we are missing the filling of His glory. If the words we sing don’t penetrate our hearts than we are missing the sweet aroma of obedience. And if we walk away and wonder what’s next then we just missed an audience with our King.

“Father, give us one glorious ambition to know and follow hard after You. To soak in Your love and spill over your grace as You fill us with Your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

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