Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 14, 2020

Criminal’s Choice

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life…” Deuteronomy 30:19

I was reading Isaiah’s astoundingly accurate prophecy of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. How He was pierced for our rebellion and crushed for our sin. He was painfully punished so we could be healed.

And that image brought my mind to the cross and how our Lord hung as a criminal between two criminals.

If you’re older in the faith, you may know about the conversation that transpired among them. But here it is, from Luke’s Gospel:

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
 

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this Man has done nothing wrong.”
 

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.”
 

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43

And it struck me afresh: We are all criminals—sinners. Our sins punishable by death and eternal separation from God, because sin cannot coexist with His perfect righteousness. More than that, though, each of us is represented by those two criminals. And every one of us has to make the same choice.
 

We can mock the Lord and doubt His authority and sovereignty. We can hurl insults at Him and His people, believing that He’s powerless to change our lives or our destiny.
Or, we can recognize Jesus as Who He said He is—Creator of the universe, Immanuel (God with us), the Lamb Who was slain, the King of glory. We can accept the immense sacrifice He made on that cross, knowing that by surrendering to Him and His will, we are made new and forever free.

Those two guys, hanging on either side of our Lord, symbolize two paths, two destinies, two decisions. Acceptance or rejection. Self-reliance or submission. Death or life. An eternity of peace or eternal anguish.
What do you choose?

Lord, You give us an opportunity to love and trust You—You don’t force the decision on us. Thank You for making a way, for giving us the choice to love.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 13, 2020

Praying His Words

“Lord, teach us how to pray…”  Luke 11:1b (ESV)

Don’t know if you’re like me, but I can often find myself on repeat when it comes to prayer.  I have my list and rather than engage in true conversation with God, I can just recite tomorrow what I already said yesterday and the day before….. and so goes the cycle.  Boring to say the least.  I would never want to call up one of my friends and have a repeat of the conversation I had with them the last time we talked.  Yet isn’t that where we often land with God?

This summer, I’ve been challenged and convicted to be more intentional and engaging when talking with God. To have a real conversation versus rely on my “go to” list.  To pray in accordance with His will versus dumping off my demands.  To trust His plan in the lives of those I love versus thinking I have the perfect solution.

One way, I’ve been doing this is to pray God’s word over those I love. When I pray His words, God gives me a different perspective and a sweet release of any burden I’m attempting to carrying on my own.  Instead of demanding what I want accomplished in their lives, I can totally surrender my agenda and align my prayers with His word.

One of my faves this week was praying over my son Ephesians 5:15-17 “Cause Chris to be careful how he lives.  Let him be wise, make the most of every opportunity and understand your will.”  And then

I Corinthians 13:11 “As Chris has reached adulthood, may he put childishness behind him and learn to think, speak and reason like a man.”

If you’re looking to ignite your prayer life here’s a few prayers from God’s word to get you started:

  • Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)
  • David’s Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51)
  • Hezekiah’s Petition for Deliverance & Healing (2 Kings 19:14-19 & 2 Kings 20:1-7)
  • Nehemiah’s Prayer for Success (Nehemiah 1 – 2:9)
  • Daniel’s Prayer of Petition for his Nation (Daniel 9 1:19)
  • Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians 1:9-11
  • Praying For God’s Purposes to Prevail (Proverbs 19:21)
  • Prayers of Protection (Psalms 91:10-11)
  • Prayers of Encouragement (James 1:2-4)
  • David’s Prayer for Guidance (Psalm 25: 1-2; 4-6)

So sweet friends this week I’m praying Ephesians 1:15-22 over each of you. While I don’t know you by name, God does.  He is fully aware of all you need and challenges you may be facing.  Asking our God to strengthen and encourage each of you in your faith journey.  Trusting Him to cultivate growth and spiritual depth in your heart.  To enlighten your spiritual eyes to a deeper understanding of the depths of His love, grace and truth. Can’t wait to see how He will answer and bless your lives.

“Father, thank You for inviting us into Your presence and giving us an audience with You where we can find peace and strength.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Prayer, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 10, 2020

When Voices Stunt Our Growth

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

Squished, confined and begging for room – that’s the voice of my flower attempting to bloom on my patio. We transplanted it a few weeks ago to a larger pot and envisioned all the beauty that would burst forth. Perfectly placed where delicate petals would be drenched by lots of sunshine with a little shade. Strategically at eye level next to our fence where I could witness this glorious beauty every day, unfortunately this was the culprit of my flower’s lack of potential. Restricted by the fence, the petals flourished on one side while growth was hindered by the boards.

Undaunting how this can so be the story of our lives – squished, confined and begging for room to grow yet held captive. Limits imposed by others and ourselves rob us of the beauty God desires to cultivate Boundary lines drawn in the sand limiting growth and extinguishing the joy of one designed to be balanced and flourishing as they reaping the benefits of God’s strategic placement.

Wonder what voices are stunting our potential? Whether they are audibly spoken over us, behind us or lurking in the deep seeded crevices of our mind, God delights in watching beauty rise to the surface in His girls. He has cultivated fertile soil for extraordinary blooms birthed in the rays of His Sonshine. God takes great pleasure in transplanting and perfectly placing us where the greatest growth can overflow. Unhindered and free to experience the depths of His truth, love and grace fostering one transformed into a glorious display of His splendor (Ephesians 5:26-27).

Breathtaking isn’t it – when one leans towards the wisdom of God, allows His truth to fertilize our hearts, and then denies the voices attempting to stunt His design. Takes courage, strength and captive thoughts to align our voices with His. Requires consistent diligence in resisting the enemy’s tactics to restrict, confine and squelch our potential.

Vibrant and fragrant are those women who chose to accept God’s work in their lives. Don’t know about you but I want to be one of those who embrace His tender mercies and welcome His plan. Releasing my limits and in awe of all God bursts forth – now that’s truly more than I could ever envision.

“Father, You speak words of hope, truth, love and encouragement over Your children desiring to see them flourish and grow. Extinguish the voices which seek to confine us to lesser than what You desire.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 9, 2020

A Reminder From A Reluctant Prophet

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Like smoke from a smoldering campfire, hate seems to be rising to permeate the air. The media message repeats, “division, division, division,” generating an underlying drumbeat to inflame anger where there once was peace. We’re being relentlessly pitted against each other—black versus white, woman versus man, left versus right. The list is seemingly endless today.

Although I stay far from the news, I’m not completely ignorant to what’s going on—especially in my own state. See, while our attention has been focused on the fires (figurative and literal), my governor has been plotting and scheming for fundamental shifts in the landscape of morality and liberty, with the big reveal made on July 1. And, although I usually give a nod of acknowledgment to what’s going on “out there,” and then quickly turn back to God’s Sovereignty and His Truth, I’m finding it harder and harder to do so.

I’m feeling upset and angry—dare I say it: hateful.

But, as I sat down this morning to read the Bible, Jonah’s saga read me. As usual, God’s Word is active, sharp, and heart-judging (Hebrews 4:12). See, the Ninevites where brutal—torturing and murdering Jonah’s people in unimaginable ways. And Jonah wanted God to take them out—not redeem them.

Much like Jonah’s aggravation at God’s desire to deliver Israel’s merciless enemy, I had to reflect on how obstinate I’m being about my own antagonist. This wild adventure of a reluctant prophet piercingly reminds me of a few key Truths:

1. I was once an enemy of God.
2. God was patient with me (for 30 years), extending mercy, grace, and forgiveness for my salvation.
3. He’s still patient with me and still extends mercy, grace, and forgiveness every day—because I sin and fail Him. Every. Single. Day.

And these Truths beg one big question: How dare I think that God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness stop at me and “my people” (whatever that means)?

God’s lesson to Jonah reminds me (again) that instead of anger toward my perceived enemies, I need to pray for them. (And that means praying for them to turn to the Lord—not for the Lord to turn on them!) I need to stand firm on God’s Word, speaking Truth in love, despite how counter-cultural (or counter-state-law) it may be.

I was once lost, now I’m found. “They” (pick your “they” here) are no different. Thanks for the reminder, Jonah.

“Lord, remind me daily to replace anger with prayer, division with peace, fear with love.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 8, 2020

More Tha Anything

“Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation…’” Luke 2:28-30a (NLT)

Have you ever wanted something so much that it consumed your thoughts? When I was young, my friend had a Cabbage Patch doll. I wanted my own Cabbage Patch doll so much I could hardly think of anything else. I studied the commercials like I would be tested on them later. I gazed at the boxed dolls at the store—that beautiful yarn hair, dimpled face, and snuggly body signed by Xavier.

Not having much money at the time, my parents bought me an imitation doll. I knew immediately she wasn’t the real thing; she had the yarn hair, but the face wasn’t dimpled and she certainly wasn’t signed by Xavier. I tried to love her but she wasn’t quite right. I thought if I pretended to love her, eventually I would. No matter how hard I tried, the doll didn’t measure up. A few months later, I unwrapped my first Cabbage Patch doll, a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was I dreaming? Hugging her to me, my life felt complete.

Where is that coveted doll now? She’s hibernating in a box in the garage waiting to be given to (and eventually cast aside by) a granddaughter. The gift I thought I could not live without—the doll I thought would make my life complete—was forgotten in the end.

Simeon “was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25b-26 NLT) Simeon wanted more than anything to see the Messiah. He waited with anticipation, having received the promise that his greatest desire would be met before he died.

Do we have the same passion as Simeon? Do we want more than anything to see the Lord? Are we anticipating Christ’s return as much as Simeon anticipated the birth which brought salvation?

‘Thank You, Lord, for the salvation You provide through the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we want You more than any other gift. Our lives are complete in You alone.”

For His Glory

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

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Worship

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2020

Tired

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The past several months (or has it been years?) have been, well, weird. And no matter where you land on the spectrum between “we’re all gonna die” and “this is all a hoax,” you’ve probably been experiencing weirdness at some level.

I have friends who are relishing this “downtime” with family—gardening, playing games, and enjoying time and activities not previously possible between kids’ sports, school events, and general out-and-aboutness. Other people I know haven’t been faring so well. Laid off or furloughed, finding a new job is nearly impossible in the current “not-open-for-business” culture. And for many of us, the constant “togetherness” combined with the frustration and fear about what’s happening in the country creates an edginess that overcomes and often overwhelms.

As for me, I am just plain tired.

Even as I write blogs touting God’s sovereignty, His perfect will, and the fallen condition of humanity (primarily as reminders to myself), it’s easy to descend into a fog of weariness. Granted, I’ve been blessed that my business has kept me incredibly busy—and I work A LOT, which is mentally tiring. (This is especially true as the work-from-anywhere normal has eliminated any semblance of a 9-5 workday parameter.)

But this goes beyond work fatigue. It’s an emotional, psychological, and spiritual exhaustion from everything that’s going on (inside and outside my four walls). The result? I’ve got “too much work” to have lunch with a friend. I’m “too tired” to reach out for support. I’m “too something-or-another” even to attend church. And that’s exactly where Satan wants me to be.

Just like a lion will wait for that straggler from the pack—the weak or slow one—our enemy prowls around us, seeking those most vulnerable so he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). My guard is down, and my weariness has made me susceptible.

It’s time to assess my ammunition levels and put my armor back on (Eph 6:10-20). I’m going to fasten my belt of truth and put on my breastplate of righteousness. I’ll tie my shoes of Gospel-sharing readiness. And, most importantly, hold up my shield of faith—and attach it to those of my faithful sisters—to extinguish the flaming darts coming my way.

I am tired, yes. But I will rest in the Lord. I will trust Him amid the craziness of today. And I will remain standing firm as the battle between light and dark intensifies.

“Lord, thank You for Your sovereignty. Thank you for the rest You provide. And thank You that, despite how the battle looks, You have already won the war.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 6, 2020

When Wait Invites Disappointment

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5 (ESV)

For months our living room has been bare – no sofa, no place to sit. We gave our old sectional away and went in pursuit of a replacement. When we finally found “the one,” we were anxious to get the order placed. Problem was it would take several weeks to get it. No problem we thought, we can make do with no furniture. And then COVID happened, manufacturers were closed and our furniture was on permanent hold.

Four months later, the long anticipated delivery was on its way to our house. The delivery team were professionals, courteous and carefully assembled our furniture. And that’s when we noticed two pieces of the sectional weren’t correct. Luckily, they let us keep the sofa while we wait on the manufacturer to correct the error.

Nothing drowns out our excitement and joy more than realizing what we’ve been waiting for turns out to not be quite what we expected. We’ve all probably experienced those moments of let down, disappointment and frustration. And if we’re not careful we can zero in on what didn’t happen and forget God’s goodness sprinkled over a lifetime of His faithfulness to us.

During my single parenting years, I often felt overlooked, misplaced and lacking. The life I had dreamed of didn’t happen, and the things I never wanted to happen loomed large. Prayer time was strained on many occasions because my focus drifted from what God was graciously providing to what I felt He wasn’t giving me. My waiting for the long anticipated happy ending was too far in the distant.

Sweet friends, I’m so glad my perspective evolved, and I learned to trust in God’s timing and His provision. What seems like an endless wait in our eyes is simply seconds in view of God’s timetable. Those years of waiting, trusting and at times doubting and giving up weren’t wasted. God orchestrated deep lessons in my wait and purified my motives and desires ultimately aligning me to His will. And He will do the same for you.

The unexpected will always catch us off guard and seek to deflate our joy. If we remember God’s track record of loving us deeply and doing what is best, then we won’t allow disappointments to thrust us into manipulating our own perceived happy endings. We will be satisfied in Him. We will trust Him. We will claim His promises when waits overextend. We will patiently pursue Him and obey His commands not because of what we will receive but because of His deep love for us.

“Father, You will never disappoint those who put their faith and trust in You alone. Thank You for teaching us to wait on Your leading and guidance for our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2020

Choosing Freedom

“And God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Exodus 20:1 (NIV)

A personal God who intervenes on behalf of His people – who could ask for more? His desire is release, freedom and deliverance so that we can enjoy the abundant life. Who wouldn’t be empowered to seize their Promised Land? Yet the Children of Israel seemed reluctant to embrace the road to freedom. God alone was the One who knew every detail of their past. He saw them getting caught in the snare; He witnessed their wanderings, bargainings, and complainings– yet God excused none of it. They didn’t move out of their bondage due to a twelve step program, diligence, or discipline. They moved out because God’s mighty hand led them out.

Even on the freedom road, the Israelites often cherished the memory of the very life that kept them enslaved. Selective memory erased oppression when traveling in the wilderness became hard. Despite God’s daily provisions, they always wanted what they had left behind. Perhaps the fear of tasting and walking in true freedom was more than they could even imagine.

Sound familiar? Aren’t we guilty of looking back and seeing the good, while God looks back and sees the path to destruction? We feel more comfortable with our norm bondage than the release of those chains holding us back. We stay stuck, unmoveable because fear keeps us locked in place. The fear of experiencing something so much bigger and grander than we could have ever imagined. The fear of letting go of what doesn’t serve us well for what will serve us greater. The fear of having to do the hard work of trusting and obeying as God transforms us one step at a time.

Redeeming His relationship with us, God proves His power to lift us up and beyond the remnants of our sinful past; however, God isn’t just the God of the past. He is in our present and our future. He knows what it will take for us to reach our Promised Land and some of us won’t pay the price. We will settle for Egypt and chose slavery to past sins, habits, devastation, heartbreak, etc. And when we do, we will miss the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Father, transforming our lives is the goal of Your deliverance. Teach us to grab a hold of Your hand and cherish the freedom You offer.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2020

We Are Family

“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)

Growing up in Brazil, my Italian side of the family lived in the same neighborhood, which meant there were plenty of cousins to play with. I remember my grandpa calling us by silly nicknames that depicted our physical characteristics, instead of addressing us by our names. Today I understand why.

When I was raising my three sons, it was not uncommon for me to mistakenly call one by the other’s name. Sometimes if I tried twice and still didn’t get the child’s name correctly, I would simply say, “whoever you are,” come here! Over the years, I have realized that most parents experience this at least once. I can only imagine what happens in the Duggar household, with their 19 & counting brood! I don’t think I’d waste any time trying to figure out which “J” name would come next, if I’d missed it once or twice already…. I’d just start calling them “you.”

This kind of chaos would never happen if God was calling out the names of His children. His word says He knows our names, and He knit us together in our mothers’ wombs. It blows my mind to think that God knows me by name, and He has a name for each star in the sky.

Being a child of God is a joy and an honor. Knowing that our Father loves us so much that He did not spare His only Son, Jesus, for our sake, definitely puts an emphasis on the word “family.” He is our Father; we are protected and safe in Him. No matter what the world calls us, to Him, we are family.

“Thank You, Lord, for loving us and for being our Abba Father. We love You, Daddy.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 30, 2020

Follow Your Heart?

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

“Just follow your heart!” We hear it all the time, especially among friends or acquaintances discussing big (or not-so-big) decisions to be made. You and I have most likely been given this counsel—or maybe even given it.

But, according to God’s Word, this is actually terrible advice.

Let’s not forget: We are sinners. We are made in God’s image, but we are fallen and have a sinful nature. In other words, our natural inclinations and desires are not trustworthy at all. Despite today’s popular cultural “gurus” (and even some “Christian” leaders) are saying, doing what we feel is right and best for us will likely lead to an undesirable destination.

Wisdom and truth are not within us. They come only from God. Here are several popular lies and their contradictory facts:

LIE: Know “your truth.”
TRUTH: Be still and know that only God is God. (Psalm 46:10)
TRUTH: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)

LIE: Your power comes from within.
TRUTH: Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
TRUTH: You can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you. (Phil 4:13)

LIE: Look inside yourself for wisdom.
TRUTH: If you lack wisdom, ask God, and He’ll give it to you—generously. (James 1:5)

LIE: The answer is deep within your heart.
TRUTH: Your heart is wicked and will deceive you. (Jeremiah 17:9)

As humans, our bend is to do the wrong thing. Even when we’ve surrendered to Jesus as our Lord and Savior—and we are new creations—it’s still a battle. (I mean, if the Apostle Paul can share that he does the things he knows he shouldn’t and vice versa, we’re in good company.) So, throughout the Bible, God nails this point home time and time again (He knows how thick we are): Wisdom for living—for those big decisions and small ones—comes from God and His Word.

As David wrote in Psalm 119, God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I don’t know about you, but I’ll choose to follow that path…not my heart.

“Lord, I’m so grateful for Your Word to show me the way as I, a sinner, walk through this dark world. Let each step I take be according to Your Truth.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

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